By Noe Gutierrez
First and foremost, Alex Harrington is an artist. Voted Best Club DJ at the 2015 Coachella Valley Music Awards, Harrington was previously known by the DJ name “All Night Shoes” and has performed at numerous venues around the Coachella Valley since 2012. The universal progression of the DJ from radio to large-scale music festivals has demonstrated its popularity and ascension to its current peak. There has been debate about DJs who refer to themselves as musicians. Some believe that DJs are not musicians and only arrangers of music, pressing ‘play’ and arranging other people’s music. Harrington’s dedication, musicality, originality and skill has made it painless for everyone to indeed consider DJs as musicians. You cannot turn a deaf ear to the fact that DJs communicate entirely though the music with their audience. Harrington has taken the profession to new heights and placed more attention on dance music in the Coachella Valley.
Originally from Northern California and now based in Palm Springs, CA, Harrington discarded the alias and has prospered since performing at The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in 2015 and at the Splash House 2014 and 2015 festivals. He has also filled opening slots for international artists such as “Vanilla Ace” and “Purple Disco Machine.” Harrington uses a thumping catalogue of original tracks, remixes, and recorded DJ sets to keep the party pumping. When he performs he is visibly energetic and spirited. His sets are infectious and have been epic in providing the theme music to many night clubs and pool parties in the desert. Harrington is constant in his quest for the next challenge.
Harrington will be releasing his new EP, Tru Groove, on his new record label “Daiquiri Hawk,” on February 26th, 2016. The EP includes four tracks; “Tru Groove,” “Minor Things,” “Midnight” and “Odyssey.” The label will concentrate on music in the Dance, House and Nu Disco genres. Leading up to the release, Harrington will be performing at La Cave’s ‘MDA Wednesdays’ on February 10, 2016 at 10 p.m. in Costa Mesa, CA. in support of ‘Just Kiddin’. He will also be performing a special appearance DJ set on February 19th, 2016 at Chill Bar in Palm Springs, CA.
Harrington displays his musical mastery on Tru Groove with his multi-instrumentation. “I wrote and performed on the record myself, aside from a few keyboard samples. I wanted to make a record that everyone could get into; even people who don’t listen to any electronic music. I used a lot of pianos, electric bass, and electric keys to give the record an organic feel.” In listening to the EP you can’t help but sway side to side and pump your fist. Seeing and hearing Harrington perform is a must to fully comprehend his point of view. His production expertise continues to radiate on this EP.
Harrington has his eyes set on expanding the capacity of the DJ. “I plan on working a live element into my DJ sets, including vocals. I was largely inspired by the valley on this record. I wanted to give the record a cool, modern vibe with some familiar elements. While the inspiration for this record was selfish, because I wanted to make something I could love, the aim was to bring you a fresh sound that comes straight from our valley; inspired by the world.” With the explosion and fan following of DJ sets at Coachella and other celebrated festivals, it is time for desert residents to act as a witness on Harrington’s behalf.
Harrington has also dabbled in music journalism writing for the German-based label ‘Nu Disco Your Disco’ and the multimedia website PARADISE ULTD.
Upcoming shows:
2/10 La Cave, Costa Mesa, CA opening for UK DJs “Just Kiddin”
2/19 Chill Bar, Palm Springs, CA
Keep up with Alex Harrington’s music and live dates at:
Tru Groove: https://soundcloud.com/djalexharrington/sets/tru-groove-ep/s-Nq9to
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