The Rakish Gent Paper 5 - HRVY - exclusive interview and editorial in print cover

Grooming - Michael Gray at David Artists

Aged just 23, HRVY (real name Harvey Cantwell) has amassed an impressive social media following of over 4 million followers on the platforms Instagram and TikTok. Starting his career as a presenter for CBBC, in 2020 he competed in the BBC primetime Saturday night entertainment show Strictly Come Dancing and with the help of his partner Janette Manrara came second in the series.

In February 2017 he released his debut EP, Holiday which was followed up by Talk to Ya. Having toured with the likes of Little Mix and The Vamps, this summer he released his third EP, Views from the 23rd Floor.

Did you enjoy your cover shoot for The Rakish Gent?

I absolutely loved it. It’s not often I see myself in a suit and smart clothes. I feel like a city business boy. I’ve spent the last 6 years in tracksuits and baggy jeans, so it’s definitely a nice change!

Do you feel any pressure on yourself, when you have such a large following on social media?

100%. I feel like there’s always a pressure for anyone on social media in today's world. You don’t want to say the wrong thing or get cancelled, so I’m definitely always careful with the things I say or do. I also feel a little sense of responsibility for the younger people that follow me. I’d like to think that I set a good example!

How do fans normally react when they see you out and about?

It varies and depends where I am in the world. In Asia it’s crazy! They come running up to me screaming. Some have dropped to the floor before! I have no idea why because I’m not that special, but that’s definitely pretty cool. I’ve only ever had lovely experiences with my fans which is lucky. I'm very very grateful and I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the feeling of someone asking for a picture.

Tell us about the track I Wish I Could Hate You.

It's actually the first song I’ve released and written on my own, so I’m really proud of it actually. I write a lot of songs on my own, but I never end up releasing them. I mostly love collaborating with other amazing song writers because I feel they really bring the best out of me.

Was it daunting at all appearing on Strictly Come Dancing?

VERY! I've never been so nervous doing a 90 second dance. Maybe it was the fact that it was the most watched TV show that year. Unfortunately there wasn’t an audience the year I did it because of Covid, but as a result, there was less pressure! It was an incredible experience and I learnt a lot.

Did you know that you were a good dancer?

I’ve always have rhythm since I was little. I would always put on dance shows for my family, so I think it’s always been in my blood. Strictly was a different type of dancing - it required a lot more concentration and technique, something that I lack quite a bit! But we got through to the final, so I couldn’t of been that bad?

How did you get started with Friday Download?

All I remember is that I was 14 doing an audition tape and meeting a really scary producer guy, then a few weeks later I got the job!

You’ve been a support act for Little Mix and The Vamps before. Would you be interested in touring more?

Touring is my favourite thing about being an artist. I get to travel the world, sing songs and meet fans! Hopefully I get to tour again this year because it’s such a magical experience. Touring with other artists is always super fun too - lots of pranks, drinks and banter!

What are you working on next?

NEW MUSIC!!!!!! Some more touring and making memories. Hopefully some more fashion and cover shoots! I really really enjoyed doing this.

The single I Wish I Could Hate You, and the EP Views from the 23rd Floor are both out now.

A full version of this feature can be found in The Rakish Gent Paper Issue 5.

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