Simon & Shaker
Simon Garcia and Karim Shaker are 2 of the best djs and producers from Spain creating one of the biggest tunes in 2006 ZERO which has been picked up by all big dj’s.
From their first twelve inch release called “OUTSTREET” (under the guise “The Sundayprayers”) in 2001, Simon & Shaker´s rise to fame has been meteoric and unstoppable. This release got play-listed by some of the best DJ´s at the time and great reviews from press publications such as Satellite Records and Homebass.
After the success of this first production, Simon & Shaker began to receive many offers for remixes. The first remix they did was a track by Rösh called “Ezequiel 25:17″ – (Also under the guise The Sundayprayers). The remix was included on high profile CD compilations such as Matinee and Privilege Ibiza.
The track which made people really stand up and notice this talented duo was “Sunday @ Mambo”, which featured the track “Central Park”. This got them recognised on an international level, with the track being featured on prestigious compilations such as “Ministry Of Sound: We Love Switzerland” and “Global Underground: Lee Burridge 24:7″ . Also, the British Dance press began to take notice as well, with support coming from Mixmag. This led to some of the worlds best DJ´s play-listing the track, Bob Sinclair, Roger Sanchez, Tim DeLuxe and Pete Tong and the track was included in the top 100 tracks for the year in DJ magazine.
After these early outings Simon & Shaker began an avalanche of high quality dance tracks which included:
“No Way Out” (aka Beatfreakers), played on all the main dance floors worldwide and charted by Deep Dish and John Digweed.
“Latin Soul” (aka The Latin Soul Drivers) hammered by many radio stations including Release Yourself by Roger Sanchez and included on the CD mix by Antoine Clamaran “Mix INC”.
“Descarga!” (aka Simon García & Karim Shaker), reached number 1 in the 40 Principle “World Dance Music” Club Chart. They also stated that Simon & Shaker were the future of sound of house worldwide.
“Fiebre” (a.k.a The Latin Soul Drivers), with it´s dynamic tribal sound hit the mark and was called the new Spanish Sound. Licensed by German label “Tenor Recordings”, it reached number 3 in the sales list from one of the worlds major dance distribution companies, Music Mail.
Coinciding with visiting the Winter Music Conference in 2004, Simon & Shaker present Dark Providers “Believer” (Intenso Recordings), was placed at number 1 on the very influential “Balance Records Pool Chart”. It was during that same WMC that this production duo presented the dance anthem ‘’La Noche’’ a co production with Coca and Villa. The track went on to become a worldwide hit and winner of the award for track of the year 2004 at the Deejaymag awards. The guys were also praised by international artists Victor Calderone, Tedd Patterson, Danny Tenaglia and Stephane K, not only for the quality of their musical productions but for also the great DJ sets that they played during the WMC.
Towards the end of 2004 and the beginning of 2005, “Make It” was released under the name Simon & Shaker, a great vocal production which wassupported by a wide range of DJ´s from different styles including Paul Van Dyk to Arman Van Helden. It is very significant that the Simon & Shaker sound does not enter in any genre of house,.
2005 was without doubt the year for these two young producers. Big things started to happen with the productions: “Into The Room”, with Joe Diaz, a very strong progressive-house production, and “Freshness”, which was another hit for the guys across the globe, it reached Top Nº1 on various radio charts in Spain, Maxima FM, Flaix FM and 40 Principales Radio (World Dance Music) . With all these great productions on vinyl being released they also released their first CD mix compilation called “Dual”. A CD mix that has stood out from the ocean of CD comps that are on the market today.
2006 has started very well for Simon & Shaker, they have started two new labels, State Recordings & Superfly Recordings. The first release from State will be on the market in April 2006 and has already been licensed to Armad Music´s sub label Electronic Elements. State will keep the underground house sound very much alive with the planned releases for the label. Superfly will deal with the big tracks on the “La Noche” & “Freshness” Vibe, the first release is planned for may 2006.
