Roger Shah (formerly known as DJ Shah) started his career in 1996 and year after year he reaches the top 10 dance charts in Germany. Besides under his own name he became very popular under the alias Sunlounger with his most famous single 'Lost' that was chosen A State Of Trance Tune Of The Year in 2008. Also in 2008 Roger Shah was ranked #58 in the DJ Mag Top 100 and he collaborated with Armin van Buuren to produce the tune “Going Wrong” featuring the vocals of Chris Jones which entered the Dutch singles chart at No. 5 in the first week.
Sameer, Jacquelina and Yusuf Ahmed interviewed Roger for TrancePodium.
You recently graced Canada with performances that are unforgettable. I've had the pleasure of previously speaking with you prior to you coming here. Since playing in Windsor and Montreal, what was your reaction to our scene, do you have any plans coming back here?
I really enjoyed performing in Canada, I played in a very small club in Windsor and also at Bal en Blanc, a major festival. It was nice to see that people know me and my songs over there as well. I have no new confirmed date yet, but hope to come back to Canada asap.
Has there ever been a moment throughout touring with regards to playing that you wish you could take back due to the crowd’s reaction, a performance you delivered that wasn't at your standard, or anything along those lines?
I toured alot recently in almost all the continents, played for different cultures but the reaction I receive is almost the same everywhere. I think I also can say that I always give the best when I play somewhere and I really enjoy what I do. I think that people who been at a roger shah live performance can feel it. it's all about passion....
If you were to think back to when you were just starting out and someone just told you “no” for a gig, or production or something, what was it that kept you going and not just pack it all up?
I'm around now for about 15 years and I work as a full time producer since 1996, and not just in the beginning - there are always been hard moments and I thought some times to give up everything and go back to normal job. But all my friends and family always told me that I have to be patient and believe into my own talent and that hard work will pay off one day.
Touring aside with the upcoming summer, what do you plan on doing with yourself on your down time?
I will have no down time this summer. I just finished my new magic island album with a lot of new Roger Shah productions and collaborations but also playing a lot.
Your Sunlounger projects are definitely one of the most unique Balearic listens available, though we would love to hear it from the man himself, how would you describe the sound that is Sunlounger?
The sound of Sunlounger is 100% balearic which should remind the listeners of a warm summer day or a last summer holiday. I always try to create a special atmosphere with each track.
A link in thought from the above, your all time favourite Sunlounger tune?
I think I made 2 milestone records under my Sunlounger alias...from the first album it was 'White Sand', from the 2nd album it was 'Lost', but I also have to say that Sunlounger is just a music project when you talk with me as an artist we should talk more about roger shah, about current and upcoming plans.
I believe you're working on the great Paul van Dyk classic For An Angel as well as Andain - Beautiful Things? Any idea when the release date would be on these massive tunes?
My remix for andain should be released these days but I actually don't know, as I am just a remixer i don't get proper informations but I know that a lot of people are waiting for it. regarding my remix for 'Paul van Dyk - For An Angel' I have to say that I made this remix just for myself, because the new remixes are all good but not fitting to my sets, so i made decision to do another mix for myself. I got kindly permission from Paul to do it but never got a final response if he wants to release my remix or not. So maybe I have something nice very exclusive just for myself :-)
Your energy and interaction with the crowd at ASOT 400 was absolutely amazing looking at the video stream on
A State Of Trance and the "LIVE" keyboard has become a signature part of your shows lately.
I do the live keyboard stuff for about 2 years know, did it also last year at asot 350, but thanks to the development of internet and media possibilities people from all over the world can watch and realize that I'm more a performer and not a dj. This is also a reason why I changed my name from DJ Shah to Roger Shah.
How have the crowds reacted towards it worldwide?
The reactions are amazaing form all over the world and everywhere I go, the first question is if I have my keyboards with me, there's no need to ask anymore, because it will be always a part of a Roger Shah performance and I love to have the interaction with the crowd and give them a feel of a concert.
South Africa is renowned for its beautiful weather and the best beaches in the world. It would be great too see you play here as your Balearic style of music would fit in perfectly. Any plans to come over to South Africa sometime soon?
No, there are no plans to come to south africa, because i never received any request to play from this country.
Just some notes from my side...I want to inform that my new 'Magic Island' album will be available form August 17th exclusive on iTunes and also in the cd stores. We are also shipping cds worldwide via our own shop
magic island shop. I will also be happy when my fans could support me at the
DJmag.com: Dance Music News, Downloads, DJ Interviews, Clubbing, Charts, Mixes, DJ Technology top 100 poll.
Thanks in advance!
Cheers,
Roger
