#RvC Ask: Shiba San

Photo courtesy of Dragonly

When we heard Shiba San will come to Jakarta, we were so excited! Honestly, he is one of the artist we want to meet in person. So before his performance at Dragonfly, we sat down with him to talk about his music and career.

From your previous interviews in the past, they often describe you as mysterious man. Why do you think they say that?
Why they say that? I think because at the beginning of my career as Shiba San, I was a Hip Hop DJ. I just communicate (to public) with logo. I didn’t show my face so people didn’t know who I was. In maybe 2-3 months, people started to know who I am because I released a lot of tracks and thought who is this guy. This man has good label and good tracks but they don’t know me. Usually artist took years to grow and big, while all I took months to grow and big. That’s why they said I’m mysterious because they really don’t know who I was before Shiba San. No one ever see my face until I started touring months later.

You started your career with Hip Hop music. Now you’re doing House music. Do you think these two genres has connection for your music?
When I became DJ, I was Hip Hop DJ. During those time I also listened to Chicago House. I love Chicago House, but in Paris this music not too popular. I decided that one day I will play House music. I don’t want to connect Hip Hop and House music because it’s totally different project. Different name, different logo. Yes, I do remix for Drake and make it with Hip Hop sound but that’s occasionally.

Let’s go back to the past. Who is your favorite Hip Hop artist? Did you play their track a lot?
My favorite artists are Redman, Busta Rhymes, Jay Z, Notorious B.I.G, those are my favorite. The newer one, I like Drake. I never play one track often in my set. For me, the rhythm is the most important. It might be from underground track that you don't know, but as long as it has good bass line, I will play it.

In 2016, what was your craziest gig ever?
So hard to choose because I had a lot. Hmmm I did a festival called Symbiosis Gathering in California. It was special because I played during sunset on the beach. Unlike other festival that put some fences between you and the crowd, here every body was around me. It felt like you play not for a festival, but for birthday party for 2,000 people! Added with sunset and the beach, it was amazing. Another one is Dirtybird Campout, a festival by Dirtybird (label owned by Claude VonStroke), at California as well. That’s my two favorite events in 2016.
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What can we expect from Shiba San in 2017?
Do better in music. Continue to touring all over the world, meet new people, taste great food.  I will definitely make more music.


We wish nothing but the best for Shiba San!