Shaney is a French Dj, live performer, sound engineer. In 2019, he launched his own label S.Lab Ltd with his “ first 65-21-279-S Pt 1” Ep and since then he has been signed on notable imprints such as Mord Records, Construct Re-Form Records, Dynamic Reflection, Illegal Alien Records, Hayes Collective. His productions are experimental, hypnotic and reflect his deep understanding of sound design. From his studio in Bordeaux, he shares about his different projects as “Lobstertronic” teamed up with Zadig, “P&S side” in duo with his acolyte Porteix, the 10 hands synth modular “Unerwartet” crew whose willingness is to take the audience in an immersive sonic experience.

Welcome, a glass of?

Hi, a coffee please

How was your childhood and music environment in which you grew up?

My childhood was filled with music. My parents always listened to a lot of music, and my father was a bodyguard for many artists such as Michael Jackson, Ray Charles, Pink Floyd, etc., so I listened to all kinds of music from an early age.

How did you discover electronic music? 

Like many people in France, I discovered electronic music through Daft Punk, which inevitably left a lasting impression on me.

Who are your main influences?

Without hesitation, Luke Slater, Oscar Mulero and Zadig regarding techno music.

Where is your studio? What are the gears you use to produce?

After 10 years in Paris, I moved my studio to Bordeaux in September. I work with a lot of analog synthesizers / drums machine such as : Din Sync Re-909, TR8-S, Syncussion, Quadrantid Swarm, Roland JD-800, Erica Synth Syntrx, Blofeld, Cyclone TT-303, but also contact and magnetic microphones.

Which format do you prefer the most: digital, tape or vinyl?

Vinyl is my favourite format.

For you, what does Techno represent in 3 words?

Underground music, freedom of expression, sound exploration.

What is the philosophy behind your own label S.Lab Ltd ?

The initial idea behind S.Lab Ltd was to bring together international artists with emerging or even unknown artists. To put music back at the centre of the debate, rather than just the name of a headliner artist. By being curious, we discover that there are many talented artists who are not necessarily as well known as they deserve to be, and that makes me want to promote them a little more. The way I choose the artists I work with is quite simple. First, we need to get along well and have a good rapport; the human aspect is the most important thing. After that, when the music speaks to me and I like it, we're good to go!

What about next releases?

There are many releases coming up for 2025/2026, both on vinyl and digitally, featuring emerging artists as well as international headliners, but for now I can't say anymore. You'll find out more soon.

As a label head, what kind of difficulties do you face today? 

There are a lot of difficulties when you are an independent label head without a big team, you need to be focused on each process and work step by step. One of the most recurring problems, I would say, is delays in pressing vinyl, linked to the various parties involved in the production of a vinyl record.

A banger for you?

Original, timeless, universally appealing.

Could you speak about your friendship with Zadig and your collaboration on Mord Records? 

It's a long story, but to sum it up, we met at a party organised by Pioneer around six years ago. At the time, Sylvain was playing vinyl, so I gave it to him as the test pressing of my first EP, which hadn't been pressed yet. He listened to it during the sound check, really liked it, and we exchanged our contact details. Since that day, we've become very close. I consider him like my “musical father”, always there for me and very kind. Since then, we've worked together a lot and even created an alias called “Lobstertronic” . This is a live project only. Regarding our collaboration for MORD Records, quite simply, Sylvain had a synthesiser loop on his computer and one day he sent it to me to see what I could do with it. I immediately loved the idea, and a few hours later the track was finished. It was only years later that Bas Mooy, boss of Mord Records, listened to it and immediately loved it and wanted to release it on vinyl.

Could you speak about “UNERWARTET” : its genesis, the spirit of the crew, main performances-memories?

It all started thanks to Théo (aka Darzack). In December 2022, he organised a “Christmas Calendar” with one track produced per day, either alone or in collaboration with artists he felt close to and/or whose music he appreciated. As a result, Lucas (Dc11), Paul (Porteix), Fabien (ZPKF) and myself were invited to participate in this project. After our receptive performances, we immediately hit it off with Théo. It was only a few months later that the Rex Club asked Darzack, a resident Dj at the Rex at the time, for an original programme to celebrate its 30th anniversary. He contacted us separately and suggested we bring analogue synthesisers and drum machines on stage to give a unique, completely improvised three-hour performance without computers. We immediately agreed, and at the end of the performance, we decided we had to take it further. We enjoyed creating, playing and communicating live in front of an audience so much; it was something quite unique. The spirit of the “UNERWARTET” project is to put improvisation at the centre of creation, meaning that each performance is unique and we are unable to play the same thing the next day, which is what makes this live set so beautiful. I would say that the audience witnesses a pure creation from start to finish, live. One of my biggest memories is probably the very first performance for the 30th anniversary of the Rex Club who is available on the Darzack Youtube channel.

If I mention Illegal Alien, what first comes to your mind (Interview archive Ricardo Garduno here)? 
Very nice artistic direction and a big family thanks to the great Ricardo Garduno.

And Dynamic Reflection with your project P&S? (Porteix interview here)

Long story like with Zadig, Porteix is a big friend of mine we are very close so it be natural to work and share our passion together, quick exemple I moved to Bordeaux to be able to work more with him.

Which artist is currently blowing you away?

Difficult question, there are a lot, but I could say Norbak, Überkeine or Mathys Lenne.

What do you think about AI?

This is a real revolution for human life but it could be quite dangerous at the same time.

Without music life would be…

Very sad…

Your top 5 new releases?
- Oscar Mulero “Vesta”
- Radial & Bas Mooy “Jacht”

- Null Form “Nox”
- Zadig “Inlandsis”
- Überkeine “Cool Camaraderie”

Your top 5 old releases?
- X-101 “Sonic Destroyer”
- Planetary Assault System “In From The Night”
- Polygon Window “Quoth”
- Fumiya Tanaka “Unknown Possibilities Vol. 1” (Complete Album)
- Biosphere “Novelty Waves”

Finally, who is the current Shaney in 3 words?

Curious, passionate, hard-working

Anything else?

Many thanks for hosting and wishing you a pleasant day.

Interviewed by Sabrina Bouzidi / photo by Nicko Guihal