More Than Grass - Jake Harris (offthewally)
Welcome to More Than Grass where we feature a community of talented individuals who love their golf but are a lot more than just golfers. Join us as we dive into the minds and crafts of some of our favourite creative all-rounders.
MTG001 - Our first instalment, we played a round with Sydney based musician Jake Harris (@offthewally) who writes, records and produces his own music.
Do you believe there are similarities or connections between your craft as a musician and the game of golf?
Personally, I think there are very strong connections between being a musician and the game of golf.
With the process of writing a piece of music, there’s always a start and an ending and it’s up to you as a musician how you want to get there, creatively.
Music, much like golf, there’s a start and an ending and you have to figure out a way to navigate yourself through the journey (sometimes creatively like me, who’s always in the bushes.) I just hope it doesn’t take me hours to finish a hole like it does a song.
What is it about golf that you’re most drawn to?
Nature and the environment play a big part in my music creation and I take a lot of inspiration from my surroundings every time I go outside. If you’ve ever played a round of golf, you know how beautiful a course can be and there are some absolute stunners out there! I could write for hours how amazing nature is but for now, just take my word for it and get into it!
What is PENTA to you?
I'm not sure if there was a breakthrough song per se but, one song that took off a fair bit more than others was “Martyn’s Place.” I wrote that song for Torren Martyn’s surf film “On the light side.” It was part of my debut album “Surfari.”
My approach toward creating a song depends on why I’m writing. If I’m writing for a client or a film, I’ll be heavily inspired by the footage presented to me or the location of where the piece has been shot. Different elements and landscapes inspire me differently, which I love because it forces me to learn new instruments and forever learning new techniques.
As for my own music creation, I come from a percussive background so I usually start with percussion or drums and then add bass then guitar. Starting with percussion helps me get into the groove of the song and it all flows from there...but I also sometimes start with guitar haha.
One album recommended by Offthewally we all have to listen to - what is it?
Oh golly, I couldn’t choose one, so staying in the true element of golf I’ll triple bogie this and go 3 over.
“A La Sala - Khruangbin” surely everyone knows this one but they are just too good not to mention.
“Sababa 5 - Sababa5” One of my buddies recently got me into these guys. Ridiculously talented and super catchy songs. Listen to all their albums!
“5 star Motel - Gitkin” Infectious grooves and sweet guitar melodies. Some really good tracks on this album.
What's the best way to keep up to date with Jake Harris?
Best way to keep tabs on me and my music would be my
Instagram: @offthewally
Spotify: Offthewally
I usually post a lot of unreleased jams on my Spotify for all those frisky little realmaholics!
Lastly, your favorite course and which hole?
Favourite cooooourse, would have to be the local! Warringah Golf Club! Played there the most and I know the course like the back of someone else’s hand (not very good). I’d say hole 8 is the favourite. By then I’ve had a few warm up drives and I’m usually hitting it somewhat straight! Whip out the V8 hybrid and laser a piss missile straight down the hey diddle diddle, on the green in one and then 4 putt for a double bogey. Love it
