By Monica Morones
DJ and music producer Alex Harrington, also known as All Night Shoes, has to be one of the busiest DJ’s in the valley. From being booked almost every weekend to just recently announcing that he will be performing at the Coachella Music Festival Campground, Harrington is the IT guy right now. If I were to describe his sound in one word it would be “chill.” A fusion of EDM (electric dance music) that makes you want to close your eyes, sip a pina colada by the pool, and bob your head. With staying true to the style of music he loves to play, All Night Shoes has created a niche for himself here in the Coachella Valley and there is no denying the people are starting to take notice.
MM: How old are you and where are from?
AH: I’m 28 years old, originally from Northern California. I was born in the Bay Area but grew up in a small town called Grass Valley, about an hour southwest of Tahoe. I moved here with my family in 2004 and have been here ever since.
MM: How did you come up with the name All Night Shoes?
AH: I’ve always been into dance music. I wanted to come up with something that was fun and that reminded me of going out and dancing all night. It’s a play on words I guess.
MM: How did you become a DJ?
AH: I’ve been playing music since I was nine. I grew up doing school musicals, recitals, etc. When I turned 14, I received a bass guitar as a gift. I taught myself how to play it. I used to come home every day and just sit there practicing. After a while I learned guitar, drums, and piano. After moving to the desert I had no band members, so I starting getting more into production. From there I got into being a DJ. DJ’ing allowed me to share my productions as well as other music I was into.
MM: What was the first record you bought?
AH: What’s The Story, Morning Glory? from Oasis. I listened to that record over and over again. Still have it today!
MM: Who did you listen to growing up?
AH: Oasis, Fleetwood Mac, Metallica, Daft Punk. My Mom was a huge rocker and got me into a lot of the music that inspired me. I remember staying up to watch MTV’s late night videos. Back in 1997, I was 11 and saw the video for Daft Punk’s “Around The World” and I was hooked from there. Jamiroquai is a huge influence as well, even so today.
MM: What would you describe as your style?
AH: I love House Music. It’s a broad term…there are lots of different kinds of House. I prefer the disco stuff, music you can groove to. Nu Disco and Deep House records fill up a lot of my collection.
MM: How do you find the music that you play?
AH: Mostly from the internet and other artists I work with. I’m always listening to new music so I follow blogs and profiles that share a mix of styles. You kind of have to look everywhere to be a complete DJ.
MM: How do you decide what you are going to play at a gig?
AH: I draw off my collection and usually play as I go. Sometimes I’ll curate a list for a special event, but I like to provide a certain amount of rawness in my sets. Create a unique experience, a memory for the audience.
MM: What would you say is your biggest struggle as a DJ?
AH: People assume a lot about what you do, as is the case with any artist. I feel that being a DJ is still a new thing. It’s exploding right now and with that there is a certain backlash. DJ’ing is an art form and can be performed in many different ways.
MM: What do you think of the music scene in the Coachella Valley?
AH: The scene is growing, quickly. I think for a long time our scene stagnated and was tied to a select few acts. Now it’s opening up and you can see artists from different genres starting to gain traction, get attention.
MM: Do you feel that there is a stigma in the valley with DJ’s that don’t play Top 40 music?
AH: Absolutely. You’re always going to have that, though. The popular crowd will always believe they know what is “hip” and what is “in”. You have to stick with what you love because the only thing that can overcome popular judgement is pure creativity and passion.
MM: You recently announced that you will be performing at the Coachella Music Festival Campground this year. What a great accomplishment! How stoked are you?
AH: I’m extremely excited to play at the Coachella campgrounds. It was a huge goal of mine to play the “Splash House” festivals and after I did that last year, I set my sights on Coachella. I’m grateful to be part of the festivities this year and hope to share my passion with a bigger, international audience.
MM: Where do you see yourself in 3 years?
AH: Hopefully still performing and creating music. I take things day by day, step by step. I understand I’m very lucky to be where I am and I don’t want to take that for granted.
MM: What is the root of your inspiration?
AH: Creation. I want to use my emotions, experiences, and hopes to craft music that is different. I’m always looking to evolve and learn. Music is something you can throw yourself into and explore different worlds while still taking in the world around you.
MM: Where can we listen to your music and mixes?
AH: My SoundCloud is the best spot, I upload almost all my work there. You can find it at soundcloud.com/allnightshoes
