Eric Harary [Lost In House, Session Trax]

What are some words to describe the sounds of Brooklyn based DJ/producer Eric Harary? Raw, soulful, deep and filled with emotion are a few of the best and most accurate to truly portray this NYC fixture. Hailing from a time when clubs like Sound Factory and Vinyl were thriving, Eric has managed to master the sounds of past and contemporary times to create his own unique style. Considered to be one of the more talented underground DJs that stayed true to his own method of musicianship, Mr.Harary has been recognized by legends such as Danny Tenaglia for what he has to offer. His sets, which feature a collection of rare acapellas and private edits, have been heard all over the world as he has played not only in NYC but at international venues like Womb in Tokyo and The Purple Room in Dubai. Eric was nice enough to sit down with me and allow our readers an inner look into his talented music psyche.

Check it out below!

One of Eric’s private edits to ‘Lord Have Mercy’

Datilly: Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions Eric. For our readers how old are you and where are you from?

Eric Harary: Thanks for having me. I am 31 and was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York.

Datilly: As one goes through your soundcloud it is impossible to miss the amount of never before heard acapellas that perfectly compliment your sound. How important is a good vocal to your producing? What process do you go through when deciding if a vocal is the right match for your edits/productions/etc?

Eric Harary: It really depends. The process can involve thinking about or hearing a vocal beforehand, or just taking a chance and combining things in the moment. You can kind of consider me an acapella/vocal collector, so when it comes to that stuff I always try to combine different things and use vocals/samples that aren’t too common.

One of Eric’s edits that features a crazy vocal sample, ‘Gimme Some More’

Datilly: You have become notorious for keeping your edits unreleased and also making each set you play a journey into a sound that is hard to come by these days. Your combination of dark techno sounds, ferocious percussion work and other key elements create what some would call ideal dungeon music. How would you describe your sound? When you sit down to arrange a production how do you plan it out?

Eric Harary: When playing a set, I try to create something individual and exclusive. I feel that you really have to these days because everything is so accessible and just out there. So I have to make that extra effort to be different. It is funny that you say dungeon music, but I don’t really want to be labeled just by that. It is definitely apart of me I guess, but my sound can be deep and dark with some hard and soulful elements. I also try to be musical and add some feeling and emotion in the music I play. I aim for that in my productions as well. When working on a production I go with a feeling and an inspiration, but sometimes I also like to plan concepts based on what is inspiring me at the moment.

Datilly: What are some upcoming releases you have coming up? Any big collaborations with other producers?

Eric Harary: I recently completed a track with Peter Bailey from Mindcontrol. I also am currently finishing up a remix of the John Creamer & Stephanie K classic ‘I Wish You Were Here’. I am doing a more modern deep techy version of it. I am focusing on getting some more original music done as well.

Danny Tenaglia playing Eric’s remix of ‘Mother’

Datilly: You have been avidly supported by the likes of Danny Tenaglia and Victor Calderone. How much of a role have these big name DJs played in your career? What artists have influenced you most in your development as a DJ/producer?

Eric Harary: Yes they have always been a big help. They have supported me in the past and its great to have that support from guys I always admired. They both have inspired me in different ways. That being said, Danny has always been and always will be an influence in what I do.

Eric opening up for Victor Calderone at Pacha (NYC)

Datilly: You were also apart of the scene during a time when clubs were completely different then they are now. Clubs like Tunnel, Vinyl, and Sound Factory were some the big clubs and they were completely different entities compared to the mega clubs now. How would you say those clubs differentiate from mega clubs like Pacha? Would you say those environments were a main reason why your sound developed as it did?

Eric Harary: I only caught Tunnel at the end of it being around but I was there for Sound Factory and Vinyl. Back then, you had weekly residencies so that you were able to have consistency. The DJs had room to experiment and develop and they were able to take us on a journey. The sets were also really long and there was honestly a lot more freedom in many ways. That has definitely influenced me but unfortunately there is not any room for all that today.

Datilly: What gigs have you recently played that you really enjoyed? Who did you play with?

Eric Harary: I recently played with Gary Beck. He is a guy who has been putting out some amazing techno the past few years. I was looking forward to that for a while and I really enjoyed it.

Eric Harary playing with Gary Beck at Catas Lounge (NJ)

Datilly: What advice do you have for producers out there who are trying to embellish a sound similar to yours?

Eric Harary: I would say be original. Play and create what you truly feel.

Datilly: Out of all your private edits and productions which one would you pick to represent your sound fully? Which one truly epitomizes what your all about?

Eric Harary: That is a tough one. I don’t think I can truly pick one track to represent what I’m all about.

Datilly: Last question Eric, where do you think EDM goes from here? At a point where many consider it to be the climax, there is only so much room to develop. What do you think lies in the future for DJs and producers everywhere?

Eric Harary: I think that it is just getting bigger and bigger as more people get involved. There is definitely a big difference in the way things were 3 to 4 years ago as opposed to today. It is good in many ways but also not so good as well. People can get lost on what this is truly all about, but it is an exciting time.

Thank you Eric for taking the time to interview with us!