When you think House music, you should automatically be prepared for some melodies and harmonies to groove to. But when Shaun Frank makes his brand of House music, he attacks it from a perspective most never get to experience--lead singer of a Rock band. From wanting to be Kurt Cobain as a kid to touring the world with Oliver Heldens, Shaun Frank has become a rock star in his own right but instead of being in front of a band he's manning the turntables. Whereas a typical House track can be a continuous 5 minute song that has an A-B-A-B pattern, Shaun Frank crafts compositions that progresses into something new at each turn. It's storytelling through sounds. Of course, he is sometimes joined by vocalists and you can bet that he's very hands on with the emotions the singer brings out in the song. We asked the soulful producer and DJ to answer some questions about the transition between being in a band to a one man show and if the Toronto native will ever finish a song with Drake and the most social media savvy political figure of today, Councilor Norm Kelly.
You started DJing when you realized that your own music was taking off and you'd have to perform it. What was the easiest and hardest part about learning how to DJ?
I think the hardest part was learning how to really give the people at your shows a night they will remember, and finding ways to make my sets really original. It's easy to DJ, but it's not easy to capture the mood and vibe perfectly every time… The easy part is having a good time. This shit's too much fun.
You were a singer in a band and a Dance track you sang on took off before you started releasing original Dance tracks of your own. How different or similar was it to what you're creating today?
It was a pretty different--more like old Electro and Progressive. It was also a lot of unfinished ideas that I just threw together for fun. I didn't really hone in on my craft till I took this dance thing on full time.
How did you get your start in production? What pushed you in that direction to make music?
I got my first Pro Tools setup when I was like 14. It was just to document my ideas and demos, so someone else could help me finish the final product. I got to work with some amazing producers and songwriters in my bands, and that's where I learned the most about production. I've slowly been building up my studio for years, and now I'm at the point where I can start and finish a complete idea with vocals and everything all in my own studio. It's pretty awesome.
How have you translated the ability to make people feel a certain way from singing to mixing and DJing?
I mean it's all the same thing in the end: capturing an emotion and creating a vibe so that everyone in the room is on the same page. For me it has to do with dynamics… creating peaks and valleys in the music.
What made you gravitate towards a House sound when you started producing Dance tracks?
I just think it's the best music to dance to. It makes me wanna groove out hard when I play it, and I feel like I can bring something really different and original to the genre.
I've noticed a lot of collaborations with other DJs on your Soundcloud. What's your approach to working with another DJ or artist vs. when you work solo?
I mean I love working with other artists 'cause there's something really cool that happens when two people's styles mix. It's also a lot easier to have someone else to help you get something finished, because I know for myself, that I can get really stuck in my head with an idea sometimes and it'll never get finished. I would say solo tracks are a bit of a bigger challenge, but it's a great reward to finish something you love all by yourself.
In your opinion, what is the greatest skill a DJ can possess?
A great memory for music, and being able to read the crowd.
Do you ever see yourself trying out other genres of Dance music? Why or why not?
I generally make no rules for myself, so I'm sure that I'll produce a bunch of different styles in the coming years.
What do you want to accomplish every time you step into the booth or on stage for a performance?
I just wanna feel connected to the audience, and feel like we're all together in a musical experience. And that moment is precious and may never be lived again.
How do you choose an artist you want to work with?
It hasn't ever really been a choice. It usually just happens organically. We'll be in the same room and start vibing on an idea.
You've said in an interview that you work better when there's something already in place. How do you come with ideas for original songs? Are they inspired by something you've heard already?
I usually start original songs just jamming out on the piano, or with a vocalist.
What is your biggest fear when you DJ? What has been your greatest accomplishment as a DJ?
My biggest fear is probably falling off the DJ booth, 'cause I already did that once, and it was not only embarrassing, I also broke my rib [laughs]. My greatest accomplishment as a DJ has gotta be getting to play the main stage on some festivals this summer. It's been crazy. I just got booked for Tommorow World Main Stage, which is just bonkers!
Will we ever see a collab among you, Drake, and Councilor Norm Kelly?
I would love that… Norm's got my vote anytime.
Last Call
1. What is your favorite movie of all time?Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
2. As a young DJ, who was the one DJ you looked up to?Deadmau5 as a producer. Don Diablo as a DJ.
3. As a DJ, what's your biggest pet peeve?Drunk girls in the booth stopping the CDJ, trying to get a selfie… it has happened more than I'd like to admit.
4. What is your current DJ set up at home?I have an Ableton setup on a crazy suped up Hackintosh and a bunch of outboard gear & synths.
5. What's your favorite record of all time?Radiohead - OK Computer
Keep up with Shaun Frank on his Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Bryan Hahn is patiently waiting for the new Norm Kelly campaign theme song featuring Drake and Shaun Frank. He's on Twitter @notupstate.