Exclusive Interview with Eva Shaw
Eva Shaw is a Canadian-born DJ and producer. She has performed on the mainstages of major festivals such as Ultra, and she has held residencies in premier nightclubs such as Hakkasan and Omnia Las Vegas. She is best known for her tracks "Get Down" and "Space Jungle", which both hit the Beatport Top 10 chart, as well as the track "Moxie" (which was released on Afrojack's WALL record label).
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Eva Shaw, shortly before her performance at Levels on 22nd September.
You are Dutch-Canadian model and electronic dance music DJ & producer. How did you get in touch with electronic dance music in the first place?
I’ve been writing music since I was a little kid. I started producing music electronically when I was a teenager just for fun. I started to use a program called Ableton and just made beats to play for my friends. I really liked being able to create my own music electronically, so I just kept doing it until I finally signed a song to a label.
You play and produce bass-driven Electro House and Progressive House, and you’re known for heavy drops. How would you describe your own music in just a few words? What is distinct about it?
The first songs I produced were less aggressive. I made a few house & tech house songs but I never released those. When I DJed, I preferred to play super energetic, hard music so I figured I should also produce and release that style of music to go in my DJ sets.
My first release (Charizma) was signed by Calvin Harris on his label Fly Eye. If you know that song, it’s very aggressive! I just kept going in that direction. My latest release “Rise N Shine” is more radio-friendly and “pop y” . I decided to start making some different styles of music more recently. Rise N Shine is 116bpm, which is much slower than I normally do. When I play it live, I normally play a bootleg or remix of it unless I have Poo Bear singing it live with me.
In my hard EDM songs, I always try to have some melody or some kind of hook that you can remember instead of just all about the drop. I really love 90s chord sounds as well and have used that vibe a few times in my songs.
You are best known for your tracks "Get Down" (with Hard Rock Sofa) and "Space Jungle" (both track hit the Beatport Top 10 chart), your remix for “David Guetta & Showtek Sun Goes Down", your track "Moxie" (which was premiered at Ultra Music Festival by Afrojack himself), as well as “N2U” (with Showtek). What other tracks, remixes or mix sets would you recommend as an introduction for someone that is not yet familiar with your sound?
My song “U” featuring Mally Mall & Sonny Wilson which came out a few months ago people may know as well. I have 2 versions of that, one is harder and the other is more soft and “pop”. Also, check out my latest single “Rise N Shine” featuring Poo Bear as I mentioned before, it’s way softer and slower than my other songs, so it’s something different. Check out Showtek’s new single “Swipe” as well I produced and wrote that with them too and you may hear my voice on it :)
What are you currently working and focusing on and what’s on your agenda for the near future?
I’m continuing to make dance music but also branching off a bit genrewise. I am working with Shaggy, Sean Paul, Watch The Duck, Kes, Far East Movement... and a lot more! I’m starting to do a little hiphop as well. My music video for “Rise N Shine” is coming out soon so check that out. I also have my second collection of my Gstar line coming out soon which you can check on the Gstar website.
You hold a residency at Las Vegas’ superclub Omnia, and you have performed on the main stages of major festivals such as Ultra Miami. What was the best and the worst gigs you ever played and what were the funniest things that ever occurred during any of your performances?
I love playing at festivals. The vibe and energy is always incredible. It’s great to play at a club with an amazing sound system as well. Omnia is definitely an incredible venue. During one show, I had a guy throw his underwear at me. I took it as a compliment.
How is it to be attractive females in this mainly male dominated business? Is it a gift or curse?
I think if you’re an entertainer and in the public eye people automatically judge you and are critical of you. It can be difficult at times, but it has to be expected if you want to be an entertainer. I personally will dress and look how I want to, but I don’t make that the focus of my career. I focus on making music and having great DJ sets. Everything else is secondary.
You live in New York the most populous city in the USA. What can you tell us about clubbing and nightlife there? Do you have any nightlife related suggestions for firsttime visitors?
New York is incredible. I fell in love with it the first time I ever visited. New York is very busy and there isn’t much space for large clubs. There are a few big venues like the Pier or Websterhall, but there are a lot smaller, VIP type of clubs. Marquee is a really nice spot in new york. You can catch a lot of big DJ's there, but it’s a little bit smaller than some of the other spots. There are always special events and festivals going on as well like E Zoo or EDC NY.
You are about to make your Thailand Debut at Levels. Have you visited Thailand before? What can the Bangkok crowd expect of your upcoming performance?
I actually visited Thailand last year and had a few days to enjoy the weather and food. I’ve heard so many great things about it and can’t wait to experience more. One of my friends is a UFC fighter and he trains there at times. A lot of DJs also rave about it. I’m always very energetic so be ready to dance and have some fun!