Sam Goku: The ‘Shine A Light On’ Mix

 
Music

Munich-based producer and DJ Sam Goku made his way on to our radar last year thanks to Dutch imprint Atomnation.

Having made several appearances on the label over the last two years, as well as two outings for fellow Dutch label Intercept, Sam’s finessed his approach to production, moulding his own modern, refined take on dance music that focuses on fluid rhythms, beautiful melodies and hazy kicks.

Now, with several EPs under his belt, Sam has been focusing all his efforts on his debut album ‘East Dimensional Riddims‘, which again comes via his regular home of Atomnation. Ahead of the release, set for next month, Sam delivers a mix for us, that moves through the motions from fuzzy, twinkling ambience to bright, bouncy rhythms and shuffling breaks.

Please introduce yourself… Who are you, where are you and what are you

Hello everyone, my name is Robin and I produce music as Sam Goku. I’m sitting in my home studio right now and I just moved in with my girlfriend in Munich. At this moment, I’d say I’m a producer and househusband.

What does your music sound like? Can you draw what you think it sounds like for us (an image from the old internet is acceptable)?

My album cover, which was created by the brilliant Coloray, captures my music at this point of time very well.

Where was the mix recorded?

It was recorded in my home studio.

What would be the ideal setting to listen to the mix?

In the absence of festivals and clubs, I would say on a walk in the park or in the woods. Any weather does it, while rain is the least preferable.

What should we be wearing?

Depends on the weather in your area. Something that keeps you warm and comfortable đŸ™‚

What would be your dream setting to record a mix: Location/system/format?

In the woods, sunrise, great soundsystem, all my friends and 200 strangers.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

Shiho Yabuki’s ‘Pastel Waves’ just makes me really happy.

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

There is this mix by Daniel Jahn for growing bin records called ‘The Green Ray’. I don’t think there is a mix I listened to more often.

If you could go back to back with any DJ from throughout history, who would it be and why?

I really can’t answer this one properly. I’d have to know them personally to make a choice but Roman Flügel seems really nice and I love his music.

What was your first DJ set up at home and what is it now?

My first setup was my roommate’s setup. A pair of CDJ-1000MK3 and a DJM-700 I believe. Now I own a pair of XDJ-700 and borrowed an Omnitronic rotary mixer from a friend.

What’s more important, the track you start on or the track you end on?

The one I end on.

What were the first and last records you bought?

I don’t remember the first one I bought but the first one I listened to must have been one of Teresa Teng, since my mother is a huge fan and played and sang it all the time! The last one I bought was ‘Loops of Infinity’ by DJ Metratron.

If this mix was an edible thing, what would it taste like?

One of my home-cooked dishes, because I never know if I’m the only one who enjoys it, haha.

If it was an animal what would it be?

In the beginning it’s a panda or koala, then it morphs into a tiger and ends with being a monkey.

One record in your collection that is impossible to mix into anything?

Nothing comes to my mind in particular but I used to think that a good transition had to be so and so long, seamless and really just perfect from a technical standpoint. Now, I understand more that mixing as an art form connects pieces of music in whatever way favors their expression. A simple and quick fade can be so effective but also a twisted transition over several minutes can be just right for the moment. Even when the mix is off or supposedly overloaded, the moment after the correction or the moment of resolution can be really satisfying.

A bit off the question but apart from that, I find my own tracks difficult to mix – really don’t know why.

Upcoming in the world of … 

After finishing the album I found myself in a bit of a slump. I tried to force myself into writing something new and ended up feeling bad about everything. Now I just try to give it some time, listen to music, go on a walk, work on promo. I’m basically waiting for the moment where creativity takes over.

Anything else we need to discuss?

I think we need to change the algorithms of social media into something that keeps people open-minded about other people’s opinions, rather than to confirm everyone on their own.


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