Q&A with Harper Blynn

Harper Blynn just wrapped up a west coast tour with Cary Brothers and Pete Harper graciously took some time from his much needed break to answer our Q&A.  For more information on upcoming tour dates, click here.

Q: Touring is a big part of a musician’s job nowadays, any advice for artists getting into their first years of touring?
A: I wish there was some super special secret to share.  In actuality it’s all about taking every possible opportunity you can get and parlaying it into something useful.  The point of touring is at least as much about getting better at what you do and being convincing as it is about getting some magical opportunity.  That way, if you end up in front of dozens or scores or hundreds of thousands of people, you’ll be ready to kill it.

Q: You are leaving for tour, list 5 things you can't live without on the road.
A: First, let me say that I can live with almost nothing on tour.  I usually bring a tiny duffle bag with four shirts and two pairs of pants.  Everyone is astounded. That said, here goes – and I’ll speak for the whole band:
1) A pair of leather boots with at least two holes in the soles to let the rain in (me)  2) Lots of jewelry and at least 4 stylish jackets (J.Blynn)  3) A hair dryer (Sarab)  4) All necessary chargers for electronics and one pair of sandals (Whynot)  5) Excedrin (all of us)

Q: What challenges have you overcome as an artist, or band, that have made you a better band/artist?
A: When we moved to New York City we went out to see music almost every night.  It beat us into submission.  When you really step out to see what people are doing it can be incredibly daunting.  Such good songwriting, such great playing, really cool sounds, loops.  Everything.  We learned fast that we had to get a LOT better and find our own voice through all the noise.  We certainly made a point to not try to be like any other band specifically, and as a result we wrote a ton of songs and tried them a handful of different ways before it all came together for us the way we liked it.  

Q: What motivates you to continue making music?
A:  If I felt like there was any other way to make myself happy I probably would have jumped ship long ago.  I guess I could meditate or become an alcoholic instead, but for me the best way to keep myself level is to write and play music.  Also, I guess as someone who cares about things outside of myself, being involved in the making of “art” (a dangerous word to throw around) gives me an avenue to deal with my discontents and comment on the things I see.  I wouldn’t condescend to think that it will make a difference that I can see, but at least I have the opportunity to be part of society’s conversations if I so choose.

The first record that had an influence on me becoming a musician was Thriller by Michael Jackson, and the first instrument that I ever owned was a tiny guitar.

Q: If you weren't a musician, what would you be doing?
A: If my life had gone right but I had no musical talent, probably a writer.  If my life had gone wrong, I’d probably be an unhappy lawyer.