Best know for his 2011 track release "Skyfire," Taiwanese Amercan, trance DJ Shogun (aka Andrew Chen) is now synonymous with big room sound and bangers like "UFO" which he released late last year on Armind. When he's not in the studio creating chart topping trance music, this DJ Mag Top 100 DJ (No. 68 in 2012) can be found performing at some of the top clubs and festivals around the world including the ASOT world tour, Ultra Music Festival, Global Gathering, Exchange, Zouk (SG) and Ruby Skye.
2013 looks to be another big year for Shogun with dates already announced in the U.S., South America, Asia and Europe over the next four months. I was able to catch up Shogun yesterday ahead of his Dallas debut tonight at the Lizard Lounge to talk about his music, 2012 and the year ahead.
Scott Barretto: It’s great to have you back in Texas. You were just in Houston ringing in the New Year at Stereo Live. How was that night for you?
Shogun: It was an unforgettable night. The crowd was amazing and what better way to bring in 2013 than in Texas?!
SB: You were in Houston earlier in 2012 at Rich’s, but this is your first time in Dallas, correct?
S: This is my first time playing Lizard Lounge and I’m really looking forward to it because it has such a great history of bringing huge acts!
SB: Congrats on shooting up to No. 68 on DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs list. What were some other big moments for you in 2012?
S: Thanks, I was really happy to have made the list, as that was a big goal of mine in 2012. Other memorable moments were playing ASOT 550 at Escape From Wonderland in LA. It was pouring rain and I got sick for a month afterwards, but it was one of the best shows of my career. I also played several Full on Ferry shows with Ferry Corsten last year, which was fun.
SB: As the story goes, the big defining trance moment for you was listening to Armin Van Buuren’s album “Communication” back in 2002. What artists influence you today within and outside of EDM?
S: Armin and Dash Berlin both influence me a lot--they are really pushing trance to the next level and it’s great to see. Outside of EDM I'd have to say Linkin Park, I'm a big fan of their work.
SB: How has your own music evolved? I am sure the last 10 years have been a blur in some respects.
S: My sound is more banging and big room now. I still have the deep emotional tracks like ‘Save Me’, but I’m focusing on more heavy festival bangers like "UFO" at the moment.
SB: You had a number of stand-out track releases in 2012. Quite a few were picked up in year-end “best of” albums including the “Global DJ Broadcast Top 40: Best of 2012”and “ASOT Year Mix 2012.” Did you have a favorite(s) from all the tracks you released?
S: I’d have to say ‘Lotus’ (the follow-up to "Skyfire") because it meant a lot to me personally. It took me three months to produce and I put a lot of long hours into the production.
SB: Do you have any new releases in the works?
S: I just signed a new single to Armind, and have follow ups to UFO, and brand new remixes and collaboration with one of my favorite female trance vocalists (can’t say who yet!)
SB: You’ve done a number of amazing tracks with Emma Lock. What’s the status on “Fly Away”? You released a preview back in late June but I haven’t been able to find it on Beatport or elsewhere.
S: Fly Away isn't set to release yet because there may be some remixes in the works for it so it will have to wait till when the full package is ready. Look for it around Spring time this year!
SB: What can fans expect from you during your set on Friday? Any tracks they can look forward to hearing?
S: Expect a journey! I try to take the crowd on a trip during my sets. You’ll hear everything from darker, emotional vocal tracks to hands in the air bangers! I’ll also be floor testing some new tracks that are still in production.
SB Your tour calendar for this year already looks pretty busy with shows in South America, Asia and Europe. Any big plans in 2013 that you can share with us?
Definitely want to do more shows in the US. I’ll be playing a couple of ASOT 600 shows as well --in Mumbai and Den Bosch and I’ll be a resident DJ at Sutra in the OC!
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Tickets to tonight's performance at the Lizard Lounge can be purchased online here or at the door starting at $10 general admission. Doors open at 9 p.m.
For more on Shogun, visit www.shogun-music.com.
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