Dec 12, 2011

Shindu - Electro Boogie Mixtape (Free Download) + Exclusive Interview




This month we have a special Electro Boogie Mixtape, the first one made by a guest, by our Shindu friends. I think everybody knows Shindu, they made "Happy House" released by Kitsuné early this year, if you want to know more about they check the interview that we made.

1) Arnaud Rebotini – Another Time, Another Place (Mustang Remix)
2) Edwin Van Cleef – Triton (Pharao Black Magic Remix)
3) Niki & The Dove – Mother Protect (Goldroom Remix)
4) Mirror People – Feel The Need (Severino Remix)
5) Jadoo ft. Hard Ton – Voodoo Love
6) Groove Armada – History (Grum Remix)
7) James Curd & Devin Byrnes – Let's Burn It All
8) The Glass – Washed Up (Black Russian Remix)
9) Metronomy – Everything Goes My Way (Psychemagik Remix)
10) Depeche Mode – Everything Counts




•Why "Shindu"? What's the origin of the name?

A lot of people ask us this question, and the story behind it is quite funny. 


Actually, Bamboo was our first idea, but quickly found out the name was taken. From bamboo we went to pandabears, and ended up googling the Chengdu Research Base Of Giant Panda Breeding in China.
Chengdu’s too Chinalike and has no significance to a band’s name, so we came up with Shindu. It’s the perfect fit for us if you’d look up the meaning in the urban dictionary. 


•How was the beginning? How you met? and your tips for the beginners?
We’ve known each other for quite a couple of years now. And as you might know, we (Christopher and Maxime) started out as electroclash dj’s Static & Greedy touring all over Belgium and beyond. After a while, and like 90% of the dj’s out there today, our hands started itching to get into production as well. So we thought up a master plan to get all our ideas together about music and think up a project that would define our sound. It was kind of a game of ‘trial and error’ in the beginning, but as time went by we decided to throw together all the elements we love. For the vocal part, we needed our singer Chibi to get behind the mic. The audition she did was exceptional! So it quickly became clear that Chibi was the right one for the job. And that’s how two made three! 

A good tip for beginners: whatever you do, try to draw the attention with taking some risks. It's a free world, so go for it! Also try to stick with what you started instead of jumping onto hypes. Before you know it, once you've made a thousand tracks, it may not sound too relevant anymore. 
And last but not least, nobody likes quitters. Everybody has setbacks every now and then, so don't let it dampen your spirit. 



•Which are your biggest influences? And what are your favorite today acts?

Our biggest influence... Where to start? Obviously that would be the eighties. The synths, drums, typical basslines and their lyrics of melancholy :) But not only does this defining era mean a lot to us musically, it's the whole atmosphere and attitude. We like to think that most of our fans can relate to that and are – like us – babies of the eighties :) 

Favourite acts are Prince, The Chemical Brothers and The Subs. All equally stunning performances, each in their own way.


•Which are your favorite places to play?

Brussels and Antwerp for sure. Always a great crowd! And internationally, we'd have to say the UK. But we're pretty sure Brazil can kick them off the throne! ;)

•How your creative process work?

Usually, we will work from the vocal of the track, mainly focussing on the chorus, because we think that's the heart in any pop song. Then, once we figured out where to start, we get the drums, bass and chords together, kind of work around the vocal line and take it from there. It sounds like a fixed process or format, but it's not. It's different every time. 

•Belgium is worldwide know by the quality of 2 products, chocolate and beer. Which are your favorites Belgium beers and chocolates?

Chibi: I don't really like beer, but you can make me happy with hazelnut chocolate any day of the week! :)
Christopher: Black is the way to go, add a little liquor with a cherry in the center and you're set. Or get a bump of chocolate in The Chocolate Line in Bruges. It's not only famous for its gourmet chocolate, but you actually get to snort it like a drug or get it as a lipstick. As for Belgian beer: I love Orval, but I like a regular Stella Artois or Jupiler just as well. 
Maxime: Milk chocolate is my favorite. Actually here at home (in Ghent) there's a great chocolatier called Yuzu. I really recommend to get your chocolates there whenever you visit. Regarding Belgian beers: Vedett is the way to go! 


•And the future?when We'll have Shindu's debut album? Do you have plans to come to Brazil?

We'll be releasing our next EP in the beginning of January. Once again, it will be jam packed with great remixes, so we're really excited about that! Besides these preperations we're working on a third EP as well. We're planning to get it released around Springtime 2012. 
Regarding a debut album, we've been talking about it, but really are concentrating on EP's for now. We take it step by step and try to give everybody the chance to get to know Shindu. 
We'd love to gig in Brazil of course. Don't the people of Electro Boogie Encounter happen to organize any parties over there?? :) 


•What was the funniest and weirdest thing ever happened on a gig?

The funniest things always seem to involve nudity for some reason... For example, we were on a gig in Brussels a few weeks ago and spotted this guy entering the club wearing a kilt and hoody. Nothing out of the ordinary at first (except for the kilt), until he started getting butt naked wearing nothing but black mountain boots... He looked like the Dingeling King with a long drink in his hand, nodding to the beat, simultaneously shaking every body part... Very funny sight, we actually got lots of support from him, and nobody seemed to mind this guy engaging into the crowd. Very cool! Afterwards we heard the guy's quite famous for his nightly escapades.



•What are your dreams? Your reason for living?
Trying to have fun as much as we can and making the best out of everything. Doing stuff that matters (or doesn't just as well :)), giving definition to the life we're living.

Our dreams musically? Touring and experiencing different crowds everywhere we go. Keep making, chanting and playing lovely music :)



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