Slackline Radio: We know DJ Shon as a recording artist and producer. What can you tell us about the start of your musical career?
DJ Shon: Perhaps it is worth starting with the fact that I was involved to hip-hop culture thru graffiti. Walking around the city with friends, we saw two guys drawing it and we were so delighted that we could not take our eyes off it, we stood there until they finished the piece. Then we got to know them better and one of them (Sheksta) told me what such a culture, music, dance and art is. Having tried all its elements, I stopped at beatmaking, it attracted me the most. So in 2003 we created our first rap group called Західна Коаліція (Western Coalition). Later, I wanted scratches for my beats, I became interested in this and got involved in DJing. In 2009, together with Sheksta and Exlibris, we founded Kickit Crew, which combined different directions such as graffiti, breakdance, photography and music. Currently, it is a music label Kickit records and Kickit Art Studio.
Slackline Radio: You have released records spanning a variety of genres, from the deep hip hop sounds of “Take a Ride” to the drum-n-bass of “Sun is Dark”. Where do you see your focus of releases in the future?
DJ Shon: As well as hip hop, I love drum and dubstep. I got into these styles of music a little later, because in our city at that time, in the early 2000s, there was not a large audience for non-format music, so these parties were combined into one party where first there was rap and then drum and bass. So I think that from time to time I will play and write both.
Slackline Radio: Your home base is Ukraine. What can you tell us about the musical scene of your home country during the last years of this ridiculous war?
DJ Shon: It seems to me that in the first months we couldn’t even think about music. Posting stories on social media where you’re having fun or playing was unacceptable. A nationwide tragedy, a shock. It wasn’t like that at all. Later, when the Armed Forces of Ukraine began to restrain the offensive and the people recovered a little or simply got used to what was happening, they started using this tool. First of all, all events, concerts, parties gave 100% of the proceeds to support the army. This continues to this day. Many artists left the country, many went to the army, and there are some who, unfortunately, are no longer with us. But in my opinion, now people have paid more attention to young or underground artists who make modern, non-commercial music and which is not focused on the сommonwealth of independent states market. There is also a tendency to change the language.
Slackline Radio: You have produced a number of artists like Jointjay also from Ukraine. What do you enjoy about helping produce releases for others?
DJ Shon: I would say that this is more of a joint release like the others than something I produced for someone. We also have our own label Kickit Records on which we release beattapes of our friends’ artists with a similar style and cultural ideology, as well as mc’s, rap albums. I like to create with a team, with someone who is on the same vibe as you, I get bored by myself, I want to share experience and gain it too.
Slackline Radio: Strictly Dope Delivery is a great record where you paired up with Jointjay. Do you have any other releases with other artists in the future?
DJ Shon: Thank you very much. At the moment we have released another EP together called “Knock knock” which is available on all digital platforms. We have plans for vol.2 of a joint instrumental album with beatmakers from our label, this is a series of releases called “Label Joints”.
Slackline Radio: You have played live with other great artists like Blockhead and Herbaliser over the years. What do you get out of a live performance and where can we expect to see you on stage?
DJ Shon: It was an interesting experience, over the years to be on the same stage with artists I grew up with, developed my taste, and listened to at school. Getting to know such bands, communicating, even slightly rethought my approach to music, to the stage in general. Unfortunately, while the war is still going on in our country, I doubt that something like this can happen anytime soon. But anything can happen, you never know. Peace!
