How did u started producing and dj-ing ?
Shadi M.: I started Djing about 10 years ago, and producing music about 5. Got into Djing during the Progressive house days, not so much my cup of tea anymore but my taste kept changing with time.. I Started dabbling with production after getting my hands on some software, and just wanted to see what the music in my head sounded like.
And how do you get along with the scene in your country at the moment , do you have resident night in some club for presenting the music that you play ?
Shadi M.: Well at the moment, the scene in Dubai and UAE in general is not at the point where I can get too many gigs. It seemed best for me to go to Europe and play there and come back and forth. Its still a young scene and hopefully one day it'll get to the point where I can be based here and be able to play more regularly. At the moment, I'm really enjoying my time in Europe and meeting wonderful & wonky people.
So , you make music many years , when was your first release ?
Shadi M.: My first release came out in 2006 on the Danish label Tic Tac Toe. Also came with a great remix by Jay Hunsberger. The track “The spot” on there is still very special to me, even though its not so new anymore. It was the first time I had used my own vocal on a track. Haven't looked back since.
From where do you get your inspiration to make music ?
Shadi M.: Inspiration to make music could come from anywhere. When I first started, it was usually from other music that I've heard, but as time went by thats changed a bit. Recently I've been getting inspiration from experiences I've been through and situations I've gotten into, some of which I haven't gotten out of yet hehe..
And what were the highlights in your career until now ?
Shadi M.: Up till now, I have to say that would probably have to be going to Europe and playing and talking to people and being completely surprised to know that they are familiar with my work. Music breaks all boundries and its nice to have an escape from this cruel world we live in. We need less politics and more dancing.
What are the influences of your music, apart from the electronic music do you listen to some other kind of music ?
Shadi M.: Was hoping you'd ask that question hehe. I listen to lots of other music. Everything from Blues, Jazz, Reggae, and good old fashion Rock n' roll. Lately I can't get enough of this Swiss reggae band that I discovered on my travels. They're called Inna Crisis and their debut album is title What if? Looking forward to the summer time so I can blast it on my way to the beach.
And what is your opinion regarding the digital releases and the vinyl releases ? Any predictions regarding this issue ?
Shadi M.: Well to be honest, its a double edged sword. I think digital releases are great in that you could finish a track and a few days later it would be out for everyone to download and play. The problem with it is that, anyone with half a brain and an internet connection could put music out there and sometimes the quality of music isn't as high as you would expect to see on vinyl. Then again there are also netlabels like Igloo, Unfoundsound, and Textone (RIP) who put out music that is miles ahead of music we hear on vinyl. So it goes both ways. For me the most important thing is the quality of music and not so much the media its presented in.
In nowadays we are witnesses that most of the music production is guided only through computers? Do you think that this is the most appropriate thing, thus it is at some point more economical and more accessible to everybody?
Shadi M.: I guess everyone has their preferred way to work. Some use hardware and software, others just hardware or software. Some even underwear, but we won't get into that hehe. It has become very easy for anyone to make their own music, but it doesnt mean that everyone has it in them. There are also lots of people who aren't classically trained, including myself, but can still translate their ideas into sounds. As I was saying earlier, there is good music and bad music. Whether its been made on a computer or not.
Further plans in future ? Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now, regarding your music carrer and everything relevant to it ?
Shadi M.: My plans for the future is to just keep making music and getting it out there, either for people to worship or spit on hehe. Also to play around a bit more, not so much Djing as playing live. Most importantly I want to keep experimenting with the liveset untill I can play my music in the most flexible way, so that I can never play the same liveset twice.
Is it difficult these days for labels to hear your music and release it ? Do you plan to open your own label , even net label for presenting the music you make and appreciate?
Shadi M.: It was hard for me to get my music to labels at first, not because they wouldn't hear it, but because I'm not so good at shopping my music around. I would always rather spend my time making music than sending out emails. All the labels I'm involved with are all run by friends of mine who are familiar with my music and believe in it. I tried to setup a label a few years ago, but it wasn't the right time for me so I didn't pursue it. I was also involved with Leftroom at the start but it didn't turn out as i would have liked. Maybe sometime in the future, but at the moment i'd rather concentrate on my own music, because running a label takes a lot of work. As far as a netlabel is concerned, I don't really feel the need to start one at the moment because my monkey friend Dilo runs the Igloo netlabel, so I release my music on there and its such a kick ass netlabel. There is no point in starting one just for the sake of starting one. I have a few good homes for my music and i'm happy to work with them.
You have show on Proton radio , how many years you work on that and what is the concept of the show ?
Shadi M.: My show on Proton radio is called Vibrant Sounds. The show has been running for over 2 years now. The concept of the show is to showcase all the Djs and liveacts whose music I love. Mainly it focuses on up and coming artists, or more established artists that aren't so well known. Big name djs don't excite me too much, not as much as up and comers. Ofcourse there are exceptions. Mainly its to push people whose music I believe in, and my own mixes and live sets.
Can you tell me what are your upcomming releases ?
Shadi M.: There are quite a few at the moment. I have a Kalimari Ep, Produkt schplatten Ep, Sunset Diskos Ep, Igloo Ep, remix of a track by Dilo called Ave Fenix on Less iz Mor, remix of a track by Herre & Red Kite titled Damals on a Produkt digital release, and an ep that is in the works with Mikael Stavostrand. Should be an exciting year this year! Lots more to come.
Skopjeclubbing thanks you for giving this interview , I hope you will visit our country soon !!
Shadi M.: It was my pleasure, get me a new passport and i'll gladly come and play/dance/cause trouble!!!
© katerina mileska [miss flooder]
www.skopjeclubbing.com.mk |
