To start off, would you mind introducing yourself for any reader who may not know who you are?
Hey! I’m Eva Shaw, and I am a music producer, writer and DJ from Toronto.
How did you discover the passion for music that directed you into producing music? When was this?
I’ve been writing music since I was a little kid. I wanted to be in a girl group when I was 6. I took singing lessons, dancing lessons and I also tried out a few instruments over the years. My dad was a musician so I grew up always being interested in that industry. I first started producing my own music when I was around 17. I was using the program Ableton. I just loved working electronically rather than playing any instruments and so it stuck with me and I just made my own songs for fun for a few years.
Were there any artists who you attribute to inspiring you to produce?
There are all kinds of artists who inspire my music, not just electronic artists. But I would say Deadmau5 and David Guetta inspired me to go the DJ/electronic route. I loved Deadmau5’s production style and I was a huge fan of David’s work with The Egg.
Do you still model? Do you ever feel torn between modeling, DJing and creating working with your clothing line?
I don’t model, no. I will be in an advertisement but that’s different from being a model. If Calvin Harris does an ad for Armani, he’s still a music producer. I wouldn’t call him a model.
When not performing, what kind of music do you prefer to listen to? Along with that, who are some of your favorite artists?
I listen to a lot of hip hop. I like old school 90s hip-hop and dance music. I also like some of the modern stuff like Drake. Pharrell is someone I’ve been a huge fan over the years. His music with N.E.R.D and Neptunes was incredible.
What do you do to relax and get your mind off of work?
I’m working pretty much all of the time. I like to draw, sculpt and do other forms of art as well. I find it relaxing to do an art form that isn’t my job but where I can still express myself. I love food and wine and I like cooking as well.
What is it like having a residency at a place like Hakkasan in Las Vegas?
Vegas is an incredible place. It can be really weird but it’s always a good time. I’m really grateful to have played there and Omnia Las Vegas so many times amongst such huge names in the DJ world.
What was your inspiration behind Rise N Shine?
I wanted to do something different. I’ve been releasing more instrumental, clubby songs for the past couple of years and I wanted to do something at a slower BPM that is a bit more chill. I wanted to have a full topline and a singer and just try out a style that is a bit different for me. I wanted to make something happy that makes you feel good.
When deciding on who would ad vocals to Rise N Shine, what made you decide on working with Poo Bear?
Poo was interested in going in the studio with me and I just felt like this was the right time to do something a bit softer than I normally do. Poo is an incredible writer and he helped Bieber’s career in an incredible way. He also has written a ton of other great songs that I love and his catalogue of music is very impressive. I was more than excited to get in the studio with him! Originally he was going to write it and we were going to put another singer on it, but I felt he was so perfect for the vibe of the song that I wanted to keep him on as a feature.
Do you feel it was more rewarding to work on Rise N Shine or on U?
They’re totally different songs. I wrote the topline on U and was more on my own with that track so it was just different. U was a song I had on my laptop for quite a while. I kept changing the drop and various aspects of it and I wasn’t really sure where that was going for a while. It’s always a different process for each song.
What should people expect from you for the rest of 2016 and 2017?
I’m continuing to focus on the music at the moment and really plan out a great release schedule. I’m producing for other people as well, which is really fun. I feel like I have direction in my career now. I will be touring a little bit this year in Asia, and a few shows in Europe and America but I will start more heavily next year. I wanted to step back a bit and find out what direction I really wanted to go and that’s hard to do if you’re on the road constantly.
Do you prefer to produce original tracks like Rise N Shine or U or do you prefer creating mixes like Evalution Radio?
It’s really fun finding new music every week and I get excited when I hear a great track by another artist. I also find it inspiring. Nothing beats making your own music, though!
Do you have any advice for young DJs or Producers who are reading?
Just don’t expect to make hit songs immediately. It takes time to find your groove. Don’t be afraid to reach out to other producers who are more experienced. You learn along the way. Also don’t stick to rules too much. There are some basic guidelines with producing but you have to be flexible and find your own way of doing things. Tons of times I hear things in my older releases I would have done differently now, but it’s all a learning process. If you hear any producer’s earlier stuff, it always sounds different as they progress (or regress!) . Finally, just do what you like and what inspires you. Don’t do what you think is cool or popular just for the sake of being successful. Success comes when you’re real with yourself with what you love.
Do you have any final thoughts?
Every artist is just doing their best. A lot of us are insecure about our own work and we second guess all of the time. If you’re an artist and you feel not good enough, just know that we all are in the same boat! No matter how famous you get, it’s always challenging.
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If you are interested in hearing the track Rise N Shine, there is a link below. Eva Shaw is also in collaboration with G-Star RAW for a clothing collection. To check it out the clothing, check out the link here.