We Know The Feeling: Shawn Sabo (Beatport Denver)

We Know The Feeling: Shawn Sabo (Beatport Denver)

23 August, 2010 | 12.30PM

• Written by: BeatportSean
• Filed under: Music News: we know the feeling

For this past month we’ve been bringing you tales from the inside of Beatport. We’ve always liked shopping at record stores where we know the clerks behind the counter, so why shouldn’t you get to know us here? Continuing our series of staff interviews, we turn to someone who contributed mightily to the very foundations of Beatport.

Shawn Sabo is as much a pillar in Beatport’s history as the green and the downward arrow. In fact, our CEO, Jonas Tempel, said of the curly-haired dynamo, “I don’t want to get too deep into emotional stories of Beatport lore, but to be honest, there aren’t very many memories of this journey that don’t include Shawn.”

Without further ado…

Shawn, where did you grow up?

Long Beach Island, NJ.

What was the first album you purchased?

Its was so long ago, I can’t say that I truly remember, but the first cassette tape I remember playing until it wore out was Run-DMC’s self-titled album, ‘Run’DMC’.

When and how did you get into electronic music?

A friend’s brother introduced me to Prodigy in the early ‘90s. I was hooked immediately and purchased the DJ Jazzy Jeff starter kit. Then I got into production with an MPC2000.

Have your tastes evolved since then?

I started out listening to progressive house and house during the peak of the NYC club scene in venues like the Limelight, Sound Factory, Tunnel, Twilo, etc. Then in the early ‘00s I found drum & bass and it all changed. I DJd drum & bass and released music on various labels including Andy C‘s imprint, Frequency. Since helping start Beatport in 2003, I have come to love all electronic music. 

What’s the best thing about living in Denver?

The sun and Beta’s sound system. Nothing compares to Funktion One!

What do you do here at Beatport and how long have you been with the company?

Since we started Beatport, I‘ve headed the marketing department. My most recent title was VP of Marketing, however after seven amazing years I am leaving my role at Beatport to get back in the studio and focus on music.

In layman’s terms, what does that mean?

Marketing gets new and returning customers to visit Beatport and purchase their favorite music.

In what way has Beatport changed your life?

I have watched Beatport grow from an idea into the most relevant brand in electronic music. It has been an amazing journey, making life-long friends along the way. I feel truly blessed to have been a part of such a great company for so many years.

Do you produce or perform?

Both. Currently I am one half the duo Manufactured Superstars, we play dirty disco funk. Brad Roulier is my partner on this project.

What’s your production set up like?

Currently using Ableton, NI Komplete, Nord Lead, and various other virtual synths.

Preferred method of mixing?

Manufactured Superstars’ current DJ set up is 2x CD-J’s, Pioneer mixer, and Ableton with the APC 20 controller.

Can you tell us more about where you’ve performed in the past? Do you have any upcoming releases or appearances?

Manufactured Superstars have played all over the USA and Canada. An up to date touring schedule can be found at www.manufacturedsuperstars.com

We have a bunch of new releases about to drop. The most exciting tunes are a remix of Flo Rida and David Guetta‘s new single, ‘The Club Cant Handle Me’ on Atlantic Records. Another one is a remix of an early NYC club anthem ‘Do It Again’ on Strictly Rhythm. These two and a bunch of other tracks will be out on Beatport in late August / early September.

Top three producers/ DJs?

Tough question, but I would say the most inspiring producers to me currently are Swedish House Mafia, Pharrell (The Neptunes), and DJ Frank E and Jquintel, two Denver based producers who have helped me get my studio chops back.

Top three tracks you’ve heard in the past three months?

Afrojack‘s ‘Whatcha Say’ remix/bootleg has been killing the dancefloor at all our shows.

‘Disco Electrique’ or anything by the Bingo Players

Bingo Players, ‘Disco Electrique’

Digital Lab’s remix of ‘Everyday,’ always gets the dance floor rocking.

Sgt Slick, ‘Everyday (Digital Lab Remix)’

Old school or new school?

New school. Go digital or go home.

What would you give up your right arm for?

Nothing, I’m right-handed… But I would love one of those full wall touch-screens in the studio.

Craziest thing that’s ever happened in the DJ booth?

I need a few drinks in me to share those stories.

Complete these sentences:
I’ll never forget the time I ____

…I was working in the studio with Shimon from Ram Trilogy. Life changing!

I hope to someday forget about the time I ___

… feel asleep on the boardwalk after a rave in NJ and woke up with a leg full of splinters. Ouch!

If I could be a ____, I would be a _____ because _____

If I could be a superstar, I would be a manufactured superstar because you’re listening to the Manufactured Superstars. Watch this space!

I would rather _____, than listen to ______

I would rather be moving my feet, than listening to silence.

Check out Shawn and the Manufactured Superstars’ most recent chart on Beatport here!

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