Formed late last year by stalwarts of the city’s clubbing underground, Co:Motion drops its second EP release. Shanghai-based American producer Cignarale will celebrate the release of his Things in Life with his debut live set on February 27 at DADA. Cignarale’s sound has been described “as an amalgamation of dance music roots and his vision of its future.” We chat about his debut, Shanghai's scene and Co:Motion's future plans.
Congratulations on the new EP. How would you describe its sound?
Thanks, this is a pretty moody track that I made a few years ago. I’m never shy about dramatic build ups or big strings, so when this one clicked I got really excited. But I'm never happy with anything I do, so I hid it on my computer for a year. Finally, one of the Co:Motion founders Raph heard it and really loved it. He made me finish it so he could play it in his sets.
How has DJing in Shanghai impacted your production style?
I don’t really know if living here has impacted how I make music, other than I've met really supportive people. No one is trying to push anyone out, because there is an ethos here that there is enough to share.
Where are you from and how did you end up in Shanghai?
I’m from Baltimore, not too much there…. I moved here because I wanted to find a place where I could be isolated and focus on music and myself for a little bit. Obviously that's not what happened once I got here. This place is pretty social.
How did you get involved in the scene and Co:Motion?
I started meeting people pretty quickly. Sam from Co:Motion, who is kind of the greeter and handler for all new DJs, helped me get started. Anytime I finish something I would send it to Sam, who despite his overly-kind demeanor, gives brutally honest critiques. It's probably why this track isn’t seeing the light of day until now. But it's all in support of making better music.
Co:Motion just started last year but have released a couple EPs and set up regular parties. How has the project been going in your opinion?
Co:Motion puts on a good show, and they know how to bring people out, plus they have solid taste. Alhough, Raph told me he wanted to do a trance night this summer…
What can people expect from the record release party?
We are going to try something different. I’m performing a live set based on my music through the years, which should be energetic and pretty raw - kind of old school if we are lucky enough. Anyone who knows me has probably figured something very very gay is going to happen, possibly with a diva vocal and a RuPaul cut over top of a 909.
Following the EP release, what are your plans?
There are a few more tracks I hope to release with Co:Motion; but overall I’m going to make a solid effort to DJ more. My day job as graphic designer can be a little time consuming.
Are there any Shanghai producers that our readers should know more about?
Laura Ingalls, worked out the remix for this EP and co-wrote the second track with me. If it wasn't for his push, we would not have this EP. Also MIIA, who delivers a killer remix as well.
Feb 27, 10pm-late, free entry. DADA, see event listing.
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