Content note: This article contains brief mentions of depression and suicidal tendencies.

Dating me is like a Cambridge term, by the

Fifth week you are completely burnt out

Emotionally destroyed and suicidal.

These lyrics are those of a recent hit Dating me is like a Cambridge term — an acoustic pop single with energetic staccato piano and comic backing vocals. The song’s reference to Cambridge’s term cycles, its dark-humoured reference to toxic relationships, and unconventional, intentionally sarcastic self-ridicule were potential reasons that brought the hit to garner over 200,000 views on TikTok over a two-week period.

The songwriter, instrumental artist and singer behind this piece is none other than Hertfordshire-raised, Cambridge alumna Louise Harris. Since graduating with a psychology degree from Fitzwilliam in 2019, Louise has only had eyes for music.

For Louise, Cambridge definitely played a role in her music career. She started writing songs for the first time in her second year – when she started to believe that music could be the career for her. She performed at Cambridge May Balls, which was her first proper performing experience outside of local pubs back home in Hertfordshire. Among all experiences, one St John’s May Ball audition was particularly inspiring for Louise herself, as her performance of Valerie by Amy Winehouse and the positive response she received was an extra boost to her decision to formally head into music. Louise affirms further that the music path is one that she does not, and will never, regret. ‘Every career has its own challenges and difficulties, but it’s about what sets you on fire, what makes you feel alive’.

Louise’s psychologist background has also played a peculiar role in her songwriting. In the previously mentioned hit Dating me is like a Cambridge term, the witty lyrics were created during a certain pensive dusk at five o’clock in the morning, while she reflected on her past with men. From implications of male chauvinism (‘too many cocky thugs who say I’m meant to be their wife’) to emotionally-draining relationships (‘emotionally destroyed and suicidal’), Louise ultimately presents her song with the art of self-mockery (‘all boys, they try to date me; they don’t know that I’m crazy’) — mainly with inferences of what has been said to her in a past toxic relationship. However, the acoustic, catchy, seemingly light-hearted piano beats in the song, along with humorous references to relatable Cambridge experiences (particularly the depressing Week Five blues), is a manifestation of how Louise manages to laugh off a disquieting experience and make a ‘final comeback’.

Dating me is like a Cambridge term also comes with a music video, which Louise describes passionately: ‘given the title of the song, there was no other place I could film it really! But I also wanted to almost do a tribute to my time at Cambridge, because it was the best 3 years of my life. In the music video I visit my college, Fitzwilliam, the house I lived in during second year, the ADC theatre, the River Cam, King’s Parade and the University Library. It was so lovely revisiting all those places, which hold a lot of fond memories for me. I also make lots of inside jokes and hidden references that Cambridge students can hopefully relate to!’

Louise suggests that the concept of the filming is simple: ‘I’m walking, singing, dancing and sprinting around Cambridge – I’m even throwing oranges at one point – because it feels so free to just be me and not care what anyone around me thinks. And that’s the entire spirit of everything I do, in music and in life. I’m unapologetically myself and try to always let go of irrelevant things. My hope is that people feel as free and happy when listening to this song as I did when I filmed the video.’

“A common thread in my songwriting is that it’s emotionally-driven, so there is more scope for people to relate. I’m not talking about specific events, just general emotional states and experiences I think everyone relates to.”

Aside from Dating me is like a Cambridge term, Louise has worked with DJ star ØZKAR from the Netherlands to produce the EDM single Make it Right. Her musical style is broad, ranging from ‘emotional ballads to upbeat pop bangers to dance collaborations’ and this matches well with her passionate spirit. ‘I guess I want listeners to relate to the music, to feel something and to connect to something in their own life’, Louise explained with the hope that her lyrics, with whatever story they tell, connect to people in some way. ‘I just want people to make it their own almost, hopefully they just enjoy it … whether it puts them in a good mood, or helps them work through something ... all of that is good news for me’.

‘A common thread in my songwriting is that it’s emotionally-driven, so there is more scope for people to relate. I’m not talking about specific events, just general emotional states and experiences I think everyone relates to.’ Ultimately, Louise’s goal is simple — to make people feel ‘less alone’, and to not only ‘be themselves’, but ‘unapologetically themselves’ without any shame or fear.

For now, Louise is strategically building an artist career — releasing singles every two to three months. Her music drive is strongly inspired by artists such as Matt Maltese and Imagine Dragons while her artistic vibes are often compared to that of British singer Lily Allen. Louise has already gathered positive evaluations from famous names in the UK industry such as Kat Bawden (PR for Tones and I), John Earls (NME journalist), and most recently Tom Robinson from BBC Radio 6 Introducing, who on his mixtape compared Louise’s song Dating me is like a Cambridge term to the revenge songs of Bob Dylan and Lily Allen. Many anticipate much more to be seen from Louise Harris.

For more information on Louise Harris’ music profile, please visit her Linktr.ee page.