Renowned Aussie DJ ShockOne pulls back the curtain on each track from his stellar new album Organism Algorithm.
Last week, we were treated to the lush soundscapes and rhythmic drum and bass of Organism Algorithm, the new album from Australian producer ShockOne.
The 12-track project spans the reaches of ShockOne’s sound, from sweltering anthems to moments of ethereality. So technical is the project that we simply had to catch up with ShockOne to find out how he pulled off Organism Algorithm with such finesse.
Below, the beloved DJ swings by Happy for a track-by-track guide through each song on his new album, from the “tune that’s aimed at clubs and festivals” to the one that “continues to destroy in the rave to this day.”
Catch the full track breakdown below, and scroll down to listen to ShockOne’s new album Organism Algorithm.
Alone
I’ve been playing this song out for quite a while now. The title and the paradoxical lyric kind of refer to my state of mind and being throughout the creation of this album.
That being one of feeling quite isolated in its creation. The feeling of whether anyone even cares if you finish/release it or not. (A common conundrum for most artists I think). Finding the grit to see it through and ultimately discovering why it is I do this in the first place.
I’ve realised at the end of the day, regardless of the circumstances life throws at me, I will always be compelled to create and I can’t escape that, which can make it hard to relate to others and maintain relationships.
Open Your Mind
This is definitely a tune that’s aimed at clubs and festivals. One of the more DJ tool style tracks on the album. Not much to say other than it goes hard in a set!
Ready To Go feat. Bright Sparks
Another tune aimed at the dance floor. This was born of the vocals that ‘Bright Sparks’ sent me. I always love working from a strong vocal in the beginning.
It reduces the frame within which to work, which helps me a lot as I have a tendency to get lost in option paralysis.
Organism Algorithm
This is my favourite song on the album and probably the one that most reflects where I’m at creatively right now. It was also the quickest to write.
The entire song kind of flowed out of me in one or two sessions I think. This is me simply exploring sonics without regard to what I think people want me to make or what is going to fit in a DJ set or anything like that. Pure sonic curiosity basically.
Higher Rush feat. Freaks & Geeks
This song was a very long time in the making. I had the vocal for so long and I knew there was something special in it, but I just couldn’t find a way to finish it.
This is when I asked Freaks & Geeks to jump in. The fresh angle they gave it instantly made me realise what the song needed to be finished.
Heart On Fire feat. Pauline Herr
This is my other favourite on the album. It’s also my daughters favourite. I had the euphoric chords that I’d made through many layers of my ARP2600 synth.
It obviously needed a vocal and the first demo Pauline sent I fell in love with. The thing I love about this song is that it doesn’t try to be anything other than pure euphoria.
There’s a naivety to that I think. So much music is so self aware and conscious of where it fits in with what crowd or whatever. This tune isn’t trying to be cool or edgy, it’s just a beautiful dorky feel good song imo.
Hey Boy Hey Girl
I don’t think I need to say much about this tune other than that it is meant to destroy you in the rave. Hopefully it achieves that.
Follow Me
Follow me a special song to me, which is why, as old as it is, I chose to still include it on the album. This song was really where that album creation began.
Very very rarely I actually get a good idea that seems to resonate with people. This seems to be one of them!
Say Woah
Another club banger for you to do the Hakken dance to.
Hardwired
Also an older song of mine. But one that is close to my heart so I wanted to make it part of this album. Written during lockdown times, I kinda felt like it went under the radar at the time. It deserves to have a light shone on it once more.
It’s All Over
Also written during lock down, and a pretty obvious reflection of my state of mind at the time. This is one of my prouder production moments. There’s a whole lot going on in this tune and it continues to destroy in the rave to this day.
