If you’ve never heard of Govinda, well then shame on you. Govinda, or Shane as his friends know him, is an incredibly talented musician who is making some music that you’ve never heard the likes of before. He’s classically trained in violin, plus has studied music and musical production in college at the University of Texas. Now, he blends the sounds of future bass, dubstep, and glitch hop, into this gorgeous mixture of old Persian-inspired elements and electronic music. Of course, he also incorporates his violin into many of his songs, so the sound he produces is unlike anything any other artist is doing.
We had the distinct pleasure of sitting down with Govinda and picking his brain about his music, his influences, and of course, about his new EP Resonance. Check out the entire EP below, as well as the full interview. Also, be sure to check Govinda out if you’re in Southern California this Friday at ‘Ocean Beats’ with Michael Menert! Visit the event page HERE. Enjoy!
How did you fall in love with electronic music during your time at the University of Texas?
I was trying to get my compositions input into a notation program to trigger MIDI instruments and I came across the world of sequencing and visual editing. Of course this will date me but all this was happening in the early 90′s so the software was pretty basic then. I started tweaking instruments in weird ways for months before I even realized that there were real people out there making music like this. I was very sheltered from pop music until the late nineties. Perhaps that’s why my music has always come from a unique and unconventional place. Over the coming years I would develop a love for synthesis and big beautiful beats.
In your biography, it says that you started with violin when you were 8 years old. What was it about violin that you loved combining with electronic music?
Well since it was the instrument that I had studied for many years it only seemed natural to use it as my instrument over the beats I started to create. I came to learn of its divine power to complement the rhythm and bass.
You’ve shared the stage with some of the most incredible artists on the scene. Who has been your favorite artist to play with and why?
I love playing with Tipper because he is sort of a musical hero. Also while I make good music to build up to his sets he also makes me look good since he doesnt jump around like a monkey as much as I do…
What has been your favorite city to play in? What about your favorite venue?
I love to play in San Francisco. The vibe is always great but I have to say that my favorite venue has always been the Parish in Austin. I always have great sound and bass that I can feel in naughty areas.
What goes into the planning of your live performances? Who is the main creative force behind the performance?
I usually perform with dancers and so far we all are an equal part of the creation of the vibe. I think it all naturally flows when the music is playing. We play off of the audience as well so it’s very interactive in that sense.
Tell us about the quote on your Facebook page, “To raise the global vibration through an elevated musical and artistic experience.”
My vision for the music and live experience is to help inspire people to open their minds and hearts, excited their atoms, and ultimately gracefully evolve into bliss.
What is one thing people should know about you?
I love infinity pools.
What do you find yourself listening to when you aren’t creating music?
Madredeus, Paganini, Goldfrapp, Royksopp, Radio Head, Tipper….and silence
Tell us about your upcoming EP Resonance.
Definitely exploring more of the mysterious sounds as well as giving a yang injection to the classic Govinda aural experience.
What was the inspiration behind the EP? How long did it take to finish?
I have been working on this EP for about a year. It has taken longer to finish since I have been traveling so much. It’s very inspired by my travels, the beautiful people I encounter and dance.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I love to cook and host dinner parties. I also love to hang with my family and do nothing, maybe do some yard work and get my hands in the dirt a little bit.
What’s next for Govinda?
An over the top live experience. I have had visions for so many years about a truly decadent stage show. With recent successes this is becoming more of a reality than ever.
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