23 Feb Nothing Is Impossible for HEKLER

Nothing Is Impossible for HEKLER

By Danielle Ilag

Shaun, known professionally as HEKLER, was raised in the city of sin, Las Vegas, Nevada. He grew up playing the trombone in high school which later helped him to write music. Shaun listened to UKF (United Kingdom & Frome) Dubstep mixes and was always curious how those songs were made. 

A little over three years ago he became serious about his music career and wanted to stand out. Starting with producing hip-hop beats, HEKLER began experimenting with electronic sounds. Now he’s been producing music for almost seven years and is as focused as ever. 

That focus on what he’s doing and his path, has led him to climbing the ranks of the music industry. Since 2018 his success has shown the world a whole new side to electronic music. This is HEKLER.

What is your vision for HEKLER?

As cliche as it sounds, I saw it in lights in a dream.

How was music a part of your life growing up? 

I grew up playing trombone and always had my family playing all sorts of genres around the house and road trips that broadened my taste in music.

What was your childhood like?

I had a pretty good childhood aside from my father walking out on us. My mother and grandparents gave me and my brother such a good childhood.

How did playing a musical instrument in your childhood help you to become an artist?

Playing instruments showed me how diverse you can become as an artist. It taught me at a young age that music is a form of self-expression over just making something to fit in.

What kind of music did you listen to growing up? 

Honestly, what didn’t I listen to? Everything from Classic rap to rock to country and R&B. I was exposed to it all.

Who were some of your favorite artists?

Growing up I loved listening to classics like Aerosmith, the Beatles, Barry Manilow, Tupac, BB King, Boyz 2 Men, DMX, and the list honestly could go on forever.

You seriously create music that makes the crowd scream back. How would you describe your sound without using any genres?

Music that doesn’t confine to a general norm.

From where do you draw inspiration for your music? 

My personal life experiences.

What is your process like from beginning to end when making a song?

I usually start with a chord progression and build off of it like legos in a way. I never try to overthink. If it doesn’t happen naturally it wasn’t meant to be.

Tell me about “Temple.” What was the inspiration for this track?

“Temple” was written with one of my best friends Ronnie aka Gladez and a new homie Rezcoast Brisky. We wanted to capture a very nostalgic electronic vibe with a hip-hop influence.

This year you’re releasing your debut album. Pre COVID-19 did you already have the idea in your head to create this album?

Yes, I actually started the album about a year prior to the pandemic trying to create a sound and vibe that captured me as a person.

How has quarantine changed your work ethic and inspiration? 

Quarantine did a lot for me creatively. It allowed me to sit down and experiment more than I ever have been able to prior with touring all the time.

What songs of yours have been the most enjoyable to write? Why?

Honestly, every song I’ve written is enjoyable just for the simple fact of me loving to write music. I never force anything when it comes to being creative.

What is it about collaboration that’s so important to you as a musician? 

Collaborations for me are important because you learn and think differently with each one you do. Not one artist I work with ever approaches a song the same and it helps me grow by seeing how each individual creates.

This year, what goals have you set for yourself to achieve?

The goals I have set for myself are honestly just not to overthink and to remember why I started writing music. It was never to impress anyone.

When you are looking out to see the crowd’s reaction to your new music how does that make you feel? 

Sometimes it’s the most amazing feeling in the world and sometimes when a song I pour my heart into doesn’t do well it really is hard on me sometimes.

How has the realization that you write tunes to impress other producers help your music? And who are some producers that you wish to impress?

I never write to impress only to express what I was going through at that moment. That’s why my music always varies sonically.

Ekali and Sullivan King have dubbed you the future of Bass music with no question. At what moment have you felt like you lived up to your own expectations?

I still haven’t lived up to what I believe I’m capable of. I’m a firm believer that no matter how good you are at something you can always learn something new every day.

I’m a Houston girl and I’ve read on your Twitter that you will work with Travis Scott one day. Who are some other artists outside of electronic dance music that you would like to work with and why?

I’d love to work with Mike Dean, he’s one of my biggest inspirations. Trippie Redd is also on the list just because I love his music sonically. I would also love to work with Justice one day because of how nostalgic and funky their music is. I’ve always made all genres of music honestly more than what I’m known for.

When you get the chance to fully design a stage for a tour, what does that look like?

I’d want it to be more of an audio-visual experience where people are in a 360 room instead of a regular venue.

What do you think was your biggest struggle to get to where you are today? How did you overcome this?

The biggest struggle I’ve had to overcome has been dealing with hate and not realizing that everyone thinks the same as me. I just try zoning it out and not reading everything I’m tagged in.

What do you love about your fans, and how do they motivate you?

My fans are some of the most down to earth understanding people in the community. For the most part, they’ve always supported me no matter what vibe I’m on and that’s hard to find especially in the Bass community.

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