A member of the drum and bass aristocracy, DJ Shimon has been moving dance floors at 175 beats per minute since the genre was first defined in the early ‘90s. He is responsible for some of the most influential tracks of the past two decades, and his live sets draw huge crowds all over the world. As Shimon’s Asian tour brings him to Shanghai, TALK spoke to the AudioPorn Records boss about sets, clubs and drum ‘n’ bass. 

According to Shimon, one of the biggest advantages of drum and bass is its accessibility: “It’s a worldwide scene … it’s everywhere. It’s always had that going for it. It might only be small in some places, but it’s there. I’ve always tried to take the sound as far as I can.”  

Besides allowing him to indulge his passion for travel, this global popularity of fast-paced break beats has provided Shimon with the freedom to try out new styles of music – a luxury perhaps not afforded to him in front of his home crowd in the UK. He says, “All the longer sets are abroad. When you play in England you get your hour-long set and you just have to slam it out. You come off the decks and you’re stressing because you didn’t get to play this or that, but I did a night at Shelter [Shanghai] a year or so back where I played four hours of breaks, electro, drum and bass, everything. The crowd was really responsive and into everything. I don’t think I’ve ever played four hours in England.” 

It may well be this breathing room that keeps Shimon at the forefront of the global drum and bass scene. With 2009’s Quarks EP, Shimon and his stable of artists on his record label AudioPorn once again showed what they’re all about: value and variety. With fresh tracks from New Zealand-based female MC Tali and groundbreaking music from genre-spanning French producers Dirtyphonics, it’s obvious that Shimon is committed to maintaining high standards through progression. “I want it to expand into something that’s seen as a quality label instead of just one kind of sound. It’s important to take risks and look for those new directions. I think we made a statement with the Quarks EP, especially with the title track,” he says. 

Still relatively new to the business side of music, Shimon is honest about the strain of simultaneously playing the roles of DJ, producer and label boss.

“I’m tearing myself into strips trying to get it all done. It’s difficult trying to make tunes, run a label and play shows while still having a life outside of that. It’s been tough, but as I learn a bit more about the business side of things, it’ll get easier. I’m having to be a lot more responsible. I have to make sure my artists get paid, for one.” 

Just as the rapidly-expanding Shanghai drum and bass crowd will be glad to welcome Shimon back, the DJ is equally excited to see how the scene, led by DJ Siesta Jane, has developed since his last visit. He believes that Shanghai has become a prestigious destination among drum and bass DJs, and that it’s been a grassroots effort.

“In any kind of music scene, you need your local hero to step up, spread the word and get everyone else hyped up. Jane’s been a trailblazer for China, she’s dedicated to getting the local talent involved. I find the Chinese crowd wicked. The way they run it, the way they dance, the way they react to the music … it’s a strong party vibe,” he says. 

With a reputation for being as much of a raver as a DJ, Shimon admits with a laugh that he’s likely to be found on the dance floor after his set, which promises to be a crowd-oriented showcase of top quality electronica that might just take you by surprise.

“I play across the board, man. If I’m feeling it, you’ll hear it. I like to think that I’ll get up there and do something that people aren’t necessarily expecting, so come with an open mind and open ears.” 

9pm, 20 February. RMB 60. The Shelter, 5 Yongfu Lu, near Fuxing Xi Lu. Tel: 6437 0400.

- Alex Taggart