SHOSH Announces DDD signing with “Dizzy” EP [INTERVIEW]

Bass-fanatics’ favorite deep dub label, Truth’s Deep Dark and Dangerous, has welcomed a new member into its highly proclaimed ranks. Today, the label has announced that UK-based garage and dubstep extraordinaire SHOSH has just been brought on as its latest signee. For her introduction into the DDD family, SHOSH has put together her newest EP, Dizzy, a dynamic work of art consisting of three tracks: “Bounce,” “Block Party,“ and “Dizzy.“

The Dizzy EP showcases SHOSH’s range, incorporating gorgeously layered tunes and an introduction to her new journey alongside the Deep Dark and Dangerous label.

SHOSH has been making waves in the UK scene for quite a few years, and it only seems fitting that the American market be introduced to her sound and artistry. While SHOSH is originally American-born, she has resided in the UK for most of her life. Her music heavily embodies that signature, grimy, upbeat UK garage sound that we have all come to love so much. Her sound is a direct derivative of UK rave culture alongside her creation of her own sound, and she aims to push female influence on the scene in full force. She can be considered a jack of all trades and has a wide range of artistic input in areas outside of her own music project. Alongside acting as a radio presenter for KISS FM UK, she greatly assists in perpetuating female influence in music with her all-female collective, 24hr Garage Girls.

Check out our exclusive interview below for more insight into the SHOSH project and the Dizzy EP!

Electric Hawk, Rae Huot: What made you decide that Deep Dark and Dangerous was the right fit? What made you feel this was the next step in your music career? 

SHOSH: Well, Deep Dark and Dangerous was actually one of my first entry points into dubstep as a producer. I’d been a big fan of the UK Dubstep scene back in 2010, for the likes of Skream, Benga, Caspa, Coki, etc., but only as a raver. I eventually started making UKG and touring as an artist. One day I met Dre from Truth on an artist transfer bus to Outlook Festival in Croatia, and he invited me to come to the DDD Boat Party. I just fell in love with the communal vibe, the collective energy, the deep wubs! The spirit of the DDD parties felt so good and brought that love of dubstep back to life for me! When I finally turned to making dubstep myself, I knew it was a great place to bring my EP, taking the inspiration back to where it started.

RH: How does your work as a radio presenter tie into your work as an artist? Is there anything you learned through radio presenting specifically that allowed you to adapt and expand your artistry? 

SHOSH: Oh, good question! I think as a radio presenter you are gate-keeping a whole genre and often have to be quite decisive, brutal even, when selecting what you play. I get over 500 submissions a week and can only play approximately 40 tunes, so it’s savage. That section process has taught me a lot about what I need to be doing as a producer to get my tracks over the line. 

RH: Do you feel that there has been a significant split since UKG made its way back into the US in terms of stylistic choice? As in, are there any key differences or adaptations that you’ve noticed since its resurgence in the US?

SHOSH: Yeah, I’m seeing a huge burst of 4×4 garage coming in from UKG producers around the world, to be honest. It feels like this kind of garage is crossing the lines of house and tech house to sit accessible in more global scenes, and I do like it! However, I do think it’s diluting the original feel of UKG a bit. I’ve seen the grimy, 2-step releases slow down as a lot of producers are working to pursue that IPC, Sammy Virji sound. Which I think is a shame as I’ve always loved filthy 2-step UKG! There are a lot of similarities to dubstep there with the bassy wubs! Honestly, though, I love all of it. 

RH: As an American-born UK artist, are there any significant differences between the two scenes that you believe serve as a reasoning for the different styles showcased? How do you manipulate this to create your signature sound?

SHOSH: Oh wow. This is something I’m thinking about all the time as I prepare for my debut tour in the States! I’ve never raved in America! I left when I was young, so I don’t know the club culture. I’m not familiar with the crowds and how they move. I think coming over to play is going to teach me SO much about what works, what doesn’t, what people are open to hearing, and why? I can’t wait to learn more and grow out there! I’m definitely scheduling some studio time in LA to create new sounds based on what I learn from you guys!  

RH: Your collective, 24hr Garage Girls, is the epitome of a woman-led team that showcases each member’s strength individually. How does it feel to have the opportunity to work alongside such strong, talented women? Is there any advice you can give to other female artists out there honing their craft?

SHOSH: Honestly, the best feeling! And showcasing individual strength and talent is exactly right! I wanted my brand to emphasize the power of hard work alongside talent. The Garage Girl dancers are athletes and committed to their craft, and I respect that dedication so much. Of course, some people get success handed to them on a plate, but the reality is this industry is very saturated and you need a lot of determination and dedication to get where you want to be. The advice I’d give to female artists is to be consistent and bring quality. I practice mixing all the time, even now. It’s taken me six years in the studio to find my sound. The most rewarding things take time, so just keep working at it and only watch your own race! 

RH: As a standout label in the UK-style dubstep scene, what is one thing you hope to gain from working with such an influential label like DDD? 

SHOSH: The merch! (Joking, although I LOVE the merch!) DDD has such a strong sense of community with their sound and label, so I hope to make some great connections within that; some great friendships and working relationships to drive me forward! Of course, I’d also love to play a DDD rave or be included on one of their amazing shows around the world… Watch this space!

RH: What are the inspirations behind the Dizzy EP, anything specific? 

SHOSH: Um, you know what? I made these tracks at completely different times, so I can’t honestly say there’s a unifying theme behind them. But I actually think that’s what makes the EP so good! It’s not repetitive; each song feels different, has a different arrangement, and has different bass designs. But I can say all three tracks are built to tear up the dance floor… they’re all party starters! You’ll always get that energy with a SHOSH track!  

RH: Your next few tour dates in April are in the US! With that being said, what can American fans expect from a SHOSH set, and what are you most excited to experience in terms of American rave culture?

SHOSH: I’m SO EXCITED! I’m currently planning a blend of bassy garage with my UK dubstep sound. Think Sammy Virji meets Hamdi! I like to mix fast and switch up the vibe a lot, keep people on their toes, so expect a lot of live remixes and wild transitions! I’m also bringing my catalogue of unreleased dubstep to the party… I’ve got about eight or nine signed tracks that are not yet released….and I can’t wait to see the crowd’s reaction when I drop them! I just want to see how nuts you guys can go on the dance floor!

Check out the links below for even more insight on SHOSH and other artists you love!

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