Exron Exclusive Interview: Zander Shine

As 2024 kicks off, we’re taking the time to look back at the exciting year we had within Electronic Music in 2023: filled with numerous highlights, from stellar productions to unforgettable live events, the past 12 months have certainly left an impression on genre fans around the globe. So, today, as we share this exclusive interview with Zander Shine, we’re looking forward to finding out more about the tracks that have inspired him throughout the year, delving into the music and memorable moments that have defined Zander Shine’s 2023.

Exron Music: Can you share with us your personal top tracks or releases from this year, and what makes each of them special to you?

1. Matisse & Sadko, James French – ‘Pull Me Through The Fire.’ This is just a great track, very versatile for both clubs and festivals and has so much energy.

2. Martin Garrix, Sentinel, Bonn. – ‘Hurricane.’ This song is so well written, and the production goes so well with the lyrics. Just a great Progressive House track overall.

3. Aspyer, Fredrik Ferrier – ‘Last Call.’ Aspyer is such a versatile producer and a great violinist. I love the strings and the way he puts a unique twist on his composition.

4. Tiësto, David Guetta, Seth Hills – ‘BOTH.’ This one has so many great memories attached to it from when I first heard it back in October during ADE. That was such a fun week and memories I will always cherish.

5. Zander Shine, Robbie Rosen – ‘Don’t Hold On.’ This track was my debut release for Universal Music Group, it was a lot of fun to work on this track and was a huge personal accomplishment to release on a major label.

Exron Music: Reflecting on the past year, which track, either by your own production or by another artist, do you feel has had the biggest impact on your career, and why?

My favorite release this year was ‘Pull Me Through The Fire’ by Matisse & Sadko. They’re such great producers and the elements they incorporated in this track are so creative, meshing together seamlessly.

Exron Music: Were there any unexpected or surprising moments related to the tracks on your list, whether they are your own or by other artists? Any unexpected fan reactions or collaborations that stood out?

I ended up getting so much great feedback and reactions to my single ‘Don’t Hold On’, a few artists who liked the track made remixes and one really stood out so it’s going to be released soon. I can’t wait to share the new remix with everyone.

Exron Music: Can you take us behind the scenes and describe the creative process or inspiration behind one of your personal releases that made it to your top list?

For ‘Don’t Hold On’, as soon as I heard the vocals I immediately started working on the track. It really started to take shape once I had created the bass line. Everything fell into place after that, and I think the simplicity of the track makes it one of my personal favorites. I envisioned the end result being something versatile, something that could be played both in the clubs and also radio-friendly.

Exron Music: Can you share a track by another artist that you discovered this year and felt a deep connection to? What drew you to that particular piece of music?

I wouldn’t say there was any track I felt a deep connection to however, I really enjoyed ‘Bring It Back’ by Mesto, the sound design in the drop is very interesting and well done, I love playing this track live.

Exron Music: Are there any particular musical influences or experiences from the year that you believe are reflected in your selection of top tracks, whether they are your own or by other artists?

I got the chance to play and attend lots of live shows throughout this last year. Having the experience to see Martin Garrix play a 3-hour set at the RAI in Amsterdam was one of the top shows, the visuals were absolutely incredible and the show was exceptional. It was 14/10 in my book. His track ‘Hurricane’ with Sentinel & Bonn was just such an emotional and powerful track, I had to include it in my list of top tracks from the past year. 

Exron Music: Can you share any memorable anecdotes or stories related to the creation or performance of one of your personal releases or a track by another artist on your top list?

Seth Hills remix of ‘Both’ by David Guetta – every time I hear this track I’m reminded of the Amsterdam Dance Event this past October. Seth debuted the remix on night 1 and we were together at parties throughout the whole week so naturally I heard the track played live a bunch. Now, when I hear it, I always remember that week.

Exron Music: Looking back on the year, do you notice any common themes or motifs that run through your top tracks, or were they intentionally diverse in style and sound?

Looking back on the year I can see certain trends in the overlapping styles in my top tracks and overall music I consumed in 2023. I listen to a lot of House music with subgenres ranging from Progressive House to Bass House to other subgenres. I would say I do listen to the majority of House music from European artists & labels alike.

Exron Music: How do you feel your music has evolved or changed over the past year, and do your top tracks, whether they are your own or by other artists, represent this evolution in any way?

My own music has evolved over the last 12 months – I have just discovered so many new techniques and styles I am becoming fond of and incorporating into my own composition.

Exron Music: What message or emotions do you hope your audience takes away from your selection of top tracks, whether they are your own or by other artists, as they wrap up this year and move into the next?

I hope I’m able to share new music with others that they might not normally listen to, introducing someone to a new, unique style is great; I think I’m most appreciative when anybody shows me something new and fresh, it can be inspirational and I love hearing all kinds of new music.

As we end our interview with Zander Shine, we thank him for taking the time to speak with us and for giving us such a detailed insight into his 2023 listening habits; extensive and varied, Zander Shine has certainly shared with us some of the hottest tracks from the year and allowed us the opportunity to discover more about the inspirations and influences that continue to drive his creativity. So, we wish him every success as we head into 2024 and eagerly look forward to seeing what is next to come from this talented Producer and DJ.   

Zander Shine Online

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