Exclusive interview with Shogun for TranceSound.net

December 19, 2011 Posted by Cosmin Lukacs in Interviews, News

Interview with Shogun

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Shogun Public support. This is what an average upcoming producer needs in order to make it in this thought and huge EDM (Electronic Dance Music) spectrum. But when it comes to all EMI (Electronic Music Industry) heads supporting a very good producer this is already heading to a different scale, a crucial ingredient to become one exception amongst other producers. Being signed with Armada, Armin van Buuren’s label, this is yet another statement of Shogun’s quality sound. At this stage we all know that Shogun has plenty tracks to show off with, but as I have learned from this interview in particular, he has major plans in relation to having his own debut album, a much favourable and wanted album and beyond that… a movie sound track might be in the works – at least that’s his goal. Indulge yourself reading this amazing exclusive interview and you will learn that Shogun it’s here to stay, for the long-haul.

1. First off, can you give us an overview of this new EP coming out in next week ? What can fans expect on these 2 records that may be a little different and also, what are some of the things that you have kept the same, comparing to your previous tracks ?

Shogun: The “Lotus/Space Odyssey” EP was released on Dec 12 and so far, it’s been a great success. Currently, “Lotus” is #6 on the Beatport Trance Chart and “Space Odyssey” is #11! “Lotus” is a very personal track to me, so I am glad it’s doing so well. It’s the follow-up to “Skyfire” and takes a more uplifting turn on the story of darkness that “Skyfire” told, which was about war and poverty. All of my tracks are dark and emotional because I feel trance should portray the feelings that the producer had while creating the track. I love warm, clear vocals and playing around with different piano compositions.

2. What can artists such as yourself do to make the fans realize where the real talent and innovation is; in every single track you are making ?

Shogun: I always try to do something different and new with my productions, which keeps things exciting and fresh. For example, “Save Me” is a very different track from “Skyfire” and I think it’s important for an artist to show a wide variety of productions.

3. You recently secured a new distribution deal for “Space Odyssey” on Armin van Buuren’s 5th installment of Universal Religion, how important is that ?

Shogun: It’s a real honor to have my song featured on Universal Religion Chapter 5. I have always wanted to make a space themed track and to have it voted ‘the best buildup of the year’ by over 30,000 YouTube viewers is an incredible feeling! Also, I have been following the UR compilation series since the beginning, so having my track on it was a career high.

Shogun

4. Even though you have been very successful, are you still looking to broaden your fanbase and reach a wider audience ? Would you like to see an album being released under your name one day ? Any near future preparation towards this ?

Shogun: I definitely hope to start working on a Shogun artist album in 2012, that’s a huge goal of mine. Every remix and new track I make reaches a wider audience and I love meeting new fans who have just heard my stuff. Collaborations are a great way to get your sound out there. Of course, I will always stay loyal to my trance roots because that’s been my life and trance has always been there for me.

5. I know you enjoy a wide variety of music – your music speaks for itself – therefore, can you see yourself producing anything else besides EDM sound ?

Shogun: I see myself producing a big movie score in the future. Also, I like doing chillout tracks as well, which actually inspires me to create trance music.

6. How has your deal with Armada label progressed over the past year ? What are some of the projects that you have in mind, coming up with this venture ?

Shogun: I have been really fortunate to work with such an amazing label such as Armada. I think the thing that makes Armada so special is that they really care for their artists and the passion is always behind the music. I have been able to grow as an artist and it’s been such an honor to work with one of the biggest names in the industry. I am working on a track with the vocalist Susana at the moment and hope to do my own album in the future.

7. I know on December 3rd you got a gig at Gossip Nightclub in Vancouver, Canada. Do you have any other major shows coming up in the next few months that we can tell the fans about ?

Shogun: Vancouver is always a great city to play in and I had a great gig at a sold out Gossip! On Mon 26 Dec, I have another gig in Canada, at Mansion in Calgary. Then, the following night, I will be at Rome Nightclub in Fresno, California. It’s always great to play in my home state because then I get to sleep in my own bed!

Shogun

8. Do you feel that there is overwhelming pressure on artists who are on major labels to make pop hits for the radio ? As far as your own career goes, where do you draw the line between broadening your fanbase and keeping your integrity as an artist ?

Shogun: Trance is my life. As long as I keep making the music that is special to me, I feel that my integrity will always be there. Also, I don’t think there is too much pressure on artists who remember where their roots are. On the other hand, it’s also impossible to please everyone but at the end of the day if I sit down and listen to one of my tracks with a smile… I know I have done my job.

9. As far as the immediate future, what should fans be looking out for ?

Shogun: I have some big remixes coming up for popular DJs, along with my collaboration with Susana. I am in the studio 12+ hours a day, so there’s always something in the works!

10. Your old time favourite track was and still is “Skyfire” along Mellisa Loretta. On the other hand “Lotus” is more likely a sequel of your previous floor-filler. What are your intentions with this more like heaven’s cent theme record ?

Shogun: I wanted to show people that beauty can come from a place of darkness. The Lotus flower is a symbol for peace and tranquility and can grow in the ugliest and murkiest waters. I have a tattoo of a Lotus flower that reminds me of that.

11. On your track there are several references to global wars and conflicts, humanity are facing a dark side of life nowadays and a sombre future lies ahead, therefore, a dark effect is presently engaged in. With all that is going on, “Lotus” presents a different perspective about yourself, something more like… you do believe that the strongest light comes from the darkest place, right ?

Shogun: I believe that light always shines brightest after the darkest of times because I have experienced it myself, and I have always believed there is good in people. The value of peace is always weighted differently once one have experienced loss and suffering. I believe that there is always good in humanity but somewhere along the way, people lose themselves and they become their own worst enemies. But sometimes they also forget that they are the ones who can save themselves as well. With Lotus, I wanted to bring that deeper realization back to people in hopes that they will always remember that good is never too far off, they just have to search and believe in themselves.

Shogun

12. A lot of your great remixes are being released and highly supported lately. Remixes of tracks such as W&W feat. Brees’s “Nowhere To Go”, John O’Callaghan ft Cathy Burton’s “Perfection” or else Cerf, Mitiska & Jaren’s “Another World” just to mention a few. What was the track you really enjoyed working on ?

Shogun: I really enjoyed working on “Perfection” because everything came together so naturally. When I first heard the original, I already knew what I wanted to do with the remix and the end product was exactly how I visioned it. A lot of the emotions I was feeling at the time were portrayed in the remix, and I had such a great time working with Cathy Burton’s vocals.

13. Your by weekly podcast, White Room Sessions is a multitude of Vocal Trance releases. I take it as you are a huge fan of all those tracks featuring angelic voice of JES, Cathy Burton, Justine Suissa, Sylvia Tosun, Sarah Howells, Ana Criado and so many others. What are you having in your DJ case for the next show ?

Shogun: I will be featuring more great progressive trance anthems, and of course the big vocal tracks which I love. Also, I will be playing one of my live recorded sets as a special episode as well so definitely some exciting shows coming soon.

14. Is there a message for our TranceSound.net community or anyone else reading this interview ?

Shogun: Thanks for having me and thanks for supporting your favorite trance artists! Happy New Year!

Shogun