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Interview with
SHOGUN

(5th October 2022)

Interview by Dave Bruce

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Have you always wanted to be a musician? When did you get the production bug? 
Music has been a huge part of my life ever since I was young. It’s something very important to me, so I knew at an early age that it was what I wanted to do.
I wanted to produce my own song that people could sing too when I was DJing my sets, that’s how it started for me producing.

How would you describe your sound? Why do you think people resonate with your music? 
I started my career off with trance music which is very emotional , and melodic. Now my sound has developed into more of a hybrid genre between deep progressive house, mixed with a bit of trance feels. I feel like people resonate with my music because of the story I tell, whether it be the vocals and lyrics or the Melody’s and emotions it portrays. People seem to relate what I’m trying to describe in a particular song.

Which artist’s music and/or performance, past or present, inspires you today? 
Bob Marley’s music really inspires me because his songs are so uplifting and meaningful. Performance wise I’d say Salvatore Ganacci because he’s original and hilarious to watch.

Your latest original track, “Cielo,” recently dropped and it’s awesome! Describe its origin and evolution. 
Thanks! I was doing a spa day and was relaxing in a jacuzzi. For some reason I thought of a tribal chant when thinking of this melody and that vocal became the main focus of the track. I wanted to create the same feeling when Mufasa holds up Simba, so I mixed all these ideas together and it came out to be Cielo! 

Is there a Shogun EP or Album on the drawing board? 
Next year perhaps, I’m just focusing on singles for now. My next album would have to be something super special so I don’t want to rush it.

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Any tours or events coming up soon? What are you looking forward to, and what can the fans expect? 
I have a full Asia tour coming up this year. The fans can expect an amazing show of course, something more of a progressive sound that keeps building up throughout the night. I feel like the deep darker progressive club sound is coming back in full force.

How has COVID affected you to date? What have you introduced to balance the losses from missed events? 
I think COVID affected everyone in various ways. For me, I just took the focus elsewhere which was in my studio. The pandemic gave me a lot of time to really think of what music I wanted to produce and which style fits me the most right now l. It gave me the time to focus on what music I want to put out and also the next step, which is a big radio show.

If you could perform with any music artist, dead or alive, who would you choose? And why?
I would have to say Michael Jackson, just to see how he practices before he performs. The king of pop was just on a different level, and to perform with someone like that would be pretty mind blowing.

Do you have any long-term aspirations as a music artist? 
Just to put out the hottest music that is meaningful to me. I think it’s amazing how music can change peoples lives, so as long as my music is well received and makes a difference in the world, I am happy.

What is the best thing about DJing to a live audience? What’s been the career highlight so far? 
It’s the rush, musical connection with the crowd, and the feeling you get when you know you played a good set. I’d say playing at the big festivals are my career highlights. It’s hard to choose one, because Ultra, Tomorrowland, EDC all have their own charm.

Finally, a few questions for some quick answers –
FAVOURITE:
Album – sofi tukker – wet tennis 
Artist –  bad bunny
Movie – Elvis 
Place to visit – Tokyo
Venue to play – Zouk
Food – Sushi
Drink – Grey Goose on the rocks
Person in History –  Dr. Kellog for creating cereal
Tattoo – (If you don’t have one, what would you get?)  I have one on my arm it says ‘when words fail, music speaks’

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Follow SHOGUN
Facebook – Spotify – Instagram – Twitter

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Press Release 7th October 2022 (below)

SHOGUN
drops electrifying new
trance single
“CIELO”

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OUT NOW VIA SERENDIPITY MUZIK

Multifaceted talent Andrew Chen – alias Shogun – continues to ride the wave of his biggest year ever with the release of another trance-doused original, “Cielo.” On top of maintaining a steady stream of Shogun branded releases, such as “Striker,” “Nezuko,” and “UP,” the Asian American DJ has been developing his recently launched aliases: NXNJAS and Neo Tokyo. Within a few months, Chen has landed releases on Armada, Musical Freedom, and Black Hole Recordings, as well as official remixes for dance music heavy-hitter Jeffrey Suttorious. “Cielo” sees Shogun go back to basics, tapping into his trance roots for a short cut that packs a punch. “Cielo” is out now via Serendipity Muzik.

STREAM: SHOGUN – CIELO [SERENDIPITY MUZIK]

Consistently delivering ecstatic melodies and crisp percussion components, Shogun knows what it takes to craft a standout trance production. “Cielo” kicks off with a merciless buildup carried forward by warehouse synth jabs and a throbbing bassline, peaking with a regal cascade of warrior chants before exploding into a wonderland of melodic trance. The track is fundamentally steeped in pleasure, suited for peak-time dancefloors, at-home workouts, and everything in between.

“Cielo” follows Shogun’s contribution to Jeffrey Sutorious’ recently released remix LP, #aparttogether (The Remixes Part 1), where he injected his blend of euphoric trance into “Kings ft. HALIENE.” The LP also featured an infectious remix from Shogun’s new alias, NXNJAS, which he started earlier this year with his childhood friend Steven Wright. Slated for release later this autumn, #aparttogether (The Remixes Part 2), will feature a brand-new remix from Shogun’s third alias Neo Tokyo. As he continues to prove his unwavering creativity and work ethic, it’s safe to say no one does it like Shogun.

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About SHOGUN

International four-time DJ Mag Top 100 DJ and producer Shogun has made waves headlining renowned major music festivals worldwide, including Tomorrowland, TomorrowWorld, EDC, ULTRA, and A State Of Trance. The California-based talent is known as the first Asian American on the internationally known Armada Music, and is also signed to the likes of Blackhole, Universal, and Musical Freedom. In 2022, Shogun launched two new aliases: NXNJAS and Neo Tokyo. Each one aims to showcase his diverse production capabilities while preserving the trance roots of the Shogun brand.

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AMNPLIFY – DB