Groove Shack is a DJ and producer who made his debut in the fall of 2022 with two successful releases on Stil vor Talent and Bar25. His music has already gained the attention of many renowned DJs, such as Grammy winner Black Coffee and Oliver Koletzki. With his unique blend of afro house, house, and techno, Groove Shack’s music is all about the perfect groove, and he always brings new and exciting elements for his listeners.
Groove Shack also produces his own lyrics and vocals, setting him apart from the rest. Today we’ll talk to Groove Shack about his debut on the Stil vor Talent sister label A Tribe Called Kotori, including remixes from Nhii and Kellerkind, and his future plans in the music industry.
EG: Hi Max! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. How have you been? Where are you based right now?
Groove Shack: Hey, thanks for having me!! I‘m doing quite well lately, I recently just moved to Berlin and I‘m feeling the vibe here. Great place to be as a musician.
EG: First of all, thank you for participating in our SPOTLIGHT Series. What can fans find on this one? How do you go about when creating a podcast mix?
Groove Shack: So basically I tried to record a set, which includes a lot of looseness and rhythm. I like it percussive and love melodies which are a bit special. The goal was to create a set that keeps listeners interested and makes them GROOVE.
EG: By the way, congratulations on the release of your latest single, ‘Covers’! What has the initial reception been like? How did this one come about? Is there a story or emotional trigger to it?
Groove Shack: Thanks! I‘m really into traditional middle eastern music and love the emotional instruments. I wanted to produce a track, which on the one side sounds organic but has also a lot of elements like the bassline or arp, which is electronic and harsh. I like it since it’s a bit more experimental and I can’t compare it to another track.
EG: ‘Covers’ is included in Stil vor Talent’s sister label A Tribe Called Kotori’s ‘Chapter 8’ VA, and you’ve also released music with Stil Vor Talent and Bar 25 Music in your first three outings. What advice would you give to up-and-coming producers looking to generate a similar impact?
Groove Shack: The most important I guess is, that cool things take time. I produce music for some time now and I can say, it’s the most fun thing I can think of. If you love what you do, stay consistent, and don’t compare yourself (career-wise and music-wise) to others, you will reach your goals. Also quite important, is the technical side of music production: before sending out a demo, make sure it reaches industry standard. Make a simple A/B test and be honest with yourself
“If you love what you do, stay consistent, and don’t compare yourself (career-wise and music-wise) to others, you will reach your goals.”
EG: Your music often includes your own lyrics and vocals. Can you tell us about your songwriting process and where you draw inspiration from?
Groove Shack: I wouldn’t consider myself a professional in that case. I simply started because I was too broke to pay singers all the time. Since I mostly record 16 bars of vocals, it’s important that the words that I use, are not simple but impactful. Sometimes, I‘m laying on my couch and have spiritual thoughts which I try to write down, and as a “sum up”, the lyrics develop. But sometimes it’s also personal stuff.
EG: Your upcoming EP on Bar25 features remixes from Nhii and Kellerkind. Can you tell us about the collaboration process with these artists, and what they brought to the table?
Groove Shack: The remixes are so sick. They both go completely in another direction, one sounds “geniusly” experimental and the other one delivers such good vibes! Perfect for the summer. In both tracks, my vocals are quite the main element I guess. The way Nhii and Kellerkind worked around and with them is great. I can’t wait to show it to the world, probably in June!
EG: Your involvement in Bakayan’s remix series on the Label Sounds of Khemit is exciting news. How did you approach creating your remix, and what challenges did you face?
Groove Shack: Yes, it‘s an honor to remix such a great track. I simply just started producing and trying out different vibes. In the end, I went with a very plucky-styled bassline, which generated lots of movement within the track. I like the result since I kept organic elements from Bákayan‘s track and mixed them with electronic elements.
EG: What would you say is our biggest failure as a “scene”? What are some of the biggest problems DJs, producers, and performers come across in their industry?
Groove Shack: I guess it’s the “always working” mentality. You can literally work 24/7, also besides making actual music. Social media is a big part of having this mentality, I think. You always think someone else is working and you don’t. So taking a break, going for a walk, playing chess or any other activities should be a constant part of your day-to-day life.
“I simply started because I was too broke to pay singers all the time. Since I mostly record 16 bars of vocals, it’s important that the words that I use, are not simple but impactful.”
EG: How do you keep entertained when not in the studio? Have you checked out any good movies, series, books, or albums you’d recommend?
Groove Shack: I currently watch ‘House of Cards’. I know I‘m quite late to the party, but it’s so great. Other than that, I just bought a rowing machine and placed it right into the studio, perfect for breaks!
EG: What’s next for Groove Shack? What particular milestones are you looking forwards to this 2023?
Groove Shack: Since I had my focus mainly on producing during the last few years, I want to start DJ‘ing again. That’s something I’m looking forward to since I love it so much. But yea, lots of cool releases are coming soon. Unfortunately, I didn’t sign contracts yet, so I can’t say much about it at the moment. But big ones, I promise 🙂
EG: Thank you so much for your time, Max! We wish you all the best for the future.
Groove Shack: Thanks a lot for this great interview. Really enjoyed the time. Have a good one mate!
Groove Shack’s ‘Covers’ is out now via A Tribe Called Kotori. Purchase your copy here.
Follow Groove Shack: Spotify | Instagram | Soundcloud
