FEATURE
THE BEATMAKER EMBRACING RHYTHM, STYLE, AND CREATIVE SYNERGY
Written by Kamila Sukhanova
Photographs by Josefin Osis
Styled By Lejla Plima
Make Up by Wanda Persson And Ugla Snorradóttir
Creative Director: Shubz
Published: November 04, 2024
Did you always know you wanted to pursue music, or was it something that developed over
time?
Nobody in my family was into music; it was just me. Maybe because of my Nigerian
heritage, I feel a rhythm within, especially in drums—the feeling I get when I hear it, it just
comes naturally. I've been in music since I was 11; I started as a drummer and then
progressed into being a beatmaker, producer, DJ, and artist.
Do you remember the first time you created something musically? What was it like to hear
your own work for the first time?
I remember the excitement of creating something new or completing something—it felt like
an accomplishment. I used to ride my bike from my friend's house, like a 15-minute ride, and
make him stop everything he was doing just to listen to the beat. People started recognising
me as 'the guy making beats,' and that title felt good.
How do you balance experimenting with new sounds while staying true to your signature
style?
Over time, everyone develops their personal style. Even if I'm exploring piano, rap, pop, or
country music, it’ll always come through the lens of Harrison First. I can’t fully follow trends
because, in the end, it still comes out as 'Harrison First' with my own arrangement of drums
and unique touches.
What message or feeling do you hope people take away from your music?
I want people to feel something, anything. At an event, someone came up to me feeling
inspired by my music, which was unexpected but meaningful. If people can feel a strong
reaction, whether love or hate, I see it as an accomplishment. I don’t want them to feel
indifferent.
Jacket & Denim Shorts: Arascka | Top: Beyond Retro Sthlm | Boots: Eytys
Can you share an example of a collaboration or new project that pushed you out of your
comfort zone, and what did you learn from it?
In 2019, I collaborated with Angie, an indie-pop-alternative artist. At the time, I was heavily
into rap and trap music, but when I moved to Sweden, I couldn’t connect with local rappers.
Angie was different, and our first song hit one million streams in a month in Sweden. It’s my
highest-streaming record, with over 20 million streams now. Collaborations like this pushed
me to grow, as each one offers new perspectives and teaches me something valuable.
Do you see yourself collaborating with someone in the future?
I’d love to, as long as there's synergy between us. I don’t mind working with artists from
different genres—sometimes I even prefer it. Trying new things with people who bring
different energy always results in something unique.
Is there something you would tell your younger self when you were just beginning in music?
I’d tell younger me,'You’re doing a great job at being diverse and open to new
opportunities, but try to be more intentional.' Sometimes, I wish I’d focused more on
communicating one idea well so that people could truly understand it.
How do you recharge when you’re not creating music?
I love watching films, especially A24 movies or Netflix dramas. I also enjoy traveling and
sometimes just taking walks by the ocean. I’ll do that for a day, and then I’m back in the
studio.
Faux Fur: Vintage | Top and Jeans: Beyond Retro Sthlm | Boots: Eytys
What kind of movie character would you be?
I’d want to be the inspirational character—the one you root for, who stumbles but keeps
going and eventually gets everything he wants.
How would you describe your personal style?
I love experimenting with fashion, especially since moving to Stockholm, which has this
clean aesthetic. I’m known for leathers—dark colours, black, sleeveless cuts. My style is
classic street style but elevated. My inspirations are people like ASAP Rocky and Kanye, but
I don’t copy; I make it my own.
Do you feel like your personal style has evolved alongside your music, or do you keep those
parts of yourself separate?
I bring my style into music sessions, and it influences the vibe. If there’s a fashion show on
TV while I’m working, it subconsciously becomes part of my creative process.
If you could have dinner with any three people, dead or alive, who would they be?
Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, Pharrell Williams, and maybe Barack Obama if there’s room.
Do you have any advice for those just starting their path?
Collaboration is key. Say yes to as many things as you can, but respect your morals. Keep
close people who know you well, who can help ground you.
Interview edited for length and clarity.
Suit: Gemme Collective | Glasses: Givenchy | Boots: Eytys