The Hara @ Liverpool’s Arts Club

24/04/22

I first heard about The Hara in 2019 when I was first just getting started in music photography and falling in love with their music straight away and thinking that they were gonna be successful. Four years later and I get the chance to photograph and review them at their highest peak in their career. 

First up on the bill was a local Merseyside band Linkway. It was their first big deal gig supporting a big artist such as The Hara, of which I thought they played amazingly well considering it was their first time supporting a big artist, to the point where I wouldn’t have known it if I didn’t speak to their photographer on the night. They played their hearts out having fun in the process, bringing high energy to the stage which the crowd got involved in as well. Although I never heard of them before their sound reminded me of a mixture between The Libertines and punk bands from the 70’s. 

Linkway_Credit: Sarah Sidwell

Next up was the main support Jason Allan who is well known for his TikTok videos of him busking in different places of the UK. Just like The Hara I had heard of Jason in the past but through an old mate of mine who used to work him on tours. As he ran on stage the whole crowd was cheering away which I wasn’t surprised about with him having a huge following on social media, so of course, people would know who he is. I was surprised at how interactive he was with the crowd constantly standing up on the barrier to get up and close to his fans, singing with them, showing that he does love and care for his fans. After watching him perform I think he is defiantly one to keep an eye on as I can see him going far. 

Jason Allen_Credit: Sarah Sidwell

Last up was the main guys, The Hara, and oh boy was I excited, waiting in the photo pit listening to the old school emo tunes was hyping me up. First on the stage was the drummer Jack, who was hyping the crowd up and getting them ready for the rest of the lads to come on stage, next was Zack who skipped with excitement smiling at the crowd. At this point, the crowd was screaming away waiting for Josh to come on stage who not long after just came running on stage and started the first song which was “Black Soul Ceremony”, which was a single they released back in 2021, to me this was the perfect song to open up with as it just kicks the atmosphere up and gets everyone jumping around straight away. 

The Hara_Credit: Sarah Sidwell

Even tho they were playing the smaller stage in The Arts Club the guys didn’t disappoint at all with the performance, the energy they brought on that stage was unreal and it stayed like that until the very end. I thoroughly enjoyed not just photographing them and being there but just watching them in general, like they really are such a great band to watch live. After hearing them back in 2019 when they were just starting out I could see the progression and passion they have for making music and performing, just a bunch of young lads playing music and having a right good old time in the making. I think it was during the second song I knew it was gonna be an amazing night. Throughout their set I was just watching the crowd as they jump and dance and just seeing how much fun they were having, I don’t think there was one person standing still. 

The Hara_Credit: Sarah Sidwell

After seeing them live for the first time I would 100% see them again whether I will be photographing or just watching because they are honestly one of the best bands I have seen live, the whole show was just unbelievable!

Words and photography: Sarah Sidwell   

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