Dance Up-And-Comer of the Month BrokinPaper Made Music Inspired By Gesaffelstein — Then Gucci Called

In the early hours of an overnight flight from New York City to Berlin, rising producer Harrison Lee, known professionally as BrokinPaper, was hard at work crafting his set. Having been recruited by Gucci to perform at the afterparty of a May event, Lee arrived in Berlin to an all-Gucci ensemble awaiting him in his hotel room. His performance, marked by brooding, sharp-edged electronic productions, was a resounding success, setting the stage for another Gucci DJ appearance in Times Square.

The gig, broadcast on iconic digital billboards at a high-fashion event, marked a significant milestone in Lee's career.

Born and raised in New York City, Lee's journey to this point began in a metal band called Broken Paper Wings during his teenage years. After the group disbanded, Lee felt compelled to forge his own path in music, eventually becoming a solo producer. Inspired by the electronic music of Boys Noize and Gesaffelstein, Lee drew parallels between their genre-spanning sound and his own ambition. Gesaffelstein's "Rocket Number 9" remix, discovered on YouTube, sealed his admiration for the French producer's versatile style.

By 2019, Lee's EP The Maslow and its breakout hit "Sapiosexuality" had put him on the map. Through targeted Instagram ads, "Sapiosexuality" gained significant traction, leading to further opportunities in high fashion. Gucci's subsequent call was a watershed moment, signifying a move into the brand realm. BrokinPaper's third studio album, Function Over Form, released on September 9, encapsulates his ability to create heavy, cerebral, and stylish music.

With tracks like "Damage" and a remix with Belarusian producer Jenasi, Lee has refined his sound to seamlessly fit within his high-energy sets, eliminating the stress previously associated with DJing.