Questions with introduces 1883 readers to the brightest young artists, actors, creatives and beyond. From childhood memories and guilty pleasures to their latest ventures and upcoming projects, our goal is to bring you closer to the people who inspire and entertain us.
New Jersey–born and Stockholm-based DJ, producer, and songwriter Harrison First blurs the lines between sound, emotion, and design. His new album WAAR, released via his label JNRY FIRST, turns a turbulent year into an immersive journey through Afro House and rhythms of the African diaspora.
Having collaborated with artists like Saint JHN, Mapei, and Kahlo, Harrison’s genre-defying sound has taken him from global festivals to the cover of Spotify playlists including Hot New Dance and Fresh Finds Nordic. With over 20 million streams to his name, he continues to push boundaries through music and world-building projects.
1883 caught up with Harrison for 18 quick-fire questions about WAAR, creative balance, and turning chaos into sound.
What’s the first thing you do before heading into the studio?
I usually pray before my session to help the energy for the day flow through me. Then I grab some coffee, watch a few YouTube videos, and get to work.
What track made you fall in love with electronic music in the first place?
I was late to the game when it came to electronic music, but when I first heard a Major Lazer record, my head turned — I knew I wanted to be part of this genre.
Vinyl, USBs, or straight laptop — what’s your go-to choice when you play out?
USBs.
Which city has shaped your sound the most: New York, Stockholm, or somewhere completely different?
New York gave me culture, and Stockholm helped me find my sound.
A club or festival you think every DJ should play at least once?
Every DJ should play at ADE at least once — what a week in the music industry! There’s so much going on in Amsterdam. 🙂
What’s a record you wish you’d produced?
Sebastian Ingrosso – “Flood.”
Who’s been a major influence on your sound that people might not expect?
Sonder and Tracy Chapman.
What’s the one track in your set you never get tired of dropping?
“Harrison First – She Wanna Go.”
Best moment you’ve ever had in a booth?
When I was playing at Way Out West Festival in Sweden and we broke the stage because so many people were dancing at the same time.
What’s something about DJ life people would never guess until they live it?
It’s a fun job, but it’s also still a job — not all fun all the time. 🙂
Your new album WAAR just dropped on your label JNRY FIRST. When did you start building this project, and what moment told you it was time to turn that chaos into sound?
I started structuring the album in 2023 after releasing an EP, wanting to continue the story of this journey I’m on. I was forced to turn that chaos into sound because I couldn’t keep all those emotions inside anymore. This album was for my own sanity.
The record moves through Afro house and rhythms from across the African diaspora. How do you approach blending those sounds with your cinematic, electronic style?
I wanted to incorporate styles from my background and what I love. Doing that helped me develop a unique sound that draws out different emotions. I love film scores, so I built the album like one, and I love rhythms that make you want to dance — I’m blending parts of my world and giving that to people.
You’ve said WAAR stands for “wavering as a reed.” How does that phrase tie into where you’re at right now as an artist and a person?
I’m exactly that right now — wavering every day and going through the motions. I’ve been used to wearing a mask, but now with life and loss, I’m more vulnerable. This state of being is shaping my music, and I like it.
You’ve performed across the U.S. and Europe. How do you read a crowd and decide where to take them next during a set?
That’s so important — what works in Europe might not work in the U.S. I usually test two or three songs within a genre and see how people react. That tells me if I should switch the vibe or keep going. I prefer deciding on the spot, because when I plan too much, the crowd often wants something completely different.
You’ve worked with artists like Saint Jhn, MAPEI, and Teflon Sega. What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned from collaborating with such different creative energies?
I’ve learned to respect each artist’s process. Everyone creates differently, and it’s important to leave space for that and let their flow shape the music.
Between producing, DJing, and your work in film and design, you’ve built a full creative universe. How do you keep those worlds connected rather than competing with each other?
I always think about intent, purpose, and what I want to say. That helps me decide which form of expression tells the story best. I’m not trying to show people I do many things — I’m trying to tell my story in the best way possible.
You’ve hit over 100 million streams and featured on major Spotify playlists. How do you balance that level of reach with keeping your music authentic and underground?
It’s something I struggle with. I’ve always been a little left of center, but I also want my music to have mass appeal. I’ve learned to accept that my sound is what it is — people connect to authenticity.
What’s next for you after WAAR? Are you already back in the studio, or will we catch you taking WAAR to dancefloors around the world first?
I’m back in the studio playing with new ideas and managing my emotions.
Harrison’s “WAAR” LP is out now on JNRY FIRST
