PJ Harvey has long been a beacon of inspiration for countless guitarists, with artists like Nilufer Yanya, Lorde, and Sky Ferreira citing her as a significant influence in their music. However, when it comes to her own guitar inspirations, Harvey doesn’t have to look far.
Throughout her career, Polly Jean Harvey has acknowledged various influences, especially as her sound has evolved from punk roots to the intricate folk style of her more recent work. She has often mentioned Captain Beefheart as an important influence, recalling how his music once made her feel ill as a child, yet they became friends later in life. She noted, “I learned an enormous amount from him. He was just full of enthusiasm to tell me about things I should listen to and artists I would enjoy.”
Another major influence for Harvey is Bob Dylan, whose impact, she believes, transcends music, elevating him to a new level of artistry. Beyond music, she draws inspiration from folklore and politics, reflecting her diverse interests.
Yet, the most significant influence on her guitar playing has always been close at hand. “John taught me everything about playing guitar,” she revealed in an interview with The Guardian, naming her bandmate John Parish as her primary inspiration and guitar hero.
Harvey first met Parish in 1988, shortly after she began learning the guitar. He dedicated countless hours to teaching her the necessary parts for their band, Automatic Dlamini, where they collaborated for several years, establishing a strong musical bond that continues to this day. Harvey described Parish as her mentor, saying, “I learned everything from him regarding guitar playing. If I ask him to play a part that I initially played, it sounds like me, or I sound like him, because he taught me how to play.”
The chemistry between them is palpable, with Harvey noting, “We have the same feel. That’s why it’s so natural when we work together. With someone like John, who’s a lifelong friend and whom I trust implicitly, I know I can say to him, ‘Can you make this music for me to play with?’ and it will be exactly right.”
Even after Automatic Dlamini disbanded and Harvey launched her solo career with albums like the 1993 release Rid of Me, Parish remained a steadfast presence in her life. While Steve Albini is often recognized as a key collaborator in Harvey’s development and sound, Parish’s influence endures, shaping her style through their shared musical journey and friendship.
Today, John Parish still performs at PJ Harvey’s gigs, reflecting their deep musical connection that has evolved over years of collaboration, friendship, and even joint projects like their 2009 album A Woman a Man Walked By. Their bond remains as strong as ever, continually inspiring each other in their musical endeavors.
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