Simon Neil is one of those perpetual festival mainstays who manages to keep things interesting despite playing what seems like approximately 43 gigs a week, and for that we can only applaud him. With a brand new EP as Shadow Child out in early April on Food Music, we thought we'd let you lucky readers have a world first listen to the gliding, glistening closer "Lullaby". You like music that sounds like the sun setting over paradise, right? Good. You'll love this. We also caught up with the man himself for a quick catch up.THUMP: Firstly, tell us a little bit about the release. What's it saying? What's it telling us? And how's it telling us whatever it is that it's telling us?
Shadow Child: This EP is a kind of back to basics thing, using the hardware in my studio to make everything rather than over-producing with plugins and getting lost in presets. Two of the tracks are just jams, where the others are more shaped for the dancefloor. I had some time out to move house and have a little one, so this was the first project finished in the new studio. I hope the analog/less polished vibe comes through. I wanted it to be raw yet warm and it seems to be doing the trick!Secondly, when you strip away all the bullshit, what's house music all about?
It's a vibe, and shouldn't be taken so seriously like it does sometimes. People get so protective over it, but they forget as much as house is 'our' thing, it's just music at the end of the day, shared by millions and as important as some tracks and artists might seem, we're all in this one thing together keeping the wheels turning.Thirdly, what's the point of music? Why does it still exist?
I guess I just answered that in some ways but to elaborate: there's nothing else that will ever come close to bringing out pure emotion. Art nearly gets there but most other things don't have the power and versatility of Music. It doesn't matter what it is, from opera to gabba, it connects with our emotions and gives us memories and feelings we'll take to our graves.
As much as I can get with no change, and head to the nearest homeless person to offer them a meal. I can't stand McD's!Lastly, when the world ends and we're all facing eternal darkness, what's the one thing you'll look back on and smile about?
My daughter. She's my first kid and although she's only four months old I've never experienced so much happiness since my wife found out she was expecting. There's lots of experiences I'm privileged to have had in my career but I can promise you that nothing comes close to becoming a dad. The Waves & Shapes Vol.1 EP hits shelves on April 8th. Follow Shadow Child on Facebook // SoundCloud // Twitter
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Shadow Child: This EP is a kind of back to basics thing, using the hardware in my studio to make everything rather than over-producing with plugins and getting lost in presets. Two of the tracks are just jams, where the others are more shaped for the dancefloor. I had some time out to move house and have a little one, so this was the first project finished in the new studio. I hope the analog/less polished vibe comes through. I wanted it to be raw yet warm and it seems to be doing the trick!Secondly, when you strip away all the bullshit, what's house music all about?
It's a vibe, and shouldn't be taken so seriously like it does sometimes. People get so protective over it, but they forget as much as house is 'our' thing, it's just music at the end of the day, shared by millions and as important as some tracks and artists might seem, we're all in this one thing together keeping the wheels turning.Thirdly, what's the point of music? Why does it still exist?
I guess I just answered that in some ways but to elaborate: there's nothing else that will ever come close to bringing out pure emotion. Art nearly gets there but most other things don't have the power and versatility of Music. It doesn't matter what it is, from opera to gabba, it connects with our emotions and gives us memories and feelings we'll take to our graves.
Fourthly, you've got a fiver to spend in McDonalds. You can't buy an extra value meal. What are you walking out of the golden arches with?
As much as I can get with no change, and head to the nearest homeless person to offer them a meal. I can't stand McD's!Lastly, when the world ends and we're all facing eternal darkness, what's the one thing you'll look back on and smile about?
My daughter. She's my first kid and although she's only four months old I've never experienced so much happiness since my wife found out she was expecting. There's lots of experiences I'm privileged to have had in my career but I can promise you that nothing comes close to becoming a dad. The Waves & Shapes Vol.1 EP hits shelves on April 8th. Follow Shadow Child on Facebook // SoundCloud // Twitter