Tisch Recorded Music Student Harrison Li Talks Music, Life, and Art

What’s your favorite part of being a musician? 

Harry: Writing lyrics. When I was a kid, I was obsessed with Dr. Seuss books because I loved the way the rhymes would fall perfectly into place. I think the key to writing great lyrics is to try to tell a meaningful, cohesive story while keeping it as simple as possible. I draw a lot of inspiration from Hemingway’s idea of a six-word story. I want my words to be compact and significant.

You’ve mentioned that you record your tracks at home on your computer.

Harry: I started learning how to make music on my computer when I was 16 or 17 and it is definitely my preferred method of recording. I like recording that way because it feels a lot more comfortable and I want to express myself as authentically as possible. However, I do love spending time in the Clive Davis studios at Tisch. Working there challenges me and encourages me to step out of my comfort zone.

How have you changed since coming to New York City from California?

Harry: I was born in New York City and moved away when I was very young, but I definitely feel a sense of familiarity here, which helps with being homesick. If I’m being honest, I mainly wanted to move here because I was living in the suburbs and was bored out of my mind. I love how fast-paced the city is. It helps me to develop and grow. Being surrounded by people who are chasing their own dreams is both encouraging and humbling. The city has a charming way of showing you this when you need it most.

What venues have you played in New York City?

Harry: In the past year, I’ve played at Sunnyvale, Trans-Pecos, Knitting Factory, Mercury Lounge, Baby’s All Right, Elsewhere, Berlin, and Brooklyn Steel. One day, I want to play at Madison Square Garden!

Do you have a minor? 

Harry: I haven’t declared it yet, but I’m hoping to minor in Economics.

Have you collaborated with any of your fellow students at Clive Davis?

Harry: The nature of Clive is to be in constant collaboration with one another. You can try to do everything on your own, but it’s much more fun to work with each other since there’s so much talent here. I’ve made some of my best friends—and my most important colleagues—at NYU Tisch. I am grateful every day to be surrounded by like-minded individuals who are just as passionate about art as I am. I can’t stress how much that has changed me.

In your wildest dreams, what do you hope to accomplish after leaving NYU?

Harry: A couple of my life goals are to win a Grammy and an Oscar. I’ve always had ridiculously ambitious aspirations. I’d much rather work toward a greater purpose with the understanding that I may never achieve it than be complacent. After I graduate from NYU Tisch, I hope to be able to sustain myself making music for a living. I would love to make records and tour them while collaborating with other artists. In the long term, I want to take a step back from being a performer and switch my focus to songwriting and production. Later in my career, I want to score films.