Mike Shiver is another Swedish DJ/Producer who receives high attention from the Japanese fans and rest of the world after his first release “Feelings” from Lost Language, back in 2003. Following his first release from Lost Language, he continues to release from top labels such as Armada, Anjunabeats, Euphonic and not only receives great support from his fans but also from many artists in the scene. He happily talked about his show at ageHa and let’s see what he has to say to us and to the world.

 

Q1. We heard your new release “Calling On You”. Can you tell us more about your new release?

I've always had a true passion for progressive beats, yet most of my recent productions have ended up a little bit in the more uplifting and energetic direction. So for "Calling On You", I just decided I wouldn't allow myself to take that step over that energy bar where I usually end. I started off taking down the tempo a few BPM's from what I am used to working with, and recorded a guitar line. When I reached the point of being fully satisfied with the guitar line, I arranged the entire track and found a vocal sample from the Splice Sounds database that suited my guitar line well, but I wasn't fully happy with it, so I started to work the vocal sample pitch and change the melody and rhythm of the vocal line and processed it additionally using formant shifting tools, EQ, saturation and compression processing until I was happy. And from there on the whole arrangement and sound idea just sat up there in my head and just needed to be transformed from the picture in my head down to the sequenser. Once it was ready I sent it to Enhanced Recordings, and they instantly picked it up the same day saying they loved it!

 

 

Q2. How was last year? What is your resolution for 2017?

Last year was a bit of a struggle for me on a personal side of view, which unfortunately been a hinderance in my creativity in the studio wherefor I haven't released many records last year. I suppose everybody have their ups and downs in life, and I was just forced to prioritize working differently and less focused on my own Mike Shiver brand. Now we've hit 2017 and I am feeling better than in a long while and I'm really eager to show you more whats around the corner this year! I can't reveal any specifics at this point, but I can assure you will see a lot more of me under 2017!

 

Q3. Who or what musically influenced you the most and why?

Life in general, all the good and bads you go through in life is a big inspiration source for me when it comes to writing and producing. I usually tend to listen to a lot of post rock, sing & songwriter and indie stuff out there that really inspires my writing in a different way as it's more naked and intimate, which I like. No matter how much I love electronic dance music, it is in general way more busy and complex production wise that sort of takes away a bit of the focus for me as a listener in the sense where I always tend to focus a lot on the technalities in a dance production (perhaps it is just a "work-related injury" for me working as a mix engineer helping other artists on daily basis cleaning up and balancing their production), compared to when I listen to a more naked and scaled down production that sing & songwriter and indie styles usually are.

 

 

 

Q4. How do you get the inspiration when producing music?

As for my own records, I do reference my songs with a lot of other electronic dance music releases out on the market today that also gives me inspiration and the willpower to always wanna improve and learn more. Also reading magazines, watching various tutorials by other producers usually  helps my creativity when being stuck. Finally but last, a straight cup of strong coffee always helps! =)

 

Q5. What do you personally consider to be the most important moments in your career and why?

Taking the step moving from a smaller city south-east in Sweden to our capital Stockholm, really helped me improve and find additional focus to carry on with my music. This was little more than 5 years ago now and currently living in Stockholm is great! The city is crowded with super talented like-minded people to work with and I just simply love being here in this beautiful swedish music-mekka.

 

 

Q6. Since DJ Mag started to vote “Top 100 Clubs”, I want to ask you for your favorite clubs.

Even tho I haven't been near playing all the clubs around the world, I must stick to the ones that I've actually played and attended as a visitor myself. One of my favorites are Privilege (Ibiza), Club Space (Miami), Fabric (London) and AgeHa (Tokyo). On a side-mote I haven't played or attended Hakkasan in Las Vegas, but I hear it's really good too!

 

Q7. Please leave a message for your fans in Japan.

I haven't been to Japan for a while now, but hopefully I get the chance to perform there again. My last performance at AgeHa was amazing and I really loved it! I'm thanking all of my Japanese followers for the continous support and I do really miss eating rock solid Shabu Shabu with you all! =)

 

 

 

The track he collaborated with Elevation and Carrie Skipper, “Hurricane”, a track released from Anjunabeats, ”Morning Drive”, ”Arise” recorded for Tiesto’s ”In Search of Sunrise”, Mike Shiver’s tracks is loved by his fans world wide. He last perfromed at ageHa back in 2008 and he loved it there. Will he be performing in Japan sometime soon and reunite with his fans? We will be keeping an eye on him this year. 

 

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