Alexis Harte is an American singer-songwriter and composer born and raised in Berkeley, CA.
With musical roots extending into acoustic folk, British invasion, Americana, and even electrified afro-pop, Harte's songwriting has never been monochromatic. A unifying element to his writing is the examination of smaller moments, in which his sharply drawn details loom larger than life. It’s this cinematic effect that landed Harte a publishing deal with Lionsgate Entertainment.
Noted San Francisco Chronicle critic Andrew Gilbert wrote: “On a scene with no lack of smart, resourceful singer-songwriters, the Bay Area's Alexis Harte has long distinguished himself with lovingly detailed tunes that transform his rootsy influences into a lithe, personal sound.”
Through Lionsgate, Harte met Pollen co-founder JJ Wiesler who produced his track “Mayflies” from Big Red Sun. Though completely self-released, “Mayflies” unexpectedly reached #1 on commercial station KOHO/Washington, edging out latest from Wilco, Norah Jones and U2 that week. The CD made numerous critics lists and gained traction on AAA stations across the US, including his hometown KFOG, where he is a staple on Acoustic Sunrise/Sunset.
Though he finds himself more often in the studio than on stage these days, Harte’s performing career has included top Bay Area venues like the legendary Fillmore (with Taj Mahal), Mystic Theater (with Dar Williams on several occasions), Uptown Theater (with Cat Power) and Slim’s, as well as world/folk festivals on the East Coast and Europe.
Harte’s songs have also slipped into mainstream consciousness through placements in literally dozens of national television shows (including CW’s Heart of Dixie, ABC’s Castle, and What About Brian, UPN’s Jack And Bobby, WB’s Jake 2.0, PBS’s Now with Bill Moyers, Fox’s The Loop and many more). He recently penned the lyrics and co-wrote the music along with JJ Wiesler to the song “No Wrong Way Home” for Oscar winner Patrick Osborne’s short animated VR film “Pearl” (chosen as best VR experience at 2106 Tribeca Film where it premiered this year).
In a parallel and oft-intertwined career, Harte (who earned a Master’s in Environmental Science from Yale University) has led diverse environmental efforts over the last 20 years: from urban/community forestry in San Francisco to Amazonian conservation to climate change education.
While holding down composing and partner duties with Pollen Music Group, Harte continues writing and releasing his own material. A new album “Perfect Waste of Time” is due out this Fall.
