Effy Harvard has always been a writer. She’s always been a singer, too, but she’s done so in private. Recording 10,000 voice notes on her phone took her on a journey towards sharing her gift with the world, and thankfully, she has.
Capturing a timeless, classic country sound all her own, Harvard has unveiled four singles that would easily fit in the era of her honky tonk heroines. Her most recent effort, “Cowboy Season,” is a rollicking number that she’d been aching to write as soon as she spawned the title.
We chatted with Harvard about “Cowboy Season,” sharing her gift, her favorite sad country songs and more!
Pro Country: You’ve mentioned in past interviews that you’ve been writing poems, short stories or songs since you were old enough to hold a pen. What was it about those crafts, and expressing yourself in those ways, that has connected with you for so long?
Effy Harvard: I’ve always been an observer; words and songs have always been there for me: no requirements or expectations, just unconditional. Writing on paper brings me back to Earth, as I often drift away into my imagination.
PC: Though you’d been in a creative space for so long, it wasn’t until much later that you began singing professionally. Can you talk about your journey from recording voice memos for yourself to making the decision to pursue music?
EH: How did you know about the voice memos?! Starting from day dot, I’ve been singing and scribbling poetry, but away from any other eyes and ears. But, as time went on and so quickly, I started getting signs I should take myself public. Recording a cappella voice memos in my bathroom, and cold messaging producers hoping somebody would give me a shot, somehow ended up working out.
PC: You’ve mentioned drawing influence from legends like Loretta Lynn and Patsy Cline. What is it about their sound, and their way of storytelling, that struck a chord with you?
EH: Life seemed a bit simpler decades ago, and yet the music grew cinematic. There’s something magical about creating a song in a few takes; everyone committing to the moment and you can feel the room. I love the bond Loretta and Patsy had with each other, and the way they expanded music subjects that were taboo at the time.
PC: On an early trip to Nashville, you had the opportunity to write with hit songwriters and record with a full-band at top-tier Nashville studios. What was the experience like for you during that week of taking your music career to the next level?
EH: It’s hard for me to wrap my head around how my beginning all came about. We wrote “Her Boots,” “Without You Loving Me” and “Answering Machine” in two days. Honestly, I was terrified. Everything I ever wanted appeared right in front of me with no experience prior. I’ll never forget how lucky I am, given a chance to create songs with the writers of “Tennessee Orange.” Remarkable.
PC: You released your debut single, “Her Boots,” in the spring of 2024. What emotions were you feeling as you were preparing to release music into the world for the first time?
EH: Why do I want to say it felt like giving birth? I put my whole heart into the music, and wanted anyone who had been in a similar position to take their power back, all while having a laugh.
PC: “Her Boots” has earned over 100,000 streams on Spotify alone since its release. As an artist releasing music for the first time, what has it been like to see the response that the song has received?
EH: “Her Boots” was hilarious to write, and releasing the song was life changing. Artists I look up to started sending me messages, masterful songwriters responding to my session proposals, labels wanting to meet me. I felt validated and knew I was on to something.
PC: About a year after the release of “Her Boots,” you released a fantastic heartbreak ballad, “Without You Loving Me.” As lovers of sad country songs, can you tell us a few of your favorite sad country songs?
EH: My country music influence stems from my dad; I lost him in high school. The song staples that played through his speakers still crush my guts: “Three Wooden Crosses” by Randy Travis, “Everything That Glitters (Is Not Gold)” by Dan Seals and “One More Day” by Diamond Rio, just to name a few.
PC: The same day you released your third single, “Answering Machine,” you had the opportunity to open for 90s country legend Clay Walker in Texas. As an artist that’s still fairly new at performing for crowds, what can you take away from watching a seasoned veteran like Clay Walker perform?
EH: The first set I ever played was just over a hundred people, my second was three thousand at Floore’s Country Store opening for the legendary Clay Walker. He instantly got the crowd up and dancing, obviously born to be on stage. I was just starting at the Bud Light sign in the back, trying not to fall over while I was up there.
PC: You co-wrote “Cowboy Season” with Heather Morgan and Stephen Rusch. Can you take us in the room and talk about how the song came together?
EH: We wrote “Cowboy Season” last summer. After months of doodling the song title in my notebook over and over, I was elated for it to see the light of day. I showed Heather and Steve a Sam Cooke song I admired the structure of, and we dove right in. After the last line was written, us gals immediately recorded the vocals. The day was full of excitement, and I hope listeners can feel the joy from that day.
PC: With “Cowboy Season” now released, what do you have planned for the rest of 2026?
EH: I’m in love with so many songs I’ve been holding on to. There’s one I wrote with Lukas Nelson I am hoping to send into the ether this year. Also, performing! Most of my stage fright has fallen away, and I am now so jazzed to be up there.
*Feature image by Vince Rossi
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