Exclusive Interview: Sleepwalker Talks ‘When The Lights Go Down’ Single, a New Chapter in His Artistry, and More

Artist Kevin Harrison is embarking on an exciting new chapter in his musical journey under the moniker Sleepwalker. With a background in the folk-rock scene alongside bands Broken Compass Society and Kevin Harrison & True North, this Cranford, New Jersey singer-songwriter is embracing a fresh sense of freedom as he breaks free from industry constraints. Venturing into a realm of music that resonates deeply with his artistic vision, Harrison’s latest single, “When the Lights Go Down,” showcases a fusion of blues synth and pop sensibility. Pop Culturalist had the privilege of speaking with Sleepwalker about this pivotal moment.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Sleepwalker: I think I was born with it! Or at least born into it. My dad was an incredible rhythm guitarist and singer. My mom seemed to live her life to her own soundtrack. Music was constantly playing around the house, in the car, everywhere…and I was always encouraged—but never pressured—to pursue my musical interests and ambitions (even if they didn’t love my Silverchair phase in seventh grade). Both of my parents passed away about ten years ago, but I’m continually feeling reconnected with them through music.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Sleepwalker: My parents are the answer here again, but I’ll mention another—New York City. I moved to New York City at twenty-five “to become a rockstar.” While that didn’t quite happen, the city shaped my songwriting, exposed me to diverse styles and unimaginable talent, forged connections that I still lean on today, and gave me the confidence to create the kind of music that I want to create—not what I think other people want to hear.

PC: You’ve got a new single out now. Tell us about “When the Lights Go Down” and the inspiration behind the song.
Sleepwalker: It’s a big leap for me, musically. My previous projects were pretty squarely in the folk-rock genre, and the Sleepwalker stuff pulls in all sorts of different influences that hadn’t shown up in my music until now. “Lights” immediately declares itself as something new, which made it a great fit to be the first single.

For the lyrics, I time-traveled back to my early twenties to re-experience an awful, toxic relationship. It’s that “I know this person is terrible for me, but…” feeling that I imagine a lot of people have experienced at some point in their lives.

PC: This song was written over ten years ago but didn’t fit the soundscape of my previous projects. How did you know it was right for Sleepwalker? How has this song evolved over time?
Sleepwalker: The idea of reapproaching “Lights” hit me on a road trip after I’d finished the first two Sleepwalker songs. The title and lyrics made it a perfect fit. Unfortunately, the music did not. But that made for a fun challenge. Starting by sing-talking ideas into my phone’s voice memos on that car ride, I stripped it down to its bones and rebuilt it from a noisy, non-dynamic sprint into something that better represents where I am as a musician today.

My original goal was to produce a version of the song without a single guitar part. While guitar did find its way back in, it’s the synth part that drives the song—and you certainly can’t say that about any other track I’ve released across my previous projects.

PC: What do you hope to say as an artist with this project?
Sleepwalker: This is me.

There’s no band to hide behind with Sleepwalker. Some of the style—like the relatively simplistic drum or bass parts—is a product of my limitations on those instruments (or their electronic versions), but I ended up feeling like that sound served these songs.

And it’s also a bit more honest about my influences. You wouldn’t hear Muse or MGMT or Goose in Kevin Harrison & True North stuff, but I like operatic rock and electronic alt-pop and jam band stuff—and I have a feeling that other people who like folk rock do, too.

PC: As we look ahead to the rest of 2024, what does the year hold for you?
Sleepwalker: After “When the Lights Go Down,” I’m planning to release another single and an EP shortly after. Beyond that, I’m already working up the next batch of Sleepwalker songs in my little makeshift home studio.

And while Sleepwalker initially felt like a studio project (since I play all the parts, I wasn’t all that inspired by the idea of hopping up on stage with a laptop full of backing tracks), I am intrigued by how these songs could come to life in a live show. I could see putting together a band and road-testing this stuff in the future.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Sleepwalker: Harry Styles.

PC: First album that you bought?
Sleepwalker: Genesis – The Way We Walk, Volume Two.

PC: First concert you attended?
Sleepwalker: Hootie & the Blowfish.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Sleepwalker: Pink Floyd’s The Wall—not the most original choice, but how can you beat Gilmour’s guitar playing over Wright and Mason’s incredible soundscape telling Waters’ deeply personal story?

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Sleepwalker: Bowery Ballroom.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Sleepwalker: Advil.

To keep up with Sleepwalker, follow him on Instagram. Stream “When the Lights Go Down” today.