Page 22 - Zone Magazine Issue 013

feature interview [usa]
It’s always interesting to watch the career of DJ’s/Producers online and their progression through the ranks over time. One of those people that I’ve had my eye on for over 18 months is Chris Schambacher.
Dallas based, he’s been posting various videos on his Socials that made me want to interview him. I think his journey has been an interesting one for sure. He’s a down to earth guy with lots of talent, as well as some significant track signings during 2016.
Where and when did you start to DJ?
From an early age, I've always had an interest in Music. As a kid, I can remember making mashups and mixtapes from cassettes and recording them onto the family computer. During my early years of High School, I worked at a local Ice Rink where I played hockey and would occasionally DJ the public skate nights. I got into electronic music towards the end of High School. I was traveling all over the US for Motocross and during a few trips to L.A. and Las Vegas I started discovering Electronic Dance Music from the club scene. Artists like Kaskade, Gabriel & Dresden, Above & Beyond and Tiesto are some of the first I remember. I remember seeing Above & Beyond for the first time live and shortly after I knew.
Do you have a background in music,
what instruments can you play?
I’ve always had an interest in music, even as a kid I can remember making mashups on tape decks. I’m not a classically trained musician or anything but I can play piano and work my way around the guitar. I’ve always been a very technical person especially when it comes to technology and computers which I think is one of my strongest points in electronic music production.
We’ve noticed that you’ve had a busy year touring the US. How did this come about?
This year has been a busy one for sure! I just completed a 30-city tour with Night Nation Run across the U.S. and Canada. It's such a unique event as the world's first running music festival which combines a 5K run with a music festival at the end of every race. Most of our crowd’s average between 10,000 to 20,000 people so the crowds are full of energy and ready to party. The tour also benefits our official charity sponsor "Stand Up 2 Cancer" I am happy to say that they are making huge strides in the fight against cancer.
Our crowds are literally dancing to fight cancer I think it’s great. I got involved with the tour when I played their first show in Dallas in 2014 and since then I've been touring with them and loving every minute of it. We just celebrated our 50th show wrapping up the tour in San Jose a few weeks ago. In addition, I've also been
doing my own tour across the U.S.
including some major festivals.
Do you think it’s important to hold a residency at a club before touring?
Yes and no I think holding a residency gives you valuable experience in reading crowds and learning things like how to properly open for other artists. However, there are quite a few DJ’s who jumped straight into touring as well so it’s more based on the artist skill set I believe.
Any significant highlights during 2016?
2016 has been such an incredible year, from my 30-city tour with the Night Nation to playing major festivals and clubs across the US including iconic venues. such as the sold-out show of 15,000 at Soldier Field in Chicago. It's also been amazing seeing my productions supported by so many incredible artists this year including Above & Beyond, Cosmic Gate, Ferry Corsten, Myon & Shane 54, Fatum and Jaytech.
Your videos have been impressive, playing to in excess of 10,000 people most weekends. Have you found that posting the videos has increased your fan base?
Absolutely I think it’s greatly increased my engagement with fans and followers by giving them a preview of what the show experience is like. It’s been great seeing the excitement from fans and them tagging their friends to want to come to my shows.
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