Harper and Midwest Kind
A conversation with Peter D. Harper—March 2020
-D.E. Bentley:
Hi Peter. Thanks for taking some time to share with us in advance of your April 21, 2020 planned return visit to Fanatics Pub, in Lima, NY.
First, here’s me wishing that your family and friends in Australia are making out okay. So many areas of the country—including Western regions near Perth, where you lived as a child, and Melbourne, Victoria, where you lived as an adult—have been devastated and are only recently starting to see some relief from the wildfires.
-Peter D. Harper:
Thank you Darlene. 2019 was Australia’s driest and hottest year on record. The fires have been absolutely devastating. A billion animals killed, thousands of homes lost and many people also lost their lives. I feel so sad for Australia!
It looks like you and Midwest Kind have lined up tour dates in multiple U.S. states in the months ahead. When I heard you were in some southern states, I was tempted to use that as an excuse to feel some warmer rays a bit sooner. Still, I was super excited to hear that you would be back at Fanatics—and other New England area destinations—to heat up the stage in advance of our summer. What exciting changes and adventures have you and the band encountered since last we met?
I guess the most exciting thing to happen is the release of our new CD “Rise Up,” which came out on February 11th. It actually had its debut at #3 on the Billboard charts which was pretty cool. We’ve been touring heavily since January and the new tunes are sounding great live. The feedback from fans and reviewers has been absolutely amazing!! It’s nice to know that people are digging my new music. The band is now a 5 piece. In addition to Austin Johnson (guitar), Lee Lewis (bass, backing vocals) and Reggie Wilson (drums), we now have Bobbi Llewellyn on vocals and percussion.
After a hop around to Delaware, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Maine, you will be back in our area at Naples Elementary School. I know that educational outreach is important for you and Bobbi Llewellyn. What do you have planned for this group of area young people when you swing back into New York later in April?
We’ve been visiting the Naples Elementary School for many years now. We typically do a concert and talk about Australia’s art, music and culture. We feature the Australian indigenous instrument of the didgeridoo and talk about good environmental policy. They have a wonderful music program at this school, headed by Julie Austin.
For folks who have not familiar with you and the band, what can the audience at Fanatics look forward to on April 21 (or when next we are able to see you)?
My music is all original featuring the harmonica and the didgeridoo, peppered with some great guitar and three-part harmonies. Roots music with a world music twist, is how I describe what I do. We have a really fun show and love to interact with the audience. We will be playing all the tunes from the new “Rise Up” CD.
How exciting about the new CD…will definitely need to pick up a signed copy, to add to my collection.
You previously shared that trumpet and *euphonium—along with the harmonica, which you first explored in the thriving folk and blues scene in Perth—were your earliest instruments. I really enjoy your performances on the didgeridoo. How did you discover this instrument, and why is it an important part of your musical journey and your sound?
The didgeridoo kind of happened by accident. I had always been a singer/ harmonica performer. A didgeridoo player, named Steve Davies, asked if he could jam with me at one of our shows in Australia. I was surprised how well the didgeridoo worked with my songs. I loved the deep woody tribal feel it brought to my music. I asked Steve to join the band and he toured with me in Australia, the USA and Canada for a couple of years. When he decided to move on, I decided to learn to play myself. It took several years to master the instrument, I think having the background as a euphonium / trumpet/ harmonica player, really helped me.
With songs like “We Stand Together,” from Live At the Blues Museum— that speak to aboriginal rights, while offering a call for global peace—it is evident that you want to share a message through your music. What does that message include? Do you believe that musicians, creatives in general, should use their arts to move toward change, or is that just part of your personal journey?
I have always promoted peace /environmental and social justice through my music. I do believe that artists should have a message. While I do use my art to encourage positivity and change, I do it subtly. I never force my views on my fans. The lyrics of my songs can affect people in many different ways according to their own personal journey.
How are you balancing your time these days? You have many tour dates lined up. Will you also be spending some time in the studio? How about other educational initiatives closer to home?
I am doing the same amount of dates as I typically do. I am writing for other artists as well, so yes, more time in the studio is on the agenda. We have recently received an arts grant in Michigan to present “The Australian Didgeridoo Workshop”, which I am really looking forward to.
Speaking of home, I’m curious, what musical and geographic forces attracted you to Detroit, Michigan. Why is this area now home, and can you sum up the musical scene there?
We met a guy from Detroit, who worked for GM, in Melbourne Australia, years ago. He became a very good friend and encouraged me to tour the US. We would always begin our tours in Michigan. We had friends who gave us a place to stay and helped us out with the lay of the land. I moved to Michigan with my wife Bobbi, after signing a record deal with Blind Pig Records, who had their start in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Detroit is coming back!!! Many new businesses are opening, lots of music venues and interesting artsy small businesses are thriving. Detroit is a cool city and it has a massive jazz scene!
We last had the pleasure of hearing you perform on January 21, 2019, the night of a blood wolf full moon eclipse. Your next planned visit, also on lucky 21, has Lyrids Meteor Shower about to peak. Heh, I know you can’t plan these things, but for me it highlights the kind of magic that follows Harper and Midwest Kind. We know it will be an exciting night when we are next able to take in the sights, sounds and magic of Harper and the Midwest Kind. See you then!
Thank you for the kind words. My band and I are really looking forward to upcoming shows and meeting up with you again.
Thank you Peter. Be well! And keep spreading the peace and joy!
*A large, conical-bore, baritone-voiced brass instrument that derives its name from the Ancient Greek word meaning “well-sounding” or “sweet-voiced.”
Can’t get out to hear the great music you love, or perhaps something new—like Harper and Midwest Kind—then find them online (and buy a CD while there).
HARPER AND MIDWEST KIND LIVE
I cant Stand This -Headliner-Mammoth Lakes Bluesapalooza California USA
Big Brown Land/ When The Levee Breaks – Headliner at Old Towne Blues Fest, MI, USA, PBS TV Backstage Pass Television Series
Aint Love Blind – Headliner at Old Towne Blues Festival, Michigan, USA
Show Your Love – Bohm Theatre