ok, I'm not in the habit of promoting a musician, but when I like something, I want everyone to know about it. Sooooooooo... while sitting in a chat room a few days ago, yet another person came in asking everyone to listen to his music and let him know what we thought. My immediate thought was, ugh, not the "next big thing" AGAIN...
I clicked on the link, and listened, sure I'd want to turn it off immediately. I didn't. In fact, as I listened to the lyrics, (his voice was so clear, I could actually make them out) I realized this young man was singing about love, TRUE love, and relationships, HEALTHY relationships. I was stunned, and I told him so.
Q Harper's roots are in gospel (isn't that true of ALL the great singers?) where he and his siblings were tied to the gospel choir in his home church in Detroit.
I was in a family singing group, "The Sensational Harper Singers" and singing was more important than our grades in school. People takl about how tough Joe Jackson was, but they never met William Harper! He put me and my siblings through our paces. Everyone thinks I'm new, but I'm a seasoned singer who has been singing since the age of five."
His experience in the church eventually led Q to the ministry just as his parents and siblings were led. But soul music continued to pull at him and in 2008, he heeded the call and recorded his first album, named "One".
Harper loves talking about his live concerts, which he dubs, "The Q Harper Experience", which will indicate what the next CD will sound like.
Every concert I throw is like a party. You'll hear me singing and the band kicking - and we make it blaze. We wreck the place. I get the people involved and they feed off that energy and electricity.
Me: What is your full name?
Q: Quintin Deon Harper.
Me: How did you come to play the acoustic guitar?
Q: Well, as I began to write more and more songs, I needed melody and chord structure, plus I like having my music totally mapped out before studio, so I slowly began to teach myself guitar and piano.
Me: Who are your musical influences?
Q: Donny Hathaway, Daryl Coley, Charlie Wilson, Ray Charles, Al Jarreau, Stevie Wonder, Al Green, EWF, Phyliss Hyman: I'm from the old school when it comes to music. The Emotions are another strong influence.
Me: Your lyrics are positive, uplifting and inspiring. Tell us about them.
Q: I write from the heart and that is what comes across. I want people to hear my music and say that they can relate to it. I write real stuff (reality); my main subject is love and heartbreak, because its real and it happens daily. I don't want people to say I hear your music Q, but rather, say I FEEL your music.
Me: Where can people see you perform?
Q: Well, my name is beginning to get out there, so I might be in your town any day now. I have dates in Chicago for October 30th at the Arie Crown and New Year's Eve. I have a November date in Houston and mostly overseas stuff right now. If you wanna see the Q Harper Experience, call your local promotor and get it booked and we will come tear it up!
Me: Where do you see yourself in 5 years, both professionally and personally?
Personally, happily married, see my 3 wonderful kids make their mark in this world, get them through college and off into their careers, my own full fledged studio, and some travel. Something most don't know about me is I'd to get back into ministry. Sharing the word of GOD and demonstrating the love of God.
Me: Do you have an online presence? If so, where can we find you?
Q: Yes, I do have an online presence. I can be found on Facebook (QHarpertime), on MySpace (qharp), Reverbnation (Q Harper), Youtube (search Q Harper). My official website is down for reconstruction, but coming soon!
Ok people, you need to hear him. Check out Q Harper.
Oh yeah, buy his cd! CDBaby.com/QHarper
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