An insane summer for the Yoshitoshi maestro as the music continues with his wonderful August House balearic rework nestling alongside a wonderful new Ibiza album. Dan Prince checks in as the man who wakes up listening to Drum & Bass reflects on a few months of where the highlight was entering the Barcelona Camp Nou terror dome…
Sharam a massive welcome back to DMCWORLD…where in the world are you today?
Hello! Good to be back in DMCWORLD! I’m back home in studio mode.
What was the first piece of music you heard this morning after rolling out of bed?
Galantis. I love their new album. Also I make it a point to listen to some drum & bass daily. That’s how I get my inspiration for the day.
Well here we are again – you are responsible for more dancefloor damage, this time with your summer rework ‘August Dub’ – a Balearic bass-driven arrangement of your April Spinnin’ Deep monster…
Thanks. I wanted to make a version of ‘August House’ with Ibiza in mind…something more understated and euphoric with a Balearic vibe for those moments when the sun comes up (or when it goes down for that matter). I’m very happy with the end results. It’s sort of a remix of my own track if you will. I can put multiple hats on!
Ibiza has had a crazy summer – the busiest, the hottest and the most musically diverse for a long time. How much of your new Yoshitoshi Ibiza album that is out now was inspired from summer 2015?
My approach was to make something that someone could listen to while getting some rays on the beach or driving their car, and have it be something you could also lose yourself in on the dance floor. We’ve been very fortunate at Yoshi HQ. So many great artists send us amazing music for all kinds of floors and it was very exciting and fun for me to make a double CD of all the latest material on Yoshitoshi and bring them all together under one roof if you will. Yoshitoshi’s motto has not changed over the years and that’s quality music regardless of genre.
What was your personal highlight of Ibiza this year?
Blue Marlin was great. There was a huge thunderstorm, dark clouds followed with some rain but that didn’t seem to effect the crowd. People partied on.
If you have a night off on the white isle and you fancy an evening of dancefloor action – what DJ and club do you head to?
I stopped by Solomun at Pacha and Luciano at Space. Great music all around. Had a blast and was truly inspired musically which for me what Ibiza is all about.
All sorts of rumours concerning one of your favourite clubs on the planet – Space Ibiza – looks like 2016 will be the final year before Ushuaia take over. Good memories huh?
I’ve learned to not pay too much attention to rumours. Ibiza and its clubs are like cats. No matter what they land on their feet – over and over. What’s more important is the quality of music and not where it’s coming out.
An up and coming DJ/producer who has impressed you this summer?
Victor Ruiz, ANNA, Loco & Jam, Robosonic, and Matador. All are firing on all cylinders and I’m loving what I’m hearing. What’s even better is that all have remixes and original production coming out on Yoshitoshi.
Loved your post back in August when a dream of yours was finally realised, seeing Barcelona play a game and hey, Messi popping up with a goal! What team do you support?
Oh man. That was definitely a bucket list checked off. The energy was insane. I’m personally a Madrid fan, but if you are a football fan you gotta appreciate the magnitude of seeing a game at Camp Nou (and have it be the Super Cup no less) and to top it off, have Messi score a beautiful goal!
Sound in Los Angeles – how good is this club right now?
Sound LA is definitely one of the best clubs in America right now. The energy of the crowd is incredible. They come along for the ride and that’s all you can ask for as a DJ. The attention to detail in terms of sound, flow, staff, etc. is up there with the best. I’m excited to have the Yoshitoshi Ibiza release party there this Saturday and we’re talking about having a residency there next year.
A musical genre that has surprised you with it’s popularity in the States this year?
EDM is dying and Deep House is taking its place. It’s not a surprise really. What goes up fast, must come down fast.
The last GREAT film you saw?
Mad Max was incredible. Talk about being innovative and entertaining. I thought it was a masterpiece. Also Inside Out was one of the best movies I’ve ever seen. Genius!
And finally, what is coming next from you studio wise?
Wow, where do I begin? I have my next single – follow up to August House/Dub being prepped right to come out on Spinnin’ Deep in October. I have another single coming out on Yoshitoshi later in the year. Also, working on a remix for Spor, which I’m very excited about. Last but not least, starting the polishing process for my upcoming album. I’m hoping to have it out sometimes next year.
Sharam – ‘August Dub’ (out now on Spinnin’ Deep)
Beatport: http://btprt.dj/1LTgh16
http://www.soundcloud.com/sharam
