There’s much pressure that comes with trying to keep up in the music business but hard work and a good attitude will get you through.
That’s a lesson former engineer Harry Tulagi Levy, 28, learnt early in his years as a professional musician.
What started as a simple but keen interest in learning to play the guitar has today evolved into live performances and a band that Harry leads.
“I was never really into singing, I just wanted to learn how to play the guitar but COVID-19 happened,” said the former Air Terminal Services worker.
From engineering to music
Harry was among the 285 ATS workers who lost their jobs in the wake of the corona virus outbreak that brought the world to its knees. It was in the months that followed that Harry decided to register a band under the name Tana Music.
“I was a utility hand at Fiji Airways and then an engineer with ATS.
“Following my termination from work, I started the band. I then went back to ATS and Fiji Airways, but I resigned last year to pursue music full time.”
As a musician, it didn’t take Harry long to discover the challenges of his new career path.
“It’s very hard to find good gear and if you do find it, it’s very expensive,” he said.
His most significant achievement to date is being one of the few young musicians in the West to have his own contracted gigs.
“And being able to provide employment for other artists – both seasoned and upcoming.
“We’ve had some really good musicians work under our brand and it’s been such a good experience so far.”
Lifelong lessons
But the successes haven’t been without their struggles and learning a few lessons the hard way. Harry recalls a humorous yet pivotal learning moment during a live show.
“I can’t remember what the show was but it was at Traps nightclub. I had just joined Ouvacast and we performed with Billy T and the late Christian Wendt.
“Mid-gig I hit a wrong note on the guitar and Billy T turned my channel off for the rest of the gig.
“To not make it obvious, I had to stay on stage and pretend I was playing throughout the gig. I still got paid though.”
Harry has since learnt that pre-gig preparations are crucial.
“Pre-gig preparations are the most important thing in order to have a good gig.
“Apart from the normal vocal training, our personal issues or whatever an individual goes through can affect your performance.
“I really like to prepare mentally because personally, my emotions kick in on stage.
“It’s always good to start a gig with a positive, healthy and happy attitude.”
A mix of genres
Growing up, Harry was influenced by a lot of country music, ballads, rock and a bit of reggae.
“It really helped me pick songs based on the crowd and how I build my sets for every gig.
“Sometimes I’m wrong but when I’m right, that feeling on stage is so good.
“My background today pulls me a lot more into the alternative rock side whereas my upbringing was always in country music. As I got older, I learned other genres and connected with them too.”
A few steps away from releasing his first single, Harry started writing recently and tries to avoid basing his songs off his personal experiences.
“I’ve only started writing and yet to release my first single, so at this point my biggest challenge is trying to not let my emotions take over.
“I’m the type of person that likes to hide my emotions through humour but when it comes to writing a song, it’s really not easy.”
The family that jams
He said while there were people blessed to have music “running through their blood”, he and his brother were more self-taught.
“And we’re still learning,” he said.
On his father’s side of the family, Harry’s dad’s younger brother played the guitar and sang.
“I think he may have studied music because he could read sheet music, and he’s the one that taught me the basics.
“I remember when I started playing guitar and we’d have a jam session around the tanoa. Mum would sing and I’d play guitar. Her brothers (William and Thomas Fong) also played and sang and influenced my music in a big way.”
Staying grounded
Harry says networking, communication and maintaining good relationships with other businesses in the industry have played an important part in navigating the pressures of the music industry.
“For any artist, authenticity is how we connect with any song personally. We have to keep mastering our craft and be creative; and keep researching.
“I believe music is a very powerful healing tool where prayer is at the top of that chain.
“You can be talented but if you don’t have the right attitude and work hard, then it’s just a dream. Stay grounded and always put God first.”
Harry performs regularly at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi and from time to time, when the demand arises, he brings Tana Music to life by engaging other freelance musicians.
