The electronic music world has heroes from the past spring up time and time again to reclaim their roles amongst the pantheon of legends that opened the floodgates to many fans and producers alike; and while we all know Detroit legends like Juan Atkins, Theo Parrish and Carl Craig, there are still some who prefer to be reclusive and stand behind their tracks instead of in front of them. One legend of that magnitude is Anthony Shakir, better known as “Shake” by many. Shakir started to work on electronic back in Detroit, his hometown, at Metroplex, the famed label of Juan Atkins. While he may say he was the janitor at that joint, he engineered some techno classics, which led to him wanting to make tunes. He did, quietly releasing 12-inches, but stayed reclusive all throughout the time of his releases. “Shake” makes it known to others that his music tastes are unbiased, that he will play anything that can make a dancefloor feel funky. Judging by the amount of people who consider him an influence internationally, it wouldn’t be hard to see how the world has accepted Shakir’s unusual takes on Detroit techno and has energized that same production into their tunes. With his compilation and retrospective Frictionalism: 1994-2009 coming out to the praises of the music world, it’s not hard to like Shakir’s audible vision of Detroit sounds and shapes. Inspiring the artists of past, present and future, “Shake” took some time to talk to us before his upcoming set at Unsound Festival NY, along with giving us an exclusive track to give to the masses.
URB: You seem puzzled about people knowing your stuff and name-dropping you as an influence. Any particular reason as to why?
Shake: Truth be told, man…I never put out an album, you know? I wouldn’t expect people to know me from just my 12-inch releases, especially because it was so low-key. I’m just grateful people know me and like the music I put out, it’s truly a blessing.
URB: How did Frictionalism come about?
Shake: It happened because I just wanted to put an album together, Rush Hour approached me and we just worked on it from there…although I didn’t know that in time it was become a retrospective on my releases on Frictional. I guess it was just all about putting something out there that represented me, something I can say was my own; whether it be a spread-out history of the music or even the tracks I make today, it’s all something that’s out there now and I’m very pleased with that.
URB: What do you think of the producers coming out of Detroit today?
Shake: It don’t really matter to me in terms of people, it’s all about the grooves, man. Omar-S, his stuff is kind of slowed down, right? But that’s his stuff man, and it works out on the dancefloor. Kyle Hall’s a young cat who’s getting his thing done now; but what does that have to do with me? Call me old-fashioned, but if the tune’s good and it sounds funky, I’ll play it…no matter who it is!
URB: You’re still making tunes now, right? Are you putting out anything new soon?
Shake: Of course I’m making tunes! That’s the one thing I’ve always wanted to in my life, make records and I’m going to keep making them until the end. Making some tracks right now, an EP that will be out hopefully this year.
URB: You’re coming to New York City for Unsound Festival, playing a late set. (at 3:30AM) What can the crowd expect from “Shake”?
Shake: A good time, fun music and good, funky vibes. I’ll be playing some of that good shit so you better stop by!
Anthony “Shake” Shakir – “My Computer Is An Optimist” — Download HERE (right click & save-as)
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You can catch “Shake” at the Bunker at Public Assembly tonight in Brooklyn alongside DJ Qu, Mike Huckaby and many more. More info HERE
For the international peeps, you can catch “Shake” at his Frictionalism release party.
The Official Anthony Shakir “Frictionalism” Amsterdam release party!
Date 26 Feb 2010
Event Disco 3000
Artists Anthony ‘Shake’ Shakir, Theo Parrish & I-F
Location Paradiso Amsterdam Netherlands
Price € 15,00 tickets – http://www.rushhour.nl/store_detailed.php?item=525
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