Harlis Sweetwater is an independent national touring artist from Orange County, California. His music is founded on Rock, Blues and Soul music, however his influences and inspirations range from Hip Hop and Reggae, to Jazz and Country music as well; And as Harlis puts it: “All music is SOUL music.”
Now as a “solo” artist, Harlis is moving forward with his music and vision with no limitations. In September 2021, Harlis released an exciting new 4-song EP, Diesel Dirt & Spit: Vol 1, and will be releasing Volume 2 soon after, as well as an upcoming single featuring David Hidalgo/Los Lobos and John Doe/X set for release in 2022 on recently signed to indie label My Grito Industries.
Today Glide is excited to premiere Harlis’ spirited new single titled “Mexican Rose”. The song was inspired by his Mexican heritage while also allowing him to pursue his dream of penning a modern Mexican style waltz. The song is pure soul as Harlis lays down powerful vocals that ooze with blues and soul. Channeling some of the blues greats, he sings with abandon while backed by sultry organ and background vocals, not to mention a mariachi-esque brass section. For those looking for some of his trademark guitar shredding, the reward comes later in the song as Harlis unleashes a ferocious yet appropriately restrained solo to bring it all on home.
Harlis describes the inspiration and process behind the song:
“Mexican Rose is one of my favorite songs of mine. I’m very proud of the way everything came together… from the Spanish classical guitar to the mariachi style horns and everything in between as well as the production of the song. I wanted to create a lush beautiful vibe and soundscape that would keep the listeners attention but also one that they could lose themselves in. Originally I had hoped for a Mexican Waltz style. That’s what I was going for. Im not sure it is true in nature to a Mexican Waltz but I think the over all feel is there. I imagined a beautiful Mexican woman standing with a ghost in beautiful clothing and dia de los muertos type makeup, dancing the waltz around her. The song is about pleading and longing for the love of a woman… one that is almost unobtainable.”
LISTEN:
