HARPER HOPES CD WILL OPEN DOORS

Modern technology has once again given the individual with versatile talents and drive a chance to compete with the "big boys."

Jackson native Ryan Harper hopes to capitalize on this. The Southeast Missouri State University senior recently cut a solid compact disc, titled "Colours of the Sun" and is at work on a second one.

Harper did the music instrumentals one layer at a time, then did the vocals over the music. He also wrote the music and lyrics.

"I laid down the drum tracks first, then the bass, guitar and keyboards," he said. "The last step was to put the vocals over it. It was kind of a step-by-stop process."

A former all-state drummer at Jackson high School, Harper is majoring in English, but has not ruled out music as a career possibility.

"It's a road I intend to leave open," he said. "Music will always be a part of my life. I would sure like to do something with it."

Harper said a good number of friends have bought copies of the CD. He is considering sending it to some major record labels to see if there is any interest.

"Hopefully this isn't the end," he said. "It's a good thing to build on. It's a real exciting time. I hope I can continue to do it."

Meanwhile Harper will get his undergraduate degree and begin pursuing his Master's in literature. He lists Keats, Shelly, Faulkner and F. Scott Fitzgerald among his favorite writers. Musical influences have included Paul Simon, James Taylor and The Indigo Girls.

"I think it helps to be influenced by a lot of different groups," he said. "It keeps you on your toes, musically. It really helps my writing, too."

Harper enjoys both the writing and performing side of music.

"Both have advantages and disadvantages," he said. "Writing is more demanding in once sense. You have to put yourself into it. Performing is more physically demanding. I still get a little bit nervous on stage, but I just enjoy performing in front of people.

"Music is communication, bottom line and communication shouldn't be one-sided. It's meant to have an audience."

An active Christian, Harper has opted to avoid "Christian Rock," feeling such titles limits one's music.

"If you're a Christian, I think your music is going to reflect that," he said. "I don't like to use 'Christianity' as a record label."

While Harper knows there is a long chasm between cutting a CD and making a living in music, he also understands that such goals are only achieved by the assertive.

"I want to open every door I can and make it happen," he said.