Riddlesden musician 'Hazardous' plans for music career (From Keighley News)

Riddlesden musician 'Hazardous' plans for music career

5:00pm Tuesday 12th March 2013 in News

Gifted teenager Harry Speight is juggling school with building a career as a dance music producer by the name of Hazardous.

And Harry, 13, of Riddlesden, has already performed some of his electro house and dubstep at a gig for fans in Keighley.

“I’d love my musical career to grow so it could become my whole life,” said Harry, who is in year eight at Beckfoot School in Bingley.

And his instrument of choice is a simple keyboard linked to a series of computers in his bedroom, with the music channelled into his headphones.

“I used to play guitar, but I started using a keyboard when I was eight, just making my own sounds,” he said.

“I’ve always stuck to composing my own music. I find playing other people’s stuff is restricting.

“The thrill of it is to sit down and fiddle with the keyboard, and in an hour, I’ve got a melody that can be heard by so many people.”

Harry has created his first EP – Refraction – which will be available on Sound Cloud.

“I started off using FL Studio, but now I prefer Ableton Live, which is a digital audio workstation you can buy versions of for as little as £80,” he added.

“Because I started so young, I didn’t know anyone in that music scene so I’ve not really been influenced by anyone, although I do like stuff by Deadmau5.”

His only gig so far has been at the Smallworld venue in Russell Street, Keighley, which held an under-18s music night.

“It was great and I can’t wait until I’m older and can do proper clubs,” he said. “Although I’d love to get involved with Bingley Festival if they have a dance tent going on.”

Harry’s mum, Seba Thomson, a teacher at Ladyroyd Prep School in Bradford, said she was extremely proud of his efforts. “He’s always been very musical and it’s just fantastic he is so focused,” she said.