harper
Toronto artist blog.
Harper recently caught my attention with his single "Styrofoam," making it onto my radar as one of the standout tracks in the underground Toronto scene this year. I featured it as the track of the week due to its exceptional quality. Harper's contribution to the scene is unique, bringing a beautiful sound that hasn't been fully explored in the underground. What's intriguing is that despite his distinctiveness, Harper is becoming one of the most likely to go mainstream, with a sound poised for mass appeal. His voice, marked by its beauty and considerable range, is a standout feature. This is complemented by Harper's excellent production choices, evident in the mesmerizing guitar riffs and acoustic drums in "Styrofoam." The song resonates with purpose and emotion, filling a void often found in contemporary music. Taking a deeper dive into Harper's discography reveals its minimalistic nature, comprising only seven releases and a total of twelve songs.
Despite this brevity, Harper has left a significant impact in a short time. While his recent releases define his evolving style, the essence of Harper can be traced back to his first official single in 2021, titled "I Don't Know (Plz Don't Ask Why)." Back then, he operated under the name Harper Gordon, a moniker he would shed for simplicity, adopting just "Harper" in subsequent releases. The shift in his sound became more apparent in 2022 with the release of "Song from a Psycho's Basement," a track that showcased Harper's current style. It marked a departure from his earlier heavily edited sound, introducing a more refined approach. The song's beauty lies in its emphasis on vocals, with the first half characterized by mild and laid-back production, setting an atmospheric tone. However, a notable change occurs when the beat drops at 1:03, injecting the song with energy and impact. Harper's music stands out for its multi-dimensional nature, a stark contrast to the one-dimensional quality found in much of contemporary music.
His voice and cadence are almost iconic, delivering a unique and dreamy quality that is hard to articulate but undoubtedly leaves listeners wanting more. "Song from a Psycho's Basement" exemplifies Harper's evolving skill set and talents, signaling further growth and improvement. Fast forward to 2023, and this year proves to be Harper's most consistent and action-packed. It kicked off with his first and only project, "Waiting Room," featuring six tracks, including five new singles such as "Waiting Room," "Under the Sofa," and "Hard to Ignore." The project is a beautiful testament to Harper's artistry, with intentional and purposeful music that feels deeply personal. Each song elicits a unique sensation, a testament to the quality of Harper's work. Noteworthy is the brevity of most songs, with many clocking in at under two minutes. This intentional choice enhances their accessibility, making it easier for listeners to dive into and digest each track.
The shorter duration also prompts a desire to replay the songs, as the satisfaction at the end of each feels incomplete. "Hard to Ignore" emerges as a personal favorite, evoking a different emotional state with its beautiful piano melody and soft, angelic vocal performance from Harper. It's a song that creates a memorable and immersive experience, showcasing Harper's ability to convey depth and emotion through his music. Throughout the year, Harper continued to release singles like "Out of Place" featuring Seago, "Could've Been" where he was featured, "Milkshake Poem," and my personal favorite, "Styrofoam." In this short span, Harper has become one of my favorite artists from the city, his creativity and artistry standing unmatched. His production skills are among the best I've heard, and his vocal cadence remains one of the most unique and well-rounded. Harper is a complete package waiting to be discovered, making his mark as a rising star in the music scene.
Written by Maxim Bayarsky
