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Harper Starling has quickly emerged as one to watch in the music industry. Since her chart-topping hit “Euphoria”, Harper has continued to impress listeners with her empowering yet vulnerable anthems. Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Harper about her thriving career, her latest single, and more!

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Harper: It came from when my parents played their vinyl records when I was little and I would dance with them. That’s where it started. I have very fond memories of that. I knew that I wanted to pursue this as a full-time career when Lady Gaga performed in my hometown in 2014. That was a defining moment for me.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Harper: Definitely Lady Gaga. Also, my manager Cindy. I’ve grown a lot as an artist with her this past year. I’d also say my mom. Cindy and my mom are the two hardest-working women that I know. They have a very good work ethic. I take a lot of inspiration from that.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success already in your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out to you?
Harper: I would say when I got the news that I had a #1 song on the Billboard dance chart. That was a big moment for me.

PC: It’s been a couple of years since you moved out to LA to pursue your dreams. What’s one thing you know now that you wish you knew back then?
Harper: I wish I hadn’t been so quick to say yes to everything. Trusting my gut and taking my time with my music was the best decision. There are so many different types of people in this industry. I’m very fortunate and lucky to have people in my life that believe in me and my music.

PC: You’ve got a new single out now. Can you tell us about “No More What If” and the inspiration behind the song?
Harper: I had the fortune to work with Cindy Valentine and Niko The Kid. It was a collaboration. Cindy and I had worked on a few previous projects prior to this. As our relationship grew, we realized we both had similar stories of leaving our hometowns to pursue our passion for music.

The song came to Cindy at three in the morning. She came up with this melody and concept and played it for me the next day. I was like, “I love this so much!” As they say, the rest fell into place. She had worked with Niko The Kid on past projects. I love the magic that he puts into the beats. It was very ’80s inspired. That’s how it came to be.

PC: Of all the music that you’ve released, if you had to choose one song that best encompasses who you are as an artist, which would it be and why?
Harper: I would definitely say “No More What If.” The purpose and message of my music is to be empowering and uplifting. I want to spread a bit of happiness in the world. “No Matter What If” was the jumping-off point. It talks about the scariest decision that I knew I had to make if I wanted to make music full time.

PC: As we look ahead to the rest of 2021, what can fans expect from you?
Harper: I have a few singles underway, a holiday song, and an album coming out by spring of 2022.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Harper: Ashnikko.

PC: First album you bought?
Harper: Britney Spears’ Hit Me Baby One More Time.

PC: First concert you attended?
Harper: Maroon 5.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Harper: Lady Gaga’s Born This Way. It helped me through a tough time in life, which was when I was actually starting to debate if this was what I wanted to do with my life.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Harper: The O2, Madison Square Garden, and Coachella.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Harper: Candy.

Watch Harper’s latest music video for “Cannot Tell A Lie”

To keep up with Harper, follow her on Twitter, Instagram, Spotify, and Apple Music.