With over ninety-two million streams worldwide and three and a half million monthly Spotify listeners to date, Henry Moodie has become an incredibly popular name on the music scene since the release of his debut single last year. He is a gifted writer and producer, mixing together earnest and lyric-focused pop music to an ever-growing worldwide fanbase. He has recently released his new single, titled 'Pick Up The Phone,' a poignant and moving track, highlighting his phenomenal talent as not only a singer, but a very talented song-writer as well, who has the ability to bring to life his lyrics with his emotive vocals.
The release of new music is always a time of mixed emotions for any artist - an inevitable combination of nerves and excitement. When speaking about the release of 'Pick Up The Phone,' he described the release as being "the most exciting thing ever." He also went on to say that it is "like your birthday when it comes to putting out a new song. It's also kind of nerve-wracking. I have a really good feeling about this song. A lot of people have been looking forward to it being released, which has been amazing! I have been really excited about this song and I have been since I wrote the song back in January."
Describing his music as 'vulnerable, pop and free,' his new song is emotional in its nature, with him recently describing it as being a message to his younger self that in the end, everything would work out. "Music has always been my form of therapy, and I think that was why I got into it when I was about eleven or twelve. I always channel my emotions into something, and for me, that was song-writing. I think it's really important to be vulnerable and open, especially when it comes to mental health, because it can really help other people.
I want people to be able to take this song into their lives. This song is vulnerable at the start, but then towards the end of the song, particularly the second verse, it is more motivational and will hopefully pick people up if they are having a bad day or going through a bad patch in their life. It's always good to stay true to yourself."
When asked about how he found his love of music, he described part of it as being "a big fan of Taylor Swift. I fell in love with her music. I was in an environment in school where the music block was a really welcoming place to be. It was where I belonged. All my friends did music, so I fell into it through that route as well. My parents have also always appreciated music."
Hailing Taylor Swift as one of his major musical influences, he also derives inspiration from Lorde and went on to say that he is "a big fan of OneRepublic and Ryan Tedder's song-writing. As a song-writer, some of the songs he has co-written on have been my favourite songs ever. I'm a big Imagine Dragons and Sia fan. I love a bit of Conan Gray as well. I'm really excited for when Olivia Rodrigo goes on tour, because her 'Sour' album is some of the best song-writing ever. I am so inspired by how amazing of a song-writer she is. I'm constantly inspired by music every day!"
A major part of his success story is attributed to the social media platform TikTok, for which he landed in the Top 10 'Most Viewed Artists' on TikTok last year. "I started on TikTok to connect with people during lockdown. I invented lyric changes that were about COVID. I did things that weren't just covers, it was in between a cover and an original, so it meant that when I made that transition to doing original stuff, it was a bit easier, because people had already heard some original stuff because of the lyric changes. I have TikTok to thank for a lot of where I'm at. It really helped with my first song, 'You Were There For Me,' which is my most streamed song and helped me get my record deal."
As well as embarking on a headline tour around the UK and Ireland, he has also supported artists including Mimi Webb and The Vamps. "Both are such great artists. Not only did they inspire me, but they are also great people, which made that experience really fun. Doing my own headline shows is the most surreal and fun experience. I was able to watch Brad from The Vamps' stage presence every night and that really inspired me to be more outgoing and energetic on stage. Brad can control an audience really well - it's insane! He's just amazing on stage. Mimi inspired me to stay in control of my own life and my career and to make sure I knew what direction I wanted to go in."
When asked about any pre-stage rituals that he has, he explained that he "has a specific warm-up that I always do. Before I go on stage, I try and channel a more confident and outgoing version of myself."
There is so much that lies ahead of his music career, including an album. "I'm not sure specifically when. I'm so excited to do that first album - it will be so fun!" Later this year, he is also set to support Lauren Spencer Smith on a segment of her 'Mirror Tour.' "This will be my first tour sleeping on a tour bus! I don't know what to expect, but I do know that Lauren is amazing and so genuine."
When asked if he has a message for everyone who supports him, he took the time to thank his fans. "Thank you so much for all of the insane support. I can't believe how lovely everyone has been. Thank you for streaming and getting me to the position I'm in. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you guys, so thank you so much!"
Henry Moodie's new single 'Pick Up The Phone' is out now. All streaming and purchasing links are available by clicking here.
By Rachel Dempster