Q&A: Harlee Torres’ Unshakeable Journey to Solo Expression
WRITTEN BY RILEY HUNT
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Photo by Sarah Golczewski
Harlee Torres, a remarkably versatile bass player and songwriter based in New York City, demonstrates the inspiring results that come from following your passions and dreams. In a world that preaches pleasing the population, Torres leaves the expectations behind.
With a fruitful portfolio of musical jobs as a hired gun, Harlee Torres branches out to release her very own EP in 2027. A true passion project can be expected, leading us listeners through her experiences of trust, resilience, and the too relatable experience of unrequited crushes.
There is honestly no greater pleasure than being able to connect with and consume art from those devoted to their calling. Harlee Torres is a prime example and has repeatedly proven to be one to keep an eye on.
Read Life on Jupiter’s full conversation with Harlee Torres below.
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LIFE ON JUPITER: The origin story of each creative reveals so much about themselves and their experiences. How did your musical journey begin?
HARLEE TORRES: I’ve been singing since before I could speak! I got a guitar for Christmas when I was in 3rd grade and took lessons until 10th grade. I switched to bass in high school and played in a lot of bands until I went to college for jazz. I ended up taking a break from music halfway through to reflect on my unhealthy relationship with perfectionism. When I returned a few months later, I got my first tour and I knew I had made the right decision. I think my journey truly started once I let go of who I thought I was supposed to be as a musician.
You’ve found great success playing for established artists such as Zinadelphia, Chloe Moriondo, and Nina Del Rio. How do you hope to establish yourself as an artist separate from those you’ve worked with?
TORRES: What surprises me most is that a lot of people discover my music through seeing me play for Zina, Chloe or Nina. Even though I have a strong sense of who I want to become as a solo artist, it’s not simple to separate myself from the artists I work with. I feel that who I collaborate with is an extension of my world, not the center of it.
Career-defining shows, such as playing Lollapalooza with Zinadelphia and opening for Waterparks with Chloe Moriondo must have been incredibly memorable. What did those shows teach you about being a performer?
TORRES: It’s funny that you ask about Lolla and Parx together because I learned the same lesson from both experiences.
Lollapalooza was my first ever festival and there were some minor technical difficulties that felt catastrophic in my head since I was so nervous. We performed three times that day and I don’t remember most of it. I was in a state of panic that whole weekend because it didn’t go exactly as I hoped it would. I’m still a bit frustrated that I didn’t take time to enjoy the present because I definitely would have had more fun if I did. Best day ever, regardless.
For Waterparks, I took living in the moment to heart. I tend to get anxious when there’s hectic routing and countless hours of being in a dark, windowless venue in a new city every night. I took it as an opportunity to let go of the need to control every part of my day and I loved this tour because of it.
Every musician who plays live seems to have their own pre-show ritual. How do you approach and prepare for live performances?
TORRES: I have to drink light blue Gatorade right before I go on stage. Simplicity is key.
I’m sure there’s a lot of anticipation and excitement surrounding the release of your first EP. What was your inspiration behind it, whether it was other musical influences or life experiences?
TORRES: My first EP is out in 2027! Most of the anticipation and excitement is coming from me, honestly. I still have a few songs to finish. Sonically, I’ve taken inspiration from Kimbra, Toro y Moi and Nick Hakim. My lyrics are pretty anecdotal. They all stem from what I’ve learned from unrequited crushes or how I deal with being a freelance artist. When I see the big picture, the overarching message is about building trust with myself and staying resilient. I try to remind myself of that every day.
Throughout the process of creating and putting together the pieces of your upcoming EP, how do you decide when a song is ready to face an audience?
TORRES: I have synesthesia, so if the song looks right in my head, it’s ready to face an audience. My new songs are watercolor-esque in blues, greens and purples. Translating the new songs from my mind’s eye has helped me create a cohesive instrumental palette to work off of.
New York is known for all of its amazing opportunities; the city practically pulses with them. How do you think being from New York has impacted your career?
TORRES: So I’m from Long Island, but New Yorkers are creative by nature. Growing up, a career in the arts didn’t seem too far-fetched because anything I wanted to see was only a 30-minute train ride away. School trips involved seeing Broadway shows or live orchestras, and as a teen, I would go to the Lower East Side with my best friend to see indie pop shows at Mercury Lounge (shoutout Tessa Violet). Also, my mother is a painter and my father is a big music enthusiast, so there was always some type of creative project or sound exploration happening around me.
What are your long-term goals as a musician?
TORRES: My long-term goal has always been to build a life for myself around music. The greatest gift would be to tour and perform full-time, whether it’s as an artist or a hired gun. Preferably both.
What’s next for Harlee Torres?
TORRES: I’m playing my new songs in August at Piano’s and Pete’s Candy Store. In the fall, I’m touring with Chloe Moriondo, opening for Cavetown across the US and Canada. I can’t wait.