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The city of Chicago is known for its architecture, art, windy weather and a solid tradition of celebrated House DJs and producers. Continuing this tradition, in the world music scene, is Andre Harris, with a style all his own.
Andre Harris’ love of house music inspired him to journey into djing at the age of twelve beginning with talent shows, school dances, and basement parties. His enthusiasm for music and talent carried him to the club circuit, where at the ripe age of fourteen, he spun his first residency at the Rainbow Roller Rink in Chicago. Being by no means an average DJ, he began promoting events putting him side by side with other talents like Lil’ Louis and Farley “Jackmaster” Funk. Andre was being influenced heavily by these and other well known DJs in Chicago and decided to pursue djing seriously.
After graduating high school and attending college, the call to Dj was stronger than ever and once again bringing him to the world of loft parties, after hours, and raves. Sparked by this new, found life in Chicago’s music scene, Andre Harris was determined to be deeply involved. In 1993, he earned a Friday night residency at Club Medusa’s, where he was recognized for his skill and knowledge of the soulful harder side of house music. It wasn’t long before he started getting guest appearances at various venues around the city like Red Dog, Neo, Cairo, and Smart Bar to name a few, all while still promoting his own events. In 1996, Andre earned another residency at Club Elixir on Friday nights.
Yet this was not enough, Andre was ready to produce music, so in 1997 his first project “I Can’t Take It/Ain’t it a Groove” was released on Cajual Records, receiving good press in Mix Magazine. This single was licensed for the “Taste of Cajual mix CD”, mixed by friend and DJ Mark Grant. In 1998 “Pecking Peace/Lifted” was also released on Cajual Records to rave reviews in Mix Magazine & XLR8R Magazine. That year would prove to be a good year for Andre Harris: with two weekly club residencies and many guest appearances around Chicago. The Chicago Tribune named his Friday night gig at Elixir one the “Hottest nights in the City of Chicago” and Mix Magazine named Andre as one of the “Hardest working men in House Music.”
While working at Elixir and gaining a new residency at Spy Bar, over the next three years, Andre released recordings on Cajual, Nervous, White Beard, and on London based, Estereo Recordings. His 2000 release on Nervous Records, “Singing After Dark”, was charted by Lazy Dog’s, Ben Watt, as one of his top 5 picks in Muzik Magazine. In 2001 the release of “To My Love”, on Estereo Recordings was received with excellent reviews. The single was a favorite at the legendary New York nightlife event Body & Soul. This brought London calling for Andre as well as Toronto, Canada, and other cities around the United States, where he proved that he is not only a talented producer, but a skilled and unforgettable DJ.
In early 2003, Andre’s two projects “The Messenger” and “I Want” were released from London based Ideal Distribution, as well as, two releases on San Diego based Bluem Recordings, all receiving positive reviews. In 2004, Andre partnered up with dj producer Halo to remix Afro Mystics “Natural” on Om recordings. Later that year Andre was asked to remix Mark Grant’s “Girl With U” on Blackstone recordings. In 2005, he released “Get Down Africa” on Large Records, to great reviews. This single was also on the “Get Large CD Mix Series” mixed by legendary DJ Roy Davis Jr. After that release, Andre was asked to remix “This Is How We Do It” for Roy Davis Jr., which was released on Large Records in 2006. This mix was also on the “Get Large CD Mix Series” mixed by Jask, which was released that same year.
At this time, Andre Harris launched his own imprint, Innate Soul Digital, onto the music scene, which is available on sites such as Traxsource.com and Beatport.com. Here you can take note of Innate Soul Digital’s extensive catalog and download songs such as; “Is It Music”, “What Makes You Think” and “Has Come”.
One song in particular, which has grabbed the attention of the masses, is “10 Things Not To Say To a DJ”. This song has been licensed many times and remixed by the likes of Ron Carroll, The House Moguls and Ben Tom & Nacho Vega and has also been featured in Groove Korea Magazine. Andre was then tapped by Ron Carroll to remix a song called “Crank it up” sung by legendary vocalist CeCe Peniston, which is due out in 2009.
So what’s the next move you ask? In his own words, Andre Harris plans to ”create exciting new sultry music on Innate Soul Digital, explore new territory as a DJ, and keep the scene alive and positive”.
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