Epaulette puts a few questions to Shazam, a youngster from Perth making waves around the globe.
So you’re blowing up everywhere at the moment, how did you get into producing and pushing so many good tracks?
I have been making music since I was quite young. I have played piano for nearly all my life and have always been writing all styles of music. When I was 11 I got my first synthesizer, and started transferring my piano ideas onto there. From there on, everything has seemed to follow naturally.
We heard that you’re we’re in L.A doing some recordings. Can you give us any clues on what we can expect from your production in the future? Have you ever thought of doing live sets?
I'm going to LA fairly soon to work on some music with Pase Rock. It is a bit more experimental and even slightly hiphop oriented compared to my past work. My music this year is going to be a bit different, some slower and heavier types of tracks. I also really want to incorporate lots of sounds from the whole breakdance thing.
Who are you looking to work with in the future?
I don't know, but I'm really looking forward to working with some other vocalists in the future...just need to find some.
What are you listening to at the moment and what’s influencing your music?
I listen to lots of different things. From The Mars Volta to Mr Oizo to Chopin to Flying Lotus to Siouxsie and the Banshees. I really love Phoenix's new album!
So Perth! In every interview we’ve read you seem pretty comfortable living there. Do you ever feel isolated living so far away from anything? Or is there an artistic appeal in living so far away from any other major cities?
Living in Perth has certainly helped me get my name out. I think it is because there aren't any other artists making similar music to me from Perth. So when people hear 'Shazam from Perth', it sounds quite exotic. I think I will eventually move one day, but right now it suits me perfectly.
You’re only 19 and it looks like you started pushing music out in clubs before you were even legally allowed to party at them. Do you ever feel people didn’t take you seriously because of your age or were jealous and held you back cause they’ve never achieved even half as much?
Not at all, people have always been super supportive and have even kind of taken me under their wing in some cases. I have always been taken seriously, which I guess is a compliment. My first show ever was when I was 17, I played before the Klaxons and I had my end of high school exams the next morning.
You’re pushing out a lot of poolside themed work. You’ve got poolside press shots, an EP called pool party and a swimming theme in your music video of “Down in L.A (Shazam remix).” Is it all just a bizarre coincidence or do you have a particular affinity for pool parties?
I love pools but I'm not as obsessive about them as people may think. There is not even any real meaning behind 'pool party'. I called it that after I had made it.
What would be the best gig you’ve ever played?
The first time I played in Sydney, at Club 77. I was playing the weirdest mix of music and everything worked perfectly.
I’m guessing that your moniker is connected with the comic book alias. Why Shazam? Can we expect any Captain Marvel qualities from your set?
I just liked the meaning behind the word Shazam. It is an acronym for Solomon Hercules Atlas Zeus Achilles Mercury. When I get tired of playing I turn into Captain Marvel and fly away.
What gigs are you looking forward to at the moment?
NEW ZEALAND!
Can you finish this sentence for us? Shazam is...
a nice person
