Shandor is a Ukrainian artist who recently teamed up with Mira Sthira to remix an original track, titled The Woods. I really enjoyed the song and wanted to find out a little more about this interesting musician – see how we got on below!
By Jane Howkins
You recently remixed The Woods by Mira Sthira. What can you tell us about the track?
Oh, I think Mira made a great song and I liked it from the first moment I heard it. The lyrics turned out to be close to me, to my perception and soul. I really love nature. I think it’s great how the Earth creates all this. And the forest is the beauty of trees, rivers, land and mountains.
Why did you decide to remix the original track? What goes into the remixing process for you?
I liked the lyrics and I wanted to add more dance and orchestral magic. In addition, you can hear the fresh vision of my music, how I combine classical and dance sounds. I mean, you can hear typical EDM stuff here, but I thought – why not add some live strings, brass instruments, glockenspiel, synthesisers and electronics? And it gets more emotional. I like the result!
How has the reception to the song been so far, and where can the song be purchased?
Oh, my audience likes it. It’s not the typical sort of song you hear everywhere, because it includes not only unusual musical solutions, but what people want – a fresh vision and emotions. I like giving people this. And a lot of listeners on Spotify speaks for itself. It motivates me to create more new music with these eclectic things. And, of course, you can listen to it everywhere, in places like Spotify, YouTube, Apple, etc.
Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?
Yes, of course! I have a lot of unreleased songs in different genres, I always like to experiment with sound. And in my future music, you will hear more and more orchestral sounds. I want to mix a modern and classic sound. I feel like it can give you a great emotional boost. But now, during the war, I am planning my releases more carefully.
Are there any plans to release an album or EP anytime soon?
Right now I want to release more singles about different stories and plots. But in the future, I have a plan to record a dynamic album with a cinematic sound about our fears. It’s going to be an interesting story, and I started working on it before the war, but now I’m doing it slowly. I want to concentrate more on singles and remixes.
You’re based in the Ukraine, and may be evacuating soon. What can people do to help you and others like you in your situation? Are there any causes you would like to draw attention to?
We have remained in this terrible situation for a year and a half. There is a lot of stress, and I am here, next to the Zaporizhzhia Plant, 30 km away from it. It’s so close. You never know what to expect. As you can see, Russians often commit disasters. But the first thought is to keep your mind clear, because it is important not to panic. Panic generates a crowd and blocks roads that can be used for additional panic created by the Russians. It’s hard to understand that you can lose everything – your family, your home, your studio, but you have to stay strong and believe in the best, yet be ready for anything.The best thing the world can do is not to believe in Russian lies and support Ukrainians. A radiation catastrophe could be the most terrible thing that could overwhelm many countries in Europe and Asia. So, we must continue to fight for the best and the true.
Your music has an EDM sound. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?
To be honest, I haven’t listened to music that often over the last few years, and most of the time it’s music from the past. I like to listen to rock, electronica, jazz. All music is great, but first of all, I hunt for emotions. But if we’re talking about EDM, I really like Tiesto. For several years, it was difficult for me to realise that he had changed his style from trance to house. But in any case, I feel the energy, power and emotions that he conveys through all his music. I like it.
Do you have anything else exciting coming up this year?
You know, I have a lot of music planned, but I understand that it will be released when my soul is ready for it. However, I have a few songs that I want to release this year. One of them is an orchestral version of my song called Bavovna, which I released a year ago on my birthday. It was being prepared for release, but I was waiting for the right moment to show it.
Do you have any tour dates lined up?
Unfortunately, not during wartime. And I think that in any case, now is the right time to work in my studio. But one day I will definitely return to performing.
Any last words for the fans?
Thank you for your support and for listening to me. I love creating something new, and I’m sure you will see more and more interesting music. Follow the updates on my social network, where I show my work in the studio with my music and the work of the artists who come to me. And remember – after darkness, light comes.