Future Bright For Livingston's Alec Harris

Beginner’s Luck. That is the title of Livingston resident Alec Harris' debut mixtape, but it can also be used to describe the success that he has experienced since coming onto the music scene two years ago.

Harris' passion for making music began back nearly a decade ago when he began writing songs in middle school. “When I gradated high school I officially took up the hobby of making music, started recording, and put together a mix tape that came to be “Beginner’s Luck”,” he said.

The online album, which was released in the summer of 2010, quickly grew in popularity with over five thousand downloads. “I'm proud of that, especially because the whole premise of that project was that I was nothing more than a beginner in music.”

Harris, who cites both Jay-Z and Kanye West as musical inspirations, explained that the key to his success is his versatility. "I can do a straight hip hop joint, to a dance track, to a pop record, to something that combines everything and can't be boxed into one genre," he said.

A successful start, however, did not come without its challenges, especially when it comes to the business aspect of making an album. “Everyday to this point has been a challenge from the business side of things,” Harris said, “and I never expect that to change”.

The artist cited expenses ranging from renting studio time, producers and various other behind-the-scenes costs as being obstacles. At the end of the day, however, the artist, who recently started his own business Alec Harris Music Group, is eager to keep pursuing his passion.

“I’m happy and really fortunate to have people committed to making everything I invest into a success with the public,” he said.

Harris and his promotional team also recognize the changing landscape of the music industry and have placed a heavy emphasis on both Twitter and Facebook to not only promote the new release, but allow fans to listen to its tracks for free. "The bottom line in music today is regardless of how your product sounds, without a social network following, it doesn't really matter," said Harris.

“It's really a great feeling, to know the hard work and emotion you laid down is now some what the talk of the town is one of the best parts of putting together a project for sure.”

As for what the future holds, the young artist says to stay tuned. “I can't put a timetable on when you'll see a new Alec Harris project out right now but I plan to release a lot more music this year than I did last year.

Harris’ latest project, “The Early Premiere” is available to download for free here. To get the latest news on Harris’ music projects be sure to ‘Like’ his Facebook page here.