Today we’d like to introduce you to Harlan Saved.
Hi Harlan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story isn’t unlike many others before me; I grew up in a home filled with music- Dad listened to a lot of Otis Redding and Same Cooke, along with such old country stations you could barely hear coming through, and Mom was a little bit of everything else. Stevie Nicks, Rush and Journey were her favorites. I came across an old acoustic guitar in my next-door neighbor’s house when I was 14, and it looked more like a wall ornament than anything ever played, so I coaxed him out of it after cutting his grass several times that summer. It was a slow build; I’d recently fallen in love with Simon and Garfunkel’s ‘Wednesday Morning 3 AM’ record, and that changed the game for me. I spent night after night, which blurred over into years, attempting to replicate that sound, until finally, I stumbled upon Good Old War. I always say it was a movie moment for me, because it was so instant: if a sound could describe a person, Good Old War describes me. The perfect blend of acoustics and old-time harmonies with a modern twist. I knew right away that this would be the sound. I spent even more years studying their work, going to every show within a reasonable distance and eventually getting to know them on a certain level. That relationship built over the last 10 years into a friendship, and eventual working relationship. Their guitarist, who goes by Danny Black, worked with me to strip down and rebuild some of my originals and eventually my first EP, entitled ‘1958.’ The collection of songs is a letter to my late father, Bobby Odom, basically filling him in on things like love and loss, things I wish I could tell him myself. Good Old War’s drummer, Tim Arnold, provided the percussion and drums throughout, and one of my longest friends and impeccable songwriter, Shayne Moore, provided help with the writing and arrangements, harmonies and the space to record. Circling back to the beginning, this isn’t unlike anyone else’s story- but I am from a very small town, and for all of this to happen for me seemed at one time impossible, and I hope that anyone reading this who may be interested in trying the impossible will use this as a sign to jump.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wouldn’t say it’s been very smooth- there were tons of times I figured the most I’d see from my time as a musician would be an occasional sing-along with my friends. Tons of times I felt like I just needed to hang it up and take the ‘safe route’, in a secure 9-5 job. I’m glad it didn’t turn out that way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Dad first. My daughter Jacey is the center of everything, and the motivation. I am a Singer-Songwriter and Musician, as well as a small Filmmaker. I started taking interest in film at an early age, when VHS and eventually DVDs started putting behind the scenes extras in with the films. Seeing just how much goes into making these unforgettable moments was always a crazy idea to me. Eventually while also spending my weekends as a Professional Wrestler, I was cast a small part in the film ‘The Peanut Butter Falcon,’ with Shia Labeouf and Dakota Johnson. I was beyond humbled, but also excited to see the magic up close. Shia and I were able to connect on a certain level and I think that also helped me during that time to continue working in film. I eventually created 1958 Productions, and with our small crew we have created some really cool things together, so, I believe these are things I can be proud of.
How do you define success?
Everyone’s definition of success is different; I think at a young age like many others I thought fame or money was the answer. It’s a little cliche, but the older I’ve gotten I’ve realized that just doing what I love and that be able to take care of my family, that’s as successful as it comes. My personal success- my “Look Ma, I made it”- moment, would be to be the musical guest on Jimmy Fallon. The bands and artists that have graced late night over the years has been such a huge addition to my formative years, watching the programs waiting to see who would be performing that night. That would be huge to join that list.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: harlansavedmusic.myshopify.com
- Instagram: @harlansaved
- Facebook: Harlan, Saved
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCoyPmCAVYPGwYRG7Boms2ng
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6f1RSFg4awVu96xooyyTGN?si=wYrcrscKSJqRBVnCh5r4KQ
Image Credits
1958 Album Cover design by Dylan Odom
Malachi Muhammad (Polaroid photos)
