Harper Starling
Interview conducted on October 25, 2021
By Dan Locke
Dance-pop artist Harper Starling ahead of her new single/video, “Cannot Tell A Lie,” out October 29th. Despite being diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome at a young age, Harper refused to give up on her dreams of singing and performing. When she steps on a stage, her Tourette’s symptoms subside and are replaced with the ability to soar and achieve her dreams. Her dedication to her craft has led to massive support from tastemakers like Billboard Dance, MTV, and LA Weekly.
What was your upbringing like?
There was a lot of laughter. I also remember lots of performing to those Disney sing-a-long songs.
How did you first discover your love for music?
There was always music on at my house growing up and I would dance with my parents in the living room to whatever was on.
How did you start to write music?
I started writing lyrics down at a young age and always kept those with me.
How would you describe your music?
Pop infused with dance beats and 80s vibes.
What was your first live performance like?
I was so nervous! There were definitely some hiccups, but I’ve grown a lot as a performer since then.
You have composed with some of the top award-winning writers/producers, including; The Jackie Boyz “Carlos Battey” (Madonna, Jason Derulo, Justin Bieber), The Perry Twins (Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez), and Kasia Livingston (Britney Spears, Pussycat Dolls). What do you think makes a good songwriter?
Being relatable and vulnerable. A listener needs to connect to the song.
You are a 3x Billboard Dance Top 40 dance-pop artist! What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
Oh gosh, I’m too embarrassed to admit the title of my first song. I recorded it but never released it!
What is the process of writing your music?
It starts from my vivid imagination and convincing my left side of the brain to cooperate with the right side…lol
Is your song “No More What If” based on your own life story?
It sure is! “No More What If” is about taking chances for your dreams. More specifically, a small-town bubble, Midwest girl moving to Los Angeles. I come from a small town in Wisconsin called “the bubble”.
Tell us about your single “Cannot Tell A Lie,” coming out on October 29th.
Have you ever had a “WTF was I thinking” moment or a fling you’ve regretted? That’s exactly what this song details.
What was it like to work with Cindy Valentine and Niko The Kid on this song?
We all had great synergy together. We had collaborated on both “No More What If” and “Cannot Tell a Lie”. Before the songwriting sessions began, I had worked with Cindy on a few previous projects. During that time, she and I discussed our similar journeys of leaving home in pursuit of something more. One night at 3 am, Cindy came up with the concept and hook for No More What If from our discussions and when she played it for me the next day, I knew it was going to be the lead single. Niko heard what we had worked on, loved it, and put his magic into the mix.
How did you meet Cindy Valentine? Is this the same Cindy Valentine who did “Make it Through the Night”?
The one and the same! I met her through a co-writer I worked with in the past, Carlos Battey of The Jackie Boyz, whom Cindy has known for 15 years.
What is your favorite track on your upcoming album?
It’s a secret because I haven’t announced this particular single yet! But let’s just say, it’s sassy, empowering, and fierce.
What are your feelings about music streaming platforms?
I think it’s a great way to access more music and discover new artists.
The symbol # is known as the number sign, hash, pound sign, and a sharp sign in music. The symbol has historically been used for a wide range of purposes Since 2007, widespread usage of the symbol to introduce metadata tags on social media platforms has led to such tags being known as “hashtags”, and from that, the symbol itself is sometimes called a hashtag. Do you think that people are forgetting that the # is a part of music?
Yes, in my world it symbolizes sharp as opposed to a minor so isn’t it nice that the hashtag in social media considers itself sharp?
Digital vs. vinyl?
Depends on the situation. If I’m working out or in the car – digital; if I’m vibing out at home – vinyl.
What song from the past is on your mind right now? Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you?
“Dancing in the Dark” by Bruce Springsteen. It’s one of my favorite songs that I listen to when I need to release all the energy inside and clear my head.
If “Video Killed the Radio Star” do you think that the Covid-19 virus has killed live music? Do you feel the Covid is going to affect the music business going forward?
I don’t think anything can kill live music but the industry has definitely been affected. Going forward, I think there will be stricter rules in place to keep everyone safe during live shows.
What did you do to fill your time during quarantine?
Music, music, and more music! I also spent a lot of time with my roommate’s cats and working out.
How did you stay healthy during the pandemic?
Physically – lots of vitamins, water, and rest. Mentally – getting plenty of sunshine, ready uplifting books, and Zoom calls with friends.
Did you discover or rediscover new hobbies?
I discovered I love to paint. It was quite therapeutic during the pandemic.
How would you like live shows to be held in a way that still keeps you and your fans safe?
I think providing proof of vaccination would be helpful.
In the past, if a musician stopped doing music, they have found new career paths. For example, David Lee Roth from Van Halen became a licensed EMT in NY for 6 years, San Spitz (guitarist for Anthrax) became a master watchmaker, Dee Snider (Twister Sister) voice over work for SpongeBob SquarePants. If you could no longer do music, what would you like to be doing?
I’d either be a choreographer or working with children.
What or where is your happy place?
Although I’m highly allergic to animals, they are still my happy place.
Anything you would like to say in closing.
I’m excited to announce that I will be touring in the UK in 2022, performing at the Living Legends award show during Grammy week, and have an album coming out in spring of 2022!
