Daily Discovery: Deanna Harper, “Us Against Them”

ARTIST: Deanna Harper (songwriter)

SONG: “Us Against Them”

BIRTHDATE: September 5

BIRTHPLACE: Joplin, Missouri

AMBITIONS: I want to make music that connects with people. To have it be a part of the soundtrack of their lives. Whether it’s something I had written, produced, or just an artist I have helped develop.

TURN-OFFS: Negativity. I definitely think that you can accomplish more by keeping a positive outlook. It helps you to be aware of avenues you may not have otherwise considered. You can’t move forward if you are focused on what other people did or didn’t do. You just have to do the best you can do, and be happy with that.

TURN-ONS: I think quiet confidence. Knowing who you are is magnetic. No matter what profession or situation, when you see someone that clearly has worked hard, and has a passion for something, it’s inspiring to see.

DREAM GIG: Having my own, top of the line, studio where ever I’m living and to have amazing artists come to me to co-produce/write their songs.

MOVIES I’VE SEEN MORE THAN ONCE: The Holiday! It’s funny and romantic. Two of my favorite things!

CELEBRITY CRUSH: Right now it’s Danny O’Donoghue of The Script. Love their music. Danny in particular, puts so much heart and passion into everything he does and I respect that. Their songs “Breakeven” and “Nothing” are two of my favorites.

MY GO TO FEEL-GOOD RECIPE: I love making German Apple Pancakes on the weekend. Baked in the oven … so good!

SMARTEST PERSON I KNOW: Nanaw (my grandmother). I still think of the things she taught me and try to incorporate them into my life.

WORDS TO LIVE BY: “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams, live the life you’ve imagined.” – Thoreau

I WROTE THIS SONG: with April Geesbreght and Tiffany Vartanyan. We are from different backgrounds, and in different places in our lives, but somehow when we get together we are always on the same page. We were talking about how the most important thing you can find and keep in life is love. This world is a big battle against the odds. We have people around us who have our backs, no matter what may happen. This song says, young or old, no matter what, you’ve got me. Let’s live our life with our whole hearts and go for it, because we really only get one chance. When it’s all over, all that really matters, is love.