SHANE54 GOES LAPTOPDJ

"It was quite a big change compared to my latest Hungarian solo album, which took us more than 3 months in Hungary's only SLL- equipped studio, featured a full string orchestra on several tracks, more than 20 other musicians, 2 producers, programmers and 3 engineers altogether.

"Making music at home is a really enjoyable experience, and it was great fun to start developing my dance music ideas. A few months later a Madonna remix competition on Acidplanet changed everything. Paul Oakenfold somehow started playing my remix. Then we got in touch, and I ended up reworking one of his "Bunkka" tracks for his Creamfields 2004 album. As a pop guy in Hungary there isn't much chance to get involved into productions like this, and I've always dreamed about making music for a wider audience.

When/why did you start the LaptopDJ project? What's its goal, and what's the difference with Shane54?

"The name was obvious when I ditched my vinyls and CDs in favour of my laptop early in 2004. For me it is a completely new direction in terms of DJing. Playing with a laptop allows you to think differently. Since you don't have to beatmatch it enables you to maintain musical keys with relative success. Mixing tracks in key also adds a new level of enjoyment, making it possible to mash up several songs into one, creating new and exciting things out of familiar elements. I wouldn't say this is a goal by itself. For me it's rather a way of DJing, something associated with my style.

You must be a laptop addict doing a "LaptopDJ" album, a TV show, website, podcast and even comics! Why so much?

"Haha, these things are dependent of each other. The album title was obvious, the rest came naturally. First the site, followed by the podcast (which reflects my weekly sets on Hungary's Roxy FM). Then the TV show came which emphasizes on the international dance music scene.

"And very soon I'm starting my Laptop DJ clothing line. If all goes well the stuff will be available in shops all over Hungary this Spring and of course online for the rest of the world. I already have some of my favourite artists loving their own Laptop DJ t-shirts.

You're the perfect example of someone who wanted to make it as a DJ/producer and got recognized by participating in remix contests. What happened?

"Remix competitions are a great way to enhance your creativity with stuff you normally wouldn't be able to get your hands on. Especially when you're an unknown producer. Not winning still means you have the track, and in case it gets into good hands, you can get good exposure out of it. The mentioned Madonna remix alongside my Lenny Kravitz remix ("Believe In Me") gained attention from people I have high respect for, and it gave me a lot of confidence that I was on the right path. They also got me quite a lot of remix requests!"

1 | 2 | 3 all interviews