HARDEN is a DJ, producer, and event curator reshaping the pulse of house music’s underground. As the founder of Casa Alta, he has turned iconic venues across the country into sold-out dancefloors, inviting acts like Adam Ten, Bedouin, DJ Tennis, Nic Fanciulli, and Keinemusik’s &Me to join the ride.
Photo credit: HARDEN – Instagram
With a no-nonsense approach to nightlife, HARDEN stands out in a scene often drawn to polish. His sets, whether shared with longtime friends like Fergie or rising collaborators like Yamagucci, bring a textured fusion of house and techno that extends from after-hours to festival stages. Now, with the launch of his own Casa Alta label and a debut EP already making waves, he enters 2025 with momentum and intention.
In this conversation, HARDEN opens up about the journey behind Casa Alta, the evolution of his sound, and what it means to build culture without compromise.
EG: Hi, Marc! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. How have you been? Where are you right now?
HARDEN: Thanks for having me – honestly, I’ve been great. Right now I’m in Denver, where we’re in the final stretch of building out the new studio. Between touring, launching the label, and finishing the EP, it’s been intense but the energy is amazing. Everything feels like it’s lining up in the right way.
EG: Congratulations on the release of ‘Breathe’, ‘Onyx Doe’, and ‘E-Fax’, the first singles on your very own Casa Alta imprint. What are some of your initial feelings? What has the reception been like so far?
HARDEN: It’s been surreal. Releasing music through your own label hits different, especially when it’s something you’ve built from the ground up. The feedback has been overwhelming. ‘Onyx Doe’ found its way onto some of the biggest Spotify playlists, which was a huge moment for us. DJs I’ve looked up to for years have been supporting it. It’s been a dream start.
EG: How much work has gone into this debut EP for Casa Alta? What can your fans expect to find on this one?
HARDEN: A lot. These tracks came together across a year of movement – between Vegas, Denver, Ibiza, and random late-night studio sessions with my buddy Fergie. The EP is rooted in energy but has range. It’s definitely a reflection of where I’m at as both a DJ and producer.
EG: What can people expect from Casa Alta as a label in the near future?
HARDEN: More music, more experimentation, and a platform that uplifts artists who we believe in. Casa Alta is truly independent – just passion and community. The extended crew is full of producers, visual artists, and DJs who are all shaping the identity together. Expect collabs, vinyl runs, and a consistent thread of curation that leans underground but never formulaic.
“If you’re chasing the algorithm, you’ll burn out. But if you build something real – even if it takes longer, it lasts”
EG: We know you and Casa Alta are coming off the back of a full week of sold-out shows at Miami Music Week with the likes of Skepta, Kettama, Chris Lake, and more at Toe Jam, and have forthcoming pop-ups in Ibiza and across the USA. How does it feel to see Casa Alta cement itself as a rising international brand?
HARDEN: It’s wild. Miami was a moment that felt like confirmation – we’re not just doing parties, we’re building something that resonates on a global level. Throwing Casa Alta parties in different cities, hearing our own tracks on world-class sound systems, and seeing crowds that get what we’re about… it’s emotional. And we’re doing it with our people, without compromise. That’s what makes it special.
EG: Where do you see Casa Alta in 5 or 10 years? What space would you like for it to occupy in our ecosystem?
HARDEN: I want Casa Alta to be known for quality and integrity – whatever we touch, whether it’s a release, a stage takeover, a piece of merch, a film, a space. We want to be known as a hub for artists who take their craft seriously but don’t take themselves too seriously. In five or ten years, I see us having a global presence but keeping the soul intact. We’re building a culture, not a trend.
EG: By the way, you’re developing your own, bespoke studio in Denver. Congratulations. How is it coming along? What are your expectations for this place? Is there a name in mind for it?
HARDEN: Yeah – thank you. It’s called Casa Alta Studios, and it’s been a real labor of love. This isn’t just a room with gear, it’s a creative sanctuary. Fully custom acoustics, top-tier analog and digital tools, and a vibe that makes you want to lock in and go deep. It’s built for collaboration too, not just me. Artists from our circle and beyond will come through to create, connect, and evolve. It’s about giving back to the process.
EG: Now, stepping outside of the studio for a bit… What do you see as the biggest challenge for established and rising artists in the next few years?
HARDEN: Finding space to be yourself. Everything is moving fast – social media, streaming, the pressure to be everywhere. I think the challenge is tuning all that out and actually digging into your sound, your story. If you’re chasing the algorithm, you’ll burn out. But if you build something real – even if it takes longer, it lasts. That’s where we’re focused.
“We want to be known as a hub for artists who take their craft seriously but don’t take themselves too seriously”
EG: Looking forward, what can we expect from HARDEN? Where can your fans catch you next? What are your next scheduled shows?
HARDEN: Summer’s looking big. I’m on my way to Vegas for a Casa Alta party at Spearmint Rhino with Hot Since 82, then heading back to Ibiza for a few unannounced parties, before heading to Miami. There’s also some firsts in the making that I can’t announce quite yet. Plus a homecoming open air show in Denver to celebrate the studio launch. New music is locked and loaded too. 2025’s just heating up.
EG: Thank you so much for your time, Marc! We wish you all the best in the future. Take care!
HARDEN: Appreciate it. Thanks for having me – and see you soon, wherever the party’s at. Peace!
Harden’s ‘Onyx Doe’ EP is out now on Casa Alta. Stream and download here.
Follow Harden: Spotify | Soundcloud | Instagram
