"Danny L Harle traces the beginnings of PC Music back to two individuals creating music in a confined space and sharing it online, paving the way for their achievement and assisting unsigned artists in defining their unique sound."

Danny L Harle's Invaluable Journey: A Future-Focused Pop Maestro Shaping the Sound of Tomorrow

Stemming from his groundbreaking roots as a founding member of the influential yet defunct PC Music collective, Danny L. Harle has surgeoned himself into a visionary force in the pop music realm. Known for his collaborations with artists such as Charli XCX, Chic, Caroline Polachek, and many more, Harle was a key player in Dua Lipa's chart-topping 2024 album Radical Optimism and is currently masterminding Olly Alexander’s Polari. With an impressive resumé and a strong knack for remixing, Harle is carving out his own niche in the industry - all while maintaining a sparse solo discography, most notably his '90s rave-inspired concept album, Harlecore, released in 2021.

Today, Harle is bent on reinventing the face of contemporary pop, much like the rest of us who started as novices,scrabbling to learn the ropes and hone our craft. In the early stages of our creative journey, the guidance we receive can greatly impact our growth. Recognizing the significance of this formative period, Harle is extending an olive branch to six unsigned artists through the Amex Unsigned project.

Over the course of three days at London's iconic Metropolis Studios, the acclaimed producer will be working hand-in-hand with aspiring talent, helping to refine unfinished projects, exploring new ideas, and offering a fresh perspective on their work. This exceptional chance allows a select few budding music-makers the unique opportunity to record with a Grammy-nominated producer in a world-class recording studio.

Amid the greater access to music-making tools and increased opportunities for self-promotion via social media, many argue that breaking through as an artist has never been tougher. With an overwhelming 100,000 tracks uploaded to Spotify every day, it's a daunting challenge to be heard above the noise. In 2025, independent artists are expected to be producers, content creators, influencers, and entrepreneurs – all rolled into one.

New research from Amex Unsigned indicates that British unsigned artists are now spending a staggering £8,000 per year just to perform and record new music, and two-thirds of those surveyed believe that improved access to professional studios would bolster their chances of success. Through the Unsigned initiative, Amex is providing a helping hand, not merely by offering access to a top-tier studio, but also by offering mentorship from industry experts and opportunities to perform at sponsored events.

We snagged a sit-down with Harle to delve deeper into his involvement in the project, the assistance he'll be bestowing upon these ambitious music-makers, and the counselors who guided him on his path to success in the music industry.

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Ahoy, Danny. What drove you to become part of the Amex Unsigned venture?

"I'm pretty wary of getting enmeshed in these undertakings unless I feel like I can truly offer something meaningful. However, this specific type of mentorship is a process I've found beneficial in my own past, and the opportunities I'm extending to young artists mirror the experiences that have aided me in my personal development.

"It's extraordinarily helpful to take the time to listen to your own work in a studio and reflect on your project as a whole. The creative process is often full of disposable thinking these days, while young artists require a sense of respect for their own development that should be modeled by the older generation.

"It's extremely difficult to carve out the time and discipline to sit down and listen to everything you've produced. It almost demands someone else's presence in the room to truly do so – to have someone to validate your work, notifying you when things are evidently off or when you have created something truly magnificent. That process, and the opportunity it affords to young, unsigned artists, was an enticing prospect for this whole partnership.

"I found it an exciting endeavor to be a part of, and one that I could truly contribute to, as my story has been quite specific, and I can only do so much. I'm passionate about nurturing young artists, and there have been several instances in my life where I've needed guidance and didn't even realize it at the time. My old bass guitar teacher, for instance, I've since had to email saying, 'You said something so valuable back then, and I didn't even realize it!'"

So, what was it that they told you back then?

"They advised me to never underestimate other people in music, to see the potential in those who may not be immediately exceptional. This wisdom made me more forgiving of people who were just beginning to explore their musical abilities. With all the creative experimentation that takes place when one is young, it makes for a more compassionate collaborator.

"Some of the people who took a while to truly find their groove ended up becoming some of the most amazing musicians. Those who master a skill quickly aren't guaranteed to maintain that level of prowess throughout their entire career. People grow at different rates."

You'll be spending half a day in the studio with each artist. Can you elaborate on the type of support you'll be providing?

"I'm eager to offer whichever kind of assistance I can, whether it be a listening session, providing comments, or simply an encouraging word. But honestly, if I see an artist truly blossoming, sometimes the best thing one can do is simply say, 'keep going!'

"When one creates art, it's often a lonely process. It can be incredibly valuable to have someone listen to your work and offer words of appreciation. When someone's making amazing art, it can be incredibly rewarding to simply tell them, 'You're doing great - just keep going!'

"Alternatively, there may be times when an honest critique is needed. With someone who's achieved a certain level of success, it can be helpful to have someone remind them that they can still push themselves to reach new heights. I wouldn't say anything to just anyone, but there are situations where it's essential to be more forthright, particularly if someone knows me well and is in a position to take constructive criticism."

How hands-on will you be during the collaboration – would you be contributing some material if needed, or would you focus on offering more general advice?

"I'll adapt my approach based on each artist I work with. It will depend on the music and getting to know the person, and then I'll take things from there. Each project requires a unique approach, particularly when working with someone who's created the project on their own. They can often be quite idiosyncratic in their creative process, so offering verbal advice may be more beneficial."

What do you stand to learn from this experience?

"I'm always hungry to learn from others. I'm intrigued by what artists from different countries and scenes are listening to – it has been a lifelong fascination of mine. Working with a diverse range of artists can offer valuable insights and inspire new ideas."

Have you had mentors or figures who have provided significant guidance in your career?

"I used to work at a classical record store on Great Marlborough Street called Harold Moore's Records. They stocked both ancient music and modern music—that was their main focus. The head buyer and curator was an interesting man; he was the head buyer for a classical record store, but he had a remarkable sense of freedom when it came to music.

"One day, after the store had closed, he played a Nicki Minaj and David Guetta collaboration called Turn Me On. He was just dancing around to it, and that blew my mind. To see such a well-respected, old-school music aficionado embracing contemporary pop tunes opened my mind to the idea that music, at its core, is just a collection of sounds – and by that element, all music can be appreciated.

"When I started exploring various genres with an open mind, I found that I could genuinely enjoy a wide range of music – from classical to pop to punk. That liberating mindset has greatly influenced my own musical style."

If you could spend half a day in the studio with anyone from the annals of musical history, who would it be and why?

"I'd love to hang out with Claudio Monteverdi during the composition of the Monteverdi Vespers. I'd also enjoy spending time with John Dowland while he was writing his first book of songs. Although they'd likely be rather difficult individuals to work with, and I don't speak Italian, I find their work utterly fascinating.

"I'd also like to hang out with Max Martin during the '90s – shortly after the Cheiron Studios, Denniz Pop era. The era in which they created a genre for acts like the Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears, characterized by massive orchestras, pianos, and vocal layering is quite remarkable. Their work epitomizes the essence of pop music and resonates with me.

"One of the things that I find intriguing about their work is the fact that these songs are often deceptively simple, but their interior workings are actually incredibly intricate. I've noticed the same pattern in many pieces of classical music that have stood the test of time – they may seem simple on the surface, but if you listen closely, there's a wealth of complexity beneath."

Given the increasing challenge of breaking into the music industry, what advice would you share with aspiring artists trying to make their voices heard?

"There's a well-known quote by Stravinsky about young composers in the '50s. He said that while all young composers have something to present, only the best have something to say. The ability to express a unique perspective and identify is crucial in the music industry."

How long did it take you to discover what you wanted to express?

"It took me a while to understand what my own voice was. Initially, I wanted to be a versatile producer who could adapt to any genre. I believed that my versatility would allow me to create successful songs in various styles. But as I began creating more of my own music, I saw that I could only truly excel when working on music that resonated with me.

"I couldn't produce music in a style that I didn't enjoy. While some artists can create amazing music in genres they're not particularly fond of, that's not who I am. I can only collaborate with fellow artists who appreciate the same types of music and recognize the style I've developed over the years."

Making the transition from being a musical chameleon to discovering one's unique style is a distinct skill, isn't it?

"Absolutely. It requires a moment of reflection where you understand who you truly are, as opposed to who you believe yourself to be. The alignment of self-identity with actual abilities is what brings the most happiness.

"It took me a long time to realize that I could only create music I wanted to listen to. In order to create the best music, you must focus on your genuine passions and disregard trends that may not appeal to you."

If you could revisit the stage of your career that these artists are now at, and offer yourself a piece of advice, what would it be?

"That's a tricky question. I've come across various artists and producers who offer advice to young creators, but often, I find that the advice resonates with them only after they've achieved a degree of success. People often tell young artists to 'be yourself' – and while it's true, it only carries weight once they've had the opportunity to truly embody their individuality.

"If I were to offer advice to myself, I'd focus on nurturing my confidence and embracing my unique style. I'd emphasize that it's the aspects of our work that feel the most personal and authentic that will resonate with others.

"Creating art that feels confidently 'you' is the key to connecting with your audience. It's the music that often feels the most random and unsettling when you're creating it, but that's precisely what makes it special.

"I was a member of PC Music, and I first collaborated with AG Cook on many of the initial tracks. They were just two guys in a room experimenting, uploading their creations to the internet. There was no strategic plan – it was purely about the joy of creating music for the sake of it. That's where it starts: two people playing with music and putting it out there, not knowing what resonance it will have.

"If you truly believe in the music you've created, and it feels right to you, someone will eventually recognize its value. And when they do, it can be a transformative moment in your career."

Oftentimes, when we most need advice, we're not in a position to receive it. How receptive were you to advice when you were first starting out?

"I was a difficult young artist to work with, and I didn't want to hear much advice early on. Apart from Hudson Mohawke, I would have welcomedany advice from anyone. Hudson was genuinely positive and encouraging when I met him, and he offered precious words of support when I needed them."

For the artists you'll be working with, this experience must be a pivotal moment in their journey. Can you identify a similar moment in your own career that put you on the path to success?

"It depends on one's definition of success. If financial stability and recognition are one's goals, opportunities that provide those things often arise from making bold statements that aren't immediately financially viable.

"If I reflect on my successes, they don't stem from financial gain or major releases – they come from small victories, like writing a melody or a line that resonated with me, or a note I struck when playing an instrument. Those moments of musical accomplishment become cornerstones in my career.

"For instance, the melody on the song "Forever", which is an early track of mine, remains one of my greatest accomplishments. After I wrote it, I thought, 'This is it—this is the sound I want to share with the world'."

American Express’s 2025 Unsigned initiative is a program designed to uplift grassroots venues, supporting emerging talent andbreakthrough opportunities through unprecedented access to live gigs, ad syncs, and mentorships. This spring, the six shortlisted unsigned artists received half a day of studio time with renowned producer, artist, and composer Danny L Harle at London's illustrious Metropolis Studios. Learn more about the program here.

"Danny L Harle, In the spirit of the guidance he received in his formative years, is extending an opportunity to six unsigned artists through the Amex Unsigned project, offering mentorship and studio time, fostering career development and education-and-self-development in the music industry."
"Harle, who understands the significance of mentorship in his personal growth, is utilizing his career as a Grammy-nominated producer to provide entertainment by collaborating with these six artists, infusing his expertise into their projects and potentially shaping their music careers, thereby continuing his impact on the pop genre and contributing to their career-development and entertainment."