Over the last sixteen years, dance duo The Shapeshifters, have literally changed their shape, becoming a one-man show. Known initially for their monster of a hit, ‘Lola’s theme’ in 2004, they worked with greats like Frankie Knuckles and Nile Rodgers before one-half, Simon Marlin, continued the brand alone.
Now, The Shapeshifters return for their first album since 2006, featuring one of our favourite singles from 2020, ‘Finally Ready’ featuring Billy Porter. The album also features vocals from Joss Stone & CHIC’s Kimberly Davis. Now signed to Glitterbox, The Shapeshifters have been playing major sets at all the Defected festivals, and now return with Let Loose, a massive joyous album of House music and supreme production.
Simon talks to Loverboy about continuing as The Shapeshifters, working with the icon Billy Porter and of course, his favourite Mariah Carey track.
I believe your last LP was 2006, right?
Correct, Sound Advice on EMI was the last.
Why did you decide the time was right to get to work on another? Was there something in particular that inspired you?
I’d recently parted ways with Max and was at a crossroads, I decided I needed to get back into the studio and start exploring the direction I wanted to take the Shapehifters name moving forward. That started with working on single songs that then as my confidence grew again into an album project, supported heavily by Glitterbox recordings.
The album was delayed because of Covid. Did anything come from that period?
Yes it was difficult and I delayed the album but I got to re-connect and garner new fans by being creative with live streams and Twitch broadcasts. I am forever grateful to those who supported me through lockdown and I see them every week at my gigs. It’s incredible.
I’m Ready’ is such an anthem. How did this collaboration come together?
Billy had heard some of my previous releases and reached out to Defected, expressing an interest to work with me. He came over to London to hook up and discuss. We all got on really well and it was a no brainer. I had a song in mind that was written recently in NYC. He loved it and we got to recording it soon after. Working with him at Metropolis Studios in London was so much fun, good vibes and a true pro.
We were robbed of more live performances of this track. Are any further ones planned?
We have been trying to make that happen on so many occasions, Ibiza, London etc but our schedules have never quite synced in a way it was possible. It will happen one day we are both determined to make it happen.
I wondered what stories you hear from people connecting to songs you have written?
I have many people connect with the songs which is all I can wish for as a writer/producer of music, it seems a lot of the records on this album helped people cope with aspects of lockdown and I always try to convey a positive message in my music so I think that helps. I’ve heard many have walked down the aisle or had their first dance or met a partner, marked a certain moment in time for them, it always blows my mind when I hear these stories.
You work with CHIC’s Kimberly Davis on Let Loose and worked with Nile Rogers not long after ‘Lola’s Theme.’ I wondered how your experience differed in terms of working with members of CHIC sixteen years apart.
Just having Nile in my studio was inspiring enough tbh he is a lovely man, I guess it’s just coincidence with Kim but I’m blessed to have had these opportunities to work with such talent.
I heard you say in an interview you’d like to produce a soul album for Joss Stone. Is that still on the horizon?
Yep!
Do you ever side-hustle under an alias doing production in other genres?
Not at this point as I had work to do to re-establish the Shapeshifters brand but I am considering a few things as we speak as I want to spread my wings a bit further.
I’ve been seeing the footage from Defected Croatia, Malta and the different events. I wondered if those events are more special for you than others you play?
Anytime I play for Glitterbox is special as it’s a family affair but I am lucky enough that I get to play in amazing places all over the world and there are always good people there.
What’s been your favourite moment at a Defected party?
I think bringing out Joss Stone un-announced at Printworks is up there. Peoples’ faces when they realised she was there was priceless.
How did you come to be signed with Glitterbox and why did you sign to them?
I wanted to be involved with a label that actually worked and supported their artists which in Dance music can be a difficult find. True A&R is a lost art these days IMO but working with Simon Dunmore & the team at Defected has been a critical part of my development these last few years. They truly give a shit and I trust their input.
Finally we are named after the biggest-selling single of 2001 and always ask, what is your favourite Mariah Carey track?
‘Dreamlover’ (Morales Mix) cause it’s just one of those moments in time I will never forget as lover of House Music first.
The Shapeshifters’ album Let Loose is out now.
