---
title: "A Symphony in The Taste Gap with Harley Eblen (Billboard #1 String Arranger)"

description: "Strings tell a story. They're so good at making us cry. Why? How does a string quartet fit into a pop arrangement? What is it about simplicity? Harley joins the pod to discuss his journey as a cellist, string arranger, producer, and more. From his hometown Hawaiian roots to his current recording studio, his journey and take on music and music making is sure to help you love music more!"

status: complete

date: 2024-04-30

kind: guest

guestSlugs:
  - harley-eblen

listenUrl: "https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lovemusicmore/episodes/A-Symphony-in-The-Taste-Gap-with-Harley-Eblen-Billboard-1-String-Arranger-e2iu9br"

lmwUrl: "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_toQGrh7pxM"
appleUrl: "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-symphony-in-the-taste-gap-with-harley-eblen/id1567355195?i=1000654017343&uo=4"
spotifyUrl: "https://open.spotify.com/episode/3QmEtQzN4qI989So6M6968"
youtubeUrl: "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpcNG35EZUo"

topicsDiscussed:
  - "Classical and orchestral music"
  - "Creativity"
  - "Music production"
  - "Hawaiian musical roots"
  - "String arranging in pop music"
  - "The emotional power of strings"
  - "Balancing tradition and innovation"
  - "The creative process"
  - "Navigating the taste gap in music"
  - "Voice leading in arrangements"
  - "The role of taste in music making"
  - "Finding one's musical identity"

hostNote: |
  In this thrilling episode of **Love Music More**, we dive deep into the world of strings with our guest **Harley Eblen**, a celebrated Billboard #1 string arranger. Harley takes us on a personal journey, sharing how his Hawaiian roots shaped his love for music and his intricate relationship with strings. Our conversation touches on how strings can elevate pop music to new emotional heights, and by the end, you’ll find yourself appreciating strings like never before.
  
  Listeners can anticipate a fascinating exploration of Harley's thoughts on music theory, arrangement, and the creative process behind string arrangements. His candid insights and unique perspectives are not only enlightening but remind us why the craft of music resonates so deeply with all of us.

selectedMoments:
  - label: "Harley's early music influence"
    startSec: 154
    note: "Harley describes how music was ingrained in him from a very young age, sparked by a Stevie Ray Vaughan CD."
  - label: "Discovering string instruments"
    startSec: 235
    note: "He recalls his first encounter with string instruments in school and how it shaped his musical journey."
  - label: "The classical to pop transition"
    startSec: 317
    note: "Harley talks about moving from classical training to exploring different genres like bluegrass and Irish music."
  - label: "Opening up to creative expression"
    startSec: 394
    note: "He highlights the importance of overcoming fear in order to express oneself through music."
  - label: "The importance of training"
    startSec: 470
    note: "A discussion on the value of music training and the necessity of finding a personal voice."
  - label: "The taste gap explained"
    startSec: 2110
    note: "Harley discusses the concept of the taste gap and its role in a musician's development."
  - label: "Expressive music creation"
    startSec: 3675
    note: "He explains how music serves as his emotional outlet and the joy in mastering his craft."
  - label: "Music as a healing process"
    startSec: 3580
    note: "Harley reflects on music's powerful role in human experience and self-expression."

excerptQuotes:
  - text: "My mom said that when I was two days old she put on a Stevie Ray Vaughan CD and I stopped breathing and just like focused in and listened."
    startSec: 155
    reviewed: true
  - text: "I heard cello on the radio for the first time when I was like nine or ten and I was like that's the thing I want to do."
    startSec: 240
    reviewed: true
  - text: "In hindsight, there was no wrong way to do it. The thing I find most value with, in hindsight, is time with the instrument."
    startSec: 390
    reviewed: true
  - text: "The pursuit of excellence makes life joyful for me; music is my first language."
    startSec: 3676
    reviewed: true
  - text: "Getting to work on projects to heighten other people's work makes me feel the most human."
    startSec: 3684
    reviewed: true

faq:
  - question: "Who is Harley Eblen?"
    answer: "Harley Eblen is a celebrated Billboard #1 string arranger known for his work across various music genres, focusing on elevating pop music with strings."
  - question: "What is string arranging?"
    answer: "String arranging involves composing the part for string instruments within a musical piece, enhancing the overall emotional impact of the music."
  - question: "How did Harley Eblen start his music career?"
    answer: "Harley began his music journey inspired by his Hawaiian roots, starting with violin and eventually focusing on the cello."

transcriptPublished: false

draft: false
---