Hi Shaker HD

We appreciate the work you have put into the over the years and we think it is about time the community got to know more about you.

1. How did it all begin and what inspired you to become a fully-fledged DJ?

Started while I was in Montserrat, messing around on a program call mix vibes with my boy Xavier which is similar to the Seratos and Traktors out there now in the DJ world. I love music so any chance I got to play I always took the opportunity to get myself heard.

Went on to mix on CD Walkmans. Pressing play and pause to catch the song at the right time to mix it’s a timing technique you had to have. Every Sunday we use to head to the beach to play at a bar. Soca wasn’t even a speciality more of a mix and blend RnB, Rap, Dancehall Reggae and Soca. Messed around on vinyl’s but CDs were coming in to the game so I ran with it. My Soca collection was the minority in my CD case, but I had to have Burning Flames, Square One, WCK, Jam Band, 17 Plus, Arrow and Krosfyah

DJ Tyrone came to Montserrat for a carnival. He took the place apart with his mixing. My inspiration came from then.

I came here, linked up with Ras Kenny who said to me I am suppose to play soca, so basically branded me as a soca DJ. I went Montserrat the following year and gave away all my Dancehall, Reggae and RnB. I kept the Soca and from then it was Soca all day everyday.

DJ Blackstone pushed me to carry on. We did a radio show on Mystic FM called Pure Soca Vibes Show, I still use that up to this day. My first big event was Soca V Bashment. DJ Roughneck heard me play at an event where I did a live remix with crazy frog and tore the place up. From then it was on. Linked up with Matchiz. I had to have 2 mic men cause I never spoke and Blackstone use to set me up so I have to speak. I was too stubborn for that and shy  so Matchiz bail me out at times.

I have won island clashes and Soca Awards. I pretty much achieved a lot with in my time here. My latest Success to date is Soca Frenzy and there is still more to come.

2. Where did your DJ name come from?

I only added DJ to my nickname which is Shaker. Shaker came from basketball really. A guy called Shander Shaker could shoot the ball very well. The HD is just me adding something modern

3. What was the first record you ever bought?

This is a historic question.. It’s between a Burning Flames, WCK, or Simply The Best. We use to buy CDs every week

4. What kind of equipment do you work with?

Laptop, Serato itch or Traktor

5. Vinyl, CD or MP3?

CD, Mp3

6. What sets you apart from other DJs?

First of all you have to create your own identity, as a DJ. I believe in what I play that I would make it a big tune even I have to play it every fete or sing it everyday

7. How would you describe your style of playing?

Across the board. I grew up hearing soca from various places. I would even play zouk I love it

8. Tell us how do you unwind after each gig?

Mmmm jump in the car chat rubbish. Go home and play. Some Play Station

9. What are your thoughts on the soca scene at the moment and what would you like to see improve?

It’s growing, which is always a positive, The music is getting out there a lot quicker. UK Artistes are stepping up and UK music production is definitely improving.

Artist needs to support the DJs in the same way they want us to support them, it doesn’t make sense moaning at the DJs and when they call you to do something for them you forget who plays your music.

There are a lot of Soca Events, so the scene is moving forward. Even though we don’t have a lot of Soca on the FM dial the DJs are putting in the work to have online shows to get the music across.

10. What advice would you give to up and coming DJs hoping to break it out on the UK scene?

Know your music, create your own identity. It’s all about inspiring people to listen to what you love and move them.

11. What is your favourite soca tune of all time?

This is a hard one, ‘Island Girl’ – Burning Flames

12. Who is your musical soca icon?

My uncle Reality. Pioneer Montserrat music for a number of years.

13. Favourite 2013 soca lyric and why?

‘Spread your hands and leh gooo’. Every time you say it you just want to put your hands in the air and sing no matter where you are.

14. Where do you spin usually and where can music lovers find you?

This year I am booked at various places In London and Leicester so always check my Facebook shakerhd.
I am a resident DJ at Soca Frenzy and Ram Jam Thursdays
My Soca Show live on Thursdays 8pm – SocaFrenzyRadio.com
iTunes Podcast DJ Shaker Hd Soca Podcast
Sound Cloud : shakerhd
Look out for the New Mix CD That’s going to be a big project

15. And last but not least 5 things that we didn’t know about you?

1. I love snickers
2. watching cartoons all day lol
3. I like to do things outside the normal I.e go to a clubs and listen dance music
4. Am real quiet, laid back , shy
5. Big tennis fan