Ed Harcourt

Ed Harcourt

Ed Harcourt is an English singer-songwriter and alternative rock artist from Wimbledon, United Kingdom. Born in 1977, he works mainly in singer-songwriter and indie rock settings, and his music also sits within alternative rock.

Early work and band background

Before starting his solo career, Harcourt plays bass and keyboards in Snug. He later has an association with Loup GarouX as well. His first instrument is the piano, and he also uses a range of less common keyboard instruments alongside guitar.

Solo releases

Harcourt signs to Heavenly Recordings and begins his solo discography with the six-track EP Maplewood in 2000. His first full-length album, Here Be Monsters, follows in 2001. He then releases From Every Sphere in 2003, Strangers in 2004, The Beautiful Lie in 2006, Lustre in 2010, Back Into The Woods in 2013, Time Of Dust in 2014, and Furnaces in 2016. The Beautiful Lie is his last release for Heavenly.

Live performance

In performance, Harcourt is usually joined by a band that includes a drummer, guitarist, violinist and trumpeter. His work is often compared with Tom Waits in character, while still retaining a distinctive style of its own.