Eric Harper is a musician with an eclectic array of experience. Born in Arkansas, raised in Portugal, living in Canada, composing for films as far away as China, his varied history comes through in his music. Harper recently spoke to Yorkton This Week about his upcoming tour of Saskatchewan.
“It’s funny, I started out as a metal head as a kid, and when we moved to Portugal my mom signed me up for classical music school, so I basically went from Metallica to Mozart,” Harper said.
“Then, living in Portugal I started visiting Spain a lot, which is where I discovered flamenco music. I started adding these flamenco nuances to my guitar playing, so what I have become was a hybrid between the rock influence of the states and Canada combined with the classical and flamenco nuances of Portugal and Spain.”
That wide range of influences has been an asset for Harper, as he is also a composer for TV and film.
“They call me up to do the craziest and wackiest stuff. Yesterday they wanted a hip hop song, the day before they wanted Mexican romantic music – but not mariachi. Sometimes it’s Chinese pop, sometimes it’s funk, you just never know.”
While having a wide range of influences on his own work, Harper admits that when he wants to make music for himself, he has a clear preference.
“I can take a nylon string guitar and make something unique off of that instrument, that floats my boat.”
The one consistent thing between all of his music, whatever genre he is composing in and the purpose of the music at the end of the day, is that Harper wants to tell stories. That’s also his favorite part of touring, having the chance to tell people the stories behind his music.
“I think we’re hardwired for stories. I think the human psyche takes a lot more out of life when it’s put in the form of a story. So whether I want to talk about something deep or something silly, if I wrap it up in the context of a story it’s a lot better digested.”
The tour will be a intense one, Harper admits, but he’s looking forward to hitting new towns, seeing new terrain and meeting new people.
“My biggest love is performing, and one of the reasons why is I just love people. Different personalities and characters and seeing what inspires people. Hopefully if I do a good job my music can be a contribution to that.”
Harper will be in Yorkton on Feb. 10 at the Anne Portnuff Theatre as part of the Stars for Saskatchewan series.
