Shogun
We got a chance to interview the up and coming trance DJ Andrew Chen, Shogun, the first Asian artist to be signed to the monster label of Armada. Never heard of him? Coming in with the DJ Mag 2011 ranking of #122, you will be hearing much more of him shortly. Hear what this local OC resident has to say about his travels across the world, and big plans he has coming up!
Q: What was your reaction to learning about the #1 DJ in the world – Armin van Buuren – had wanted to sign you?
A: It was an incredible feeling to know that Armada and Armin were fans of my sound. Being signed to the biggest trance label made me feel like I had accomplished a big dream of mine. It’s an honor to be included on a roster with such amazing artists.
Q: Which artist(s) inspired/inspires you? (aside from Armin!)
A: I like a wide variety of music–from industrial, to some pop, jam bands and of course trance. Paul van Dyk, Linkin Park, Nine Inch Nails, U2, Pink Floyd are all big inspirations to me.
Q: Do you feel that a certain country has more energy/vibe when you’re playing than another? If so, which?
A: A lot of Asian countries, like Taiwan, are really big into trance, so it’s always fun to play where they sing-a-long to all the lyrics! I’ve always felt at home and very welcomed there. Likewise, the scene in the US is just exploding right now, so it’s been fun to see the changes and bring new fans into the mix.
Q: What is your favorite city to play at in the US?
A: I like playing in my hometown of Los Angeles because the energy of the crowd is always off the charts. People know how to party here. It’s also nice to play at a nearby venue because at the end of the night I can go back home and rest up in my own bed after the gig!
Q: If you could have anyone open for you (dead or alive), who would it be and why?
A: I would have Pink Floyd open for me because they were an incredible band and had amazing stage presence. I’m a big fan of their music and their live shows.
Q: What has been your favorite song that you have worked on?
A: My favorite song I’ve worked on is ‘Save Me’ with Emma Lock. When I wrote the acoustic piano instrumental for it, all of my ideas and inspirations came together perfectly and it was quite emotional. Also, it’s still one of the songs I almost always play in my live sets and the reaction is amazing!
Q: What do you look for in a track?
A: I like tracks that have a ‘less is more’ approach to it, because they work really well on the dance floor on a big system.. sometimes all you need is just a bassline and kick to rock a crowd. I also like tracks with a lot of emotions, because those are the ones that give you goosebumps and that’s what makes trance so special.
Q: What is your favorite track at the moment?
A: My favorite track right now is my own track ‘Lotus’. It’s really personal and special to me and so far, the reactions from the crowd when I drop it at my sets are unbelievable.
Q: Which is your favorite venue to play at?
A: My favorite venue I played at was Club Cubic at the Hard Rock Casino in Macau. The club was brand new and they had an incredible sound system, lasers, and one of the biggest disco balls I have ever seen!
Q: Which gig has been your all time favorite? Why?
A: Definitely ASOT 500 in Sydney. It was a historical gig to be a part of, with so many great DJs and fans. It was an honor to open the show. It’s hard to believe that it’s almost time for ASOT 550! I have a track in the running to be the anthem, so if you like it, please vote! :)
Q: What was the strangest gig you have ever played?
A: The strangest gig I’ve ever played at was at my friend’s house party when I first started DJing. I was in the middle of a set and a bride and groom crashed the party, got on the mic and started singing 80′s songs to the crowd!
Q: If you weren’t a DJ, what would you be doing?
A: I would become a chef and open my own restaurant, either Japanese or French cuisine.
Q: Do you have plans to play at any local SoCal festivals/clubs soon?
A: I will be in Fresno, CA on Dec 27 to play at Rome Nightclub! I will be in the LA area soon, so keep checking back to my Facebook page www.facebook.com/djshogunmusic for more details!
Q: What event would be your dream event to play at and why?
A: Trance Energy or Sensation White would be amazing to play at. I think it would be awesome to play to a crowd all dressed in white and with all the extra stage performances and spectacles going on around during the show… it would be truly mind blowing!
Q: Can you tell us about any future plans or upcoming work? (Can you really top “Skyfire”??)
A: Producers are always trying to top their last track and push themselves to develop new sounds and emotions. So although I might be known as ‘Mr. Skyfire’ in 2011, in 2012, I’ll be bringing you some new bangers and melodic records. :) I’m working on collaborations with new vocalists, hopefully working towards an artist album and continuing to remix for some huge names.
