We caught up with the brilliant and insightful HARLOWE NOIRE. a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, HARLOWE thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

How did you learn to do what you do? Music has been an evolving journey for me since 7th grade when I started making R&B tracks as an emotional outlet. By 9th grade, my first song went viral on Myspace, igniting my passion. Throughout high school, I performed in various venues, honing my skills and searching for my unique sound. This journey led me to record my enchanting EP, ‘Pretty Night’. Music is a constant learning experience, growing through studio sessions, performances, and collaborations. Feedback has helped me evolve and refine my craft, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next.

Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?
I’ve learned how to speed up my learning process as a Christian artist by studying successful artists who share my story, and pain points, developing a personal playbook, experimenting with writing, recording, and performing music. At the right time, God will allow what you have learned to manifest into amazing music and performances.

What skills do you think were most essential?
The most essential skills for me as an artist and Creative Director are creative direction, project management, leadership, and organizational/administrative skills. Creative direction is crucial as it involves understanding the desired outcome, identifying the individuals who can contribute, understanding the rationale behind decisions, and determining the execution plan. Seeing a creative vision through from start to finish allows me to maintain control over my creativity. Additionally, my ability to manage projects, cultivate and lead teams, and utilize organizational and administrative skills plays a vital role in bringing creative projects to life successfully.

What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
I used to think that I had to had a big budget to learn certain things or even accomplish certain creative tasks. I’ve had to decided that finances will never keep me from doing what I love, but it has been an obstacle. My motto is, my favor will pick up where my finances leave off. If I tap into my resources of people that I know, and believe that people are looking for opportunities to bless me, nothing can get in my way unless I revert to negative thinking patterns. I also believe in building relationships with people in order to learn more about how to do create amazing music and creative projects to go to the next level.

HARLOWE, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

For folks who may not have read about you before, can you please tell our readers about yourself, how you got into your industry / business / discipline / craft etc,

Formally known as Hilary Pradia Watkins, this Jesus-loving, mama of two energetic toddler boys, is an award-winning Christian Hip Hop/R&B artist, Author, Creative Director, Producer, and vibrant creative force. With a name that oozes sophistication and mystery, HARLOWE NOIRE. brings a fresh and edgy perspective to the sacred realm of faith, music, and media resulting in a fusion of divine inspiration.

As a child, I began writing music as a form of therapy. I eventually landed up recording in the studio during my early teenage years as an R&B singer. God wrecked my life, and I encountered Christian Hip Hop through Tre9’s Hip Hop hope which started my journey as a Christian Hip Hop/R&B artist in 2009.

what type of products/services/creative works you provide, what problems you solve for your clients and/or what you think sets you apart from others.

I am a music artist, editor-in-chief of Reinabomb Magazine, creative director, and producer. Most recently, I launched my creative agency, the Reinabomb Collective, as a platform to nurture and bring my creative ideas to life. At the Reinabomb Collective, we provide a range of services including brand strategy, social media marketing, artist development, and creative arts ministry consulting. What sets us apart is our proven track record of success, and our ability to offer clients a unique creative edge on faith-based projects.

What are you most proud of and what are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you/your brand/your work/ etc.

As a creative director and producer, I take pride in delivering high-quality visual content that complements my music. I strive to create visually captivating Art that elevate the overall experience and enhance the storytelling aspect of my songs. I want potential clients and collaborators to know that I am dedicated to bringing their creative visions to life through my expertise in visual production.

Through Reinabomb magazine, we aim to create a sense of community, where readers can connect with like-minded individuals and find support and encouragement in their faith journeys. We believe in the transformative power of creativity and the impact it can have on shaping and deepening one’s faith.

What I’m most proud of as a Christian Hip Hop/R&B artist is the fusion of music and faith, spreading a positive message rooted in authenticity, and creating impactful audible experiences. I’m also proud of the journey it’s taken to get back to the microphone to share my story.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My mission: Revive Christian Hip Hop and tell untold stories creatively and honestly.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A valuable lesson I had to unlearn was thinking I missed out on opportunities. During my music journey, I unintentionally took time away to navigate transitions. However, I now realize that this period allowed me to grow creatively and express myself in new, inspiring ways. I’ve come to understand that nothing has been wasted.

Contact Info:

• Website: harlowenoire.com
• Instagram: @harlowenoire
• Facebook: HARLOWE NOIRE.
• Twitter: @Harlowenoire
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HARLOWENOIRE

Image Credits
TBP Images – Roy T Williams