We want to introduce Josh Harps as a local musician. But that one word seems insufficient to describe someone with this many irons in the fire. We’ll just call this 32-year-old from Auburn an entertainer and let him do the rest.
So, Josh. We’re afraid you’re not staying busy enough. What are you up to?
I’m in three different groups/bands: Sandbag, a Portland-based hip-hop group where I deejay and rap; Blue Khakis, a local hip-hop, ska, punk band where I sing, rap and deejay; and The Embedded Emcees, a local rap duo. I’m also the tour deejay for Wells, Maine, rapper Spose. He signed to Universal Records this year and I’m his tour deejay. We’ve been touring the nation and Canada for the past 2-3 months. I’m the two-time reigning Ruckus Cup Emcee Battle champion and do a weekly Web show with Tom “Bummah” Gurney, which is basically “Wayne’s World” meets “Jackass.”
Which is harder? Conventional singing, rapping or deejaying?
Singing, hands down! I really can’t sing (this is not me being modest, I really can’t). I enjoy trying to sing, but my notes are flat, my range is minimal and I can’t harmonize, but for some reason some people enjoy it. I think I’m OK, but next year when people are asked to name great local singers, they’ll mention Jason Fogg or Mike Krapovicky, not me! I’m not saying that DJing or rapping is easy, because they both take practice as well, but I feel more comfortable rapping and DJing in front of a crowd of my peers.
Is there ever a time when you are not doing anything music-related?
When I’m not doing shows or hungover from last night’s show, I try to spend as much time as I can with my father! Rheal Harps. He’s the greatest person that has ever happened to me! I love him! If I have any good qualities it is because of him! Long story short, he gets the credit and I’ll accept the blame!
What’s the word on Bummah? He’s crazy, isn’t he?
Have you seen how much alcohol we consume on our Web show? I don’t know if I’d call it crazy, maybe just DumBum Show passionate!
Where can we find some of your work?
Sandbag, Blue Khakis and the Dumingo/Bummah show are all on Facebook. You can see the videos and hear the music there. Sandbag has a free download mix tape at www.mediafire.com/download.php?nhoyq2zjgy2
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