14 FAKTS INTERVIEW WITHACID HARRY

Acid Harry has been blazing a trail through the underground in recent years. His take on tech house is packed with personality, from playful samples to distinctly futuristic atmospheres. The South London-based artist has already landed chart-topping releases on Nervous, Hellbent and Club Bad, with more than 100,000 monthly listeners and over four million streams. Now, he makes his Repopulate Mars debut alongside the UK’s daytime NHS doctor and nighttime house artist DRSJ and NYC-based producer VRSNØNE on the three-track ‘Don’t Tell Me How To Rave’ EP.

Q: Please introduce yourself

Hey, my name's Acid Harry, a DJ and producer from South London, born and bred. I've been DJing and producing for just over 4 years now. I grew up in the pirate radio era of UKG, and have always had a huge passion for music, so learning to produce and express myself has been life-changing for me. 

Q: One person you'd dream to have a coffee with?

It would have to be Jamie Jones. JJ has been a huge inspiration to me, especially given what he has achieved with Hot Creations and Paradise. He is someone I truly aspire to be and is one of my heroes in this scene. I also think his passion for music and the years he's worked hard in this scene would make it amazing to sit down with him and hear some of his stories. I love listening to his mixes; he is a true tastemaker who spends hours hunting down the best records. He's also helped build the scene and helped emerging artists come through, so it would have to be JJ. 

Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Without a doubt, it would be the ability to fly! Just like Superman! I could be in Ibiza for Carl Cox at UNVRS, then back in the studio within the hour! Feeling inspired! Also, I would never have to worry about another delayed flight again. 

Q: If you would have been given the chance to do a film score, what movie would you choose and why?

One of the greatest films, in my opinion, is “Once Upon a Time in America.” I learnt lots of lessons from that film. Musically, I think I could capture the feelings it gave me every time I watched the film growing up; even now, when I hear that pan flute, it gives me goosebumps. 

Q: Who has been the most influential in your music career? And why?

It would have to be Jamie Jones and Lee Foss. I remember listening to their records as a teenager on my Windows Media Player, lol. I’ve always wanted to release on their labels and have them support my music. I feel Jamie and Lee started a big movement with Hot Creations; it got me into house music and made me take the leap to get into production and learn. It's a huge honour for me to see them both playing my records. 

Q: Tell us about your journey, what got you to where you are today?

The journey has been insane, with many ups and downs; the highs are great, but there are always lows when you are chasing your goals. I started making music thinking I would never be able to achieve much, but over the last two years I have understood that this creative outlet is so important to me as a person, not just as a producer and DJ.

I feel I have found something I am good at in life for once. I truly love and enjoy what I do; all the lows and rejections are part of the process that makes you who you are today. I am in a place in my productions where I can freely express myself. I am enjoying the process of learning and growing as an artist. In this industry, it is important to love what you do, and I do truly love where my music has taken me so far.

Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting out their career in music?

100% do this because you love it; if you're in this to make money or be famous, you are in the wrong game. I feel it's very important for any new producers to know that being unapologetically yourself matters: don't chase trends; be true to who you are. Authenticity is everything; authenticity is what shines through and will continue to do so.

Also, don't be afraid to experiment. The general norm is that everyone will tell you to stick to one thing, which I fully understand; however, as an artist, we must push the boundaries and experiment. 

Q: Can you recall a DJ set or performance of yours that remains unforgettable to you? Where did it take place, and what makes it stand out among all others?

Oh man, I can recall many, but the most memorable was when I played for 8 hours at Corsica Studios London. Corsica Studios was a dark and dingy underground club under the railway in South London. The room was full from 11 pm to 4 am. It was the one gig I played where I felt I truly controlled the energy in the room from start to finish. At 4 am, when the lights came on, the whole room was cheering and clapping. It was very moving. It gives me goosebumps thinking about it today; it was the moment I knew this was what I wanted to do in life! 

Q: How has your music style evolved over the years?

Massively. I started making UKG, moved on to Latin tech house, which I still make today; however, I am now evolving as an artist, taking influences from Latin Tech, UKG, and House, and somehow amalgamating them into one. As an artist, I feel it's important to evolve; right now, the music I am making truly reflects Acid Harry. 

Q: If you were to venture into another music genre, which one would you choose and why?

I would love to make Jungle music. Growing up in London, I used to go raving to all the big jungle raves like One Nation and Global Gathering, watching my favourite MCs like Stevie Hyper D. Jungle music has been a huge influence in my life, and I still find myself skanking out in the shower sometimes. 

Q: Could you name 3 tracks that got you into electronic music and why?

There are so many, but my top 3 are.

1- Miguel Campbell - Something Special. I remember when this came out; my brother played it non-stop. Back then we had Sony Ericsson phones that you could Bluetooth music to; my brother sent me this track, and I couldn’t stop listening to it.

2- Lovebirds, Stee Downes - Want You In My Soul. A true house classic in my opinion. A record I will play at any chance I get, not only to dance, but this record is one I listen to every week when I want to get inspired.

3- Larry Heard - Can You Feel It (Robert Owens Mix) - when it comes to classics in house music, Larry Heard is a true legend. This is just one of his amazing catalogue, but I feel he captures real soul in this record. It's a track I will always go back to if I'm making a track and feel it lacks something. I listen to this record, and it always inspires me.

Q: Can you recommend a hidden gem in your home country that would be perfect for a rave?

Literally my back garden. You are all welcome; I'll provide the music. 

Q: Could you tell us about your upcoming releases and plans for the year?

The next 6 months are huge for me. I have releases dropping on some of my dream labels such as Nervous, Toolroom Trax, South of Saturn, Moxy Muzik, Under No Illusion, and Repopulate Mars. I am making a lot of music right now; I plan to keep pushing and releasing music every month for the next 3 years.

Q: Can you share a fun fact about yourself that most of your listeners are probably unaware of?

Fun fact: I was a biker for nearly 10 years and rode with the Hells Angels for 5 years. I had 2 major bike accidents, nearly lost my leg, and now I'm full of metal rods and pins. After my daughter was born, I decided not to jump on the bike again!