A couple of weeks ago, Shane Codd dropped his addicting new single, “Something More”. The track is a ’90s-inspired, easy-listening dance track with a positive message behind it that is only emphasised more by the soulful vocals. Set to follow in the footsteps of his many million-streamed single successes, this young Irish DJ and producer really is becoming a hugely successful rising artist, making massive waves in the dance music world. We were honoured to be able to interview Shane Codd about his latest single, amongst other things. The release of this track acts as the official follow-up to his collaboration with Welshy, titled “Used To Be”.
Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, 24-year-old DJ and producer Shane Codd is a rising star in the world of electronic music. His passion for house music was kindled from an early age, with influences tracing back to his childhood where he absorbed club classics in various settings. His breakout single ‘Get Out My Head’ stands as a testament to his affinity for the late ’90s and early ’00s dance sound, imbued with his unique twist. Crafted in his bedroom during the lockdown pause of COVID, the track itself became unstoppable, surging to the Top 10 of the Official UK Singles Chart and achieving the same feat in his homeland, Ireland while amassing over 20 million streams across both regions. A self-taught producer, Shane Codd’s journey wasn’t without challenges, including a year off college and enduring a period in a chilly Dublin apartment to fully immerse himself in music. As he reflects on the journey, he candidly admits, “I still have loads to learn, it’s the exciting bit for me.” This hunger for growth extends to his piano lessons, aligning with his goal of becoming a legendary dance producer, in the footsteps of his idols like Avicii and Gigi D’Agostino. With an eye on the classics, Shane Codd envisions leaving an enduring mark on the dance music scene, crafting tunes that remain beloved for decades, just like the timeless anthems he admires.
We managed to get the incredible chance to chat with Shane Codd, who took time out of his busy schedule to answer our questions. We chatted to him about his latest single “Something More”, his success to date including the highly successful “Get Out My Head”, and how he goes about producing his tracks as well as what we can expect from him in the future.
Congratulations on your latest single “Something More”! Could you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind this track and how it was created?
Thank you and thank you for having me. I made this song in my bedroom using a Splice sample vocal, the same way I made my track ‘Get Out My Head’. I wanted to make it without following any rules so any idea that came to me I just ran with it. I started with the lead synth sound just playing on the keyboard and then after finding the vocal sample on Splice, I started to piece together the rest of the song.
You mentioned being inspired by the feeling of drops in songs like Eric Prydz’s “Opus” while creating “Something More”. Can you walk us through the creative process that led to the distinct euphoric drop in the song?
I loved how “Opus” builds and the tempo rises and then drops, I wanted to do something similar with my track as when I was playing it on the keyboard I liked how it sounded slowed down. With this track, as well, I wanted to try some new things. I wanted to be able to play this track out and have the long build-up create tension.
Your music often carries an upbeat and addictive style. How do you consistently bring this energy into your tracks?
I want to make music that gives me an uplifting feeling and makes people want to dance. Anything that strikes emotion as well is key for me. This is definitely something I want to bring in my tracks!
The lyrics of “Something More” seem hopeful. Could you share with us the message you aimed to convey through this song?
The vocal sample came from Splice so I didn’t write these lyrics, it did make me feel something though and I kind of liked it, I couldn’t explain what it was.
You’ve mentioned that you cast aside rules and embraced creativity while making “Something More”. How does this free-spirited approach impact your music-making process?
It’s very enjoyable and rewarding to make a tune this way and just put it out into the world.
Your breakout hit “Get Out My Head” had a massive impact and was widely recognised. How does “Something More” compare to your previous releases in terms of style and sound?
The sound is a bit different but the ’90s-influenced style is there although something more is more trance! I love ’90s piano house but also trance from ’90s/’00s.
With your singles gaining Gold and Platinum certifications and chart success, do you feel any pressure when creating new music? How do you navigate the expectations?
Definitely do and did a lot more at first, I’m starting to find I’m more relaxed now and enjoying it. I want to get more platinum certifications!
What was it like to see “Get Out My Head” gain such success? You have a UK and Irish Top 10 single, and a debut single at that too. How did it make you feel seeing your song climb so high on the charts?
Unreal and a great feeling to think I made that song in my bedroom. Forever grateful for the song and what it has done for me, the people who helped push it and the listeners for listening!
You’ve done remixes for notable artists like Ellie Goulding, Anne-Marie, and Little Mix. How does your creative approach differ when remixing compared to creating original tracks?
I try to remix the song so it makes sense for the track and you have to bear in mind what whoever is getting you to remix might want.
The music industry can be quite dynamic. How have you evolved as an artist since your debut single “Get Out My Head”?
I’ve grown so much. I didn’t even know how a label worked or what an ‘A&R’ was before. I’m still learning every day and most of all my confidence has and is still growing. I hadn’t really performed before to more of a crowd than a few hundred so now it’s cool to be playing to big crowds and gaining experience.
You’ve mentioned being self-taught and having learned piano recently. How does expanding your musical skill set influence your production style?
Big time. I’m still only learning piano, to be honest, it’s something I want to master. Even to get good at guitar and drums will be something I’d want to do too. Learning these instruments teaches you new ways to make music and be more diverse.
Your music has a timeless dance vibe, reminiscent of 90s and early ’00s dance tracks. How do you manage to capture that nostalgic essence while keeping your sound fresh?
I try to use sounds that are a bit more modern and mix them in with the classic sounds. I love the ’90s and ’00s so I want to bring those influences in.
What can fans expect from your upcoming releases? Are there any particular themes or directions you’re exploring in your music?
’90s/’00s trance and classic dance styles are what I’m going for and trying to make the music that I love.
From your journey as a self-taught producer to your recent successes, what advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are looking to make their mark in the music industry?
Keep making music keep learning and start releasing as soon as you feel. After that, it would be good to be well-versed in social media as it’s such a useful tool for promotion. Thank you.
Thank you, Shane Codd, for taking the time to answer our questions. We absolutely love your new single, “Something More”, and we’re sure your listeners are just as obsessed with it as we are. We can’t wait to continue to watch your incredible future career unfold.
“Something More”, by Shane Codd, is available to download and stream, right now, across all platforms, via TYM Recordings. We highly suggest you check out his addictive track as well as his profile page on streaming sites as he has dropped some amazing tracks over the past few years.