“There’s a presence about Sharam that comes through in his music as well as his shows. Like any great relationship, you leave his show feeling as if you’re a better person… the Sharam experience.” – PLAYBACK:stl

One of only few dance acts who can effortlessly navigate between the nocturnal world of dance music with underground gems like “Crazi”, “Texi” and “Don’t Say A Word” while scoring Top 20 Hits internationally with “PATT (Party All The Time)”, “The One” feat. Daniel Bedingfield, and “She Came Along” with Kid Cudi. His desire to not ever be confined and pigeon holed into one genre of music has enabled him to constantly evolve and surprise people with his productions.

www.sharam.com

INTRODUCTION

Rachel Rixham: It’s a real pleasure to grab this interview with you today Sharam, can we start with a brief artist introduction. Who is Sharam?

Sharam: You’ll have to wait for the movie, The curious case of Bassdrum Sharam, coming soon to a theater near you.

Rachel: How did you first become involved with music, and what does ‘The Music’ truly mean to you?

Sharam: I had a big crush on music and spent years chasing it. When I finally got through and got involved with it, I knew I had to keep it and spend the rest of my life with it. So I work daily on making sure it gets a lot of love and attention from me.

Rachel: You’ve been known to not only entertain the masses with your shows and productions, but also educate your fans , how important do you feel it is to take time as an artist to educate people about music?

Sharam: For me its an important part of the process. If DJs keep playing cookie cutter tracks and hit after hit, you get to a point where everyone sounds the same and the crowd can not tell one dj apart from another — this is actually happening right now in the music industry. That complacency is usually followed with being irrelevant for the DJ and people moving on to the next thing.  For me giving people something different is a very important part of the process. And just as important is not losing sight of the entertainment part. There needs to be a balance. When you combine the music that people know me for and expect me to play, with the new stuff I’m playing and testing, you get a balanced night where people can have fun and still be exposed to new music.

Rachel: Many artists find themselves pigeon holed to one genre throughout their careers, simply because their fan base refuse to accept anything else, this can sometimes push our artists in to a corner thus stunt future growth. How important do you feel it is for an artist to stand their ground, evolve and play around with as many genres as they can?

Sharam: I am constantly educating myself and getting inspired by new music. The fun part is transferring that inspiration to my music in the studio and the crowds on the dance floor.  That relationship is very important as it enables me to evolve as a producer and a DJ.  I’ve never been a fan of being a one trick pony. There is too much music out there by too many great producers from many genres. Why confined yourself to one genre of music? It goes against everything that us as humans stand for. Its sort of like racism, where people have an adverse reaction towards another race, and it usually stems from insecurity and being close minded. If everyone acted that way, there would be no advancement in anything. The fusion is how you advance not being boxed up and one track minded. Fanaticism is not good in anything.

RELEASES & STUDIO

Rachel: Sharam is known globally for tracks such as “Crazi”, “Texi”, and “Don’t Say A Word” not to mention scoring top 20 hits for “PATT (Party All The Time)”, “The One” feat. Daniel Bedingfield, and “She Came Along” with Kid Cudi.  How does it feel to have so many tracks globally recognised and supported by the world? And do you feel a huge pressure to keep raising the bar when producing new tracks?

Sharam: I’ve always drawn inspiration from Hollywood as a parallel world to what I do. The great actors like Robert De Niro, go from role to role transforming themselves and creating different characters seamlessly. Great film directors like Martin Scorsese,  they go from project to project creating different worlds that you can get lost in. They all tell great stories using their acting and directing chops and each time it’s a different story, different movie, different character. They are also the ones that have lasted the longest where so many others have come and gone as flavor of the month. The iconic ones are the ones that have tried different things and made them work – or not.

There is a lot you can learn from having a project fail. But the key is not to repeat yourself. Music for me is the same way. I try not to repeat myself. It would be easy to do that and cash in when you have something that hits big, but that is not interesting to me. I like to challenge myself and push the boundaries and see what I can come up with next. Some work and people praise me for it, and some go over people’s head and they give me the raised eyebrow. And I have learned to love both reactions. What would worry me is if I got no reaction – good or bad.

Rachel: In addition, tell us, where do you find the inspiration to produce such tracks? Do you have a special technique to get you in to that mused productive state perhaps?

Sharam: It’s about allowing yourself to 1. Get inspired and 2. Let that inspiration flow through your creative process. You have to let go of your past and your previous achievements and start from scratch and see where it leads you. Then you polish it to ensure that it works on the dance floor. On some records that are not intended for dance floor you just let the music tell its own story.

Rachel: Tell us about your amazing 10 hour stint at Warung Beach Club in Brazil, which sold out to a crowd of 4500 clubbers. That is some achievement, how did you prepare yourself for such an event?

Sharam: I am always preparing myself by listening to a lot of music and categorizing them in my inbox. At any moment I can turn a 2 hour set into a 10 hour one – provided the environment is right. Meaning the club, the crowd and the vibe is there — for the ride. Once you know you have full rein to play a long set then it’s a matter of programing the night and I usually do that organically on the spot.

WARUNG BEACH CLUB COMPILATION
BUY NOW | TRACKLISTING | OUR REVIEW

Rachel: Upon listening to the new compilation, I quickly picked up on the atmospheric changes delivered by the tracklisting, you started the compilation with a vibrant selection of club bangers and finished on a very hypnotic note. In your own words, can you describe the vibe for CD1 and CD2.

Sharam: It’s a live recording, so you are listening to progression. I’m telling a story and the story has lots of ebbs and flows. CD 2 is the continuation of CD1 really. I told an epic story, sort of like Star Wars at the club. The entire saga was 10 hours and I picked about 3 hours (due to time limitation on CDs) and featured it on 2 CDs.

Rachel: A massive 26 tracks come with this release, which includes a great selection of white labels, unreleased material and topped with many dance floor bangers. How long did it take before you were completely satisfied with the final result, did you make any changes? furthermore did you face any tough challenges?

Sharam: The key was that I was prepared and knew my records and I just let things flow. I would have liked to keep all 10 hours of the live show but had to pick 3 hours that best represented me, the club and the vibe of that night. And sometimes you get tracks that you can not clear which on a compilation like this can be catastrophic because you have to cut out an entire song from your live story. Fortunately i was able to clear 95% of the tracks.

WHAT’S UP NEXT FOR SHARAM?

Rachel Rixham: With the compilation now in the hands and ears of many millions around the world, what can we expect next from the prestigious Sharam in 2012?

Sharam: I have just released my new single called “Our Love”, which is the follow up to Fun with the same vocalist. I am polishing a remix package for it – with a brand new remix that I did myself along with some other cool and amazing artists.

After that I have a new single called “Radio G” that’s coming out. I am shooting to have a bunch of other projects that I’ve been working on wrapped up to be released on a new artist album sometimes this summer.

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/DJSharam
Follow on twitter: http://twitter.com/djsharam
Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/sharam

To view this article as a website, click here.

Related articles

• Sharam – Warung Beach Club Reviewed (radiovolum.com)
• Black Hole proudly presents: Sharam – Warung Beach Club (beatsmedia.com)
• Sharam – Warung Beach Club Reviewed (beatsmedia.com)

Label: Black Hole Recordings
Buy Now: iTunes
Reviewed by: Rachel Rixham

Black Hole Recordings proudly presents one of 2011′s essential mix compilations: Sharam “Warung Beach Club (Live | Brasil)” Recorded live at Warung, Brazil’s most remarkable super club and electronic “music temple”, this three-hour genre-bending and record-breaking set stands as a testament to Sharam’s dedication to educating while entertaining the masses without any musical limitations but with a unique ability to rock the dance floor. When Warung booked Grammy award-winning producer and DJ, Sharam, for a 10-hour house music marathon set in April this year, he smashed all attendance records since the club opened, with 4,500 clubbers turning up to hear his set!

Recommended (CD1)
Sharam kicks this compilation of with a vibrant tune named “In my Arms” sang by Lisa Ekdahl. A quirky groove that melts the atmosphere with reggae styled beats before quickly manifesting in to a monster with aggressive D&B basslines. Big hook, big Bass!. “Koen Groeneveld – Turboprop (Ahmet Sendil Mix),” was another big tune that caught my attention, with its winding build and dramatic drop, this track will definitely have your hands in the air on the dance floor. “The Ghetto Boys – The Ghetto Track (El Mundo, Satori Remix),” offers big room beats and chattering vocal chops, loved the warm atmosphere in this one. Up next, “Sharam – Fun” featuring vocalist Anousheh, you can expect a hearty bass driven along beautifully by the invigorating vocals. Very much enjoyed the Pirupa People rendition here.

At this point, I would say CD1 is in free flow, the tunes are melting in to one another superbly and the feeling is lush. Picking up on the building pace comes “Joe T Vannelli feat Justine – It’s Gotta Be Big” a deep/clean-cut production that tempts the listener closer. I especially enjoyed the backdrop details behind the vocals in this one. Very nicely done. My favourite tune so far would have to be Sharam featuring Mario Vazquez “Wild Drumz” remixed by Rene Kuppens. The vocals in this one seamlessly wash through, whilst delivering a smooth groove that infects you with high-spirited soul. Flawlessly followed by the timeless “Don’t Say A Word,” which respectfully gets a retouch by the man himself Sharam. Stupendously good vibes unleash a delightful, almost seductive Anousheh vocal.

Recommended (CD2)
Plunging in to CD2 comes Mark Broom & Mihalis Safras’ tune “Tru Tru” a hypnotic track that delivers a descending hook, built around rich tones and earthbound beats. This track has been given a once over by the ever-popular Paul Ritch, who was nominated by Beatport as a candidate for best techno artist. He held the top 2 position in sales on Beatport, reaching over 11.000 downloads. Note: The transition from “Tru Tru” to “Jungle Drums” it’s almost undetectable. Tom Middleton dives deep down and dirty with his tune “Jungle Drums.” Loved the voluminous vocal chops in this one, they illustrate the deep in the jungle vibe very well. Both opening tracks have gripped my attention on CD2 so far, and Pig & Dan’s “Detonate” is no exception. Sharam has given his attention to this one, by offering up a Crazi remix. There are some very good production skills going on here, listen carefully as the sounds levitate themselves around you.

The next track “NOW” strides in with yet another Sharam Crazi Remix to boot, stunning vocals from Astrid Suryanto and a sumptuously inviting hook takes your mind somewhere else. Ready for, the unleashing of the darkened depths, two very commanding tracks “Paranoize” and “Roaches” whom rise to the mischievous occasion with perfection. Both tracks are right up the street for those of you who like to go deep down and become heavily involved, they will definitely open up the imagination – make no mistake. Lashing down the bassline Alexander Kowlaski delivers “Friendly Fire” and what perfect timing, this track envelopes your mind with a cooling breath of fresh air, a must, after the two air-sucking tracks before. “Friendly Fire” comes with a delicious Dosem remix intent, on seducing the listener!! “Make Sure to Keep It Up” is an epic follow up with its technical beats, frenzied mind-boggling  atmosphere and tantalizing sweeps.

For the final leg, of this legendary journey we call CD2, you can expect lots of energy to get your heart racing one final time, as “Caller ID” and “Fun” consumes, while “Timeless Altitude” and “Mitt” releases you from it’s “Warung Beach Club” clutches and places you back on the ground in one, awe-inspired state.

Grab your copy
itunes.apple.com/gb/album/warung-beach-club-live-brazil/id487120787
www.amazon.co.uk/Warung-Beach-Club/dp/B006K8L8AM
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B006EAV43W

Full tracklist and information

Click here to view this article as a website.

Sharam’s new single ‘Our Love’ is now available exclusively on Beatport!

Check out these previews below and stay posted for the release of new mixes in the coming weeks.

Sharam feat Anousheh – Our Love [Promo Edit] by Sharam

Sharam feat Anousheh – Our Love (Dub Mix) [Promo Edit] by Sharam

Press Release:

Grammy Award winning producer/DJ Sharam returns with his new single “Our Love;” released on the world renowned Yoshitoshi Recordings. “Our Love” is a fantastic return for a producer known for making pure magic when uniting a storming instrumental dance track with the perfect vocals. The voice of “Our Love” comes from Iranian-American singer/ songwriter Anousheh Khalili who’s best known for her appearance on Deep Dish’s “Flashdance” and “Say Hello,” which was nominated for a Grammy in 2006 in the Best Dance Recording category. On “Our Love,” Sharam balances an uplifting piano and throbbing basslines with Anousheh’s gorgeous vocal right over the top. It’s a wonderful send-off to 2011 and a sign of great things to come from Sharam in 2012.

“I’m a firm believer in innovation in music and work hard to try new things and not to repeat myself. That may result in a song taking longer than I’d like to become final, but that’s sometimes what it takes to perfect a song that I believe in so much. So without further ado I’m happy to present “Our Love” featuring the beautiful and haunting vocals of Anousheh,” Sharam Says “Our Love” comes on the heels of Sharam’s first mixed CD compilation in nearly five years – “Sharam Live at Warung Beach Brasil.” Recorded live at Warung, Brazil’s electronic ‘music temple’ this three-hour genre-bending set stands as a testament to Sharam’s dedication to educating while entertaining the masses without any musical limitations. Not only was his head- turning 10-hour set a hit at Warung breaking the club’s all time attendance record, the set also
formed the basis of a prestigious Essential Mix in May 2011 on BBC Radio 1, with Pete Tong describing Sharam as being “on devastating form.” “Sharam Live at Warung Beach Brasil” is out now. Buy it now from Beatport and iTunes.

5. LIV –MIAMI, USA

Imagine if you combined all the clubs above in
to one and then added 100 lbs of posh on top. It’s the super model of all clubs. It’s the only VIP club that can instantly morph into a gritty and dirty underground club. It’s totally up to the DJ where you want to take the crowd. It’s like you have a Porsche Panamera at your disposal; it can be a head-turner luxury saloon in true South-Beach style in one minute, and it can become the baddest beast on the road racing passed you like a high end sports car – you the driver can make the choice and LIV the club will deliver it in an instant. But you better be a good driver because at speeds that high with one wrong move you might crash and burn.

4. DISTRICT 36 – NY, USA

I’ve only done two shows at this new club and I can tell you that I have found my new home in NYC. Great DJ booth set up, proper sound system, and a dark dance floor – which is how I like it. They have the perfect balance of gritty dancefloor space and VIP where both type of the main focus is the DJ and the music.

3. AVALON – LA, USA

Probably one of the last super clubs in the US, especially on the West Coast. Just like Warung and Beta, they provide a playground for all kinds of DJs to do their thing with a varied crowd from night to night. It’s one of the last places in the US that I get to play a long set with total freedom and take people on a musical ride in full control. LA in general has a very educated crowd and I believe the roots of it is veteran promoters like Dave Dean and Kobe working so closely with Avalon over the years to bring the best the world has to offer – again with a balance of business vs. creating a playground to educate the crowd by bringing diverse acts. I’ve had some of my best experiences as a DJ at Avalon playing until 8-9 in the morning with the crowd still in tow. That’s a hard feat anywhere in the world, especially in America. They are another club that are constantly looking to evolve.

2. BETA – DENVER, US

Some clubs get it and some don’t. I happened to do the grand opening for Beta a few years back and they still had a lot of kinks to work out on the opening as most new clubs do, but w hat set them apart was their instant dedication to wanting to know what DJs liked and didn’t like about their new club and actually listening to them and making those changes. Beta stands as one of the clubs in the world that I really look forward to playing at. Fantastic sound system, properly placed DJ booth and a dancefloor suited to interacting with the crowd, and most importantly, an educated crowd. Cities/clubs don’t end up having educated crowds on their own. There is usually a catalyst and in Denver, it’s Beta and the team behind it. They understand the balance of wanting to have a financially successful club and making sure they continually bring all kinds of acts from different corners of dance music for the betterment and growth of electronic music.

1. WARUNG – ITAJAÍ, BRAZIL

People often ask, what is your favorite club/the best place to play? My answer is always the same; any place with a great sound system, capable promoters, a proper setup for the DJ, and an engaged crowd. If there is one club that gets it right 100% of the time, it’s Warung in Brazil. Factor in the location of the club, set amidst a huge beachfront nature preserve and it’s patrons, who happen to be amongst the world’s most beautiful and enthusiastic, and you end up with a clubbing utopia for DJs and fans, the likes of which are rare. I would be surprised if it weren’t the first choice for countless other DJs who’ve had the pleasure of playing there. Playing at Warung makes me want to experiment with music and be the best DJ that I can be. The connection with the crowd along with the feeling you get after playing a ten-hour set is pure perfection and the crowd always makes you feel like the feeling is mutual.

Check out the full article in this month’s issue of Tilllate.

TVD got in touch with the Grammy award-winning artist via email this week as he was performing in Brazil. We discussed his DJ career, his love of DC, and the recent influence of muscle cars on his latest releases.

How long have you been DJing? What are some of the more memorable moments from early in your DJing career?

I’ve been DJing as long as I can remember. I used to cut cassette tapes together with a double deck player and a Walkman as a kid in Iran, then we moved to the US and I discovered the whole vinyl and mixer thing, and I’ve been DJing ever since. At first we were throwing school parties just so that I could get a chance to DJ and play my records for a live audience. I was then able to secure random gigs here and there, which made me very happy.

My best memory was dropping Lil Louis “French Kiss” at a Rock & Roll/R&B club called Quicksilver where I had to drop Guns N Roses next to Levert and Guy and stuff like that. I had just gotten a copy of it before the record became huge and was very excited to play it. So when I dropped it, the entire club stopped and looked at me in shock. They didn’t know what to do. Everyone then left the dance floor, and of course they never called me back for another gig. This became a regular thing with me for a while.

Sharam | Fun (FTDK Radio Mix)

How interactive is your recording process when you work with big name artists like Kid Cudi and Chris Martin of Coldplay? Do you go into the studio together, or do you exchange mixes/lyrics/beats digitally?

Usually everything I do starts from an idea or inspiration. Once I feel good about it, I circulate it to whomever. I prefer not have too much interaction with the people I’m collaborating with at first.

1. I get star struck and can’t concentrate if they’re too big.
2. I feel like I need to be able to think without having to worry about what others think of what I’m planning—I know the end result in my head, but not everyone sees that, so I keep the process to myself until I’m done as the project takes on many shapes and forms before it’s done. That’s how I can be most creative.

Your music crosses over into a lot of different genres, but with which one do you feel most comfortable? Do you have a stand-by that you always enjoy mixing and playing?

I have a very varied range of influences, so I can get with all kinds of music, and I experiment a lot with combining different genres and pushing things to achieve something new—as a DJ and as a producer. For me, DJing and producing go hand in hand. Behind the decks with an audience in front of me is where I fine-tune my projects and come up with changes and different ideas. They both are integral parts of my process.

Do you mix digitally or with real vinyl, or both? Why do you prefer the method that you use?

Of course, like many DJs, I was a huge vinyl junkie. But over the years as technology progressed, it became easier to carry your music on CDs and then on your laptop via Traktor. My back feels a lot better as I don’t have to carry those heavy vinyl cases with me all over the world so that’s a huge plus, but I really miss the days where you HAD to be selective with your record box and could only take music that you knew you wanted to play—there was only so much room.

It was impossible to take more than two crates half way across the world so you constantly “cleaned” and “updated” your inbox per se. Now you get to carry everything with you all the time, which is great in its own sense, but it means you have to have a memory of an elephant to remember songs by name (rather than by looking at a vinyl label and knowing instantly what it was and what it stood for).

Sharam | Sharam’s Wildcast #48

Talk about working with Deep Dish. How does the music of Deep Dish differ from that of your solo work?

With Deep Dish there was always a ying to a yang. You always have that other person that you trust, to give you feedback or to take over the project when you get stuck. Being solo, you have to be your own motivator and your own critic. When things work out, it’s great, but when you get stuck, it can be frustrating. Overall, the process for me is always the same. Just stick to what is inspiring you, no matter how you come across it, and be as educated as possible with the music that’s currently out there—making a dent.

What first brought you to Washington DC? What do you like about DC?

Family. I’ve always loved DC. Although I spend alot of time outside of DC, I will always call DC home and can’t imagine being anywhere else for long periods of time.

You travel all over the world for DJ sets and performances; what makes you keep DC as your home base, instead of somewhere else?

Family, friends, and the fact that I can escape.

What is your favorite venue to perform at in DC? Your favorite record store to buy new vinyl?

I like playing at Lima, and this week I’m going to play at Josephine for the first time. My good friend Pete Kalamoutsos and his partner Antonis have done an amazing job over the years promoting music in the DC area, and these clubs, along with Glow at Fur, are the fruits of their relentless labor.

As for vinyl, we had our own vinyl shop for a few years in Georgetown called Yoshitoshi Shop. I still have a huge record collection, but I can’t say that I buy vinyl regularly anymore. Growing up, 12″ Dance Records in Dupont Circle was my mecca for finding Vinyl. Later on it was Vinyl Mania in New York. I really miss going to a record store and getting lost in it.

Tell me about what you like about muscle cars. Why are they the inspiration for your latest release?

They just look so damned bad ass! And they were made to go fast and last long. As a kid I was always fascinated with cars, ‘specially American cars. My favorite car as a kid was 1971 Camaro SS; I’m still looking for one in great condition.

I like to connect my music projects to a concept, and cars was one of those concepts, so I wanted to create a world within a world—and for the upcoming album it’s muscle cars. My previous album Get Wild was about Spaghetti Westerns and the soundtracks to those classic Clint Eastwood, Charles Bronson, Henry Fonda movies. I just like to keep things fresh for myself. I tend to get bored very easily.

Sharam | Live at Warung Beach Club (Promo Mix)

What else is coming up for you?

My first compilation album in five years came out a couple of weeks ago. It’s a live recording that was done in Brazil at one of the most amazing clubs in the world called Warung Beach Club. The album is a true representation of my DJing style—over a very long set.

Nowadays with how Electronic Music has evolved at clubs, people are used to the DJ playing hit after hit after hit—creating a Music ADD Nation. DJs (big and small) are afraid if they don’t do that, then people won’t respond. Then you have the opposite side where everything is underground and people go for the journey. I’m in the middle of that. I like to take people on a long journey, but I also like to throw in some vocal flavors in the middle.

So on this [album], people can experience that and relive what took place at Warung in Brazil. We put three hours of the set (from a ten hour set) into this album. It includes some new cuts that I have done recently as well as a lot of new releases from Yoshitoshi and many of my favorite tracks that I’m still playing. I’m very proud of it. So I will be promoting that in the next few months until my new artist album Speed is ready for release.

Written by Nicola Freitas

Grammy Award winning DJ / Producer Sharam is set to release 3 hours of his most talked about set this year, recorded live at the Warung Beach Club, Brazil on a record breaking night. Here he talks about that electric night, compliments from Pete Tong and similarities with Brad Pitt…

Your 10 hr set at Warung Beach Club in Brazil earlier this year has become quite a talking point as you smashed all club attendance records! What was the atmosphere like that night?

SHARAM: Electric! I always feel welcomed and connected at Warung, but this particular night there was an added energy in the room. Everyone felt it and I just kept feeding off of it. It was the best night I’ve had at the club, and I’ve had many great nights there. The funny thing is that was the first night in a long while that I recorded my set as I knew it might be a long night, and the rest as they say, is history.

How did you go about selecting just three hours of your marathon set for your forthcoming compilation?

SHARAM: I just picked three continuous hours that I felt most represented the entire night. I had to do a couple of edits here and there due to rights issues with some tracks, and some tracks had to be shortened, but 95% of the set is, as it was, recorded that night. Maybe I’ll do an encore and release some of the other sections of the night in my upcoming podcasts.

Where do you start planning which tracks to play for a 10 hr set? It sounds like a mammoth task!

SHARAM: I’m always buying and receiving new records and sometimes I keep certain records in mind for certain clubs, and naturally I have tons of them reserved for Warung or clubs like it. It’s sort of like the way Larry David writes the ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ shows. I have an idea and earmark certain tracks, peaks and valleys. I just vibe off the crowd and try to take them on a roller-coaster and give the thrill of their lives – I’d get bored if I knew exactly what I’m going to play. It’s a matter of knowing the records, the rest happens organically.

What’s your secret to keeping a crowd engaged for this length of time?

SHARAM: You have to treat them with respect. They are there to see you so they have certain expectations. You can’t go up there and play what you want to hear for 10 hours. You have to entertain them while educating them at the same time and make it all seamless. With that mindset, you just have fun. It’s like a house party with 4,000 plus of your friends.

Music aside, how do you as a performer prepare for a gig like this?

SHARAM: If I can, I take a nap before the gig. Sometimes that’s not possible given the crazy schedule, of course, but that’s what I like to do. Then a nice dinner with friends, some wine and a double shot of espresso.

For those not lucky enough to have visited the Warung Beach Club, describe for us its setting and why you think it’s nicknamed by locals – the ‘electronic music temple’.

SHARAM: The club is made out of logs. It’s like a huge mountain cabin in the middle of the woods that also happens to be beach front. It’s quite unique with all the nature around you. It has a long and cosy dancefloor – probably the longest in the world. The best part is when day light beaks. It’s something extraordinary when the entire floor raises their hands in the air and you see the sky and the beach behind them.

Is there anywhere on earth that compares to this venue?

SHARAM: Not really. It’s pretty unique. There might have been other clubs that have tried to capture that vibe and setting but this one is the original and it’d be hard to replicate it – in terms of location, vibe and uniqueness.

Pete Tong described you as being ‘on devastating form’ before the broadcast of two hours of your Warung set as a Radio 1 Essential Mix. Is this also how you see your career right now?

SHARAM: It’s nice to get compliments from your peers – especially someone of his stature. I’ve had my fair share of peaks and valleys over the years, but the funny thing is there hasn’t been much change in my approach to music and DJ style during this time. People’s expectations and interpretation of my last record to come out, make what I do a debatable subject. My main motivation and goal is to always push the boundaries, do what inspires me and do away with the status quo. Ultimately the fans are the judge and I’ve been very fortunate to have them on my side.

You’ve enjoyed chart success which has brought the Sharam name into the mainstream consciousness, but at the same time you’re still a highly regarded producer on the underground scene. How have you achieved this balance without ‘selling out’?

SHARAM: As an artist I try to evolve as I find it very limiting to only play and make one kind of music. I read a quote by Brad Pitt recently that captured the essence of it. He recalled a time when he had a conversation with another movie star about a particular project. That movie star said: “My audience would never allow me to do that”. He said it was like cymbals going off in his head. He never wanted to be shackled by that and wanted the freedom to do what challenged him with his different characters.

That’s exactly how I’ve always approached it. I hate to be pigeon holed because it creates creative limitation, but some people have a hard time understanding me because they can’t put me in one category. I need the adrenaline of the unexpected to thrive.

You’ve been producing and performing as a solo artist since 2006. Do miss being part of the Deep Dish duo?

SHARAM: We did that for a long time and achieved a lot of things we could have never dreamed of, but it became necessary for us to spread our individual artistic wings as it was limiting at times for both of us. Being part of a duo is a lot of fun though so, yes, I do miss that at times.

There are a whopping 7 unreleased tracks on your Live at Warung album, with 4 of these forthcoming on your label Yoshitoshi. Which tracks are next up in the release schedule?

SHARAM: So many great records! A re-release of Jungle Drums from Tom Middleton with remixes from Robert Babicz and Sinisa Tamamovic. We’ve just released an amazing new Pig & Dan album – I played a few of their album tracks at Warung but only my remix of their Detonate track made it on to my album. There are tracks by El Mundo & Satori and Samio who make their debuts, plus a couple of my own unreleased tracks. I wore my techno hat again for ‘Que Cubano’ and my dub step fusion hat for ‘In My Arms’ with a Damez Jean remix.

You’re returning to play at Warung on 29th October. What do you have up your sleeve for the night?

SHARAM: Of course I will be playing a bunch of stuff from the album, but I also have tons of records that I have earmarked for that night already. You can find some of these cuts on my Wildcast & Yoshitoshi Radio episodes but I guess the best way to hear it all is to be there!

Sharam ‘Warung Beach Club – Live Brasil’ is out NOW on Yoshitoshi Recordings

Buy it Now on iTunes

Buy it now on Beatport

]]> http://sharam.com/sharam-releases-3-hours-of-his-most-talked-about-set-2/feed/ 0 http://sharam.com/warung http://sharam.com/warung#comments Tue, 11 Oct 2011 14:47:46 +0000 admin http://sharam.com/?p=11851 Read More]]>

NOW AVAILABLE AT

SHARAM’S FIRST COMPILATION ALBUM IN 5 YEARS!

Recorded live at Warung, Brazil’s electronic ‘music temple’ this three-hour genre-bending set stands as a testament to Sharam’s dedication to educating while entertaining the masses without any musical limitations. Not only was his head-turning 10-hour set a hit at Warung breaking the club’s all time attendance record, the set also formed the basis of a prestigious Essential Mix in May 2011 on BBC Radio 1, with Pete Tong describing Sharam “on devastating form.”

TRACKLISTING

Disc 1:
1. Sharam feat. Lisa Ekdahl – In My Arms (Damez Jean Mix)
2. Luca Bacchetti – What Your Soul Sings (Paul Ritch Remix)
3. Jon Rundell – Can’t Stop
4. Nadastrom – WEPA
5. Koen Groeneveld – Turboprop (Ahmet Sendil Remix)
6. Federico Epis – Rafaela
7. The Ghetto Boys – The Ghetto Track (El Mundo, Satori Remix)
8. Sharam feat. Anousheh – Fun (Pirupa People Vocal Mix)
9. Joe T Vannelli – It’s Gotta Be Big
10. Paul Ritch – Wonderland
11. Sharam feat. Mario Vazquez – Wild Drumz (Rene Kuppens Remix)
12. Sharam feat. Anousheh – Don’t Say a Word (Sharam’s Own Remix)
13. Afrojack – Bye8again
14. Sharam – Que Cubano

Disc 2:
1. Mark Broom & Mihalis Safras – Tru Tru (Paul Ritch Remix)
2. Tom Middleton – Jungle Drums
3. Pig & Dan – Detonate (Sharam’s Crazi Remix)
4. King Britt – NOW feat. Astrid Suryanto (Sharam Crazi Remix)
5. Alan Fitzpatrick – Paranoize (Adam Beyer & Jesper Dahlback Remix)
6. Trancesetters – Roaches (Peace Division Remix)
7. Alexander Kowalski – Friendly Fire (Dosem Remix)
8. Samio – Make Sure to Keep It Up
9. Nic Fanciulli – Caller ID (Radio Slave Remix)
10. Sharam feat. Anousheh – Fun (Funhouse Remix)
11. Secret Cinema – Timeless Altitude (Slam Paragraph Remix)
12. Sharam vs. Shakira – MITT

WATCH THE TEASER:

FOR MORE INFORMATION GOTO SHARAM.COM/WARUNG-CD

NOW AVAILABLE AT

Sharam – Fun (FTDK Club Mix) [Promo Edit]

Sharam – Fun (FTDK Dub Mix) [Promo Edit]

Sharam – Fun (FTDK Radio Mix) [Promo Edit]

1. Mauro Picotto – I Am What I Am (Nicole Moudaber Remix) [Alchemy (Italy)]
2. Sasha Carassi – Poison [Rekluse]
3. Joseph Capriati – Psycology [Drumcode]
4. Rino Cerrone vs. Shermanology – Blessed (Sharam’s Needing Chords edit) [Unreleased]
5. Luigi Madonna – Collusion [Rekluse]
6. Quivver – Funktribe (Pig & Dan Remix) [Yoshitoshi]
7. System 7 – Positive Noise (A. Mochi Remix02) [Wakyo Records]
8. Phil Kieran – Le Carrousel (Egbert Remix) [Phil Kieran Records]
9. Pan-Pot & Pascal Mollin – The Elephant {Joseph Capriati Remix) [Touched]
10. Sharam – God Always [Yoshitoshi]

To Download and Receive Sharam’s Latest Podcast Subscribe Here:

Sharam’s Wildcast #44 Tracklisting
1. Modul – Keegan [Highway Records]
2. Mauro Picotto – I Am What I Am (Nicole Moudaber Remix) [Alchemy (Italy)]
3. &ME – Empire State [Keinemusik]
4. Kosheen DJs – Skimming (Namito Remix) [BluFin]
5. Remy Unger – Jawgrinder [Gem Records]
6. Sinisa Tamamovic – The Drums [SCI+TEC Digital]
7. Mark Fanciulli – The Tide (Joris Voorn Edit) [Rejected]
8. Dosem – Freed [Tronic]
9. Federico Epis  – She Always Tries [Yoshitoshi] Buy it on Beatport
10. Stefano Noferini – My Forbidden Game [Deeperfect Records]

To Download and Receive Sharam’s Latest Podcast Subscribe Here:

1. Spektre & Miniminds – Guillotine (Christian Smith Remix) [Global Underground]

2. Shlomi Aber – Propaganda (Paul Rich Remix) [Ovum Recordings]

3. Luigi Madonna – Reset [Rekluse]

4. Quivver – Funktribe (Pig & Dan Remix) [Yoshitoshi Unreleased]

5. Nick Cenik – Cote D’ivoire [Incorrect Music]

6. Santos – Zagros (Riva Starr Superdub) [Unreleased]

7. Phunk Investigation – Belo Horizonti (Ahmet Sendil Remix) [Global Underground]

8. Bart Skils – Dust [Tronic]

9. Subfractal & Anthony Attalla – Grape Ape [Incorrect Music]

10. Slingshot – Anthony Castaldo Remix [Mirabilis Records]

11. Psycatron – People in Glass Houses (Psycatron’s Lateral Thinker Mix) [Tresor]

To Download and Receive Sharam’s Latest Podcast Subscribe Here:

Sharam’s Wildcast #42 (All Techno Edition) by Sharam

Use ‘God Always’ to create a Mash-Up using any track or acapella from any artist, or use your own original idea.

1st place winners will receive:

1. The opportunity to open for Sharam in a city 250 miles near you along with a flight and hotel. Subject to approval after mix submission.

2. A dedicated post with a download link on Sharam.com as well as a number of plugs via Sharam & Yoshitoshi Twitters and Facebook.

3. A 2gb thumb-drive containing the latest Sharam and Yoshitoshi tracks.

4. A signed T-shirt from Sharam.

The judging panel will consist of Sharam and the Yoshitoshi crew, they will be looking for what sounds best.

2 Runner Ups:

1.  A 2gb thumb-drive containing the latest Sharam and Yoshitoshi tracks.

The judging panel will consist of Sharam and Yoshitoshi employees.

Competition Rules:

1. Download the WAV of God Always from Beatport HERE

2. Make your Mash-Up, it doesn’t matter how you choose to do it. As an added bonus if you choose to use a Yoshitoshi or original vocal we’ll consider  releasing it.

4. All files must be in WAV format.

3. Title your mash-Up like this but insert your name where appropriate:

Sharam – God Always vs.”the other track you use” (“Insert your artist name” Mash-Up)

4. Submit below.

5. Mash-up submissions must be made by Wednesday 08/08/11 5 pm EST.

6. Winners will be announced at 5pm EST Friday 8/15/11 via www.facebook.com/sharam . Be sure to “like” the page in order to see the announcement.

7. There is no limit to the number of submissions a contestant can make.

This contest is open only until 8/8/2011.

COOL CUTS CHART 30/06/11

Download Sharam’s “God Always” on Beatport!

“Twisting heads on the floor with this slammin’ speed garage vibed groove…” -DMC Buzz Chart

“Cool new club track that was hot in Miami” -Music Week

Sharam – God Always (Take It) [Promo] by Sharam

Sharam – God Always (Dub) [Promo] by Sharam

]]> http://sharam.com/godalways/feed/ 0 http://sharam.com/btsfun http://sharam.com/btsfun#comments Thu, 02 Jun 2011 16:50:13 +0000 admin http://sharam.com/?p=10650

This weeks issue of Tilllate Magazine features Sharam on the cover. Check out pages 16 -17 for an exclusive interview and a behind-the-scenes look at the “Fun” music video.

Click the picture below to see the entire issue:

A two hour selection from Sharam’s performance will air on BBC Radio 1 as Sharam’s Essential Mix 2011. Click HERE for more info.

Now Streaming from BBC Radio1′s site HERE

After a bountiful career with the pioneering duo Deep Dish, Grammy Award winner Sharam took the reigns as a solo artist, becoming one of the very few producer/DJs who can effortlessly navigate from the nocturnal world of underground dance, to cross-over success with a string of both underground and international chart topping hits. Like his productions, Sharam has developed a reputation for putting together genre bending DJ sets representing the best the dance music scene has to offer.

His relentless pursuit of quality music without prejudice earned him the coveted Essential Mix of The Year in 2009. For his 2011 Essential Mix, Sharam is featuring a live recording from his recent 9 hour marathon set at a sold out show at Warung Club in Brazil — hailed by many DJs as one of the best clubs in the world (see pictures above and below). In this two-hour sampler Sharam seamlessly mixes his favorite cuts with his latest productions, remixes, and soon-to-be-released tracks from his label, Yoshitoshi.

BBC Radio1 Links:

• BBC Radio1 Website
• Essential Mix Facebook
• Essential Mix Twitter
• Essential Mix YouTube
• Essential Mix Soundcloud

Tracklist:

[unknown] — Madli (In My Arms) [Unreleased]

Luca Bacchetti — What Your Soul Sings (Paul Ritch Remix) [Hideout]

Jon Rundell — Can’t Stop [Rekluse]

Nadastrom — Wepa [Dubsided]

Koen Groeneveld — Turboprop (Ahmet Sendil Mix) [Abzolut]

Federico Epis — Rafaela [Yoshitoshi]

Quivver — Funktribe (El Mundo & Satori Remix) [Yoshitoshi]

Sharam — Fun (Feat. Anousheh) (Pirupa People Vocal Mix) [Yoshitoshi]

Joe T. Vannelli — It’s Gotta Be Big [Unreleased]

Paul Ritch — Wonderland [Drumcode]

Sharam vs Rene Kuppens Star — Wild Drumz [Unreleased]

Sharam — Don’t Say A Word (Feat. Anousheh) (Sharam’s Own Remix) [Yoshitoshi]

Afrojack — Bye8again [Unreleased]

[unknown] — Que Cubano [Unreleased]

Mark Broom & Mihalis Safras — Tru Tru (Paul Ritch Remix) [Material]

Tom Middelton — Jungle Drums 2011 [Yoshitoshi]

Pig & Dan — Detonate (Sharam’s Crazi Remix) [Yoshitoshi]

Alexander Kowalski — Friendly Fire (Dosem Remix) [Damage Music Berlin]

Samio — Make Sure To Keep It Up [Yoshitoshi Unreleased]

Nic Fanciulli — Caller ID (Radio Slave Remix) [Saved Records]

Sharam — Fun (Feat. Anousheh) (Funhouse Remix) [3Beat/Yoshitoshi]

Days before Sharam’s show in Los Angeles Avalon interviewed him via Twitter. They discussed a range of things from reincarnation, influences & pet peeves. Here’s what they had to say…

Also, If you haven’t already be sure to Follow Sharam on Twitter. And if you live in the Southern California area catch his show at Avalon 4/30/11.

Avalon: We’re interviewing @DJSHARAM RIGHT NOW! We talked to him last time he played, and we loved it so much that we’re doing it again! What’s up??

Sharam: what’s up tweetland! How’s everybody feeling out there? – I feel like I’m on the mic.

Avalon: Ha, maybe we could do it differently and you could sing a song!! Ok, first EDM record you ever bought?

Sharam: I’ll sing at the end of this. Got a good one to sing in dictation. First EDM record bought? CC Catch ‘House Of Mystic Lies’. It was my first foray into a record store — and I was fresh off the boat. The bug of DJing had just hit me

Avalon: Favorite artist of the year so far?

Sharam: Favorite artist of the year is my last year’s artist of the year & the year before that – for that matter. @PAULRITCH

Avalon: You’re pretty loyal. Next one: favorite club to play in the world?

Sharam: Favorite Club? @warungclub in Brazil. hands down. magical. I also really like Avalon in LA (not because i’m doing this now). My last 3 shows at Avalon have been phenomenal for me. The crowd has a high music IQ which is rare these days…

Sharam: Nowadays, with the TOP 40 style of DJing at fever pitch, we need more clubs like these where #1 dedication is to music. That’s the same reason why @warungclub is my favorite.

Avalon: Oh warung.. Paradise is found tks for choosing avalon too. those guys do a pretty good job here. Favorite festival to play at?

Sharam: any festival with a great sound system/production/DJ set up and an engaged crowd is a good one.

Avalon: So who are some DJs you look to for influence?

Avalon: Danny Tenaglia is always my #1 of source of inspiration. He still rocks like no one can.

Sharam: @LocoDiceOFC & Marco Carola also are amazing at creating a great and relentless vibe.

Sharam: this year @ MMW the one person that blew my mind was @damianlazarus at Electric Pickle. one of the best sets ever.

Sharam: Everyone should check out his Lazpod podcasts. Eclectic is an understatement.

Avalon: yea hes a legend w his marathon sets! if you could time travel what year would you go to? Why?

Sharam: if I could time travel, id go back to hang out with Mohammad, Jesus and Moses. There is so much to learn from those guys & i would have liked to hear their prophecies first hand.

Avalon: If you were ever reincarnated, what/who would you want to come back as?

Sharam: I’m pretty happy with who i am. i would come back as myself & live my life all over again. Now if i could come back & remember all the shit i know now, THAT would be a reincarnation worth dying for

Avalon: That’s when u know life is good! Before you discovered your love for electronic music what were your music tastes like through life?

Sharam: My first experience w/ music was in Iran during & post revolution. not much was getting through in terms of music so i was listening to tapes from my brothers & sisters. Boney M, Guess Who, Rolling Stones. later on i discovered Michael Jackson, Queen, Culture Club, Elton John, the soundtrack to Flashdance the movie. It was a real mish mash of whatever that was available really.

Avalon: The classics! If your life was made into a song, what would you title it and how would it sound?

Sharam: if my life was a song, i’d call it FUN & and it would sound & look like this http://www.youtube.com/sharam …. Or it would be called PATT? I guess both end up in the same place. One crazy & happy & one sad & melancholic

Avalon: HAHA perfect. I think that’d be my theme song too! Biggest pet peeve?
Sharam: Biggest pet peeve? when people rush to wait in line at the gate of a flight, only to get on a bus. whats the rush? AALLL of yous are going to get to the plane at the same time when you’re being taken there on a bus.
Avalon: yea it’s like either way, you’re not going anywhere for awhile!

Sharam: in fact, last one on the bus is the first one out. Same with getting off the plane & onto a bus. People are rushing to get out, only to wait in the bus for the guy from row 28 to get on.

Avalon: ur current tour blog u wrote about playing chess as a pre gig ritual. How does winning or losing affect your nerves?

Sharam: that was meant as a joke. lol!! i do play chess when i get a chance, but its been a while. Nothing really effects my set other than technical issues at the club or an eager beaver light guy that’s doing too much

Avalon: If you could pick 3 people to be in your “crew” (dead or alive) who would you pick? Why?

Sharam: I actually answered this question on an upcoming Radio 1 interview. Robert DeNiro, Steve Jobs & Eddie Murphy. For details of why I picked those guys, look out for that interview coming up on radio 1 soon.

Avalon: last question: you tweet about sports often, so who’s your all time favorite team?

Sharam: Boston Celtics (Basketball) Dallas Cowboys (American Football), Arsenal (Football) Washington Capitals (Hockey)

Avalon: Wow, I guess a bunch of our fans will love your choices – however the lakers’ fans… lol

Sharam: There is nothing that i want more than another Celtics Lakers NBA Final. i think we just might see it this year too

Avalon: well, it is always a pleasure talking to you! Thanks again for chatting with us!

Sharam: Cheers see all of yous Sat night

Download Here:

On April 19th, Washington D.C. based label, Yoshitoshi release ‘Fun: The Remixes’ by Grammy award–winning DJ/Producer, Sharam. Written by Coldplay’s, Chris Martin and featuring Anousheh on vocals, Sharam has already masterfully arranged, recorded and produced ‘Fun’ into a huge dance floor anthem, set to define this summer’s soundtrack. Now has come the time for the remix package, a perfect complement to the original’s success.

Chris Martin described ‘Fun’ as ‘the best Coldplay song of all time’, however, due to the timing of its writing, it seemed destined never to get the exposure it deserved. Step up Sharam! After discovering the track randomly – not even knowing who’s writing skills were behind the tune – Sharam immediately recognized it’s potential, applying his legendary studio skills and emerging with a truly anthemic tune. With his unique ear for dance floors, Sharam perfectly blended the emotive lyrical content and melody (superbly delivered by vocalist Anousheh) with a quality house groove, creating a stunning new sound. “When I found out the song was actually written by Chris Martin I immediately had an ‘ahhh, that makes sense!!’ moment and was thrilled about the position I found myself in – an opportunity of a lifetime to be involved with such a magical song” said Sharam.

As part of the legendary US production/DJ duo Deep Dish, Sharam was an early pioneer of fusing rock n’ roll and dance music genres, leading to massive success in both the commercial and more underground dance music scenes. As a solo artist, Sharam remains in an elite group having enjoyed global success, both on the charts with tracks like ‘P.A.T.T. (Party All The Time)’ – another Top 10 Hit, and with gems like ‘Texi’ hailed as one of the top Ibiza records by the likes of Carl Cox. So, it came as no surprise when Coldplay gave official approval for Sharam’s version of ‘Fun’.

Since it’s release ‘Fun’ has hit #1 on the Cool Cuts chart, #1 on the DMC Buzz chart and enjoyed huge radio support, including numerous plays on Pete Tong’s Essential mix. With a video on the way (co-directed by Sharam himself under his Sergio Tayebi moniker) and crossover daytime radio beckoning, ‘Fun’ seems certain to deliver yet another smash for both Sharam and Yoshitoshi.

Sharam – Fun: The Remixes (Marco Lys Remix) by Yoshitoshi Recordings

Sharam – Fun: The Remixes (Sebjak Mix) by Yoshitoshi Recordings

Sharam – Fun: The Remixes (Pirupa People Vocal Mix) by Yoshitoshi Recordings

Sharam – Fun: The Remixes (Sharam’s Own Remix) by Yoshitoshi Recordings

Check out the entire issue HERE.

And be sure to download “Detonate” on Beatport:

Pig & Dan – Detonate (Sharam’s Crazi Remix) OUT NOW! by Yoshitoshi Recordings
Pig & Dan – Detonate (Punch in the Face Bass Mix) OUT NOW! by Yoshitoshi Recordings
Pig & Dan – Detonate (Ethnic Mix) OUT NOW! by Yoshitoshi Recordings

Sharam is excited to announce seven dates this April for his 2011 Brazil Speed Tour!

4/14 Curitiba, Lique

4/15 Goiania, Sedna Lounge

4/16 Itu City, Anzuclub

4/19 Vila Olympia SP, Kiss & Fly

4/20 Ribeirao SP, Zucker Club

4/21 Rio De Janeiro, Zozo

4/22 Itajai, Warung

4/23 Manaus, Manaus Convention Center