Shanahan Interview

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Revealed Recordings | SONY Music | Armada Music | Flamingo Recordings

Shanahan, DJ Producer, has worked with some of todays biggest artists and labels across the globe, including Hardwell, Glenn Morrison, BT, Sony Music, Flamingo, & Tritonal to name a few. With his various concepts blending into one track, it’s easy to realize why he is being recognized by some of today’s top artists. These artists include Hardwell, Tiesto, Armin Van Buuren, Ferry Corsten, Tritonal, BT, Morgan Page, Michael Brun, Gareth Emery, Deniz Koyu, Kryder, and more. Over the past few years, Shanahan has been releasing on labels like, Revealed, Spinnin, Armada, SONY, & Flamingo.

Shanahan has accomplished a great deal in his career, specifically after landing the official remix for Glenn Morrison’s #1 hit, “Goodbye” released on SONY Music. In 2011 his single, “Passion” received an official remix from Hardwell on Revealed Recordings.

Shanahan has distanced himself from the pack with his unique & innovative style. With his productions constantly having his signature sound & his performances permanently bringing a different approach than your ordinary Artist, Shanahan is one to lookout for in the years to come.

INTERVIEW:

What is your name?  Shanahan

Where are you from?   Connecticut, USA

How long have you been making music?   I’ve been a music lover my entire life. Professionally, I started when I was 13 years old landing my first gig & label contract. That was almost 14 years ago!

How many songs /albums have you released to date?   Under Beatport’s catalog I have released over 170 records to date. I would imagine with my Free releases that I put out frequently that it’s safe to say i’ve release over 200/250 records!

Can you tell us about your recent release and the background and inspirations behind it?   Just recently I’ve released one of my favorite productions, “Janjira” on Fedde Le Grands, Flamingo Recordings. I am super proud of this record and how it came together in the studio. The track actually started almost 8 months ago, I knew the idea was strong at the time, but I wasn’t quite sold on it yet! I let the track rest for a couple months and worked on my other open projects. I knew there was something special and potential in this record; I just had to put some more time into it. Once I revisited the project about a couple months ago, I put together a different mixdown & master to my drop idea; it made the track night and day. Once I felt really strong about the drop/chorus, finished up my breakdown/bridge part with some really cool & unique parts! It really came together from there a lot easier, I knew I had a strong record ready to go out to some labels! A few weeks after that I signed it over with Flamingo Recordings!

How have you ended up in the music industry?   My older brother appointed me towards “Dance Music” when I was growing up. Just started listening to some classic Tiesto & Armin records and I got hooked! I couldn’t believe the energy, message, vocals, everything that came out of these songs. The thought of writing my own song on piano or guitar at the time blew my mind and I wanted to really explore the possibilities! Once I figured out software or DAW based music I was so extremely fascinated to start building a brand. The only way I really started to gain some traction and following was to start networking at a young age. Just going out to events or following forums online while trying to chat with people really goes a long way.

What do you think of the music industry in 2015?   I think there are a lot of great artists out there. In fact, I believe there are more “undiscovered” or “under-rated” artists out there right now than any other year I’ve been in the industry. Everyday I get new promos in my mail or a new inbox message from up and coming artists. Most of these songs I am sent are actually quite inspiring. I am a firm believer in new talent and think we need to give anyone younger a chance at making it by simply listening to there music. Right now I feel the industry is doing well overall, but at times I am disappointed by the creativity that’s released. I just don’t like when I hear a song and I know it was made for hype or a quick filler track, it’s just not my style. No offense to whoever does this, it’s just personally not satisfying to me. I take every song and every project slowly and thoroughly, making it the best I can, regardless of genre. I am really looking forward to the rest of the year and to see what genres will come to the front for 2016!

Who do you think the most influential artist?   I wish I could narrow it down to just one artist, but thats impossible for me! I personally don’t listen too much to others, as far as referencing tracks. It makes my creativity and vision a little more limited when I listen to so many other records. I think I do the opposite of most people, which is cool it just works for me you know? If there were a few artists I could point out that are next level it would be: Audien, Merk & Kremont, Juventa.

Who have you collaborated with so far in your career?   I have a few open collaborations right now in the works that I am super excited to get out there. I’ve done work with Hardwell, Glenn Morrison, First State, KURA, Tritonal, Hellberg, JoeySuki, Juventa, & many more!

Dead or alive, who would be your dream collaboration?   For a dance style track up my alley I would go for, Seven Lions. But, something outside the box as odd as this sounds, John Mayer. If I could write for someone in the music industry it would be Katy Perry or Taylor Swift. I like all types of music and love any artist that works hard at their craft!

What was the first album you bought?   Tiesto – Adagio For Strings

What’s your favorite song at the moment? Right now I really like Merk & Kremonts “Get Get Down” what a phat record! Overall one of my favorite records that I will play forever is, Audiens “Wayfarer.”


Who is the most influential artist now, and 10 years ago? Tiesto. I mean look at the guy! He has literally owned dance music for over 20 years and the guy plays gigs every night at age 43, how can it get any better than that?

If you had to sell your music collection tomorrow, what album would you leave in your draw?   Shanahan Ft. Jackie Mohr & Vegas “Only You” – That record will never get old for me, one of my favorite projects I ever did with two my great friends Jackie Mohr & David Spekter (Vegas.)

How do you think you differ from other artists?   Major thing with me is, I don’t follow genres. As in, I don’t care about whats hot, or what the best genre everyone is playing at that time. I go into my studio everyday and I write the music I love, no references or no thoughts of sounding like someone else. Whatever comes out of the speakers that gives me a smile, I know I am making the music I want my fans to hear. My music is always different every single track, I love showing my versatility as a producer and the vision that I have for my fans!

What is your favorite saying?   “Never tell your problems to anyone…20% don’t care and the other 80% are glad you have them.”

What other hobbies or interests do you have?   I was into cars when I was younger, always getting the most expensive sports cars that I could afford, but now I’m getting older so the financial focus is for my music career only! I also enjoy just taking time off to go to the beach or bike rides when I can, anything outside on a nice day I am excited for!

Do you have any tattoos or piercings?  I do not, no interest in stuff like that personally!

Tell us more about your upcoming project or this new project?   Janjira has just been released on Fedde Le Grandes, Flamingo Recordings. I have a few projects coming up as singles along with some major collaborations that I am super excited about! I am working with labels like Zerothree Music, Cloud9Dance, Enhanced Music, Pinkstar Records, & Much More. The music with be everything from Vocal Progressive down to the nitty gritty of Tech Progressive with fat drops!.

What’s in the pipeline after this project?   I am working on a collaboration with Hellberg from Monstercat along with a couple other collaborations. I have about 12 singles finished up that I am going to start shopping to my label contacts and artists. Theres much to come and I can’t wait to share with everyone!

Thank you for your time and may you carry on making dope, fresh music. 
Thanks a bunch for having me, cheers!

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