Shinedoe interview – “The Dutch techno scene has always been strong”
The Dutch veteran tells us to ‘Wake Up’
Shinedoe has been unleashing her powerful techno productions on the public for nearly two decades now, but with the scene in the Netherlands growing and luminaries like Dave Clarke, Jeff Mills, Rekids and Get Physical all recognising her skills, she’s riding high. She’s just dropped her fifth album Freedom Riders on own recently launched Music That Moves (MTM) label (digital only), with the four track ‘Wake Up’ EP arriving on vinyl alongside it to keep the DJs happy. We caught up with her to find out more…
Have you recovered from Amsterdam Dance Event yet? It seems to be a real worldwide event now. What did you get up to? Where did you play, and did you see any other amazing sets?
ADE was really nice this year. I closed the night at Dave Clarke presents at Melkweg on Friday night. Also, I did an audio tour for Everything Is Music x ADE, where people could download this app (via https://everythingismusic.io/) and listen to my voice guiding them to my favourite spots in Amsterdam. There is so much to do during ADE. I met some friends and took it easy this year because a few days later I had my tour of Colombia coming up.
There’s always been a place for techno in the Netherlands, but the Dutch techno scene seems to be particularly strong at the moment. What do you think are its characteristics, and are there any new names coming through that you can recommend?
The Dutch techno scene has always been strong in the clubs and across festivals too. From my point of view, every form of techno music has always been visible. It may be that it’s slightly more ‘commercial’ now, which may be highlighting why people think it’s potentially a little stronger at the moment, but also the fact that the new generations are embracing techno music. I’m still discovering new names all the time, but the scene is very dynamic.
Your breakthrough track ‘Dillema’ dropped on the Dutch label 100% Pure in 2004 – how do you think your music has evolved since then?
When I produce music, It’s always what I feel or observe at the moment. Every track has its own unique feeling that I’m looking to convey. I am always interested in finding new equipment or plug-ins to use. I still learn more every time I have something new in my studio, or even when I have a technical problem and have to sit for hours to figure it out.
Tell us about the Music That Moves (MTM) label that you set up in 2018. Why the need to move away from Intacto and concentrate on releasing your productions only?
I have been running Intacto Records with Dylan Hermelijn (2000 and One) successfully for 16 years, and during that time, we released music from so many artists worldwide. I learned a lot and am very grateful for these years.
At a certain point, I felt and noticed it took a lot of time and effort to find music that fits our label. When the lockdown hit, I had time to reflect and felt that I wanted to focus only on my own productions and move on with my label, Music That Moves.
Your sound is often described as ‘positive’ sounding – is that something you work on actively or does it just occur naturally? Do you have to be careful not to overdo it?!
Interesting! For me, producing is being free and creative. I don’t put a label on my sound or what my music sounds like; I just create what I feel at the moment and express that within my work. What I love about music is that each person has their own experience and interpretation when they listen to music, so my productions can represent something unique for each listener.
You released an album on Jeff Mills’ Axis label last year – how is Jeff as a label boss?!
Jeff Mills is honest, to the point, yet always warm and completely involved.
The ‘Wake Up’ EP has given us a taste of what’s on the ‘Freedom Riders’ album – as well as something to play out. How would you describe the LP?
My ‘Wake Up’ EP focuses on being aware of your surroundings and connecting with your inner truth. Once you have peace within you, you are awake and aware, and from there is where you find freedom. ‘Freedom Riders’ is about breaking out of the world’s conditioning and returning to your core, pure essence. Hopefully, the EP leads you into the LP just like this.
Ben Willmott