Life is a journey. We will all go through things when the time is not right. BUT, those of us that are willing to hold on and push through will be rewarded for the patience when things seem to fall right into place. Our new friend James Anthony Wolff has hit this point with the launch of his new project Harvest Runes.
The NYC based composer and multi-instrumentalist has been writing and recording music for many years on the side of his daily mainstream life. But it seemed that the technology was not advanced enough to see his music come to life as he saw it. Now with the advancement of modern recording, mixing, and mastering technology new life has been brought into years of songwriting to create the cinematic indie rock sound that had been bouncing around inside his mind for all these years. Harvest Runes is ready for its debut.
Now the music from Harvest Runes is coming fast and furious. The 4th album, The Weight of Shadows is set for this spring through Sungate Records. Prepare to be encapsulated by the songs. For a taste of the depth of the cinematic indie-pop sound have a listen to tracks like “Lost Lonely Stranger”
What begins as a minimalistic keyboard noodling sound with soft emotional vocals soon erupts into a full fledged indie rock banger with layer upon layer of sound. The influences of bands like Radiohead are immediately evident. This sonic build will draw the listener deep into the music.
For an even faster but innovative rock feel check out tracks like “A Fast Life That Goes Nowhere” and “String Theory” with its hard and soft dynamic meshed upon its layers.
We had the chance to catch up with Wolff of Harvest Runes to get a little deeper into the journey. Enjoy the interview here:
First off, how did the name Harvest Runes come to be?
When it came time to name this project, I wanted something with weight—something evocative but open-ended, allowing the music to shape its meaning. The label and I sifted through dozens of ideas, refining the list until we found one that truly clicked.
I kept coming back to the idea of runes—symbols of mystery, fragments of a larger story. That’s how my music feels to me—pieces of emotion and memory carved into sound. And the idea of “harvesting” them? That’s the process—collecting, shaping, and bringing them to life. Harvest Runes felt like more than just a name; it felt like an invitation into something bigger.
How would you describe your sound?
It’s indie rock at its core but with a deep classical influence that shapes everything—melodies, structure, instrumentation. It moves between expansive, cinematic moments and raw, intimate ones. Each album has had its own unique identity, but certain musical instincts always shine through, no matter the style. Looking back, I can hear the patterns—things I didn’t even realize were there at the time. That’s the part that makes it undeniably mine.
Which artists have had the biggest influence on your music?
There are too many to name, but a few that shaped me early on: John Lennon, Brian Wilson, Robert Fripp, Jon Anderson, Roger Waters, Peter Buck, and Trent Reznor. Then there are the modern voices—Ben Gibbard, James Mercer, Tim Rice-Oxley, and of course, the influence of bands like Radiohead, Beck, and The Postal Service. I pull inspiration from everywhere, and every album reflects a different blend of those influences.
You took a well-deserved break. What keeps you motivated to restart the journey of releasing new music?
For a long time, it felt impossible. Without label support, finishing an album the way I wanted just wasn’t financially sustainable. Bandmates came and went, life pulled people in different directions, and when tour opportunities actually came up, we couldn’t take them because of day jobs. After a while, I had to step away—it just wasn’t realistic anymore.
But I never stopped writing. And over time, with new resources, better connections, and the right label behind me, I realized I finally had the support to do this the right way. That’s what keeps me going—knowing I can actually bring these songs to life the way I always envisioned.
How does a song come together for Harvest Runes?
It always starts with a motif—maybe a chord progression, a verse melody, something on the keyboard that sparks a direction. I methodically shape the harmonic foundation first, then move to the chorus, then lyrics. Because of my classical composition background, I like to map things out on paper first, sketching arrangements before recording.
Once the structure is there, it’s about layering—fleshing out instrumentation, refining textures, making each element fit. Some songs come together fast; others sit for years before they feel right. It’s all about patience and knowing when a track has finally found its form.
What do you hope the listener takes away from a Harvest Runes track?
I want these songs to be something personal for the listener. The best music doesn’t just tell my story—it becomes part of yours. Whether it’s a single lyric, a melody, or just a feeling, I want these songs to resonate long after the music stops.
You recently signed with a New York City indie label. How did that come about?
Sungate Records saw potential in what I was working on, and it felt like the right fit. They get my sound, my vision, and they’re committed to supporting their artists in a way a lot of indie labels don’t. After years of trying to push through the industry alone, finally having a team behind me makes all the difference.
What does the future look like for Harvest Runes?
Right now, I’m working with the label on Weight of Shadows, my fourth album. This one is huge for me—it’s a collection of my favorite unreleased tracks from my first three albums, refined and finally ready to be heard.
At the same time, I’m recording my fifth album, which is a big shift from anything I’ve done before. It’s more electronic, more introspective—somewhere between The Postal Service, Tycho, and M83. It’s an evolution, and I’m excited to see where it leads.
I’m also putting together a live ensemble for select shows later this year. I’ve missed playing live, and now that I have a full back catalog and an album on the horizon, it finally feels possible again. And beyond that? Keep building, keep growing, and—who knows—maybe work toward that first Grammy nomination. One step at a time.
Soak in and keep up with new Harvest Runes happenings on their WEBSITE.
