1) Samantha Harper (… Read Full Bio ↴There are more than one artist using this name:
1) Samantha Harper (born December 9, 1990 in Bedminster, Bristol, UK) aka "Harper" is a British artist/songwriter now based in East London. With a unique blend of genres Harper's music encapsulates all her favourite sounds, from Dub-step to Folk to Trip Hop, but features intelligent Pop melodies that brand her music 'Pop with an edge'. Working alongside songwriter/production Team, Eagleye, Harper has been developing her sound for the last year. Now armoured with fresh, raw material, Harper is about to make waves with her up and coming EP, to be unveiled shortly.
Harper was raised in South Wales where she attended a performing arts school. Enhancing her talent as a songwriter and vocalist, she then moved to London at the age of 18, where she graduated from the University of Westminster with a commercial music degree. Harper is now a well-established and upcoming artist in the industry specialising in alternative R&B pop, based in South London and currently signed to ICU Label.
Harper has been described in the industry as a woman with many facets to her talent as a vocalist and songwriter. At present she is creating some gritty and dark edged masterpieces with a base driven undertone, which intoxicates the listeners and allows them to resonate with her music.
Her versatility and appreciation for credible and alternative music is sourced from many artists who have been responsible for influencing her direction namely, Kate Bush and Björk, in addition to the Pop giants of her adolescence; Beyoncé and Rihanna.
Harper often finds herself waking up 2am where she is at her most creative and she likens it to Groundhog Day. Through her lyrics, her dreams and fears become reality. Harper has an infectious personality and a great sense of humour and is a self-motivator who continues to create cutting edge music.
Harper released 2 EP’s prior to her single ‘No Love In The Jungle’ which is about seeking happiness in the concrete jungle of London, a place where many find themselves isolated and nervous of the fast moving city. This single is in aid of the NSPCC and The National Autistic Society and will be released on 28th November 2016.
Harper has achieved outstanding success outside the studio where she has collaborated with Conor Maynard on a Drake cover ‘One Dance’. This cover went viral on YouTube with a viewing of 43m and was one of the highest viewed covers in 2016. In addition she has been able to realise her childhood dream of singing at premier league games in front of over 25,000 people. This just demonstrates nothing fazes her and throughout her whole life from the age of 12, she has been performing live at gigs and festivals and her passion, determination and hunger for music will continue to grow for many years to come.
2) Peter D. Harper (born 10 November 1970 in Guildfort, UK) is an Australian-American blues rock harmonica player, singer and songwriter. An amalgamation of blues, soul and world music, this multi award winning Australian singer/songwriter creates a heady mix of roots music through his creative use of the harmonica, and the haunting drone of the didgeridoo. By combining traditional and modern influences, borrowing from Western and World music, Harper has created a highly original take on the roots genre which many have labeled "World Blues". Harper has received an amazing 14 x Music Awards in four different countries. His innovative use of electronic enhancement and feedback, breaks the traditional boundaries of the harmonica, giving his music its distinctive harmonics and effects. The powerful guitar sounds and the unique drone of the didgeridoo create raw yet eerie sonic textures, some how sounding primal and contemporary at the same time. No Depression Magazine,'s (USA) Rod Ames, adds that Harper "has written and arranged some of the most soulful blues rock filled music I have ever heard". Harper is backed by his very talented Detroit based band Midwest Kind.
Born in the United Kingdom, Harper’s musical journey began early, performing in brass bands playing the trumpet and euphonium. At the age of ten, his family moved half way round the world to Perth, Western Australia, and his Grandfather introduced Harper to the harp. In Perth, one of the most isolated cities in the world, there was a thriving blues and folk scene. The blues had a rawness, an honesty and a passion of the soul which spoke to Harper deeply. Then, like every blues lover, Harper began his journey backwards to discover the deeper roots of the music.
"I think Muddy Waters really hit me hard. There was something incredibly special about his sound, his powerful voice and his songs. I would sing his songs constantly. I also really dug Sonny Boy Williamson II as well. I loved his rhythmic use of his harp. I was also inspired by a pretty wide range of players and styles like Little Walter, Sugar Blue and Stevie Wonder who guide me in my harmonica playing. "But Harper did not stop his search with the blues. It was a chance meeting with a Hopi "Dan Running Bear" in Silverton, Colorado, that led him down the path to rediscovering the music of his homeland. Fascinated with the spirituality and culture of the American Natives, he found the same qualities present in the Australian Aborigines of his homeland. On adding the native didgeridoo to his music, Harper says "It is a sound I grew up with, so it seemed natural to add it to my songwriting particularly when the lyrics related to the plight of the Aborigines in Australia. When I added the didgeridoo to the more traditional blues instruments, it worked. The deep woody qualities and its haunting drone seemed to enhance the emotional quality of my stories. The didgeridoo is a spiritual and healing instrument, and it seemed blues music accepted it with open arms. I also owe my life to a tribe of nomadic Aborigines who saved my father and I from starvation when we were trapped at The Fitzroy Crossing (Western Australia), in between two fast flowing river torrents. They gave us enough food and water to last us until the flood had subsided. I feel my music is my way of giving back to these wonderful people".
Prior to his introduction to American audiences, Harper released six albums to great acclaim in his homeland of Australia. Harper received a Gold Record for "Sailing Australia" (America's Cup Theme). Harper had the honor of backing Blues Legend Muddy Waters on harmonica for his West Australian tour. In 1994 he moved to Melbourne, Victoria and released his first album, "Tears of Ice"(New Market). This was followed by "Yesterday Is Over" in 1996 with his band Blue Devil and "Live At The Soup Kitchen" (recorded in Detroit) in 1997 as a soloist. In 2000, he released "Glass on The Stepping Stone" and "Live At St. Andrew’s" in 2002. In 2003 he released "Way Down Deep Inside", for which he received two harmonica awards and “Album of the Year” honor from US Magazine's "Guide to the Best of the Blues Harmonicas & Beyond" USA. Over the years Harper has received multiple Australian Blues Awards for “Male Vocalist of the Year,” “Song of the Year,” and “Acoustic Artist of the Year.”(TREV). Harper was also invited to perform at a Royal Gala Performance for the Queen of England in Perth, Western Australia.
His prolific recording career and memorable stage performances allowed Harper to take his music beyond Australia. He’s played in the USA, Canada, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Italy, Belgium and France. He first started performing in the United States in 1996, and has toured here regularly since. It was on one of these tours that he caught the attention of Blind Pig Records, which made him their first international signing. With a home at a U.S. label and growing appreciation for his music from American audiences, Harper made the permanent move to the U.S. His animated shows have been well received at blues festivals, world music festivals, and by fans of jam band music.Harper has become a huge favorite on the world wide festival scene with an average of 20 to 30 festivals and 200 club dates per year. It was during one of these recent festival appearances that Chip Eagle, Publisher for Blues Revue/Blueswax enthusiastically offered "Harper is the most exciting act on the live scene today". He was also invited to perform harmonica on stage several times with US super group- "Journey".
Harper’s first Blind Pig release and American debut, 2005’s Down To The Rhythm, won accolades from the press for its unique sound and virtuoso performances, coupled with Harper’s compositional skill. “Harper is a crack harp player and he plays the instrument with both speed and efficiency, but it would be a mistake to pigeonhole Harper as just an impressive instrumentalist. He is also a solid songwriter, and a soulful singer with a knack for impassioned sincerity,” said All Music Guide. BluesWax noted, “There is much to enjoy here: clever songwriting, top-notch guitar, powerful rhythms, and some great Harper harp!
”Harper’s second release from Blind Pig Records, Day By Day (2007), provided fans wih another prime example of why his unique roots music style occupies a category of its own. Ramble Magazine raved that Harper's harp and lyrics have " a depth of feeling and thought that is unusual in today's music ..Harper's music is essential. It should be widely heard". Downbeat Magazine added "Harper uses his trump cards- a strong and direct singing voice, a stirring harmonica out of Sonny Boy Williamson 11 and Little Walter , a droning didgeridoo - to give his melodic tunes an excitement that suits his intelligent use of blues rock and soul forms". Blues legend John Mayall loved Harper's songs so much so, that he included " Just What Your'e Looking For" as track 2 on his new CD "Tough" (Eagle Records). Harper's third Blind Pig release "Stand Together" (2010) reached number 10 on the Billboard Charts and number 1 on Sirius XM Bluesville Charts.
Harper's CD “Live at the Blues Museum” (April 16, 2012- Blu Harp Records) was recorded on a cold wintery night on Saturday December 17, 2011 at Canada’s only Blues Museum, Place Concorde, Windsor, Canada. This was a very special evening for Harper as he was inducted into the Blues Museum Hall of Fame before a packed house of rabid music fans. This was also Harper’s first live CD in 10 years and it has proven to be worth the wait. This CD features 15 original tracks, over 75 minutes of playing from his three Blind Pig Releases “Stand Together” (2010), “Day By Day” (2007), “Down To The Rhythm” (2005) and his two independent releases: “Way Down Deep Inside” (2003) and “Glass On The Stepping Stone” (2000). “Live at the Blues Museum” gives the listener a portal to the magic that happens at a Harper concert. Rambles Magazine (USA) describes Harper as “a master Chicago-style harmonica player“. His extraordinary harmonica skills demonstrate electric ferocity to gentle acoustic finesse. Harper’s powerful soulful voice rips through this 15-song set with passion and integrity. His use of the deeply spiritual didgeridoo is definitely not a gimmick, but an extension of his song writing and arrangement skills. Harper’s unique sound is reflected in his use of rhythms and a tribal spirit he experienced growing up in Perth, Western Australia. The listener also catches a glimpse of Harper’s sense of humor and his depth of character. Harper loves to perform and we feel his joy! Harper’s non-stop touring schedule is self evident in the tightness and ease of performance. He is backed by his incredible Michigan based band “Midwest Kind” which features: Mike Howe on Lead Guitar, James Norris on Bass Guitar and Cam Lewis on Drums. Their familiarity with the arrangements and with each other's abilities allows them to elongate the groove giving Harper a great backdrop for his unique songs. "Live at the Blues Museum" got to number 1 on the Sirius/ XM National Radio Charts, USA/Canada. The new CD received "Best Live Recording" award by Blues411, New York, USA. 2012. Windsor, Canada's Television network- CFTV 34 aired "An Evening with Peter D. Harper" in the Spring of 2013. Harper was also nominated for two -2013 Detroit Music Awards- "Outstanding Artist" and "Outstanding Recording". Harper released a new acoustic blues CD with Motor City Josh called "Bare Bones" (Blu Harp Records) in October, 2013 and followed up with a very successful national tour. He also received a 2013 "Happy to Have the Blues Award"- Best Instrumentalist" -"Big City RnBlues Magazine. USA. Harper recently won a 2014 Detroit Music Award for "Outstanding Vocalist". He was also nominated for an incredible FIVE -2014 Detroit Music Awards- "Outstanding Acoustic Vocalist", "Outstanding World Music Vocalist", "Outstanding World Music Songwriter", "Outstanding Acoustic Recording- Bare Bones CD" and "Outstanding Blues Recording- Bare Bones CD". Harper and Midwest Kind was featured on PBS TV- WKAR "Back Stage Pass" in March 2015. This TV presentation is syndicated worldwide.
Harper has been nominated for two 2015 Detroit Music Awards; World Music Songwriter and World Music Instrumentalist.
Harper is at the top of his game with Stand Together" (2010) and his exceptional live CD Live at The Blues Museum (2012) and his acoustic Harper and Motor City Josh Bare Bones CD (2013). These CDs showcase his trademark powerful soulful voice, virtuoso harp playing, haunting didgeridoo, deeply, soulful grooves and unparalleled songwriting and compelling lyrics. With his chops at their best and his band Midwest Kind sharing his vision, Harper will continue to turn heads of audiences who are looking for originality, honesty, passion and skill in modern roots music. A new studio CD will be released in early 2016.
3) Harper is a 12 year old metal singer from the UK. She has been doing covers on her Youtube channel since 2021 and started releasing original music in 2022.
Animal
Harper Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They don't wanna do this, but I know myself
Yeah I know me well
'cause you're only human, I would other kind
Maybe you're too kind,
Tear right through you, like an animal
You gotta let me go
Can't hold me!
You pray on my heart I'm worth, don't cage me,
Unchain me!!
It's un-natural, you won't capture me
Like an animal
Gotta set me free
Am I an animal, animal?
Animal, animal
Animal, animal
Animal, animal
Fighting for the freedom,
To express myself, wanna blame myself
'cause we're only human, and time is precious now
I won't hold you down!
Never be your victim, going for the kill if it makes me feel
More than just a human,
It's un-natural, gotta let you go!
Living for the night, don't want, don't hold me
Can't hold me!
You pray on my heart I'm worth, don't cage me,
Unchain me!!
It's un-natural, you won't capture me
Like an animal
Gotta set me free
Am I an animal, animal?
Animal, animal
Animal, animal
Animal, animal
If I'm not yours
You gotta let me go
'cause i'm not yours
You pray on my heart i'm worth, don't cage me,
Unchain me!!
It's un-natural, you won't capture me
Like an animal
Gotta set me free
Am I an animal, animal?
Animal, animal
Animal, animal
Animal, animal
Animal, animal
The lyrics to Harper's song "Animal" explore themes of self-discovery, independence, and freedom. The opening lines "If I'm only human, why they hang myself, nor explain myself?" speak to the pressure to conform to societal expectations and standards, and the questioning of one's own actions and choices. The repeated refrain of "Like an animal, gotta set me free" speaks to the desire for autonomy and individuality.
The lyrics also touch on the idea of being in a relationship where one person feels trapped or controlled by the other. Lines like "Living for the night, don't want, don't hold me" and "You pray on my heart I'm worth, don't cage me, unchain me!!" express the need for freedom and the rejection of being held down or captive. The repeated questioning of "Am I an animal?" speaks to the desire to break free from societal structures and constraints and to embrace one's natural instincts.
Overall, "Animal" is a powerful anthem about the search for freedom and the struggle for individuality in a world that often values conformity and control.
Line by Line Meaning
If I'm only human, why they hang myself, nor explain myself?
Why am I being criticized and punished for being human and not being able to explain myself?
They don't wanna do this, but I know myself
Others may judge and try to control me, but I know who I am.
Yeah I know me well
I have a clear understanding of my own thoughts and feelings.
'cause you're only human, I would other kind
Because you are not like me, I don't expect you to understand or relate to me in the same way.
Maybe you're too kind, Tear right through you, like an animal
Perhaps your kindness is not enough to handle my strong and raw emotions.
You gotta let me go
You must allow me to be free and independent.
Living for the night, don't want, don't hold me
I value living in the moment and don't want anyone to restrict me or hold me back.
Can't hold me!
I cannot be contained or restrained.
You pray on my heart I'm worth, don't cage me, Unchain me!!
Don't try to control and restrict my emotions, instead, allow me to express myself fully and freely.
It's un-natural, you won't capture me
It is not natural or right for anyone to try and capture my true self.
Gotta set me free
I need to be released and given the space to be myself.
Am I an animal, animal?
Is it wrong for me to express myself freely and passionately like an animal?
Fighting for the freedom, To express myself, wanna blame myself
I am struggling to gain the privilege of being able to express myself without feeling guilty or ashamed.
'cause we're only human, and time is precious now
Because we are only human, we need to make the most of our time and not waste it on trying to control others.
I won't hold you down!
I won't suppress or restrain you.
Never be your victim, going for the kill if it makes me feel
I refuse to be a victim, and I will do whatever it takes to feel fully alive and expressive.
More than just a human,
I am more than just a mere mortal; I have a deep, passionate side to me.
It's un-natural, gotta let you go!
It is not natural or fair to hold onto you, so I must let you go.
If I'm not yours, You gotta let me go, 'cause I'm not yours
If you don't truly belong to me, I must let you go since I cannot control or hold onto you.
Animal, animal
Like an untamed and instinctual animal, I need the freedom to express myself and to live in the moment.
Contributed by Joshua N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Noe Leonas
how is she not in the radio she's gonna go big
Pimena Ionescu
I'm so glad I somehow got to Harper's channel. amazing voice , love her songs!
Ricardo Sigala
OMG. why isn't she more well-known?!?!😮😍
As df
I was thinking the same
Ashley Cothern
I can't stop listening and singing along to your music!! So addicting! Haha 😆😄
Thomas Nott
You have such a beautiful voice, heard you sing live twice at West Ham each time I'm speechless always good to see fellow hammers do well shoot for the stars girl I believe in you 🔨
Brayan Pineda
She has an amazing voice!!!! She's fantastic!!
IN FINITY
What an underdog, such a great voice and talent. Deserves way more recognition.
Grant Pettigrew
Fabulous voice, and a great great song.
Leville Ackerman
So beautiful, can't believe it has so little views...Great work, keep going. :)))