Hello Harvard played a set in downtown Toronto’s Horseshoe Tavern on Oct. 6. The show was part of Indie88’s Nu Music Nite, and the band opened the stage for two other performers, Rob Jankowski and Voodoo. Nu Music Nite was hosted by Indie88’s Dave Bookman, and was dedicated to celebrating new local music. The venue was unusually free, which made the event all the more welcoming to locals. A decently sized crowd showed up to support the night, and the Horseshoe provided a perfect place to kick back, grab a beer, and listen to some new music.
Comprised of Guelph alumni Andrew Bontempo and Johnny Pommer, Hello Harvard formed almost two years ago, becoming popular in Guelph with their hit single “Trappers,” which expectantly stirred up some buzz in Guelph. The last time The Ontarion spoke to the duo, they were freshly nominated for the Hamilton Music Awards for Pop Recording of the Year. This past summer, Hello Harvard competed in the Live Performance Rounds in the Collingwood Live and Original Music Series, as well as entered the Edge’s The Next Big Thing Contest.
Bontempo and Pommer have also been busy putting together their first EP, which they hope to release in Spring 2016. In their previous interview with The Ontarion, Bontempo was asked about the challenges that come along with recording an EP and being a university student, in which he replied that it was challenging—especially balancing school work, social lives, and recording new music. However, having officially graduated from the University of Guelph, the duo can now put all of their energy towards their upcoming EP.
When asked about what the band would like to communicate to their fans with their new EP, Pommer and Bontempo both agreed that they want to let people know it’s okay to be themselves.
“It’s okay to get weird,” said Bontempo.
“Everyone has a few weird things about them,” said Pommer. “It’s okay to show your real personality. You shouldn’t be too reserved, or trying to fit in with the mold that somebody else created. Just be yourself.”
“I think that’s why we call ourselves Hello Harvard—it’s ironic,” said Bontempo. “Everyone can be accepted, why not go to Harvard, right? Who’s to say that you can’t.”
In the meantime, Hello Harvard looks forward to continuing to perform around the GTA, and working on their EP. They hope to return to Guelph for a show soon.