It’s been 10 years since Mike Shannon started making a name for himself on the international techno scene as a DJ, producer and label owner. Now, having relocated to Berlin from Valencia via Montreal in 2007 he’s about to crown his first decade of active service with Memory Tree, his third full length to date, and his debut for another notable Canadian export - Richie Hawtin’s Plus 8 Records.
Mike first got the vinyl bug at the tender age of 12, and by 15 his turntable skills were already landing him gigs at local underground parties and clubs. From then on, Mike’s musical world expanded rapidly thanks in no small part to Detroit’s influential WJLB radio station which turned him on to U.R., Juan Atkins and Kevin Saunderson - influences that still play a big role in his approach to music today.
By mid '90s Mike was out DJing and clubbing from Detroit to Toronto, which led to the inevitable formation of his own label Cynosure in 1999. A couple of years later, he teamed up with Jeff Milligan on the more experimental Revolver Canada imprint. Both labels have since developed into highly respected and trusted sources, subsequently raising the profile of Canada’s electronic music scene by providing then unknown producers such as Akufen and Deadbeat, and international artists including Pier Bucci, Monolake and Brett Johnson to name a few.
For Mike it’s always been a question of choosing uncompromising artists who possess a unique and original voice - an attitude that also defines his own work whether recording as John Shananigans, The Sunaj Assassins or under his own name. There’s a distinctive feel to his music that’s both dark and soulful, that stays true to his roots while embracing the future and never fails to deliver a flurry of kick-ass, funk infected beats easily proven by a volley of timeless singles over the years and his two previous full lengths.
Today samurai.fm welcome Cynosure Recordings with special 3 sets from Mike Shannon, Brett Johnson and Andrea Fiorito. Enjoy!
www.myspace.com/cynrecordings
