Legendary Swedish artist and producer Axwell has teamed up with his protégé Shapov for brand new track, ‘Belong’. The soaring, anthemic vocal will sound familiar to anyone who has seen either artist playing live over the last few months, as it has rapidly become a fan favourite. The record will be released via Axwell’s own Axtone Records label, and includes a ‘Remode’ version from Axwell & Years.
Axwell said: "Working with Shapov has been a real pleasure. He is one of the most talented artists around right now, and I’m pleased to be a part of his musical journey and to have him representing Axtone at shows all around the world"
Shapov said: “We're very excited to be unleashing ‘Belong’ to the world! It’s been amazing to hear crowds singing it back to us already when we've play it out!”
Axwell is currently in the midst of a packed summer schedule of Axwell & Ingrosso shows, and is also taking time out for his solo performances as well as some special Axtone dates which will include appearances from Shapov. He recently hosted an Axtone stage at Tomorrowland, and last week’s Ushuaia Ibiza Axwell & Ingrosso show was a special Axtone party. Forthcoming dates include Axtone Mondays at Aquarius, Croatia on August 8 (Shapov) and August 15 (Axwell).
Dimitri Kechagias review:
Beat and Rhythm10
Basslines and Groove10
Melody 10
Synths 10
Vocals and Lyrics10
Breakdown10
Climax / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment10
Intensity, Drive and Energy10
Sound-design and Arrangement10
Overall Atmosphere10
Goosebumps / Shivers moments10
Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments10
Originality and Inventiveness10
Dancefloor Efficiency / Festival Arenas Effectiveness10
You can’t get this memorable track out of your head10
It has potential to become an anthem or a classic10
Axwell is definitely one of the most influential producers of his generation and by combining his forces with Shapanov service a magnificent epic progressive house production with pulsating basslines, chunky grooves, synthy plucks and incredibly catchy and very influential male vocals with lyrics that talk straight to your heart. The climax is uplifting to the maximum with the ravey euphoric synthy bringing the ultimate hands in the experience. It would be impossible to stand still when this massive synthy hook will come out from the speakers. The Axwell and Years Remode applies different synthy riff and makes prominent the superb indie rock guitar riffs. Fat banging drums, electro style basslines and positive synths along with the excellent guitar melody that adds that live festival feeling. Overall is huge record and deserves to go all the way to the top of the charts. #PureGold Love It
10.0
Overall Score
ABOUT AXWELL
With a decade of unflinching influence on electronic music, Four-time Grammy nominated Axwell is renowned for bringing a melodic flare to the house music world. The Swedish icon has evolved into a festival favourite and sought after production force with an arsenal of IDs under his belt, not least as one half of Axwell Ingrosso. Axwell’s is a legacy that has both defined and outgrown the club floor on numerous occasions. His solo productions have consistently found a place in the commercial charts as well as the dance floor; and on the live stage, be it Madison Square Garden, Coachella or V Festival, Axwell has further managed to take his musical output to the masses without ever neglecting the club floor or his ability to deliver.
ABOUT SHAPOV
While he may be a new name to the dance music community, Russian artist Shapov has paid his dues and rightly established himself under his previous moniker, ‘Hard Rock Sofa’. Since signing to Axtone Records, Shapov has been busy with a string of heavily-supported releases, showcasing his genre-defying style. Along with a string of EPs, and singles, Shapov has lent his remixing hand to the likes of CamelPhat and Afrojack, cleverly combining classic and forward-thinking elements that have come to form the “Shapov sound.”