AUSTRALIAN singer/songwriter Harper creates a heady mix of what he calls “world blues fusion” through his creative use of the harp, and the haunting drone of the digeridoo.

We put some questions to him ahead of his appearance at the Great British R&B Festival at Colne on the Bank Holiday weekend.

Tell us a bit about you and your music.

I was born in Guilford, Surrey, and my father moved the entire family to Perth, Western Australia, when I was 10-years-old.

My grandfather gave me my first harmonica around about that time also.

My career as a performer began at the ripe old age of 14 when I became a solo euphonium player for my high school brass band in Australia and it was there that I was taught to read and write music.

After this I was always involved in writing music for the many bands I joined.

I was always interested in the more rootsy music such as blues, folk, jazz and so on. So my songs would always have elements of these styles in them.

I combined the harmonica with the deep woody tones of didgeridoo. It seemed a natural thing to do. I think world blues fusion best describes the marriage of all the styles I incorporate.

I now live in Michigan, USA, and my band Midwest Kind are also Michigandas.

Who or what inspired you to go into music?

As a kid growing up I was always surrounded by a lot of music. My grandfather loved the blues and motown. I think Muddy Waters really hit me hard.

There was something incredibly special about his sound, his powerful voice and his songs.

I also really dug Sonny Boy Williamson II.

I loved his rhythmic use of the harp. I was inspired by a pretty wide range of harmonica players and styles like Little Walter, Sugar Blue, and songwriters Bill Withers and Stevie Wonder.

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s festival?

Seeing other performers and giving the people the best I can possibly give.

Are there any performers in particular you’re looking forward to seeing?

I love the Spencer Davis group and I can’t believe I will get to see Alan Price.

The line-up at Colne this year is incredible. I’m so happy to be a part of this amazing event.

What is your idea of happiness?

People who give of themselves with no expectations of reward.

Sitting on my back porch of my house in Michigan with my beautiful wife, sipping Australian cabernet shiraz.

What is your idea of hell?

There is no hell. The only hell is ignorance within yourself.

It is this erroneous belief that is behind every war, injustice and murder.

What’s been the highlight of your career?

Seeing the look of joy on the faces of special needs children when I perform for them at The Buckingham Centre for Exceptional Students in Florida, USA.

Learning to play the didgeridoo and performing with my Australian Aboriginal friends who asked to dance to some of my songs in Byron Bay, Australia.

What’s the most rock’n’roll you’ve done?

Partying and performing on stage with the Mega US band Journey was pretty wild, some things are just too crazy to mention.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

My manager Bobbi helped me to quit smoking. For that I am eternally grateful.

What would you do if you were invisible for a day?

Check out Buckingham Palace and the Whitehouse to see what really goes on there.

See Harper performing on the International Stage on Monday, August 31, at 7.30pm.