Delving deeper into the energising, empowering and invigorating spirit of Shakti!
Reported by Jessica Alici
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Submitted 04-12-19 15:03
Shakti is a sparkling, passionate and super talented Goa-Trance DJ from Nottingham. Since learning to DJ back in 2013 – Shakti has been growing, evolving and shining as an artist – mesmerising dance floors with her unique mystical energy and iridescent vibe! Known in the Psy-trance scene as a well-respected party promoter, and having been signed to the awesome Suntrip Records – we decided it was time to re-connect with Shakti ahead of her very special upcoming NYE gig – Odyssee in Berlin, and as she unleashes an energising and powerful new mix to us all!
Where did you grow up and what factors in your childhood do you think shaped you into who you are today?
I grew up in Nottingham in the UK. I started to really fall in love with music from my early teens. I used to listen Radio 1, which at that time played a lot of amazing music; what was being released in that time, across most genres, was incredible. I fell totally in love with electronic dance music, from Rave to House to Trance, as well as some alternative and Indie. There were certain artists that blew me away. I remember listening to Children of a Jilted Generation by The Prodigy constantly, even in bed to get me to sleep, whilst I was studying for my GCSEs. I loved it so much, I had never heard anything like it, I was hooked. At the same time, I was exploring my spirituality through paganism and witchcraft, and beginning to practise magic and spells. One of my first rituals was dancing wildly in my bedroom raising energy and power to direct to a spell! I was around 15. Fast forward to now and I’m still doing much of the same, dancing wildly, raising my energy, only now I know it to be my Kundalini Shakti, and I’m still crazy about any music that sings to my soul - in particular Goa Trance!
Who were your early influences and why?
Early influences were The Prodigy, Leftfield, Massive Attack, Nine Inch Nails, amongst many others who I cannot recall the name of but I know I heard a lot. The music of all of these artists simply blew me away, it was so powerful, deep, beautiful, moving, so many things! The effect they had on my emotions, spirit and heart was palpable. Through my teens and early twenties, I was also really into rock and alternative, this formed a big part of my musical path alongside the electronic dance music. My first Psy Goa Trance influences were Eat Static, Medicine Drum, Astral Projection, Infected Mushroom and the first few Goa Head CDs, all of which blew my mind, my heart and my soul open, all at once!
Do you feel artistry can be taught?
Yes. I feel everyone has creative energy, and potential to express themselves or channel creatively, through whichever modality appeals to them as an individual. As for skill, I believe anyone can learn anything if they want to, if they believe they can, and if they have the determination and the focus.
Do you feel you have changed as an artist?
I feel I have grown and evolved. It’s been a journey intertwined with my own inner growth of stepping out, and sharing my unique self-expression and all that I am, fearlessly out into the world. It’s been really exciting, I’ve felt so completely supported and encouraged by the Goddess, by Shakti, though sometimes definitely shall we say ‘pushed’ gently into experiences that will serve my growth and test my trust!
What challenges have you faced as an artist and how have you dealt with them?
I don’t feel I have faced many challenges, apart from technical ones! When I DJ, either out or at home, things tend to be in flow. I have had some inner challenges, which I’ve worked through as they’ve arisen. And I think though it’s not spoken about, simply being a woman, in any kind of music scene or work scenario, often brings extra challenges. I see any challenges that I do encounter, be they external or internal, as opportunities for growth. The only thing I can do is be fully authentic and be myself, fearlessly embody this and my radiance, and hopefully by me doing this, I can help encourage others to step out and do the same, in whatever way is calling to them.
You’re signed to Suntrip Records. How did this come about and what does this mean to you?
Yes! This happened back in 2014, I was organising a 10-year birthday UK label party for them, so we connected that way. Then they asked me if I would like to join the label! I was so honoured to be asked! I still am, I love them and everything they do so much. I have so much respect for them and the part they have played in keeping the Goa Trance scene alive and moving forwards. They work so hard, for the love of the Goa. Seriously, I could not be a prouder label DJ! The music they release is f**king awesome!
You landed yourself a killer gig NYE - Odyssee in Berlin. Tell us about this. How will you prepare for it and what do you have planned?
I’m super excited, and honoured to be playing at Odyssee NYE! I’ve never been to Berlin, plus I’ve heard really great things about the party, so I am really excited to go, and better still, to DJ there! To prepare I’m practising loads and have been going through my tracks and putting a special crate together with some awesome music. I’ll be playing an epic 3 hour set in the Goa room at 1am! I don’t want to give too much away, but I’ll be playing a mixture of newer Goa and some golden oldies. I can’t wait to do a 3-hour journey, I’ll be in my Shakti element! It will be an epic journey!
You’ve recently uploaded an incredible mix to your Mixcloud. Talk us through it - the ethos behind it, reason for the tunes you selected and what inspired you to blend them the way you did?
The mix ‘She Came From The Stars’, was my set from a recent Nottingham gig at Psymbiosis. I played for one and a half hours and this is what came together. It ended up being a mystical melodic Goa journey that we all really enjoyed. I had a huge response from the dance floor and such amazing feedback afterwards! Luckily, I had remembered to press record so was able to share the live recording on Mixcloud. I felt the Egyptian Goddess Hathor present through the mix, her picture was on my laptop at the gig, facing the crowd. This mix, the tracks especially, seemed to be influenced by her. Hathor is an Egyptian Mother Goddess, she governs music, beauty, creative flow, dancing, parties, celebration, joy, expression, sensuality. I have a strong connection and relationship with her. When I connect with Hathor I feel her as both a Goddess of sensual earthly pleasure, and of the stars, she transmits a very starry pure beautiful, sensual mystical energy. When I listened back to the recording at home, I could sense and feel her energy and vibration flowing through the mix, hence the name and the image I used. It’s a particularly gorgeous and melodic mix! It’s one of my favourites. I blended the tracks in the way that felt right at that time.
Lastly if you could have any secret power for one day, what would it be and what would you do?
Well, I could say a number of things but it has to be this as it’s by far the most important! I would restore balance to our earth and her waters. I would ignite the flame of compassion in all human beings, in particular all our world leaders and politicians, so we can move forwards in understanding and peace, taking care of each other and our beloved Mother Earth. I am working on this already with intention, prayers, healing, visualisation and positive action! Super powers are real; we just have to remember what’s possible and the amazing power that we already have!
Check out Shakti's recent super sonic mix here:
https://tinyurl.com/qr5eema
Follow her Fan Pages here:
Mixcloud:
https://www.mixcloud.com/shakti-suntrip
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Shakti.Suntrip/
Instagram:
www.Instagram.com/shakti.amoriah
https://tinyurl.com/vgh4378
All images are courtesy of Shakti and not to be reproduced without permission.
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The views and opinions expressed in this review are strictly those of the author only for which HarderFaster will not be held responsible or liable.
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