By the time they started Shakedown in 1999, Mandrax and Seb K. already had a good idea of each other’s musicality: they’re brothers, blending Swiss and Swedish backgrounds. Stephan Mandrax is no newcomer to electronic music. Initially a fan of new wave and punk (making his 1984 DJ debut in a rock club), house music found him in 1986. Stephan moved to New York in 1992, starting the labels Liquid Groove and Boombastic and producing records with the legendary Mike Delgado. In late 1999, he returned to Switzerland to set up a new home and a new studio. Over the last decade his ear, his understanding of the dancefloor and his skills in the booth have seen him consistently booked for the world’s best nights.
After a stint studying and working as a sound engineer in London (1993-1996), Seb K returned to Switzerland, starting the Bel-Air Project (1997-1998) and the label Cornflex. In 1998 he released a series of well-received 12”s including the highly-regarded "Dark Jazzor," whose overall sound, though genre-defying, leant towards funky and experimental drum 'n'
bass. Recognising they had developed complementary sets of skills, the two brothers formed Shakedown. They started working together by producing tracks for other artists before beginning to record "You Think You Know" with artists such as Pookie and vocalist Terra Deva. After a year of recording sessions in New York City and Lausanne the record was released at the end of 2001 on Naïve/Sony/Defected.
Featuring fresh blends of electro-house, and something that could be listened to from the living room to the dancefloor, “You Think You Know” included the huge hit and critically acclaimed “At Night”. “At Night” became a 2002 dance anthem, crossing over to national charts and peaking in the UK at 6th place with an appearance on Top Of The Tops, a first for Swiss musicians (long used to living in relative obscurity). Despite the huge demands success placed on the brothers’ time, Shakedown showed no signs of stopping. Their work has been steadily refined, with the tempo of their music becoming more personal, more confident. In a space of their own making, somewhere between electro, house, pop and rock, the two brothers have built a sound that is very much their own, as evidenced by their continued productions.
The single “Lovegame” (released in 2003 on the Kitsuné Love compilation); remixes for Mirwais (“I Can’t Wait”), Mousse T (“Fire” and “Cos I’m Cool”), Royskopp (“Eple”) and Les Rhythmes Digitales (“Jacques your body”); a track produced for and co-written with Bootsy Collins for his latest release (“Funky and You Know It”) and others for the band “Rinocerose”: all have showed that Mandrax and Seb have continued to blossom as artists. Also demonstrating widespread appreciation for the sound the brothers have created, Shakedown’s tracks have also been used in the films “The Transporter 2” by Louis Letterrier and “ Les Corps Impatients” by Xavier Gianolli. Now, having spent more than two years working in the studio, Shakedown is ready to share its latest creation : “Spellbound “.
The new album features carefully crafted arrangements whose combination of synthetic sounds and organic movements is reminiscent of cold-wave or electronica but ends up in an entirely new place. The beats and dynamics are inspired by the electronic music of clubland, but added to them is a surprising and sometimes melancholic songwriting, expressed by the voices of Dacia Bridges, Mark Kelly and Terra Deva. The songs flow from the album’s beginning to end, part of a journey that will remind the listener of classic electronica from The Cure first albums (“Lonely Road”) to Massive Attack (“Emerald Eyes “) in addition to the music of Ennio Morricone (“ Spellbound “) but without forgetting the dancefloor (“Fantasy”).
At Night
Shakedown Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It seems I can't deny
Some days just don't seem right
I think I feel, I feel much better
At night
Sometimes I can't deny
Some days just don't seem right
At night
Sometimes I can't deny
Some days just pass me by
You know I feel, I feel much better
At night
(I feel)
Seems I can't deny
Some days just don't seem right
I think I feel, I feel much better
At night
Sometimes I can't deny
Some days just pass me by
You know I feel, I feel much better
At night
Yeah
The lyrics of Shakedown's "At Night" express the idea that sometimes, the night can be a healing and soothing experience. The repeated phrase "seems I can't deny, some days just don't seem right" suggests that the singer is struggling with their emotions during the day, but feels relief and comfort when the night comes. This is emphasized in the repetition of "I feel, I feel much better at night." The contrast between the difficulties of the day and the tranquility of the night reinforces the idea that the singer finds solace in the darkness.
The lyrics also touch on the fleeting nature of time, with the line "sometimes I can't deny, some days just pass me by." This could refer to the idea that when the singer is bogged down by the struggles of the day, time seems to go slowly and they are very aware of each passing moment. However, when the night comes, time moves quickly and they are able to relax and let time slip by more easily.
Overall, the lyrics of "At Night" suggest that the singer finds the night to be a moment of respite, a time where they can let go of the troubles of the day and find comfort in the darkness. This is a relatable experience for many people, as the night often provides a sense of calmness and introspection that can be difficult to find during the day.
Line by Line Meaning
(I feel at night)
This song is about how the singer feels better at night than during the day.
It seems I can't deny
The singer cannot help but acknowledge their feelings about preferring nighttime.
Some days just don't seem right
The singer has days where everything feels off or wrong.
I think I feel, I feel much better
Despite the bad days, the artist feels much better at night.
At night
The artist finds comfort and solace during nighttime.
Sometimes I can't deny
On occasion, the singer struggles to acknowledge or admit their preference for nighttime.
Some days just pass me by
The singer has days that feel meaningless or uneventful.
You know I feel, I feel much better
Regardless of what happens during the day, the artist feels better at nighttime.
Yeah
A simple affirmation or agreement to the sentiments expressed in the song.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network
Written by: SIMON CHRISTOPHER NEALE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
chaoslab
Will absolutely be playing this in my next set. <3 Delicious!
Romano Zagorscak
To date, and it is 2021 I rarely hear so awesomely composed tune. Perfecto.
Proeks King
This gotta be the best mix out there ,straight banger🧡
andy sea
this is a art by seamus haji,perfect.this guy is the best dj in the world.
Αυγέρης Χρήστος
chill out man,need to hear some djs. a good remix after all, probably the best.
DJ BLUE
true I know him personally and soon goin to invite him for gig
Mike JH
Love this mix
DarkenRhhal
This remix is so much better than the original, but the original song still is great both really good
N V
nice vocals!
Stefano Krizmanic
Maaan!!!!!! It has seriousness and love! ooohhh I love it!