For episode 253 of the Everything Saxophone Podcast, Donna interviews award-winning tenor saxophonist Harben Kay, who is set to release their third album, The World I Live In (Sulis Records, October 3, 2025).
The album is a deeply personal reflection on identity, transformation, and how change influences creativity. Written over three years of moving between London, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, it captures the beauty and complexity of change. Inspired by Bernardine Evaristo’s Manifesto, Kay explores how both physical and mental shifts shape music and artistry.
The World I Live In marks two firsts for Kay: incorporating spoken word into their compositions and debuting on the flute. Produced by longtime friend and acclaimed pianist Fergus McCreadie, the album also features a rhythm section with whom Kay shares years of musical connection.
Beyond the studio, Kay has carved out an impressive career as a composer and self-managed performer, with tours supported by Help Musicians, Creative Scotland, and Arts Council England. They’ve also shared the stage with the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, Zoe Rahman, Yazz Ahmed, and many more of the UK’s finest talents.
👉 Tune in to hear Kay discuss the making of The World I Live In and how embracing change has shaped their music and life:
Find exactly what you’re looking for in the episode by using the timestamps below:
00:00 How they got into music
06:57 What made them afraid of improvising back then
07:57 How being being in a jazz orchestra shaped them
10:01 Their biggest mentor at Guildhall School of Music & Drama
11:22 Best tip from a mentor
15:48 Their heroes when it comes to playing
17:07 Melissa Aldana’s rigorous practice routine
18:10 Concept of playing quietly by Dayna Stephens
20:19 Harben’s setup during the pandemic
22:00 How and when she got involved with composing
25:07 How to prepare to play duos/trios that don’t have a harmony instrument
28:37 How to self manage when you have a new album to promote
30:35 Self managing albums – pros and cons
35:04 Inspiration behind the new album ‘The World I Live In”
38:11 How to pace spoken word over songs on live gigs
41:17 Listen and reflect to “The World I Live In”
53:04 Listen and reflect to “Virago”
01:05:33 The exercises they do to get resonance in their sound
01:09:46 Thought process when improvising on standards
01:10:50 Where can people find Harben’’s music
01:12:02 Upcoming projects
01:15:06 Equipment and set-up
Harben Kay’s and other related links
- Website: https://www.harbenkay.com/
- Bandcamp: https://harbenkay.bandcamp.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harbenkaymusic/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harbenkay/
- Jamie Anderson episode: https://saxophonepodcast.com/jamie-anderson-from-get-your-sax-together-podcast-ep-128/
- Leah Concialdi episode: https://saxophonepodcast.com/saxophonist-leah-concialdi-how-to-authentically-pitch-yourself-ep-244/
- Harben Kay – Laylow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tN6_kd9CFQ8&t=1s
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