Interview: Apollonia

Since forming new collaboration and label Apollonia earlier this year, Dan Ghenacia, Dyed Soundorom and Shonky have wasted no time showing the rest of the world exactly what they are about.

If you're lucky enough to have caught the trio performing as the new outfit across clubs like DC10 in Ibiza and Mint Club in Leeds, you will no doubt have already caught the Apollonia bug that is spreading across the world of deep, underground house music.

Here's a little video introduction to the trio:

In anticipation of their next performance at Sankeys in Manchester, we caught up with the team to find out a little more about the label and the members themselves...

We read that your Apollonia collaboration is named after the muse of Prince; tell us a bit more about that?
Dan:The whole concept around Apollonia is that we are all massive fans of Prince and Apollonia is the girlfriend of Prince. In the movie Purple Rain, she is the one who offered him the famous white guitar. But to go deeper into the concept, Prince invented what he called the Minneapolis sound, which is a mixture of white soul and black music, and this is what we try to do with Apollonia.

Your 'Trax On The Road' EP is set to become Apollonia's next release. How did you shape this sound?
Dan: Actually, the inspiration came from being on the road (which is why it is called this). I found the sample elements after playing parties, when I was on the plane going home, but still with the energy of the party. Then I was  going back to the studio and working, using my machines to finish the project.

Circoloco at DC10 was incredible in Ibiza this Summer, and you played most parties week in, week out. What was your most memorable time over the season?
Dan:  Monday 17 /09/ 2012, one of my best sessions on the DC10 terrace. A really good set.

And are you excited for your Boxing Day bash at Sankeys?
Shonky: Of course, we love the club, we have played three times a year at Sankeys and now to have the opportunity with Dan, I am glad to do it with them together.
Dyed: I am really excited because father christmas is maybe going to play with us.
Dan: very excited

When did you guys start playing together?
Dyed:  I would say I think around, 2000... I cant remember where.

How would you describe Apollonia in a nut shell?
Dyed: Apollonia is three musical brothers from another mother.

And when can we expect to see Dyed Soundorom release on the label?
Dyed:  As soon as my ep is finished, i hope before the summer.

What's the clubbing scene like in Paris at the moment?
Shonky: It is getting better and better, we have a lot of amazing parties at places like Concrete and Showcase. Showcase is packed every Friday and Saturday. Now there is a new cycle in Paris, it is way better than when I left five years ago.

Would you say the three of you have individual roles in the group?
Shonky: We all work together but at the end of the day some of us are better at some things... Dan led Freak n'Chic for years so he has more experience on how to lead a label, we are more new to this business.

Tell us about your favourite Apollonia party so far? Leeds was pretty damn good a few weeks back we have to say!
The party we had at DC10 this summer...  Our first Apollonia showcase in Ibiza. They are all good and different. Movement in Torino with Derrick May was also great, we have some magic moments.

This Boxing Day, Apollonia will take over the main room of Manchester's Sankeys, with an all night performance of one-vinyl-each, back2back2back, of some of the most sexy, groovy and deep underground house around. Expect a royal good time as the team take charge and show you how to party Apollonia style!

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