Harper Starling – Euphoria

By starrymag | June 1, 2018

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) It’s dance-pop with a splash of 80s mixed in. I am in love with the 80s. Everything from the big hair, to the over-the-top fashion, the neon colors and the synthesizers. I also grew up listening to hard rock bands like Led Zeppelin, Guns N’ Roses, AC/DC, Aerosmith, etc. so I like my music to have an edge to it as well.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I’m influenced by quite a few artists. The biggest one would be Lady Gaga. I love her infusion of disco and pop. Her lyrics are clever (especially “Poker Face”) and she has a clear, distinct message. I am strongly influenced by Michael Jackson whose melodies have transcended decades. His songs are iconic. I am also strongly influenced by Queen. They are probably my favorite band. Their harmonies are the best in the business. It’s rock n’ roll at its finest. Freddie Mercury is a genius and his songs have been some of my favorites ever since I was five years old.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Euphoria.”

 

A) I had the pleasure of writing “Euphoria” with Kasia Livingston who has written for Britney Spears, The Pussycat Dolls and Jessica Simpson among others. We have very similar personalities and she was such a joy to work with. I saw the word “euphoria” while reading an article online and that word spoke to me. It’s quite powerful and I know it isn’t normally used in song lyrics. After reading that word I started listing what it means to me and came up with this concept of feeling “euphoric” after letting go of one’s fears and being yourself. Kasia loved the concept. We went from there and as they say, “the rest is history.”

 

Q) How did you come to work with The Perry Twins on this track?

 

A) I am so honored to have The Perry Twins on this track with me. They are prestigious DJs and have worked with powerhouse artists including Beyonce, Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Calvin Harris. When I wrote the song with Kasia, we had written it on the piano. I love what The Perry Twins have done with the production of the song. They still kept the message of the song, but all the little nuances that they added brought out another side to “Euphoria” and elevated it. They are also incredible to work with and incorporated some 80s elements as a nod to my (healthy) obsession with that decade.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I think everyone at some point in their life is afraid to let go of their fears and just be themselves. Whether it is earlier or later in their own lives, it is a pivotal moment when they let go of that uncertainty and that decision remains engrained in their minds. I wanted to create a positive and uplifting song about that moment that others can connect and relate to. I am so happy with how well the song is being received.

 

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) The video coincides perfectly with the message of the song. You see this guy dancing throughout Los Angeles and he doesn’t care who is watching or what they think of him. He is enjoying the moment and expressing who he is. He is in his own euphoric world. The great thing is you see others’ reactions of him and they are genuinely happy to see him dancing on the streets. It’s beautiful to watch.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) A lot of the time, lyrics come easier and I always have a concept and message in mind when starting a song. I think that really helps shape what the production will sound like. Other times, I let the production take lead and after listening to the beats a couple of times I start singing melodies and work my concept into that. I always have an ongoing list of voice memos in my phone of melody ideas or lyrics that come to mind.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) I definitely have a hand in the production of my music. While it is not my forte, I still know what specific sounds I like and want to incorporate in a song. As the producer goes through their mix and experiments with different sounds, I will give song references for each particular instrument. Then, we go through the song together and listen to different sounds similar to that song reference. When I hear a sound I like, we will mark that and find a way to use it in the song.

 

Q) Will there be a full EP or album coming in the near future?

 

A) Yes, I am very excited to announce that there will be an EP coming in the near future. I can’t give too many details yet, but there has been a lot of music that I have been working on these past couple of months that I am excited to share with the world. I will also be releasing a few singles before that as well.

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live Harper Starling performance?

 

A) Lots of energy. I never ever want to bore viewers. EVER. There will be lots of sequins, disco balls, dancing, and 80s nostalgia. Of course, I don’t want to give all of it away just yet. It’s nice to spice things up and leave a little mystery. I definitely consider myself a performer first and foremost, so viewers can definitely expect to be entertained.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) I am incredibly honored and grateful to have performed at Avalon in Hollywood. This is an iconic venue and artists like Lady Gaga have played there. I am also proud to be performing at The Abbey and RAGE in West Hollywood. I love the energy and the love that I have received in West Hollywood and am proud to be an ally for the LGBT community.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) I know I’ve mentioned her before, but I would love to collaborate with Lady Gaga in the future. I am a Little Monster through and through and she brings such power and energy to every song. We also have very similar messages and I think we’d work well together. I would also love to collaborate with Sia. She is such a beautiful singer and songwriter. I am in awe of her talent.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) I know this is an old band, but I am listening to Queen on repeat lately. They have such anthemic songs that are empowering and really put me in a good mood. I always feel like I can conquer anything after listening to their songs (especially “We are the Champions”). I am also listening to Marina and the Diamonds a lot lately, especially her Electra Heart I love the tone of her voice and her songs all have a deep message behind them.

 

Q) As someone with Tourette’s syndrome, what misconceptions would you like to clear up?

 

A) I think the biggest misconception about Tourette’s is that we can’t help but to swear a lot and at inappropriate times. That is only the case in about ten percent of cases with Tourette’s, but that is the only one that is portrayed on TV and in the movies. The most common tics are motor tics, which involve excessive flexing of the muscles especially in the limbs and neck, which is the case for me. The great thing is that when I am dancing and singing, the tics go away.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) Social media allows fans to have a more personal relationship with the artist. It gives fans a chance to view an artist in their everyday lives and communication with an artist is much more accessible. News and updates for an artist and his/her music is now immediate as opposed to hearing about it in the news or a magazine back in the day.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) I would first and foremost love to say a massive thank you to the fans. It is because of them that I do what I do. The love and support I have received is such a blessing and I do not take anything for granted. We can change the world with our love and positivity. I encourage everyone to keep being themselves and to follow their dreams. Sparkle on my loves!

 

 

“Euphoria” by The Perry Twins Featuring Harper Starling