A Sit Down With DJ Dennis Sheperd

Sharing his original works is one of things that drives Dennis to travel the globe and meet his fans. Spinning his unique blend of Progressive Trance in no less than 30 countries, he has been able to play at many of the best festivals and clubs around the world including Ministry Of Sound in London, Exchange Club in Los Angeles and the A State Of Trance festivals.

 

“Free yourself from your own creative chains that you might have put on is the biggest challenge ever.”

 

Who influenced your passion for music?

First, it was my best friend. He brought me into Trance music at the end of the 90’s.
Then of course the great producers and DJ’s like Kyau & Albert, Cosmic Gate, Nic Chagall and also Dirty South, Axwell and others influenced my passion for music. If they wouldn’t have done such great songs in the past, who knows if I would have stayed in this scene.

You’ve collaborated with vocalists such as Christina Novelli and JES. Do you have plans to work alongside additional vocalists in the future?

Definitely! I love to work with vocalists! It’s always a great experience and I think vocals also add something to a production!

From your experience, how do you think music producers and DJs can make a living out of this passion?

It’s not really easy, but if you have the willpower and put the effort and determination into it, it’s possible to make a living out of it. You also have to get in contact with the right people obviously and need to convince them in regards to your talent. So work hard, surround yourself with the right people and believe in yourself, then it will definitely be possible!

What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced in the industry thus far?

The biggest challenge is definitely your own creativity. Free yourself from your own creative chains that you might have put on is the biggest challenge ever. And even not only in terms of creativity but for life in general. Another big challenge is the workload you will face if you do it fulltime. Travelling, playing gigs, producing music in the studio, doing the administration. Basically as an artist in the electronic music scene nowadays you have to be a DJ, a music producer, video designer, a graphic designer, a promoter, a marketing specialist, an accountant & a manager!

At what age did you become aware of the strains of dance music…Germany alongside the UK and The Netherlands was one of the first countries getting the club bug…who were the early artists you enjoyed?

I’ve already answered the first part of the question above. The artists I’ve enjoyed were definitely Paul van Dyk, ATB, Blank & Jones, Flutlicht, Kai Tracid but also people like Moguai and Westbam.

I notice that you are interested very much for the social media and particularly on YouTube you are always uploading music videos for your tracks. Why do you believe music videos are so important and are you happy about the video of Bring You Home?
I am very happy about the music video of ‘Bring You Home’. I love to give my releases a bit more of a lifetime through music videos. Usually people forget about tracks quite soon. I try to work against that. I also want to show my love for music through music videos and people should get to know me better through the videos too. I love doing that!

What is A Tribute To Life?

A Tribute To Life is my own brand. Basically it stands for the message that you shall appreciate what you have and be thankful! It’s my thank you to life for how it’s treated me so far. I’m a very happy person! There is an “A Tribute To Life” radio show, label, and soon I will also do a compilation called A Tribute To Life.

Summer music festivals like Tomorrowland & Nature One are become very successful and it seems that the big crowds from all over the world adore them. What is your opinion about summer festivals in general and the music is played on the mainstage?
It’s nice party music that is played on those mainstages. I could see myself enjoying it while being a guest on those festivals. When it comes to personal taste, I would rather not listen to this music at home, but tastes and opinions are different.

How do you manage to stay so grounded and down to earth with your “star”-like status?

I do not feel like I have a star-like status but maybe I will never feel like that no matter how popular I become. I guess that’s just part of my personality. But one thing definitely helps: Always ask yourself what is really important in life. Is it money, popularity, social status or is it friends, passion, love & satisfaction?

The whole world fell in love with you thanks to your ‘Fallen Angel’ anthem you have just mentioned. Did you know on completion you were sitting on something rather special?

No, actually I was more like: ‘I don’t give a shit if someone supports this or not, I like it as it is.’ I even didn’t get any feedback by anyone for that track, I just produced it how I thought it should sound like.

Where do you see Dennis Sheperd five years from now?

Playing more shows all around the world and making more people’s life happier with my music!

Questions? Comments? We want to know:@djfollower