US-based DJ and producer Andrew Chen aka Shogun has received his first nomination at the International Dance Music Awards for the summer anthem that took the dance floor by storm, 'Skyfire.' Up for Best Trance Track, 'Skyfire' will compete against heavy hitters such as Armin van Buuren feat. Nadia Ali 'Feels So Good,' Above & Beyond's 'Sun and Moon,' Tiesto's 'Maximal Crazy,' and others. The full category can be found on IDMA's voting ballot and winners will be announced during the Winter Music Conference on March 22, 2012 in Miami, FL.
Since it's release, 'Skyfire' has generated over half a million views on YouTube and tells a story about the dark side of humanity and how the skies are full of fire in times of war. A very personal track, 'Skyfire' has resonated with people of all backgrounds, all around the world, and numerous fans have written to Shogun to say that the song helped them get through difficult times.
"I wanted people who were struggling with their own issues--anything from living in a war zone or poverty, or just day-to-day struggles that we all face--to know that even when times are hard, you can still find hope and beauty in darkness," says Andrew.
About the IDMAs
One of the most anticipated annual events on the global music calendar (and the only longstanding awards event dedicated to the dance and electronic music industry), the IDMAs generate over two million votes from music enthusiasts in 206 countries and territories every year to recognize and honor exceptional achievements in 57 award categories. This is the industry highlight at the epicenter of WMC week. Another unique aspect of the IDMAs is the convergence of industry legends and emerging talent alike. As part of its mission statement to serve as a platform for the advancement of the industry, the IDMAs place particular emphasis on innovative artists and industry. As music continues to evolve the IDMAs have emerged as an essential platform for career launching appearances. Admission is included with the WMC 2012 delegate badge.
Who is Shogun?
Going from listening to one of your favorite DJs as a mere fan to becoming one of their go-to remixers might seem like a distant dream for most electronic music producers but it's the reality for Andrew Chen, aka Shogun. In just a few short years, the American DJ and producer has become a favorite of Armin van Buuren and was the first Asian DJ to be signed to his S107/Armada record label. Currently standing at #122 on the DJ Mag Top 100 list--a massive leap from #231 only one year before--Shogun has firmly cemented himself as one of the world's top up-and-coming trance and progressive DJs.
Going from listening to one of your favorite DJs as a mere fan to becoming one of their go-to remixers might seem like a distant dream for most electronic music producers but it's the reality for Andrew Chen, aka Shogun. In just a few short years, the American DJ and producer has become a favorite of Armin van Buuren and was the first Asian DJ to be signed to his S107/Armada record label. Currently standing at #122 on the DJ Mag Top 100 list--a massive leap from #231 only one year before--Shogun has firmly cemented himself as one of the world's top up-and-coming trance and progressive DJs.
In his early years, Andrew was drawn to the industrial sounds of Nine Inch Nails, Filter, Prodigy, and the Chemical Brothers, but was searching for something that focused more on the beautiful and uplifting melodies that inspired him. After discovering Armin Van Buuren and Gouryella in the early 2000s, he knew he had found his musical home. "To me, a great trance track tells a story in the way that a powerful movie can make you want to stand up and cheer, yell or cry. That's the same feeling I get from trance music," says Andrew.
After his discovery of the genre, Andrew decided to pursue music production full time and his 12-hour days in the studio have paid off. Thanks to his original, powerhouse vocal anthems such as 'Skyfire,' 'Lotus,' 'Imprisoned,' and 'Run To My Rescue,' Shogun has gained support from the biggest names in the industry, including Ferry Corsten, Above & Beyond, Paul van Dyk, Gareth Emery, Markus Schulz and Nadia Ali. He's racked up 5 Future Favorites on A State of Trance and his original productions are regularly featured on other leading radio shows such as VOYNC Sessions, Trance Around The World, Corsten's Countdown, and Global DJ Broadcast.
With consistent productions, top quality releases and the DJ skills to rock the best clubs in the world, the future of electronic music is bright with Shogun behind the decks.
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