Simon, Max thank you for talking to the DMC world. Simply, both, an amazing career. How did you first both meet?
“We meet in Sweden in 1996. Simon was playing at a friend’s club night and we were introduced there.”
Max, tell us about the illegal raves you put on in your native city of Gothenberg? What were those parties about?
“I started organising illegal rave parties in the early 90’s. It was just in the beginning of the underground dance scene in Sweden. The main reason I did all these parties it was to self-promote myself as a DJ and live performer so I could build up my profile and get more gigs – and of course to have a great time doing something I really enjoyed. From 1991 ’till late 1996 I probably did over 1000 raves.
After one too many encounters with the law I decided to stop mang parties and concentrate on the music instead, and looking back at it now, I think it was a good call!”
How would you describe the Shapeshifters sound?
“We get asked this question a lot and you think we would have a definitive answer by now, but quite simply we always try to have a positive feel to anything we do and is always from the heart.”
Simon – you’re always asked this question – ‘Lola’s Theme’ – Number One in the UK Charts 2004 – stupendous song inspired by your wife, Lola. What was her reaction when she first heard it?”
“She went shopping!!”
What are your views on Beatport – important to the music industry?
“Yes and very important for Dance Music as a whole. It’s the best place to hear upfront records and a great source of information about your favourite artists.”
What was behind the decision moving from Positiva Records to Defected in 2008?
“We felt we had come to a crossroads in our career and the direction we wanted to take was better placed with a company like Defected. They are the best in the business and still release records for the love of it, which is important to us.”
An incredible set of releases over the years…your own singles, albums and remixes for the likes of George Michael, Frankie Knuckles, Todd Terry, Christina Aguilera and Moby – what is your favourite track/album and remix you’ve done?
“That is a tough one Dan, but if pushed I’d have to say our favourites remixes are the ones we have done for Candi Staton (‘You Got The Love’) and our most recently our remix for Empire Of The Sun (‘We Are The People’).”
Best club you’ve ever played at?
“Again, a tough one, but Pacha in Ibiza, Air in Tokyo and Aurora/Aquarius in Croatia.
Best DJ you’ve ever seen?
“Dave Lee Travis closely followed by Tony Blackburn.”
Best album ever made?
“Fleetwood Mac ‘Rumours’ or Tears for Fears ‘Songs From The Big Chair’.”
Best ever clubbing moment?
“Starting our ‘Nocturnal’ night. We still get goosebumps about the opening night and we’re still running it.”
Best/Messiest Ibiza moment?
“Being invited to play with Frankie Knuckles at Pacha Ibiza, It doesn’t get better than that.” (Simon)
What other producers do you admire?
“Obviously Frankie Knuckles, Axwell, Martijn Ten Velden and all the producers we work with on Nocturnal Groove.”
Your sound is perfect for beautiful people dancing on a terrace in the sunshine – what artists have influenced YOU when you were kids?
“As Kids I guess, Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Al Green, Fleetwood Mac, Quincy Jones, Tears for Fears and MFSB to name a few. There are always more when you think about it but that has pretty much got it covered.”
What’s next for clubland from The Shapeshifters?
“We have just delivered some new material for Defected and our club night ‘Nocturnal’ starts again in London on 4th July at a new venue called Ghost. We will be starting our residency in Ibiza at Pacha on the 20th June as well as touring worldwide till the new year.”
‘Nocturnal’ @ Ghost, London on July 4th.
