Steve Harrington
Cypress, Texas, United States
Music
Press
Three incredible bands opened for Accept at The Troubadour on a Friday night – two signed and one of them undoubtedly on their way to signing that elusive recording contract.
Opening the show was Nasty Habit, a promising band from the Inland Empire (Riverside, CA). They played a set of hard rock tunes with a playful edge, and apparently brought a good number of people to the show. Best songs of the set included the catchy “Treason” and the fun ‘n trashy “Sleazorama.” They also did a terrific cover of the AC/DC classic “A Touch Too Much.” Can’t wait to see these guys again cuz this Nasty Habit is one that you just won’t want to break!
- Highwire Daze
The band hit the stage with a ferocity, reminiscent of the showmanship of the late 80’s, with a song called “Skin Trade”. This was high energy from the start, and it turned out to be a good indication of what was to come. Nasty Habit is a band that has obviously worked on their showmanship and stage presence, you won’t see these guys standing around if they’re anywhere near the stage! The musicianship is solid and the vocal ability, lead and backups, are well developed.
I particularly liked “True Love”, and original rocker with an alternative edge to it that really gets you going, and it’s a song that has that kind of stays in your head long after the show is over. Another highlight was the Nasty Habit version of AC/DC’s “A Tough Too Much”. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the show and this band.
- Factor-X
Discography
Nasty Habit self-titled EP, 1993
Nasty Habit, Trashed, EP, 1995
Upcoming: Scary Harry, Huge, Nov-2007
Photos
Bio
Bio
Steve Harrington
harrington9000@yahoo.com
http://www.sonicbids.com/steveharrington
Houston-based singer, guitarist and songwriter Steve Harrington’s tunes have an edge to them that is all their own. There’s something comfortable and reassuring about them—and yet there’s something always new to notice, as well. With their catchy melodies and soulful vocals, Harrington’s songs grab you the first time you hear them. However, it’s the details—the interesting arrangements, lyrics that take on a life of their own, and real dynamics—that make you keep coming back to these wonderful hard rock songs again and again.
Harrington’s career began writing music for the band Nasty Habit (Riverside, CA) during the 90s, where he also played lead guitar and sang backing vocals. Nasty Habit had a string of successes—including opening for signed acts including Strip Mind, Lillian Axe, and Accept—as well as headlining multiple shows across the region. Adored by fans, they were also praised by critics: “songs that kind of stay in your head long after the show is over” was a common refrain. Famous for a kick-ass stage presence and great songs, most thought that Nasty Habit would land a record deal; in fact, Kenneth Morton of Highwire Daze wrote, “Nasty Habit is undoubtedly on their way to signing that elusive recording contract.” Although that never happened—the band broke up by the end of the decade—the passion for music never left Harrington. In fact, it only grew stronger.
These days, Harrington is focused on songwriting, and writes constantly. A talented multi-instrumentalist, besides writing, he also lays down all the guitar, bass, keys, drum programming and lead and harmony vocals parts, as well. Informed by his deep musical background, and strong chops, the results are songs that are uniquely his. Harrington resists being pigeonholed into any one style—instead focusing on the characters and storylines that inhabit his songs. He is able to shift from a flat-out rocker to a relaxed ballad on a dime. And the pure joy he takes in creating these songs comes through on every track: “Music has always been my passion,” Harrington states, “and I enjoy the creative aspect of music and the feedback that comes from sharing it with others.”
Harrington’s music fuses the 80s virtuosity of groups like Rush and Van Halen, and the lyrical, melodic styles of Kings X and Collective Soul—to forge a sound that is contemporary, and completely radio-friendly. Although he comes from a hard rock background, Harrington is equally adept on softer tracks as well. And although he has a voice that can drive an entire band, he’s also not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve; as in “When I Fall” he sings, “In the grand scheme of it all, you in my life means nothing at all, Unless you can catch me; When I fall.”
All of Harrington’s drive and determination is beginning to payoff. Steve’s song “Rescue Me” received “Honorable Mention” in the 2005 and 2006 Billboard World Songwriting Competition, and was included on the Best New Bands Compilation CD released by Apache Rose Publishing in October 2006. The song has been getting consistent airplay on KPCW 91.9 FM in Park City, Utah. His track “Breakin’ Down” finished in the Top 500 in the Billboard World Songwriting Competition and has been released on the Best New Bands Compilation CD Volume II.
In the immediate future, Steve Harrington will be completing his debut solo effort, Huge, (to be released in March 2008). He will also continue to seek a label, as well as a Publishing contract and inclusion for his songs in television, and film. But no matter where Harrington ends up, we’re just glad to be along for the ride.
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