Shadu – God Loves the Whole World

By starrymag | November 24, 2023

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) Сrossover is a way to go. I’m always on the edge of styles. Mixing is what I like best. I don’t limit myself. It all depends on my mood. I’m always trying to be way beyond styles.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) It’s definitely Depeche Mode. I’m a huge fan of them. Their music is always a remedy. Martin Gore’s guitar parts are therapy. Dave’s vocals are mantra. A fantastic band that has been making music for forty-two years? Seriously? OMG, forty-two years. I’m also a big fan of The Weekend.

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Якщо збожеволіє весь світ.”

A) This is a song that I wrote back in 2014. Then, I kinda let it go, and for up quite a time, really nine years, it was living its life, people were listening to it, there were huge streamings, but then at some point I decided to re-record it in Ukrainian. And I really love the way it sounds now.

Q) What does it mean to you to have been requested to write a song at the request of the Ukranian Armed Forces?

A) In 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine, I wrote several songs about it. It was really an impulse that naturally resonated with every Ukrainian. I mean, it’s just can’t be any other way when your country is attacked by an aggressor (Russia) who for four hundred years has been swearing that they were your brother. I’ve never thought that in the twenty-first century such a thing could happen.

Q) How does the video for “Якщо збожеволіє весь світ” play into the message behind it?

A) It’s my artistic freedom, it’s the matching of the music and the message in the video. It all happens quite naturally, actually. Some things you can’t predict. You just go with the flow. It’s something from above, from heaven.

Q) I know the fans helped with this song, but what is your typical song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

A) It depends. It happens in different ways. Sometimes I’ll come in with a melody that then becomes a hook or a chorus and I’ll say to my guys, “This is going to be the hook y`all!” Other times I write everything myself in gibberish in my bedroom from start to finish and then we mix it down together in the studio.

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

A) It usually starts with a melody in my head. Then, I sketch it out on the piano. Then, comes the time for lyrics and music. Or music and lyrics. My spouse helps me a lot. He tells me which rhymes really work. Next, I send it to my producer, Meyer, and he works his magic.

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

A) Yes! The new album is being prepared, and it may surprise you because I’m looking forward to a new vision, a new sound. There’s a time to appreciate what you have and there’s a time to change. So, I’m changing right now. I can’t wait to share my new sound with you guys.

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

A) It’s really awesome to perform in front of a big crowd. It’s very rewarding. Thousands of listeners and spectators – that’s an immense energy. But my best shows are gigs for the Ukrainian Army, for the Warriors. That’s how I realize that I am making my contribution for the strength of ZSU. For the Victory of Ukraine

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) The Weeknd

Q) You are also a well-known fashion blogger. What are some fashion trends that you think women should be embracing right now?

A) One of my favorite topics is how to dress on a budget and still look like a million dollars. My first piece of advice to all fashionistas would be: don’t be afraid to combine couture pieces with budget and flea market items, like a bath towel. Sometimes weird combinations turn into something completely new.

Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

A) I listen to lots of music and lots of artists. Too many to mention. I draw all this inspiration to stay myself and stay precisely in the moment.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) Purple Disco Machine