We’re very excited to have Shonky over for the first time at Paradigm Festival. In the lead-up to our annual gathering this August, we asked him a few questions.

Festival season is already in full swing and you’ve got a busy schedule, both with solo gigs and as part of Apollonia. How do you prepare for such an intense period?

I love this time of year. It’s such a joy to play outdoor parties and catch so many amazing artists performing. There’s a special kind of energy everywhere—everyone’s in great spirits and ready to have a good time. It’s intense, for sure, but absolutely worth it. Between shows, I try to collect as much music as I can, and when I’m not touring, I focus on resting and recharging as much as possible.

Which aspects of touring around the world do you appreciate the most?

I’ve been lucky to tour for a long time, and I realize more every day that this is the kind of lifestyle that truly fits me. I love being on the run. Meeting people who love your music, discovering new places, and immersing myself in different cultures. It’s such a beautiful life, and I’m truly grateful to be able to experience it all.

Later this month, a new EP with Robin Ordell will be released: Born On The Same Day Vol. 1. How did this record come together?

Robin has been a close friend for many years, and we actually started making music together back in 2019. It felt so easy and natural in the studio. I love making beats with my Robino. Between 2020 and 2025, we created a bunch of tracks and picked the ones we liked the most at the time. We’re both super happy to finally see this project come out, and we’re already planning to be back in the studio together in the coming weeks. Robin also designed the artwork for this release, which makes it feel even more special.

Robin Ordell & Shonky

What’s your favorite piece of studio gear?

The MPC 3000, for sure. It’s a classic, used by legends like Dr. Dre and Moodymann. I mainly use it for drums, and I just love the sound. It glues everything together in such a beautiful way. I’m a big fan of drum machines in general, but for me, nothing beats the 3000. If I had to pick a second piece, it would be the Minimoog Model D. I got the reissue in 2016, and it’s an absolute must for making basslines.

You’re playing on the Sunday of Paradigm Festival at the Valhalla stage, known for its intimacy and captivating energy. Is there one track you know for sure will make it into your set?

It’s hard to pick just one track. I like to stay free and adapt to the vibe of each party. That said, I’ve been playing a lot of music from Tom Carruthers lately. He’s had some great releases on L.I.E.S., his own label Non Stop Rhythm, and also on Clone.

Catch Shonky closing the Valhalla stage on Sunday!