RB Exclusive Interview: Shiba San

Parisian producer and DJ Frédéric Poulet, better known by his alias Shiba San, is acclaimed for his distinctive blend of hip-hop and house music. Many of us know him from his hit tracks “Okay,” “I Like Your Booty,” and “Burn Like Fire,” but what many don’t know is the true origin story behind his supersonic sound. Before pursuing his passion for house music, Shiba San had an incredibly successful 15-year career as a French hip-hop production artist. He quickly became influenced and inspired by the sounds of Chicago house, leading to the creation of the Shiba San project. 

Gaining his rise in 2014 after his breakout track “Okay” consistently claimed the #1 spot on Beatport’s House Chart, Shiba San quickly established himself as a must-see tech house guru. Some of the best house tracks in the industry can be found on his very own imprint, Basement Leak, which promotes a number of up-and-coming producers. Shiba San has continued to release a number of popular tracks each year, including his most recent single, “Twist It,” while simultaneously selling out venues all across the globe and running his accomplished label.

I had the opportunity to speak with Shiba San before his Basement Leak tour stop here with us in Tempe! Check it out below:

You’ve just kicked off your Basement Leak tour, congratulations! We can’t wait for your stop with us in Tempe. What can fans expect from your set?

It will of course be a Shiba San set, but you can expect a lot of unreleased Basement Leak tracks! 

How do you stay grounded while touring?

I can’t say that I always do a good job of staying grounded haha! But I try to go to the gym, not drink too much and will skip the after-party to get a good night’s sleep.

What made you make the switch from the French hip-hop scene to the house music scene?

I was already making music with some house artists while I was in the hip-hop scene and I really wanted to play the music that I was making, which was difficult as a French hip-hop DJ. So I decided to pursue my own house project!

What has been an unforgettable moment in your career?

At the first festival I played in LA for my first US tour in 2014 I played out ‘OKAY’ and the people went crazy – it was insane!

You’ve gone B2B with a lot of amazing artists like Green Velvet, Will Clarke, Walker & Royce, and Solardo. Who is one artist you would want to go B2B with next? 

Honestly, there are a few, but LP Giobbi would be awesome.

We’ve seen you tease some of your new IDs on Instagram, can we expect any of them to release soon?

Yes, those IDs are usually demos I receive for Basement leak or tracks of mine.  I don’t release 100% of them but a big part of them.

What are the 3 essentials of every Shiba San banger?

Oh, that’s hard to say. I hope all my songs are not made with the exact same formula haha – but I would say something groovy, a big kick and bass or subs. 

Your label (Basement Leak) loves to highlight up-and-coming producers, who are some of your favorites right now? 

I would say Nautik and Millad are my favorites. 

Lastly, what’s your favorite song at the moment?

Obviously, I love ‘Twist It’ that I just put out on Toolroom with AYAREZ! But otherwise ‘RATATA’ by Missy Elliott, Mr. Oizo, and Skrillex hits different. It’s not really a house track, but it’s so good.

Shiba San is headed back to Sunbar in Tempe this July 21st! With support from LUCATI, this stop is sure to be memorable! Get more information about the show and grab your tickets here. 

Connect with Shiba San: Facebook |  Twitter | Instagram | Spotify | SoundCloud