Shogun Releases ‘Lotus/Space Odyssey’ EP + Exclusive Interview with DxE!!!
You’d think it would impossible to follow the success of his last original smash “Skyfire” but American DJ and producer Andrew Chen, better known as Shogun, has proven again that he’s no one-trick pony. His new single “Lotus” drops December 12 on Armind as part of a special double release with “Space Odyssey,” one of the break-out tracks on Armin Van Buuren’s “Universal Religion: Chapter 5″ and fans of Shogun’s dark, emotional blend of progressive trance won’t be disappointed.
While ‘Skyfire’ was a story about the dark side of humanity and how the world struggles to find peace and sunlight in times of war, ‘Lotus’ proves to listeners that beauty can come from a place of darkness. The lotus flower is a symbol of peace and tranquility — qualities in trance music that Shogun hopes will help fans who are struggling with their own personal issues. An uplifting and euphoric track, the throbbing bass line in ‘Lotus’ keeps the dance floor moving, while a blissful breakdown prompts arms to raise and infuses the soul with hope.
As an added bonus, the “Lotus” EP also comes with Shogun’s banger ‘Space Odyssey,’ which has been unofficially voted “Best Build-Up of the Year” by its over 30,000 viewers on Youtube. Previously released on Armin’s fifth volume of “Universal Religion,” ‘Space Odyssey’ is an unforgettable tune that has received the support of the industry’s best DJS and electronic music fans worldwide.
The man himself was awesome enough to catch up with DxE and answers a few questions about his journey intro trance and the path towards ‘Lotus/Space Odyssey’ –
DxE: When did you first realize that trance was the genre you wanted to produce and be a part of?
Shogun: I started out listening to a lot of industrial music like Nine Inch Niles, Prodigy, and Filter. Eventually, it progressed into liking more of the melodic elements from electronic music that I could find in trance music. When I heard Armin Van Buuren’s ‘Communication’ for the first time, and heard the beautiful memories from ‘Gouryella,’ I was hooked.
DxE: Walk us through what it’s like preparing and actually mixing for a 9-hour set, a feat you’ve conquered on more than one occasion.
Shogun: Before I go on, I listen to chillout music to prepare mentally but once I drop the first track, I’m immediately in the groove and 9 hours feels like it just flew by! I don’t plan my sets so everything is right on the spot– track selection and mixing.
DxE: If you could single out one show in particular as your favorite or most memorable, which would it be and why?
Shogun: Every show that I play in always brings a different experience but at the end of the day, the passion for trance music always remains the same globally, and that by itself is one of the best gifts I could ever ask for from a crowd. However, if I have to single out a show, it would be my gig at ASOT 500 in Sydney. That was just incredible to be a part of and only happens once in a lifetime.
Thomas Gold @ Playhouse Tonight (Coverage by DxE) [SOLD OUT SHOW]” href=”http://www.deathbyelectro.com/2012/03/thomas-gold-play-house-tonight-coverage-by-dxe-sold-out-show.html”>DxE: Tell us a little about your newest EP ‘Lotus/Space Odyssey.’
Shogun: I wanted to do a follow up to ‘Skyfire,’ as that track portrayed the dark side of the world, where humanity is at war and the world struggles to find peace and solitude in times of desperation. With ‘Lotus,’ I wanted to bring back hope to listeners, that there is still good and purity in the world despite the dark times. The lotus flower symbolizes peace and tranquility and can grow in the murkiest of waters but still remain pure and beautiful in all its glory. I wanted this track to help people who were lost in their problems and lost faith, to remind them that despite the darkness, there is still hope. This track took quite a whole to finish, almost 2 months in the studio but I’m really happy with the outcome.
For ‘Space Odyssey,’ I wanted to produce a track that launched the listeners into orbit. The track was chosen to be on Armin’s Universal Religion Chapter 5 which was truly amazing, and it matched the artwork of the compilation CD perfectly.
Thomas Gold @ Playhouse Tonight (Coverage by DxE) [SOLD OUT SHOW]” href=”http://www.deathbyelectro.com/2012/03/thomas-gold-play-house-tonight-coverage-by-dxe-sold-out-show.html”>DxE: How would you describe the “Shogun sound” to someone who may not have heard your tracks before?
Shogun: My sound is generally darker and very emotional progressive trance. Music has to create emotions for the listeners– that is what makes music special.
Thomas Gold @ Playhouse Tonight (Coverage by DxE) [SOLD OUT SHOW]” href=”http://www.deathbyelectro.com/2012/03/thomas-gold-play-house-tonight-coverage-by-dxe-sold-out-show.html”>DxE: As we approach the turn of the new year, what can we look forward to from Shogun for the rest of 2011 and upcoming in 2012?
Shogun: I have more big remixes and original products on the way and will be collaborating with new vocalists, which is always exciting. A lot more great music, and new tour dates to come in 2012!
Thomas Gold @ Playhouse Tonight (Coverage by DxE) [SOLD OUT SHOW]” href=”http://www.deathbyelectro.com/2012/03/thomas-gold-play-house-tonight-coverage-by-dxe-sold-out-show.html”>DxE: Are we going to see you in LA anytime soon?!
Shogun: I should be in LA early next year for a gig I’m really excited about, so look forward to it.
We want to thank Andrew again for taking the time for us and Erin over at Theory X for making it all possible. Make sure to look out for the new EP ‘Lotus/Space Odyssey’ coming to beatport and all other retailers December 12. Cheers guys.
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in Electro/House, Interview
