Rising from the ashes and breathing new life into each of their projects is none other than dynamic bass duo, Shanghai Doom, and Aussie wub queen, Ren Zukii have teamed up to release their surprise new track “The Phoenix’ via our friends over at WAKAAN. Serving as a reflection of new life, this track was just a work in progress in Shanghai Doom’s files until they reached out to sensation Ren Zukii to take on a new and fresh perspective on the already stellar track. It features a range of bouncy synths, playful melodies, and a deep driving bassline all wrapped up together to showcase both projects unique individual styles in one amazing tune. 

“Ren hit us up about working on some music – coincidentally right after we discovered her tunes on Wakaan. We sent over a few WIPs and she brought new life to what became ‘The Phoenix’. Very fitting for a tune that ended up being reborn.” – Shanghai Doom

There is no doubt that this tune is a breath of fresh air, bringing its infectious energy to anyone who gets the chance to listen to it. “The Phoenix” is without a doubt going to be rinsed out far and wide, at festivals and live sets all over the world. Both projects have taken the time to sit down and answer some of our burning questions about the release, their collaboration process and what is to come for each project so make sure to check out our exclusive Q&A with both Shanghai Doom and Ren Zukii below!

Diving Deep w/ Shanghai Doom & Ren Zukii

1. Creating music can be a difficult task on its let alone when three different people are working together on one track. What was your favorite part about working together on “The Phoenix”? Did you have any challenges to overcome while working together?

“To be honest the process for this collab went really smoothly. We sent over a couple ideas over to Ren that we were sort of stuck on. She ended up sending a couple versions of what she had done back and maybe the biggest challenge was that we were unsure which version we wanted to go back and work off of lol.” – Shanghai Doom

“This record actually came together seamlessly. We only went back and forth 3 times. I feel like we worked really well together creatively and I am so hyped on their sound so it was good to tie in my bass elements and style with theirs. I am keen to make more music with Shanghai Doom in the near future.” -Ren Zukii

2. What inspirations and elements did your project bring to this track? How was it translated into one cohesive work of art since you were working as a group?

“Sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint exact inspirations in a track, but I think what ended up making the project sound cohesive with both our sounds is that the original idea already had a melodic aspect to it. I know a lot of times our music is a little more experimental in regards to melody and structure (or lack thereof)” -Shanghai Doom

“They sent me a few wips, all were fire so it was hard to choose, however as soon as i heard the first one my brain instantly knew where to take it so we went with it. I used my go to bass programming which is just a saw wave with a bunch of different distortions on top. The demo they originally sent me had a really good feel. I made sure to keep the motif and just intertwine my style. It came out really nice” -Ren Zukii

3. Both of your projects right now are being shot into the forefront of the bass music scene, but there is always more ground to cover! Where do you see your project in 5 years and how are you working to get there currently?

“In 5 years, hoping to be one of the mainstays on the festival circuit with some big headline slots, also hoping to be able to successfully headline our own tour and just be creating even better music – currently always working on new music to play out and bring the listeners a unique experience – and honing in on the flow of our dj sets. We’ve already seen a huge improvement over the past couple years when we really started playing out.” -Shanghai Doom

“In 5 years I am hoping to be continuing working and collaborating  in studios alongside other musical people. In terms of business I hope I’m pulling off successful tours for the sake of my team and I,  they work hard and deserve that. I guess the main goal here is to keep loving what I’m doing and hoping that the music output is enriching peoples lives or inspiring others somehow.” -Ren Zukii

4. Both of your projects have the honor of performing at Lost Lands Music Festival this year which is a huge accomplishment! What are you doing to prepare for such a huge set as this in September?

“Pretty much what was said in question 3 hahah – but having experienced lost lands for the first time last year the prep will prob be a bit more focused” -Shanghai Doom

“Yup thats the biggest milestone for me personally as of yet. I’m excited to experience such a big festival and to be able to play my own music to heaps of folks in a different country.  I can’t really believe it is happening yet and I’m so grateful to get such an opportunity. I will be playing all of my tracks and IDs &  alot of my favourites from other artists. Eventually i’ll have a 100% RZ originals crafted set but that’s for the future and when I finish more of wips” -Ren Zukii

5. What is next for your project? What do you and your team have planned for the near future that fans have to look forward to?

“We have more music on the way (obviously) but also have an EP lined up that were excited about! Also some tour stuff in the works that we may be announcing soon!” -Shanghai Doom

“More music, hopefully many more shows, more fun and laughs. I just want to go see the world, meet nice people and write good tunes. That is on the cards! I want to put a bit more energy into my brand and the visual side of the music. I am working with someone at the moment on the vision and that’s all really exciting. The possibilities are endless. Who knows.” -Ren Zukii