Interview: Shiba San talks new releases and keeping healthy ahead of Sets On The Beach

Header photo by @josephmikos.

Following on from the release of his monster breakout banger Okay, it would have been easy for Parisian producer Shiba San to slide under the title of one hit wonder. Instead he's spent the year's since carving a name for himself as one of the world's premier producer/DJs, on a constant global touring circuit and releasing tune after tune of his own, and others through his Basement Leak label.

He's back in Australia later this month for a big run of shows, including Sets On The Beach over in the west, and we caught up with him to find out how life's gong.

Question: First up it’s been another busy year, you’ve just come back from Dirtybird Campout West, and dropped a new single with Tim Baresko, can you tell us a bit about All I Need first – it’s your second collab with Tim, obviously you guys have a good working relationship?

Yes it’s been a very busy year with releases and touring but it’s been amazing. I love working with Tim - he is not only one of my best friends, but a great producer and DJ I believe in. We have fun making music together and All I Need really shows that.

And how was the Dirtybird Campout – they always look like so much fun, the vibe, the crowds, and of course the Dirtybird crew?

Dirtybird Campout is one of the best weekends of the year. I had the honor of closing out The Birdhouse on Saturday night. The crowd, the vibe, and the crew were insane!

Often some genres feel quite soul-less, but house/tech-house etc. has such a rich history and solid crews like Dirtybird behind it, how important do you feel like having a community in dance music is?

It is so important to have a community no matter what you do. You need the community of people to bounce your ideas off of, collaborate with each other and support each other.

You’ve been in this career/industry for 15+ years now, what gets you most excited – playing shows, working on music, discovering new acts…?

I love to make new music. If I am not touring, I am in my studio. The best part is really seeing how the fans react to my music and at my shows. I would not be where I am today without them. They are the best fans in the world.

With so much music available and constantly being released over the years, what’s the key to remaining relevant, even just for yourself?

I do not really think about being relevant. But just release good music I like and hope the fans will support it. I am constantly making music and putting out the tracks I really love.

Your tour schedule is pretty damn hectic, with the mental health side of DJing and touring becoming a bigger conversation, what are some tips you’ve learned over the years to keep yourself sane and look after yourself mentally/physically?

Keep a healthy body and healthy mind. And sleep! Keeping exercise and enough sleep are the best ways to keep going. Always have a gym and good bed at your hotel!

And speaking of touring, you’re back in Australia very soon, what’s your take on the scene down here?

I love Australia and excited to be back next month, only make it down under once a year. It is a beautiful place. I always say one of the best parts of my job is travelling.

You’re playing Sets On The Beach over in Western Australia, you’re obviously no stranger to pool parties and things of that like, what’s your go to track for beach/pool parties?

All I Need! It always gets the crowd going.

Question: Once the trip down here is done, what’s your plans for 2019 and beyond – any chance of slowing down at all?

No plans to slow down anytime soon. More releases and more shows all across the world - Asia, South America, Europe, Africa.

And any word on what’s coming up for you release-wise?

My next releases will be on SOLA and also an EP with Kevin Knapp on Repopulate Mars coming out soon. Will Clarke, Tim Baresko and Dateless will all be releasing on my label, Basement Leak, this year as well.

TOUR DATES:

Fri 16 Nov - Mr Wolf, Canberra

Sat 17 Nov - Harbourlife, Sydney

Sun 18 Nov - The Penny Black, Melbourne

Fri 23 Nov - TBC Club, Brisbane

Sat 24 Nov - Sets On The Beach, Fremantle

Follow Shiba San: FACEBOOK