Gearing up for her upcoming debut live performances across the UK, LA-based singer/songwriter Harper Starling opens up to LOCK about her anticipations, rehearsing for the Wanted tour. Feeling grateful for everything, Starling talks about moving from a small town to LA and the self-love aspect of her new single ‘Say My Name (Why Don’t Ya Babe).’
Hi Harper, thank you very much for chatting with us. How are you doing today? What are you up to?
Thank you for having me. I am ecstatic this morning because I just landed in the UK for the first time! I’ve been wanting to visit here for so long. There’s so many places I wanna visit but I’ll have to wait until after my rehearsals for The Wanted tour!
Are you excited for your upcoming UK tour with The Wanted?
1000%. Ever since I heard their song, ‘Glad You Came’ I’ve been a huge fan so it’s an honor to be touring with them! I still can’t believe all this is happening.
What song are you most excited to perform?
‘No More What If’. It was magical and very organic the way that song came together with my co-writers and producers.
Do you have any tricks on how to stay grounded while being on the road?
It helps having my awesome manager with me and talking to my parents while out touring. Talking to them reminds me of how far I’ve come but to still stay humble about everything.
When did you realize you would like to be a singer?
Not counting those Disney sing along songs, I’d probably say high school. The big “sign” though, came from Lady Gaga who performed ‘Born This Way’ in my hometown and I knew that was what I was meant to do.
Who did you look up to from the music industry when growing up?
The one and only Britney Spears! She was mesmerizing on stage.
What would you say was the main driving force for your move to Los Angeles?
A Los Angeles team saw my Summerfest performance and suggested I make the move to where the majority of my style of music is born.
Is living in LA what you’ve imagined it to be?
For the most part. It was definitely an adjustment as the city is huge and I grew up in a small town. The palm trees and music scene are a major plus though!
You have the power to empower other girls in the world, what do you want your music to represent?
I’d like for my music to represent self-love, living your truth, and empowering others. There’s an overall positive and uplifting vibe to my songs.
When you’re feeling down, what is a song that always pick you up?
Dancing in the Dark by Bruce Springsteen. Works every time.
How do you think you’ve grown and improved since your debut release?
I’ve become stronger vocally and lyrically. I also have a lot more confidence in myself as an artist and a young woman.
Your upcoming single ‘Say My Name (Why Don’t Ya Babe) is the first release of the year, why did you choose this track to start off the year?
This track is the perfect way to start a new year as it’s about a transformation from within and learning to love yourself. New year, new you.
What is the backstory to the single?
I had the honor of collaborating with Cindy Valentine and Joe Cruz on this track who are both incredibly talented and have worked with so many great artists in the industry. We really liked the idea of transformative self-love sung over some funky beats.
Are you working on any new material at the moment? If yes, what is inspiring you the most right now?
Yes, there is a TON of new material that I can’t wait to share with the world! There’s so many things that inspire me, from my life experiences to my fellow collaborators ideas, even words on a page!
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