Shark (Donsurf Remix)
Sharky
Released: 8 Aug 2023
Label: Tru Thoughts
Manchester raised, Leeds residing producer and DJ Donsurf brings his Nu-Skool flair to ‘Shark’, taken from Sharky’s debut album ‘People Are Strange’.
With a number of Tru Thoughts artists having a “massive influence on [his] sound, such as Omar, Zed Bias, Quantic and Domu”, Donsurf wanted to “recognise these innovators” whilst putting his own stamp on the imprint, “referencing my more recent influences, such as Baile Funk and Dubstep, resulting in a dark club sound which can also translate when listening in headphones” he adds.
After his debut release with Dance Regular, Donsurf quickly rose to acclaim within the Broken Beat community, gaining early support from EVM128 and IG Culture. A clinical approach to programming breaks and swing forms the groove bed for heady club orientated, bass weight productions, often blended with soulful chords to lift the dancefloor. With debut appearances at Fabric, Warehouse Project and We Out Here festival under his belt, Donsurf continues to rep broken selections alongside influences of 2step, House and Funky, which compliment his sound both as a DJ and Producer. The fusion of these dance styles with contemporary chart edits has grabbed the attention of DJs such as Jyoty, P-rallel and IZCO.
“’Shark’ stuck out to me on this release because of the luscious vocal arrangements, and intricate layering of organic percussion sounds. The rhodes also caught my ear as a way of punctuating sections in the remix.” – Donsurf
The original track, taken from the album ‘People Are Strange’, was the result of shared musical understanding between Sharky and producer/husband Todd Speakman. ‘People Are Strange’ celebrates Sharky’s ability as a lyricist to reflect on playful, personal, and poignant themes with a sense of humour and openness to all people, places, and aspects of life. Featured as part of National Album Day’s Debut Album focus, the release received support from the likes of Lauren Laverne, Sian Eleri (BBC Radio 1), Jamz Supernova (BBC 1Xtra), Don Letts (BBC 6Music), Jess Iszatt (BBC Radio London), Anne Litt and Scott Dallavo (KCRW), NME Magazine, Clash Magazine, Fusicology, Stereofox and Soho Radio.
