Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Carl Harper

I was selling TV’s when I heard the name Carl Harper. I was talking with some relatives of his and they were speaking of some talent in their family that lived over seas. They said that I should listen to his tunes and see what I thought. Well, I did, and I found nothing but incredible lyrics, pure talent in the guitar strings, and a true sense of the word music. This guy understands what it takes to make his heart speak straight to you and he does so in a melodic sense. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Carl Harper.



Where are you from originally?

I was born and currently live in Liverpool, England.

What is it like living in Liverpool?

I really love it here. Every time I enter the city center it looks better then the last time.

How is the music scene over there?

The music is amazing, I always try and get out to see some unsigned bands as often as possible and I am never surprised how good they are.

How often do you visit the states?

Sadly not as often as I would like. I only get over there every few years if that.

What is your first memory of the guitar?

I think my first memory of the guitar was seeing my dad playing one and I remember thinking I want one.

When did you decide to make music a career choice?

I’ve always loved music and when I wrote my first song and people actually liked it, it made me think I could do this as a career. I am now currently studying music technology in college and will be joining University this September.

Are you working anywhere or is music it?

I am currently working part-time delivering furniture for my dad's furniture business whilst in college, but music is definitely the future for me.

Any good beers over there I should know about?

I’m not sure if you have got it over there but I occasionally drink Carling but I usually drink brandy and coke or JD.

Where do you get inspiration to write a new song?

I try and write songs with a story people can relate to, mostly I’ll try and think of a subject and work from that. I am inspired by everyday life.

I hear you are about to be a father. Congratulations. Are you ready for that? (Laughs)

(Laughs) I don’t think anyone is ready at first, but I can’t wait I’ve never been so excited about anything.

How do you think raising a family will affect your music?

I know having a child will give me many more ideas for new songs.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

The major influence’s for me are the Beatles, Paul McCartney, Eagles, The Who more recently Coldplay and Kings of Leon. These are just a few I can think of I’m sure there are many more.

What is the biggest crowd you have played for?

I was asked to do a couple of songs at a local festival; I think there were a few hundred people there.

The smallest?

Apart from family and friends I had a cover gig in a social club there were about 20 people there, if that.

Is there a band behind you or is it just you?

I play solo except from at college gigs when I play as part of our college band.

If you could tour with anyone in the industry right now who would it be?

(Thinks) There are a lot of people out there I would love to tour with, but I think Coldplay would be my first choice at the moment.

What are your thoughts on MySpace?

MySpace is a great way to get your songs out there to the public and I have made many fans through having a MySpace page.

If you could live anywhere else in the world where would you go?

If given a choice of anywhere I would move to America but I’m not sure where about, but I have got family in Indianapolis and I love it there when I visit.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you on stage?

The thing that sticks out in my mind is forgetting the words on one of my songs and everyone noticed so I had to start the song again.

Pepsi or Coke?

Pepsi.

Any word on an album any time this year?

Because of college and a new addition to the family I have very limited time, but hopefully I will have another album completed later on in the year.

What are you drinking on stage?

Water, I may occasionally have one beer. I try not to drink at all, so I am performing at my best and not slurring my words.

How has the Internet helped you in connecting to fans in the States?

The Internet has helped me tremendously because I can communicate with fans all over the world at any time.

PC or Mac?

Mac. I have purchased a Mac Book and Logic Pro to record my songs and I don’t think I’ll ever go back to using a PC to record.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years I see myself as a well known artist / songwriter, writing for myself and other established artists within the music industry.

What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?

Wow what a question. I would like to be remembered as a great songwriter / artist.

I always let the artist get the last word. Go.

If I have the last word I will have to say keep checking my MySpace page for new songs and upcoming gigs and thanks for the interview.

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Saul Ashby

The first time I saw this man’s album cover I knew that it was something I wanted to listen to. Ignore the stereotypical answer that you cannot judge a book by its cover. When I opened this album and began to listen to the pure genius it held I was very impressed. Matching a distinct voice with honest lyrics and a dash of piano and guitar overtones, you have a complete package. He provides an image to fit his music perfectly. It is my absolute pleasure to introduce you to Saul Ashby.

What is your first memory of the guitar?

My dad's old Levin acoustic. He got it when he was a kid from one of his friends' sisters in the 60s. He gave it to me when I was 13. It's worn to pieces, cracked and falling apart, but it's probably the only thing I treasure.

How long have you been playing?

I used to sing along to records when I was little. I started playing drums when I was around 9, which I loved, but a few years later I really wanted to write songs. That's when my dad gave me that guitar.

When did you know that you wanted to take a run at this thing they call music?

I'm not sure. I can't remember ever wanting to do anything else.

Where are you originally from?

I was Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, but I grew up in London. My parents were flat broke, and I think my dad owed some guys a lot of money. We came to London with two suitcases. As kids, he'd tell my brother and I the story of how he went back to pay off his debts with a bag full of cash, a pistol in his pocket and one in his sock. I imagined him being like Clint Eastwood. I loved that story.

Is Saul Ashby your real name?

It's what most people call me.

Do you write all your own lyrics?

I've recently started to co-write a little, but up until a couple of months ago I hadn't written with anybody else. Writing lyrics for me is a very special thing. It's when I feel at peace with myself, like I'm listening to what I have to say.

Where do you get inspiration for a new song?

I carry around a little notebook that I'm always writing in. Observations, bits of conversations...anything really, though it's usually something that's happened or the way I'm feeling that walks me over to wherever my guitar is lying around.

You seem to be a storyteller in those lyrics. Tell me a story.

There's a spider that lives in a hole next to the bathtub in my flat. The spider is huge and has only been sighted a couple of times. I imagine him to be a sweet talking Frenchman, who plays guitar like Django, tempting passersby into his lair with his silky voice and seductive gypsy jazz.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would you go?

I'm quite happy in London for now. I recently moved back from New York. I loved it there, but I always felt like I was an outsider, just visiting. I'd like to spend some more time in France, but I'd drive myself mad there.

What are you drinking on stage?

Scotch.

How did you get hooked up with Disc Makers?

Hooked up implies that they gave me something. I appreciate the free publicity, but I'm not in the pocket with them.

If you could tour with anyone in the market today whom would it be?

Someone I really respect like Paul McCartney, Elton John, Cat Stevens, Tracy Chapman; anyone who could teach me a few good life lessons.

What is the largest crowd that you have ever played for?

A couple hundred people. I haven't played any enormous shows yet.

The smallest?

I'm happy to play to 3 people if they're listening. I'd rather do that than play to a packed room who aren't.

What is your favorite venue to play?

At the moment, it's the Bedford in Balham, South London. There's always a great crowd who love music and come just to hear new acts. The same goes for the Living Room in NYC.

Who designed your album cover?

It was designed by my very talented friends Alex Merto, and Chad Cheverier, who shot the picture.

Where can I get a copy of that album?

You can't, I'm afraid. I sold them all, and it's not getting re-printed. It's still available for download all over the net though, including iTunes, Rhapsody, etc.

Staying single while out there on the road?

There's someone I love, but I think I'm too late and I've messed up too bad.

I love your MySpace design. Who is responsible for that?

A company called Parallel designed it.

Any thoughts on a tour this year?

It would be great, but not just yet. I need to work on my new some some more first.

Do you have a job outside of music?

I worked in a second-hand record store, but I got fired.

If you could be any cartoon character whom would you choose?

Probably Bender from Futurama.

Let’s say that you are offered a record contract but it is someone else’s lyrics and it is a rap album. Do you do it?

I've always wanted to be a hype man on a hip-hop track, just shouting: "Yeeeahhh. What!! What!!" or something like that. But me as a rapper? Don't think I could pull off the swagger.

PC or Mac?

I just got an iPhone, and it's really impressive. I'm not very good with technology though.

What are your thoughts on MySpace?

MySpace is great, but I can't really be bothered with all that. I use Twitter a lot, (@saulashby). It better suits my attention span.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

If you'd asked me this question five years ago, my response would look nothing like where I am now. So let's just wait and see.

What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?

Making honest music, and hopefully making a few people feel better. Or at least not alone.