Grammy-nominated producer and multi-instrumentalist BT, and Japan’s leading melodic house artist Shingo Nakamura, today unveil their long-awaited debut collaboration, “Lifeforce,” on Monstercat Silk.
For more than two decades, BT has solidified himself as a renowned composer, engineer, and technologist, among other roles. His achievements include a Grammy nomination for ‘Best Electronic/Dance Music Album,’ producing, collaborating, and writing with Death Cab for Cutie, David Bowie, Madonna, Sting, NSYNC, and Britney Spears, and composing original scores for films and TV series including The Fast and the Furious, Smallville, and Six Feet Under. Widely recognized as a pioneer of trance and intelligent dance music, BT has also developed award-winning software such as Stutter Edit and Break Tweaker. Additionally, his innovative live-coded work in web3 initiated him as a NFT100 winner in 2022. Last year, he unveiled his 15th studio album on Monstercat Silk, ‘The Secret Language of Trees,’ taking inspiration from machine learning and AI. In support of the album launch, BT held two sold-out live listening events; his London-based session at The Castle Cinema presented by Pitchback Playback, and for U.S fans, another in Los Angeles’ Sepulveda Screening Room. 2023 also saw him headline Monstercat Silk Showcase’s second night, celebrating the 700th episode at Ora Nightclub in Seattle.
Shingo Nakamura is one of Monstercat Silk’s resident leaders, with immense DSP and radio success. In 2023, he landed as the third most-played artist in the world on SiriusXM Chill, with his record “Come Closer” becoming their the second most-played song of the year, including his residency “Summer of Shingo.” He’s taken his music across the globe to events such as Tomorrowland and Amsterdam Dance Event, and opening for artists including P.O.S (of Above & Beyond) and Marsh. Last year, he returned to the States for the first time in over a decade, where he played back-to-back nights at Monstercat Silk Showcase. This past February, Shingo sold out his San Francisco return at Bergerac, and is looking forward to announcing more live shows soon.
BT and Shingo’s collaboration was fueled by years of mutual respect and admiration – though initially from afar. Throughout Shingo’s career, he adopted elements inspired by BT into his own tracks – leading him to become one of the most highly-respected melodic house producers from Japan. For his part, BT initially discovered Shingo’s music through his wife’s playlists. Reaching out to express his admiration, their exchange led to a profound realization for BT about the electronic music landscape.
“Though often we create in solitude, the true measure of our work’s resonance is felt when it reaches others – whether through the energetic exchange of live performances or the intimate connections forged with fellow artists,” BT shared. It’s in these moments of mutual recognition that an individual’s creative endeavours are validated, revealing a shared humanity.
Incorporating synths that echo traces of euphoric trance and big room over an acid bassline, the duo embrace elements from a bygone era. The collaboration is a testament to BT’s legacy in the scene while highlighting a tale of mentorship and prodigy with Shingo Nakamura, where innovation is passed from one generation to the next shaping a new era in music.
BT comments, “As someone that is obsessed with words (I literally collect them – especially those from other cultures with tremendous specificity) – I was thrilled to talk with Shingo when he visited about some specifically Japanese concepts. We covered everything from Kintsugi to Forest Bathing and of course, Ikigai. When we discussed this concept – I knew somehow it would inform the track name we were working on. That is how we came up with the title.”
Shingo Nakamura adds, “When I visited BT’s house for studio work, we talked about “Lifeforce” (Ikigai). We tried to describe the beauty and strength of life. Composing music is “Lifeforce” (Ikigai) for me, and it all started when I came across BT’s music. What is “Lifeforce” for you? I would be happy if the song could be an opportunity for you to think about it.”
As BT and Shingo Nakamura continue to work on music together and separately, fans can look forward to more magical compositions and live shows to come, including Shingo at Ora Nightclub in Seattle on June 8th, and The Middle East in Boston on September 13th, while BT heads to Webster Hall on May 26th with Paul Oakenfold.
