DJ Shadow spent his teenage years in Davis, California and was a DJ at the community radio station KDVS. During his time as a radio disc jockey, DJ Shadow was significant in developing the experimental instrumental hip-hop style associated with the California-based Solesides record label. His early singles for the label, including In/Flux and Lost and Found (S.F.L.), were genre-bending works of art merging elements of funk, rock, hip-hop, ambient, jazz, soul, and used-bin found records. DJ Shadow is often cited as a leading creator of trip-hop, though this is a label he strongly contests.
Although he previously released a couple of original works (during 1991-1992 for Hollywood Records) by the time Mo' Wax's James Lavelle contacted him about releasing In/Flux on the fledgling imprint, it wasn't until his distribution association with Mo' Wax that his sound began to mature and cohere.
Shadow's first full-length work, Endtroducing....., was released in late 1996 to immense critical acclaim. Following the success of this album, he acted as a shadow producer for Rage Against The Machine for their album, Evil Empire. It is said he influenced the solo on their song "Bulls On Parade". Endtroducing... made the Guinness World Records book for "First Completely Sampled Album" in 2001. Preemptive Strike, a compilation of early singles, followed in early 1998. Later that year, Shadow produced tracks for Psyence Fiction, the debut album by U.N.K.L.E., a long-time Mo' Wax production team that gained superstar guests including Thom Yorke (of Radiohead), Richard Ashcroft (of The Verve), Mike D (of the Beastie Boys) and others. His next project came in 1999, with the transformation of Solesides into a new label, Quannum Projects. Nearly six years after his debut production album, his second album, The Private Press, was released in June 2002. In the same year, the movie "Scratch" (2001, Doug Pray) was released to DVD with DJ Shadow appearing several times throughout the movie.
The documentary films "Dark Days" and "Wisconsin Death Trip" feature music of DJ Shadow while "Scratch" features an interview and more music.
DJ Shadow has also collaborated with fellow artist Cut Chemist. Together they have made two CDs entitled Brainfreeze and Product Placement. These albums fuse jazz, funk, and soul in the framework of a cohesive concept. The second of these (Product Placement) followed a very similar pattern to the first, but using remixes/other versions of the songs in roughly the same order.
In the year 2004, Shadow released his feature length DVD, In Tune and On Time. The DVD features a live performance in London, emphasizing intricate visuals.
In 2005, Shadow released a Deluxe Edition of his first album, Endtroducing.... and a new album, titled "The Outsider" in 2006.
While Shadow's earlier works, especially 'Endtroducing.....', are known for their innovation in genres such as hip-hop, ambient, and trip-hop, his fourth full length album, The Outsider, had several tracks dedicated to Hyphy. This decision has been controversial, leaving many fans feeling alienated. DJ Shadow addressed this point in an August, 2006 interview, in which stated, "Repeat Endtroducing over and over again? That was never, ever in the game plan. Fuck that. So I think it's time for certain fans to decide if they are fans of the album, or the artist."
Also in 2005, Brian Udelhofen began work on the Shadow Percussion Project, an attempt to adapt some of the tracks from Endtroducing... for a live performance group. The result was largely successful and well-received by DJ Shadow himself.
In 2007 DJ Shadow was contacted by the Hollywood Bowl to do a show featuring Freeze with Cut Chemist. However, not wanting to repeat old material DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist came up with a whole new routine entitled The Hard Sell. In 2007 and 2008 they went on The Hard Sell tour and were accompanied on stage by two large video screens with visuals created for the tour.
Discography
Solo Albums
* 1996 - Endtroducing.....
* 1998 - Preemptive Strike
* 2000 - Dark Days
* 2002 - The Private Press
* 2003 - The Private Repress (Japanese Remix Album)
* 2004 - In Tune and On Time
* 2005 - Endtroducing... (2xCD Deluxe Edition)
* 2006 - The Outsider
* 2007 - The 4-Track Era Vol.1 Best of the KMEL Mixes
* 2007 - The 4-Track Era Vol.2 Best of the Remixes and Megamixes (1990-1992)
* 2011 - The Less You Know, the Better
with Q Bert
* 1997 - Camel Bobsled Race (Q-Bert Mega Mix) CD-EP
with UNKLE
* 1998 - Psyence Fiction
with Cut Chemist
* 1999 - Brainfreeze
* 2001 - Product Placement
* 2004 - Product Placement on Tour
* 2005 - Freeze
* 2008 - The Hard Sell
with Dan The Automator
* 1998 - Bombay the Hard Way: Guns, Cars and Sitars
Swerve
DJ Shadow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Swerve swerve swerve swerve swerve
Swerve swerve swerve swerve swerve swerve swerve swerve Swerve swerve
Swerve swerve swerve swerve swerve
Swerve swerve swerve swerve swerve swerve swerve swerve Swerve swerve
Swerve swerve swerve swerve swerve
Swerve swerve swerve
Swerve swerve swerve swerve swerve swerve swerve swerve Swerve swerve
Swerve swerve swerve swerve swerve
The repeating phrase "Swerve swerve swerve" in DJ Shadow's song "Swerve" can be interpreted in multiple ways depending on the context of the song and the artist's intentions. Here, we will explore some possible meanings.
The repetition of the word "swerve" could suggest a sense of spontaneity or unpredictability. In this interpretation, the lyrics could be urging listeners to embrace a more free-spirited and adventurous approach to life. Just as a vehicle swerves off its intended path, the lyrics may be encouraging individuals to break away from conformity and explore new possibilities. It could be seen as a call to take risks, explore unconventional paths, and challenge established norms.
Furthermore, the repetition of "swerve" could symbolize a change in direction or a shift in perspective. It may invite listeners to reshape their perceptions and break away from fixed mindsets. By continuously repeating the word, the lyrics emphasize the importance of remaining open-minded and adaptable to new ideas and experiences. It could suggest that by swerving off the beaten path, one can discover new insights and possibilities.
Additionally, the repetition of "swerve" could be interpreted as a way to break out of stagnant routines or patterns. It may symbolize a desire to break free from monotony, boredom, or limitations. The lyrics could be urging listeners to shake off constraints and seek out excitement and novelty. By embracing change and unpredictability, one may find renewed energy and inspiration in their pursuits.
Lastly, the repetitive nature of the word "swerve" could simply serve as a rhythmic element in the song. DJ Shadow, known for his innovative use of samples and beats, may have chosen to repeat the word for its musical impact rather than a specific lyrical meaning. The repetition creates a catchy and hypnotic effect that adds to the overall groove and vibe of the track.
Ultimately, the interpretation of these lyrics depends on the listener's perspective and the overall context of the song. The repetition of "swerve" can be seen as a call to embrace spontaneity, seek new directions, break free from routines, or simply enjoy the rhythmic qualities of the word.
Line by Line Meaning
Swerve swerve swerve swerve swerve swerve swerve swerve Swerve swerve
Continuously and rapidly change direction in order to avoid obstacles or challenges. Keep adapting and evolving to overcome difficulties.
Swerve swerve swerve swerve swerve
Continue to make sudden changes in course, avoiding potential dangers and uncertainties.
Swerve swerve swerve swerve swerve swerve swerve swerve Swerve swerve
Persistently steer away from potential obstacles or distractions, always staying focused on the ultimate goal.
Swerve swerve swerve swerve swerve
Continue to navigate through various challenges, never allowing oneself to be limited or restricted.
Swerve swerve swerve swerve swerve swerve swerve swerve Swerve swerve
Keep maneuvering and adjusting one's path to bypass any barriers or limitations encountered. Stay flexible and adaptable.
Swerve swerve swerve swerve swerve
Remain agile and flexible, making constant adjustments to avoid obstacles and maintain progress.
Writer(s): Joshua Davis
Contributed by Oliver O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@miklo1904619
that triple beat is dope!!
@METRORNORM
Sick bassline. ;-)
@umcarainteressante
Dayum...
@Rogier182
Proper Big
@SamPattison97
noooice
@miklo1904619
+Sam Pattison lmao I still say that all the time NOICE!!! key n peele hahahaha
@markbercier595
awwwwwhhhh yeeeeaaaa