South African Rock Singer-Songwriter Ross Harding Releases ‘Love & Time’ From Upcoming EP ‘Chapter II’

South African Rock Singer-Songwriter Ross Harding Releases ‘Love & Time’ From Upcoming EP ‘Chapter II’

Inspired by themes of love and time, South African Rock Singer-Songwriter Ross Harding is back with ‘Love & Time’ as the first single from his upcoming EP ‘Chapter II’. Recorded at Audio Nebula Studios, Ross worked hard during 2022 with producer Byron Muller to bring to live a commanding track reminiscent of the classic rock, grunge & blues artists of the past; potently fuelled by a blues-rooted consciousness that’s emotive, moving, and original. ‘Love & Time’ is available now on all platforms, and you can pre-save ‘Chapter II’ now on  linktr.ee/rossharding

Ross Harding is a Rock Singer-Songwriter from Johannesburg, South Africa. As a songwriter and performing artist, he personifies rich, versatile vocal abilities with expert guitar knowledge, and has gained global industry recognition for his command of blues and rock music, reminiscent of the classic rock, grunge & blues artists of the past. “And ultimately, that’s what Harding has done so well on his debut solo EP – he’s found himself a sound that’s full of emotion, passion and angst, but more importantly, one that celebrates the memory of rock music.“ (Texx And The City)

In 2017 Harding formed the blues rock band, BLACK HARBOUR BLUES, and has made local and international progress performing, touring, and recording with the band. Notable performances include a headline slot at the Drakensberg’s WHITE MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL, Main Stage at 2014’s RAMFEST with Biffy Clyro, Trivium, Fouls and Killswitch Engage, countless local festivals, an acoustic international tour to Italy, and many independent shows throughout South Africa.

In 2018 Harding and Hughes hosted a sold out “HOUSE OF BLUES” show, which included some of South Africa’s top blues musicians – Andre Kriel (Black Cat Bones), Pepi Dimevski (Gunshot Blue), Richard Bruyns and others.

Ross Harding has supported major South African artists like DAN PATLANSKY, FOKOFPOLISIEKAR, THE NARROW, and PRIME CIRCLE and is able to enchant all kinds of audiences.

Performing both as a solo acoustic artist and with a band, Harding is able to captivate audiences with his vocal prowess and acoustic guitar accompaniment, while his trio band boasts mastery of the blues, classic rock styles, and original music. His debut solo record, REST & RESURRECTION, was released in early 2022 and has seen local and international recognition, with a follow up EP, called CHAPTER II on its way 4 November, including a music video that was sponsored by MTN.

Performances have included two Cape Town tours, with shows at the DAISY JONES Bar Stellenbosch and SABC’s ESPRESSO TV, as well as independent club shows throughout South Africa, with live recordings at DISCOVRTV Johannesburg and MIX FM.

We recently had the opportunity to chat to Ross about a Rock band he fronts called ‘Fear Of Falling’ (find this chat on our YouTube channel). Today however, we catch up with Ross about his own music and focus on his new single and coming EP.

Welcome back Ross. You are clearly a very hardworking man, with much ongoing in camp Harding, given you are about to release your second EP already this year. What powers your passion, drive, and creativity, and where do you find the time and energy?

I’m obsessed with rock music, and I’ve been pursuing this music dream of mine since I was a child, so I really have only this path. It’s just what I do, and I’m blessed for that. I really just want to share my music with the world and so that needs time, energy and passion.

What song would you tell someone to go listen to, who has not heard of you just yet, and why would this track be such an impeccable exemplification of your music?

Love & Time would be the track. There’s something in that song that I feel will speak to listeners from different backgrounds, who are into different kinds of rock music. Maybe even some people who aren’t into rock music yet. It’s bluesy, emotive, not too out there, I just feel it’s a good song, if I don’t say so myself.

What is your upcoming EP called, when will it be released, and what auditory pleasures and surprises have you all got all in store for our eager ears?

The upcoming EP is called “Chapter II” which will be out on the 4^th of November. It’s a mix of blues rock, classic rock, and grunge influence, with my own take on the rock music approach that I feel is very vintage. I feel it’s a solid record and I’m super proud to share it with existing and new fans.

Anything also planned as eye candy insofar as possible Music Videos during the release of your EP?

We filmed a cool black and white behind-the-scenes music video with Russel McCallaghan. It came out really nicely and will give new audiences a little more insight into the Ross Harding world.

Your new single is called ‘Love & Time’ and has a great gritty riffy bluesy-rock vibe. Would you say this sets the tone for the rest of the new EP as well?

Yes, definitely. The EP is bluesy, gritty, vintage rock n roll done in my own style. I think it covers much ground in term of genre, and there’s a little something for fans of rock music in general.

On your profile photos you look to be holding a beautiful black Epiphone Les Paul Prophecy. Is that your favoured axe? Give us your go-to gear rundown for the win.

It’s a Les Paul Custom by Epiphone, and yes, that’s my go-to guitar. Absolutely love it. My guitar tone is essentially a Marshall Origin Head and Cabinet. It’s based on a “Plexi” style Marshall amp from the past. Sounds amazing live, and that is pretty much the tone of the EP. We did use a Jim Root Orange head and cabinet for layering rhythm guitars in studio as well.

I use my black Epiphone Les Paul Custom (named “Blackie”) for most of my live performances and studio. I occasionally use a black Fender Stratocaster and a white Fender Tele, and here and there I borrow our bass player Merrick’s amazing red Gibson ES335. To be honest, the only guitar I’m aching for is a black Gibson Les Paul Custom. I’ll acquire one of these one day!

What excites you the most about playing live, and do you prefer intimate venues or the bigger stages you play?

I’ve had incredible experiences in all sorts of environments. Small, packed-out night club shows can be insane, but nothing beats the massive festival stage feel. I love what I feel when I play live, when the band is rocking tight, the sound is killer, it just fires me up. Love being on stage!

Where are you planning to tour on the back of your new EP, and any chance of getting to see you here in Ireland?

I would LOVE to tour to Ireland. We’ve been discussing doing the USA, Europe, and the UK. It all depends on the logistics, timing and so forth, so as soon as dates arise, I will post them all up!

What question do you always wish someone would ask you, but never have? Share this question and the answer with us, as a hidden gem about Ross Harding, first to be revealed right here on Rock ‘N’ Load as an exclusive!

There are a few “signatures” I hide in my lyrics. No one has asked me about that yet! Unfortunately, I can’t share the “answer, but at least you guys know there’s something to be found now …

Appreciate the time to chat to us again Ross. We wish you loads of success with the new single and look forward to hearing the rest soon. Where can folks follow you all?

Thank you so much! For all my links go to linktr.ee/rossharding

Website www.rosshardingmusic.com

Facebook @rosshardingofficial

Instagram @rosshardingofficial