BWW Interviews: DJ and Vocalist HARRISON Is on the Rise

The music world continues to change and evolve, and the largest steps forward are being made in dance and electronica. A careful check of the credits will show there's a lot of collaborations going, and a guest artist often bring a lot more to a track than just a bridge or a bit of their own style. An appearance can make or break a track.

Such a person making that impact is London-based DJ and vocalist Harrison. At 22, his singular voice has found its way onto numerous tracks with the likes of Dannic & Lucky Date, Hardwell, Thomas Gold and David Guetta. His performances across the UK and Europe have resulted in work with some of the biggest names in a business that shows no stoppage of growth.

One particular single has torn up the Beatport charts: Tim Mason & Marrs TV's "Eternity," and Harrison's singular voice steals it:

Broadway World recently managed to catch up with Harrison:

You've had great success with your career so far, update us on how the new singles are doing!

Amazing, the response is huge and there's just no stopping now :)

You have become a featured vocalist on a number of tracks, with the likes of David Guetta and Hardwell...what do you think has made you a go-to person?

With many of my tracks there is a different sound involved and a different style than most tracks around right now, I'm unique and have so many fresh ideas to bring to the table, it's an honour to be able to work with some of the biggest producers on the planet.

Can you shed some light on the scene? DJ's are now filling arenas...what do you think has brought about the shift from clubs to the big stages?

It used to be about rock and pop musicians who filled arenas and now it's changed to dance music because its more popular and more mainstream than ever - this is what the crowd listen to! To have the festivals, dance music creates this show that has never been seen before and it's become a very interactive way of getting the best quality and interaction from both the artist and the tracks.

To sing in front of a band is one thing, but when solo it's just you and your gear...did you ever feel intimidated by that?

Definitely, I always get nervous before a show because there is so much going on when I'm performing as solo Harrison. For example I have my in ear monitors in one ear, headphones in the other, a microphone in my hand and the other hand to DJ with, so it can get quite stressful, haha! But once I get out there and into the flow it's just amazing and the hype from the crowd really excels me to want to keep going with hits that everyone loves.

(Here's a look behind the scenes...you want a show? You get a show...)

When it comes to equipment you pack, what is standard for you, something you don't go on without?

My wireless microphone because otherwise the sound comes straight out of the desks and the quality is nowhere near good enough for a vocalist to sing through.

What music did you listen to-what were your influences?

The Maine, I get my influences from the rock music and then bring it into dance.

You were a rugby player before you turned fully to music - tell us about that.

I was very into my rugby but suddenly got a very severe injury and I just knew that there was no going back, so that's' when I started putting in all my attention to music. The rest as they say, is history!

What would you say, personally, got you "discovered?"

"Ain't a Party" was the track that got me first noticed and started my songwriting/vocal career in music.

I wrote about the subject of the single track market, with many confirming the trend to be toward singles - do you think this is true? That singles are driving the market again, with iTunes, file sharing, etc.?

Yes, I believe so, because if someone purchases an album there are many tracks which are known as "album fillers" and those tracks tend to just be ignored, whereas with singles there is no "extra" its straight to the point, the single is your chance to make a statement and say what you have to say. I think it makes sense because this gives the single tracks the recognition they deserve.

Is there any one show that stands out for you, the one you'll always talk about?

As a singer it would definitely be having the privilege to perform at the Ziggo Dome with Hardwell two nights in a row. And as a DJ and solo Harrison show, it would be Ministry Of Sound in London, we tore the roof off!

What is coming up for Harrison over the Summer? Where will your fans see you?

I'll be over in Asia mid June, followed by a lot of time in Spain and Ibiza this Summer!

Do you plan to go the traditional route and do a full Harrison album?

Eventually that will be my all time goal, yes :P

What advice would you give for current and aspiring DJ's, others who see what you've accomplished in such a short a time?

You really need to trust your gut and show them that you are who you are and always give 1000% to every project you do.