Interview with Shamik.
Interview by Laury Verdoux
We got to chat with electronic music producer Shamik around the release of his new EP titled Hope and Mirrors. It is a reflection on those days when all hope is lost, and other days where hope is what compels forward movement and life.
Hi Shamik! Can you introduce yourself to our readers?
Hello! I am a producer, beatboxer, and sound artist currently based in Chicago, USA.
How would you describe the overall theme of your new EP Hope and Mirrors?
I have been saying that it’s like South Asian electronic music that you would listen to while traveling into space. I was watching a lot of space movies for a while and just obsessing over the special effects and cinematic music. I thought about how you rarely see astronauts listening to bangin music as they embark on their journey, so this was my response.
What's your favorite track from the EP and why?
The first track, We Are All Gems. I did a couple different iterations of it from 2020-2022, and eventually completely changed the drum programming. It really goes all over the place, and I was trying to convey the feeling of going into a black hole.
Who are your main musical influences?
For this project the main influences were Missy Elliott & Timbaland. They have consistently chosen really cool samples, had phenomenal sonics and production, and overall have never been afraid to get weird stylistically. That’s a path I always want to be on as well - trying to push the envelope of South Asian beats. I was very much influenced by Detroit hip hop, Chicago footwork, and sample-based boom bap while making this as well.
In what ways does "Hope and Mirrors" differ from CI3, the previous volume of your Channeling India series? How has your sound evolved or changed in this EP compared to your previous works?
The process of making this EP was over the course of 3 years, so I think I’ve learned to be way more patient with deciding when songs are complete. With my past albums like CI3, I reached a point where it felt like it was done and ready or I had a hard deadline. As of late, I operate on a ‘you never know when you might add something...so give it time’ type of system. I think some of my sample choices are a bit more obscure on Hope and Mirrors, and I spent many more months on sound design and melodies this time around.
Over the past few months, you've released ambient tracks, why is the need for an electronic beat EP now?
I am always creating, and usually have beats and ambient tracks on the go simultaneously. My moods change all the time, and I think my levels of creativity follow the four seasons as well. I end up putting works in progress on my phone and walking around. As a result, I seem to stockpile on ambient music during the cold winters, and then make more hip hop / electronic beats in the spring and summer. These 4 tracks fit well thematically, and I didn’t feel like making the next volume to Channeling India just yet.
What's coming next for you?
I hope to spend more time working on performance, and jamming with some of my new gear. I have a new ambient track coming out on Imaginary North’s compilation titled Today Until Tomorrow. It’s a 24-hour long album being released on June 21, and the project is a fundraiser for Music Declares. Other than that, I have a few collaborations that will come out at the end of the year.