Shapov & Swanky Tunes: Decades of Sound, One Fresh Vision
Two long-standing forces in electronic music team up for a new chapter, blending experience, energy, and innovation in their collaboration “Flipdat.”
Shapov and Swanky Tunes have spent years shaping the sound of modern dance music — from underground beginnings to festival mainstages around the world. Their paths have crossed many times, built on mutual respect and a shared drive to explore new corners of the electronic spectrum.
In this interview, they discuss their ongoing evolution, the balance between instinct and innovation, and how their latest collaboration, “Flipdat”, reflects the freedom and creativity that comes with experience.
“Flipdat” marks the duo’s first joint release on TalkTalk Records, but far from their first collaboration. In this conversation, Shapov and Swanky Tunes reflect on their creative process, genre exploration, and what it’s like to keep evolving after decades in electronic music.
Q: “Flipdat” is your first release on TalkTalk Records. How did this collaboration come about?
— We’ve worked together for a long time, releasing tracks on major labels with a MainStage sound. This time, we wanted to explore something new — a mix of Indie Dance, Afro House, and Melodic Techno that fits the modern club landscape.
Q: The track feels sharp, energetic, and perfectly built for the dancefloor. Where did it start?
— It started with a cool bassline, paired with catchy indie dance drums, energetic hip-hop vocals, and dark, driving synths.
Q: How did you find common creative ground, given your distinct styles?
— We’re always searching for new sounds, drawing from our backgrounds to create something fresh together.
Q: What was the production process like?
— We each have our own studios, but for collaborations we work together in one studio to capture a unified vibe.
Q: The track blends Indie Dance with club energy. Was that intentional?
— It happened naturally — that’s the most creative way for us to produce music.
Q: Shapov, your music often carries emotional and melodic weight. What was your focus here?
— I drew on my experience with melodic productions for artists like Axwell and Armin van Buuren, while incorporating grooves from Hard Rock Sofa and previous club/festival releases.
Q: Swanky Tunes, known for big-room energy, how did you adapt to this vibe?
— We’ve experimented with different genres for almost 30 years. Now, moving toward Indie Dance and Afro House, “Flipdat” is a great experience in this new direction.
Q: What feeling did you aim to capture in “Flipdat”?
— A dark club vibe with sexy grooves and modern drums that people can dance to, enjoy, and relax with.
Q: After long careers, what keeps the studio exciting?
— Trying new things and having fun in the studio is what makes it exciting.
Q: How do you stay current while staying true to your roots?
— Music changes every year. We keep our roots while always looking for new sounds to refresh our production.
Q: How important is experimentation today, and are there new genres you’re curious about?
— Experimentation is key. We stay connected with new trends and always explore new genres.
Q: What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned about creative partnership?
— Listening to each other is essential to keep the process smooth and enjoyable.
Q: How do you manage feedback without compromising the vision?
— We create multiple demos until one perfectly fits our joint vision and taste.
Q: What advice would you give your younger selves starting out in music?
— Always keep moving forward and never give up.
“Flipdat” represents more than just a collaboration — it’s the freedom and joy that come from years of experience, a meeting point of two unique electronic music visions, and a track that speaks directly to the modern club scene.
