John Alex Harper’s debut album “Artwork by Funktional People” is an 8-track project featuring a slew of talented artists also native to John’s hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina. The project is highlighted with insightful lyricism and a variation of sounds that are complemented by John Alex’s versatile style. Each track is unique from the rest, yet they all share a feel-good theme that encourages listeners to follow their dreams and chase what they love. The project features everything from the raw “Handheld” to the funk inspired “When it Hits.”
In this interview spotlight, we chat with John about his influences, the newest project, navigating the digital world and more.
Full Q&A along with links and streams below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I’m from Charlotte, North Carolina and I create rhythmic poetry in hip-hop. I’m currently living in Seattle, Washington.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to stay the course?
I’ve always been a big fan of hip-hop. I’ve also found a particular interest in poetry and creative wriiting. When I was 17, some friends and me started getting up every day to just kick it and freestyle. I started writing a little after that. It became something I would do every day. When I was 21, my good homie Daniel (Qwyk Cardino) and me formed Pragmaddix, a hip-hop duo mainly based out of the Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina where we went to school. I recently graduated from Appalachian State and have decided I wanted to continue to pursue music as a career. My album ‘Artwork by Funktional People’ was my first chance to do that as a solo artist.
How is your new release different than previous ones? Did you set out to accomplish anything specific?
This is my first solo release. The duo I was in, Pragmaddix, has released two projects. My main goal with ‘Artwork By Funktional People’ was to be able to give people a taste of what me as a solo artist can sound like. It also was an album for anyone who struggles to appear functional or normal and finds solace in art or creativity. I wanted to make something that spoke on my personal values as an individual. This was my first chance to make a project that represented my personal thoughts.
Do you face any challenges as an indie musician in a digital age? On the flip side, how has technology helped you (if it has)?
I have faced some challenges just getting heard amidst all of the other artists that are out there doing the same thing. There are so many rappers its crazy. I think once I’m heard by the right ears, I’ll be good to go. Its all about putting myself if the right places at the right time. Timing is everything and hard work is all about increasing the odds. Technology is a huge help. It helps me get a good idea of what my fanbase is like. Its easier to keep up with fans and reach out to other artists.
Where can we follow you online and hear more music?
My album ‘Artwork By Funktional People’ is available to stream at https://soundcloud.com/johnalexharper/sets/artwork-by-funktional-people
Any other music I have is available here on the SoundCloud page. I released a bunch of new music before I dropped ‘ABFP’ so there’s about another new album’s worth on the page.
Anything else before we sign off?
I have will be releasing some new music in the near future.
