The U.K.-based producer/vocalist/DJ found himself at the center of a global phenomenon with his reimagining of t.A.T.u.’s classic gaining momentum on HBO’s Heated Rivalry.
Few artists experience the kind of breakout moment Harrison has relished in over the past year. The U.K.-based producer/vocalist/DJ found himself at the center of a global phenomenon after his reimagining of t.A.T.u.’s “All the Things She Said” became the emotional centerpiece of HBO’s Heated Rivalry.
What began as a fresh interpretation of the 2002 smash classic quickly evolved into one of dance music’s biggest success stories, topping Spotify’s Viral Charts globally, in the U.S., and in Canada for six consecutive weeks while generating more than one billion views across TikTok.
That momentum has translated into an impressive career trajectory. Harrison has now amassed more than 750 million Spotify streams across his catalog, released acclaimed remixes for artists including The Veronicas (“Untouched”) and Duran Duran & Nile Rodgers (“Free To Love”) – and he continues to expand his reach with performances at Capital Pride Festival in Washington, D.C., Hyde Park in London, and Fenway Park’s upcoming Heated Rivalry Night in Boston.
Prior to his rise following “All The Things She Said,” Harrison also experienced major streaming and viral moments with his covers of other popular songs, from such artists as Taylor Swift (“Anti-Hero”), Green Day (“Boulevard of Broken Dreams”), Snow Patrol (“Chasing Cars”), Juice WRLD (“Lucid Dreams”), among others. And let’s not forget about his explosive originals, including “Breathe Me In,” “Tell Me Why” with ALOK, “Once Upon A Time” with Kill The Buzz, and “Earthquake” with Hardwell.
Despite the whirlwind rise, Harrison remains grounded in his creative process. Whether he’s producing, writing, or stepping behind the decks, his focus remains on emotion first and technology second – a philosophy that continues to shape both his music and his performances. DJ LIFE caught up with Harrison Manley-Shaw, 33, to discuss his creative journey, studio workflow, viral success, remix philosophy, and what’s next.
DJ LIFE: How did you start making music?
Harrison: It was honestly pretty basic. I definitely wasn’t one of those kids with a dream studio from day one. I was just obsessed with music and spent hours teaching myself, experimenting with whatever equipment I could get access to. Looking back, those early years were less about the gear and more about learning how songs made people feel and how to create those moments yourself.
DJ LIFE: What’s a day in the studio like for you?
Harrison: Most days start with listening. I spend a lot of time absorbing music, ideas, and references before I actually start creating. Once I’m in the session, it’s usually pretty fluid. Some days I’m writing. Some days I’m producing. Some days I’m recording vocals. I’ve learned not to force things. If an idea is there, I follow it. If it isn’t, I move on and come back later.
DJ LIFE: How do you usually start a track?
Harrison: Usually, it’s an emotion first. I know that sounds vague, but it’s true. Sometimes it’s a lyric. Sometimes it’s a chord progression. Sometimes it’s just a feeling I can’t shake. I try to capture that feeling as quickly as possible before I start overthinking it.
DJ LIFE: Your reimagining of t.A.T.u.’s “All the Things She Said” has become a global phenomenon. What was the creative spark that made it come to life?
Harrison: I’ve always loved songs that carry a lot of emotion and nostalgia. “All the Things She Said” is one of those records that instantly takes people somewhere. I wasn’t trying to reinvent it. I just heard a way to bring it into my world and give it a different energy while keeping the emotion that made people fall in love with it in the first place.
DJ LIFE: The track became the sonic centerpiece for HBO’s Heated Rivalry. What was it like for you to watch your music translate onto the screen like that?
Harrison: If there’s one thing this experience taught me, it’s that you never know where a song is going to end up. Watching people connect with it through the show was surreal. The messages I received from fans all over the world were incredibly moving. It’s one of those things you dream about as an artist, but never really expect to happen.
DJ LIFE: “All the Things She Said” rode the charts and hit over 1 billion views on TikTok. How do you process that level of exposure and success?
Harrison: I don’t think I’ve fully processed it, if I’m being honest. One minute you’re making music in your studio and the next you’re seeing your song everywhere. It’s amazing and overwhelming at the same time. More than anything, I’m grateful. The numbers are incredible, but knowing the song genuinely meant something to people is what sticks with me.
DJ LIFE: Have you since felt any added pressures when it comes to creating new music or performing a DJ set?
Harrison: There’s definitely pressure, but I think every artist feels that at some point. The trick is not letting it control you. If I start thinking about expectations too much, it gets in the way of creativity. I try to stay focused on making music I genuinely love and trust that the rest will take care of itself.
DJ LIFE: With Fenway Park hosting a dedicated Heated Rivalry Night on August 31, what does it feel like as a U.K.-based artist to have your music cross over so heavily into American sports culture?
Harrison: It’s crazy. Growing up in the U.K., I never could have imagined being connected to something like that. It’s a reminder of how far music can travel and how it can become part of people’s lives in ways you never anticipate.
DJ LIFE: You recently dropped a huge remix of The Veronicas’ anthem “Untouched.” How do you approach remixing a track that holds such a special place in pop-music history?
Harrison: Very carefully. Songs like that mean a lot to people. My job isn’t to replace the original. It’s to honor what made it special while finding a way to introduce it to listeners in a new context. That’s always the balance.
DJ LIFE: Do you have any pre-show rituals or routines you carry out backstage before walking out to the decks?
Harrison: Nothing too strange. I usually take a few minutes to myself, put my phone away, and focus. Once I step on stage, I want to be completely present.
DJ LIFE: What’s a piece of advice you received early on in your career that you still carry with you today?
Harrison: Stay authentic. Trends come and go, but people connect with honesty. That’s something I’ve tried to hold onto throughout my career.
DJ LIFE: How different are you sets? Can you compare playing an underground, intimate club night versus a massive outdoor event like the Capital Pride Festival?
Harrison: They’re completely different experiences. In a club, you can take your time and really build a journey. At a festival, you have to grab people’s attention straight away and create big moments. I enjoy both for different reasons.
DJ LIFE: You handle roles as a producer, a vocalist, and a DJ. When you’re in the studio writing, how do you find that balance between the technical mindset of a producer with the emotional performance delivery of a vocalist and songwriter?
Harrison: I try not to wear all the hats at once. When I’m writing or recording vocals, I focus on emotion. Later, I’ll switch into producer mode and worry about the details. If you start editing while you’re creating, you can lose some of the magic.
DJ LIFE: Do you have a track or remix of your own that you’re most proud of or that you hold close to your heart?
Harrison: I’d probably say “All the Things She Said” simply because of what it’s become. Seeing a song take on a life far beyond what you imagined and connect with so many different people is something I’ll never take for granted.
DJ LIFE: Having amassed over 750 million streams so far, what does the next chapter for Harrison look like?
Harrison: More music, more growth, and hopefully more opportunities to connect with people. The last few years have changed my life, but I still feel like I’m just getting started. There are a lot of things I want to accomplish, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.