Made up of brothers Joe and Jack Harvey, fourteenbillion. they are a Leeds-based writing, production and DJ duo who were raised on a mix of 70s disco, 80s pop and 90s house. The pair have exciting releases and collaborations planned to be released on Alacran Records in the coming months, home to Raleigh Ritchie and Tiggs Da Author.
What inspired you to begin a career in music?
We grew up in a household where music was constantly on, guess the classic story really! Solid 80’s upbringing! We cut our teeth in bands through our teens touring the country which gave us a real taste of what its like to make music.
What differs you and your sound from other upcoming artists in the music industry?
We like to think there’s a sound developing in our music. 1 release in, its been really exciting experimenting up to this point to give ourselves a foundation to build off. We’re certainly artists that want to evolve in a really exciting way and take inspiration from others around us whilst pushing boundaries as far as we can.
Your latest release ‘All Falls Down’ ft. London based pop artist Anna Straker is out now. Can you please describe the creative process and explain the meaning behind the single?
We were in the studio, after a serious night out of partying in London, I guess the hangover and bleary eyes bled into the track, it’s about finding the strength when a relationship or friendship ends. I guess every ending doesn’t have to be sad, it can be euphoric in the craziest sort of way. That was certainly the atmosphere on the day!
Everyone experiences good days and bad days. When you have a bad day, what motivates you to keep moving and look ahead to the future?
We genuinely just force ourselves into the studio on a bad day! Even if nothing comes or what does come isn’t very good. We feel its very important to always try and make something, that way you’re constantly squeezing your creative sponge, hopefully not far off some gold!
Who would you like to work with in the future? Are there any special collaborations on the horizon?
We’re huge fans of Jungle and Camelphat, always have been. It would be super naughty to get in a room with those guys. Huge fans of Gracey too, her track Empty Love is amazing. We’d love to collab with her.
Throughout your musical career, have you experienced any ‘wow’ moments? Those moments that you stop to reflect and can’t believe you are where you are?
For us, getting signed was one of this moments. Spending days on end housed up in the studio making music, to have that validation and belief from a label is everything. Especially when you’re brand new with no fanbase. It meant so much to us, to have that belief from them.
How do you approach the sensitive task of discussing changes and rearrangements with artists?
It can definitely be tough, even more so if the song is super personal. However I think if everyone is stepping into the room with the ethos of making the best track possible, sometimes you have to take a step back and think ‘is my idea really best for this song.’ You always have to champion the best idea. (Which can be annoying if you’re not on your A game that day! Haha)
What personal advice would you give to someone wanting to pursue this career?
Be thick skinned for sure! I think the music industry is difficult because you’re putting your heart out there to be judged right? Be willing to grow as an artist is important, and surround yourself with good people who care about your art. If you find good people who care about what you do, it’s easier to take criticism on things you care so passionately about.
What does the foreseeable future hold for you as producers?
We’re working on follow up singles right now! People reacting to our debut track has really give us the confidence to push the music even further. We’re super stoked to delve deeper into the sound.
Did you learn any new skills during lockdown?
One of us developed an unhealthy obsession with buying vintage polaroid cameras. It’s quite the challenge trying to find expired film from 1963 that fits them!
‘All Falls Down’ is available now via all major platforms.
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