Harper Simon Interview: SXSW 2010

Harper Simon may be the son of Paul Simon, but he's got a distinct sound of his own. The 37-year-old singer-songwriter/guitarist's recently released, self-titled debut solo album is comprised of a healthy mix, including soothing, buttery ballads like 'The Audit' as well feet-shuffling, finger-snapping tracks like 'Cactus Flower Rag.' Audience members who attend his show at SXSW will be treated to these songs and others from his new album.

Describe the sound of your music.

It's kind of a cultural American rock 'n' roll sound.

When did you decide to begin your music career?

I've always wanted to make music. I started things very young and at a certain point it was the only thing I knew how to do. I don't know when I decided to have a music career, but I've been struggling to do something good for as long as I can remember.

What kind of music inspired you growing up?

Well, mostly 20th century music. You know -- mostly psychedelic rock 'n' roll from the '60s, punk rock from the '70s, early rock 'n' roll from the '50s. Also country music from the '50s and '60s. Most of the 20th century I know really well.

What was it like collaborating on your new album with so many talented musicians, including your father?

It was an honor, you know. It was humbling to work with all those musicians. I got to play with great players like Lloyd Green (The Byrds), Steve Nieve (Elvis Costello), Mark Ribot (Elvis Costello) and so many other great players. I have a lot of humility when it comes to other players.

What does this new album mean to you?

It's just something that put me in the game. I had to work very hard to pick my skill sets up several notches where they were weak in order to carry an entire solo project. People have been very generous, the reviews have been very kind and I get to have television appearances and go around performing. [This new album] put me in a good position to make a next album.

What do you consider your biggest accomplishment in your music career thus far?

It would probably be the making of this new album, really. Because I wrote most of it, I co-produced it and produced many of the tracks myself. It takes a lot of work to be able to carry an album yourself.

What is your long-term goal, musically speaking?

I just want to keep making records. Hopefully I have an audience that keeps listening to me, no matter how big or small that audience is. Anyone who works in music or film hopes they have enough of an audience and enough of a critical response to allow them to be funded, to allow them to make records or films.

Have you played at SXSW before?

Actually, I did go one time and I did play with my friend Joan Wasser many years ago. I think the festival has turned into something much bigger since then. This will be my first year playing alone.