The queen of America absolutely smashing it this summer
Interview by Dan Prince
Hey Eva welcome to DMCWORLD. Where in the world are you right now?
Hi Dan! I’m currently in Toronto visiting my family and finishing up another song.
What was the first piece of music you heard this morning after jumping out of bed?
The first song I heard today was myself in the studio. I’m working on a new song and actually, I’m almost done.
You have The Buzz Chart and the world’s dance floors going crazy at the moment thanks to your superb ‘Moxie’ track on Afrojack’s Wall label. Please talk us through the history and sound of the track…
I’m so happy it’s getting a good response! I wrote the basic melody for Moxie a while ago. I just came across the project again a few months ago and decided to finish it. I changed the drop a bit and the sounds. I’ve been playing it out for a few months and adjusting along the way. I changed the second drop and the vocal super last minute , right before Afrojack played it at Ultra. Actually I think it was the day he played that I sent the final version.
When I told Buzz Chart boss I was interviewing you today he shouted across the office, “love that tune. It’s huge and smashed it on the drop, no cheese, just was energy!” Thoughts on that little comment?
That’s so nice to hear! That was the whole concept of the song – energy! The original vocal sample I used said “energy” and that’s why I named it Moxie. I didn’t end up using that sample but the song is still the epitome of energy to me. It took a while to get it as big as it is so it’s nice to hear when people appreciate it.
What can you tell us about the video…
The video was one huge collaboration. We had filmed my set at Websterhall in the middle of winter in New York and were planning to make that the video. We wanted to do something a bit more unique, though, and Tagir (the videographer/director) suggested we do a day in my life. We had so many people take time and effort into putting the production together. I was about to fly to NYC from Amsterdam and I received an email from the Cartoonists (Glendon & Isabella ) asking me if I was going to make a video for Moxie. We had originally planned to do one together for Space Jungle but it didn’t work out. I was with my boyfriend when I read their email and he had the idea to combine their cartoons with the film footage. I suggested it to everyone and we really put the whole thing together in a couple of days.
The big 5 tunes in your box this weekend…
Jewelz & Sparks- Parade 98
This track combines an old school vibe with the guys’ recognizable sound. Dope.
Merk & Kremont – Get Get Down
Again, I always go for the old school vibe in tracks. I’ve always been a huge fan of older dance music and this one combines modern vibe with that perfectly.
Watermat – Frequency
It’s energetic and a little bit weird. Amazing vibe.
Showtek – 90s by Nature (Sam Feldt remix)
Great take on their original track. Just makes me feel happy.
Drake – Know Yourself
I love Drake. #tdot
Over in the UK we look over the pond in wonderment at the continuing domination of dance in North America, admittedly Canada was on the guest list way before the US. But who would have thought places like Conneticut would be in the house? How was Shrine a couple of weeks ago?
The crowd at Shrine is great – real music fans. I love when I can play a brand new song and some people will know it already. Even if they don’t know it, they love hearing something fresh. That’s exciting for me.
The latest super club in North America to open it’s doors is of course Omnia. How is this club different from it’s brothers and sisters on the Strip?
I haven’t been to Omnia San Diego yet (I have a residency there this year) but I did play at Omnia Las Vegas and it’s absolutely beautiful. The design is sort of a mix between a theater and a club. It’s huge but it doesn’t feel overly big. I’ll be back there again with Afrojack on June 16th.
3 bucket list adventures you wanna do in your lifetime…
Winning a Grammy and an Oscar would be pretty cool.
I would love to host SNL (Saturday Night Live). It’s my all time favourite show and has been my dream since I can remember.
Other than those, it might sound stupid but I just want to find myself and be happy. Aside from work goals and “success”, I really just aim to find the perfect balance in life. It’s not easy but it’s a huge goal of mine.
Okay let’s rewind for a moment. What is your earliest musical memory growing up…
I used to have this really cheap keyboard that had the one button demo song. I think I was 6 years old when I wrote this song to the keyboard demo. It was called “Kitty Moussum Hair”. I have no idea what that means but it was in the melody of “Everybody Dance Now”.
Modelling and fashion came before the DJing. What made you want to change careers?
I was scouted to model before I was DJing but I was making music before my modeling career really got started. I was making songs and DJing in Toronto before I moved to New york to pursue modeling full time. I stopped DJing and making music for a bit but started again when I saw there was potential for a career with it. I started making a living DJing and decided to do it full time.
What did your family think of this decision?
My parents have always been supportive with whatever I have decided to do. I tend to go with the flow in life and I think they’re used to that by now. If I decide to do something, I do it full force.
When did electronic music first appear on your radar?
I think the first electronic music I really loved were the Jock Jam series -Technotronics and all that. When I started making music and DJing, I listened to a lot of deadmau5, Mark Knight, Eric Prydz, Axwell…
Producer heroes?
I’ve been a huge fan of Mark Knight since I started making music. Technically, I think Showtek are incredible.. Knife Party, Ummet Ozcan. I could go on for days…
It seems the whole DJing and producing side of things has been very organic for you, you spent a while touring without a full management team?
It has been gradual and very organic. I have never forced anything. Im still building my team now. It’s difficult when you’re so used to doing everything yourself. I’m excited to let go of the control a bit and find the right people to help grow the brand.
Let’s talk about your first gig, you took to the decks by accident that night right? The resident DJ must have been er pissed with you after the reaction you received from the owner!!
My first gig I wasn’t actually booked. I didn’t really know how to DJ very well but I was learning. What a better way to learn than in a club in front of a crowd. It was a lot harder to DJ back then! I don’t think he was pissed…he actually asked me to play!
You love Djing in big open spaces – where are you looking forward to festival wise this year?
Yeah – the bigger the venue the better for me. I like being able to bring a huge crowd to a place where the energy is so palpable. It’s nice being outdoors as well, especially if you get a beautiful sunset. I’m excited for every festival! I can’t wait to play Digital dreams in my home town of Toronto. I also have a few in Europe in July . I have no idea what to expect on those. I’m just happy to be on a bunch of big festivals in North America this summer.
The 3 things that Eva Shaw always takes to a festival…apart from your music!
I try to travel light when I’m actually going to a festival. I love having a friend or two with me when I play. It really gives me support and confidence. I also make sure I have my phone and some kind of jacket because you never know!
And finally – what is coming out next from you studio wise?
I’ve finished another track which I’m sending to a singer this week to write on. I’m really excited about this one. I also have another one I’m finishing up. They’re both club tracks, but with some melody and groove. I’m not sure which will be out first yet but I am really excited about both.
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