From Hong Kong to the World: Flare’s Self-Made Music Journey Begins

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Harry Nicholls, better known as Flare, is not just your ordinary singer, songwriter or producer—he’s a musical chameleon. His seamless fusion of genres lets each listener interpret his sound in their own way, whether they’re drawn to alternative R&B, funk, indie, or the intimacy of bedroom pop, this young man’s music has a blend of it all. With each track, Flare’s music feels like a personal invitation to dive deeper into one’s own emotions. These songs connect in such a way that they become personal, making his music an intimate experience for each listener.

As of this September, Flare has already accumulated more 80,000 streams in 2024 on Spotify with four singles. Each song released this year are more than just tracks—they’re pieces of a larger narrative that mirrors his artistic evolution. 

“NOVEMBER” feels like a journey into memory, where nostalgia and dreams blend into one, evoking the chill of winter and the ache of distance. “RAIN ON U” takes on a more sensual tone, unraveling a love that was never meant to last, with sultry vocals and smooth guitar riffs that pulsate through those who listen. It’s a song that draws you in with its seductive mood, but leaves you pondering the fleeting nature of romance. Meanwhile, “BUTTERFLIES” brings a breath of fresh air, a summer anthem bursting with the thrill of new love, capturing that feeling of elation and freedom that aligns with the carefree days of summer. Then there’s “VULNERABLE,” a retro-infused reflection on the fragility of love, where 90s grooves meet modern production, underscoring the tension between holding on and letting go. Each track is a chapter in Flare’s journey, revealing how he’s willing to push boundaries, explore new emotions, and break his own rules as an artist.

But Flare’s success this year doesn’t just reside within the studio. He independently funded and headlined a world tour, performing in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, Las Vegas, Toronto, London, and Palermo, Italy. At just 19 years old, and with the support of Something Dope for the People, an open mic platform based in Los Angeles, he’s managed to already build a global following. His journey from Hong Kong to international stages showcases a level of ambition and self-determination that’s uncommon in artists so young.

Before his rise in the modern music scene, Flare had already tasted success in his childhood. At just 10 years old, he was personally invited to join a prestigious 500-year-old institution, the Vienna Boys’ Choir. During this time, he toured extensively, performing over 200 shows in countries like Korea, Slovenia, Canada, The United States and Japan, where a young Flare even performed multiple solos for the Emperor of Japan. This time with the choir also pushed him to become incredibly independent. Living without his parents for two years at such a young age taught Harry self-reliance, a trait that would later shape his career.

At 16, Flare began teaching himself music production. Armed with only YouTube tutorials and a passion for creating, he learned how to produce his own tracks from within his own bedroom without relying on any fancy studio equipment. This empowering approach to music has become a foundation of his career, allowing him to remain creatively free.

Looking ahead, Flare is preparing to release his fifth and final single of the year, “BACK,” which many anticipate will be his biggest release yet. “This is a song like I’ve never made before, so many risks and broken rules in just 4 minutes” he says, hinting at a bold and innovative sound that could push his music to new heights. With his eyes set on 2025, Flare claims that he is also working on a debut album that will expand on his already eclectic sound…