The Emergence of BrokinPaper: A Journey in Electronic Music
On an overnight flight from New York City to Berlin, Harrison Lee, known in the music world as BrokinPaper, settled into a rhythm of creativity. For the entire eight-hour flight, his focus was unwavering as he meticulously pieced together his DJ set—a testament to his dedication and craft.
A Gucci Opportunity
Since his rise in the electronic music scene, BrokinPaper has caught the attention of high fashion brands, notably Gucci. Invited to play at an afterparty for Gucci’s May event, Lee arrived in Berlin not only ready to showcase his music but also adorned in an all-Gucci outfit waiting for him at his hotel. His performance was more than just a set; it was a match made in aural and visual harmony, encapsulating the vibe of the luxury brand.
His Berlin debut was a triumph, prompting Gucci to contact him again for another event in Times Square just two weeks later. This time, his techno sound—shaped by his Berlin experiences—was the driving force behind an electrifying set during a fashion show, where his face flashed across the iconic digital billboards of Times Square. “Being born and raised in New York City, it was just so crazy,” he reflects.
Musical Evolution: From Metal to Electronic
BrokinPaper’s journey into music began in his teenage years with a metal band called Broken Paper Wings. Once that venture fizzled out, he recognized his passion for music remained intact. With a keen interest in producing electronic sounds, he shifted gears and emerged into the dance music scene around 2010, a time when Skrillex dominated, making electronic production an alluring path to follow.
“I started producing dubstep, house, and a bunch of different things just as an experiment,” he shares. This experimentation pointed him toward the sounds of influential electronic producers like Boys Noize and Gesaffelstein. Captivated by their hard-hitting, genre-blurring sounds, BrokinPaper sought to create music that resonated across diverse audiences.
Finding His Sound
His awakening as a producer came with the release of his 2019 EP The Maslow, particularly the track “Sapiosexuality.” This track marked a key moment in his growth, allowing him to discover his unique sound. Using Instagram ads to promote his work, “Sapiosexuality” began to gain traction, paving the way for broader exposure, which was vital for both his artistry and career.
The momentum didn’t stop there; a track titled “66023C” from his 2020 EP NeoBrute also garnered attention, landing a placement in a major advertising campaign for Zara’s haircare line. Reflecting on these pivotal moments, BrokinPaper noted the connection to his subsequent opportunities with high-profile brands like Gucci.
Breaking New Ground with Function Over Form
With the release of his third studio album, Function Over Form, BrokinPaper showcases an ambitious blend of heavy yet cerebral dance music. The album spans nine tracks and includes the standout song “Damage,” his first single to make it onto Spotify’s editorial playlists. This recognition not only affirms his success but also boosts the streaming of his entire catalog.
The collaborative remix of “Antidote” with Belarus-based producer Jenasi further illustrates BrokinPaper’s ability to cross geographical boundaries and musical styles. As he experiments with his sound, he emphasizes creating tracks that seamlessly fit into his DJ sets—an evolution from his previous stress-laden performances.
Reflecting on his past performances, he admits, “It used to be that I would plan DJ sets and it would honestly be stressful for me.” The new approach he adopted—producing intentionally with DJing in mind—culminated in Function Over Form, a project that promises to deliver enjoyable performances both for himself and his audience.
Best Songs to Start With
For those looking to explore BrokinPaper’s music, several tracks serve as perfect gateways:
- “Sapiosexuality” – From The Maslow EP, this track illustrates the sound BrokinPaper is now synonymous with.
- “66023C” – Featured in the Zara Haircare campaign, this track showcases BrokinPaper’s ability to create captivating beats that resonate widely.
- “Damage” – The first of BrokinPaper’s tracks to land on major editorial playlists, marking an important milestone in his career.
What Lies Ahead
As BrokinPaper gears up for future performances and teases the concept of his next album, Form Over Function, he aims to explore a musical direction rich with summery vibes and upbeat tracks. “I’m just honored because the music is reaching high places,” he reflects. His evolving narrative paints a picture of an artist who can seamlessly transition between intimate venues and grand fashion events, always leaving a mark in the most surprising places.
With both ambition and creativity at the forefront, BrokinPaper seems destined for further success in the ever-evolving landscape of electronic music, continually breaking down boundaries and expectations in both his artistry and performance.
