Jonathan Harding

A native of Timaru, Jonathan Harding is making his mark internationally with the release of his debut EP, Half of Me. The five-track effort was recorded in Auckland but mixed and mastered in the United States. With its slick production, Har- ding’s singer-songwriter vibe was delivered just in time for a sunny weekend. Starting with Stone’s Throw, the tone of his music is similar to that of Howie Day or Ryan Cabrera. It’s the kind of music you would want to hear when you’re sitting outside at a cafe in summer having a catch up with friends. Acoustic based, but not completely unplugged. The EP then veers into a slight jazz sound on Call- ing Me which suits Harding’s lower vocal range. This was probably my favourite track. He then cruises through the other tracks armed with an acoustic guitar. Closing track Balloons bucks that trend for a more rock sound which was a nice surprise and a good way to end the EP. What I think stood out about this EP was it had a bit of diver- sity for just five tracks. Alth- ough Harding is from New Zea- land, he has not confined himself to the small industry here where most artists just stick to one genre. He has the potential to make a name for himself outside of this country. The bulk of music released by Kiwis does not really resonate with international audiences, but maybe Harding’s can. He makes easy-listening music pretty easy to listen to.

Reviewed by: John Hobbs - Fairfax Media Group - New Zealand

Your house is on fire, what do save?
My guitar. It sounds cheesy but it’s true. I don’t have much stuff and live on the road a lot but I’ve had this guitar for about 10 years and there are only a few of them in the world.

Favourite ‘90s TV show?
Oh man—I’m an 80’s kid but for the 90’s definitely X-Files.

Dream job as a kid?
A police officer, but only because I wanted to ride around in a car with flashing lights.

First album?
Dire Straits - Money for Nothing.

If you weren't a musician, what would you be?
A professional poker player. I sill want to do that at some point.

Ultimate festival line-up?
Damien Rice, Jeff Buckley, Radiohead, Supergroove and Queen.

Who would play you in a film?
Cohen Holloway. He’s The Man.

How do you discover new music?
YouTube. How else would you ever find Rachel Black?

Worst job you’ve had?
Making dog food. You have no idea.

Which song do you wish you wrote?
‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ - it’s completely fearless and doesn’t follow any rules.

Biggest fear?
Probably flying (including heights). Could also throw spiders in there--the really deadly ones.

First gig in attendance?
The Exponents.

Any vices?
Red wine.

Favourite lyric?
“Sweet like candy to my soul, sweet you rock and sweet you roll.” - Groove Guide

New Zealand singer-songwriter Jonathan Harding releases new EP
“Half of Me” worldwide 24 Jan on iTunes, Amazon MP3, Spotify, and more. Tracks mixed by Michael James (Hole, New Radicals) and mastered by David Donnelly (Nelly Furtado, Beck).
LOS ANGELES, CA (15 January 2013)—New Zealand singer-songwriter Jonathan Harding releases his new EP “Half of Me” worldwide on 24 January via iTunes, Amazon MP3, Spotify, Google Play, eMusic, Rdio and other well-known digital distributors, as well as via select physical distribution outlets. An EP release show will take place on 24 January in Auckland at the Juice Bar (144 Parnell Road, Parnell, 1052) with special guest SUITCASE.

This new 5-song EP was a labor of love for Harding that stretched across the Pacific from New Zealand to the U.S. The tracks were recorded in Auckland at Tonewheel Studios and finished in Los Angeles after getting the attention of multi-platinum mixing engineer Michael James (Hole, New Radicals, Robben Ford, Edwin McCain) and legendary mastering engineer David Donnelly (Nelly Furtado, Beck, Journey, Darius Rucker, Motley Crue, Red Hot Chili Peppers).

“Jonathan is an amazing talent with great commercial potential both in the U.S. and overseas,” said Kellie Maltagliati, co-owner of indie record label Ask Around Music. “We were overwhelmed by the response and support his performing and songwriting received from our industry contacts and are excited about what’s to come for him.”

“The response so far has been an amazing surprise and I’m so grateful,” said Harding. “It’s been years of hard work with great musicians around New Zealand and I’m really excited for audiences to take a listen.”

A native of Timaru, and graduate of the Nelson School of Music, Harding began his career at a young age as a finalist on Get Your Act Together, and his single “Ghost” was released by Sony Music. He’s opened for Marty Casey on his New Zealand tour, performed as a guest vocalist with Split Enz (ENZSO) featuring the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, and most recently was a member of the crew of Peter Jackson’s Hobbit and Lord of the Rings trilogies and featured as the elf “Erestor”.

The “Half of Me” EP release show will take place on 24 January at Juice Bar (144 Parnell Road, Parnell, 1052) in Auckland with special guest SUITCASE. Doors open at 7:30pm. Tickets are $5 at the door, $10 with the EP.

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