SIMON SHACKLETON

With over three decades in the music industry, Simon Shackleton stands as a visionary composer and producer known for his emotive and diverse soundscapes. His productions weave together elements of cinematic electronica, organic house, and progressive breakbeat, always balancing emotion with innovation. His ability to craft immersive, brooding soundscapes has earned him comparisons to artists like Nine Inch Nails, Massive Attack, and Radiohead.

Throughout his career, Simon has released music on prestigious labels such as Anjunadeep and Soundgarden, alongside his own Stereophoenix imprint. His reputation for creating deeply atmospheric tracks filled with texture and emotional resonance has cemented his place as a leading figure in emotive electronic music. Simon engineers, produces, records, performs, mixes, and masters all of his own material, ensuring every detail of his music reflects his singular vision.

His upcoming release, set for October 2024, promises to be his most personal and cinematic work to date, delving into dark, introspective themes with evocative vocals and innovative production. The Shadowmaker album, releasing in 2025, will feature intimate songwriting and multi-layered vocal performances.

From his early classical training to worldwide tours with Lunatic Calm, Simon’s journey has always been driven by a relentless passion for sound. He gained legendary status with his extended DJ sets including his iconic One Series performances known for their six or seven-hour journeys through genre-defying landscapes.

Simon’s music has been featured in major Hollywood productions like The Matrix and Spiderman, as well as in video games such as Motorstorm and FIFA. His work as a composer has been recognized for its ability to enhance narrative, creating unforgettable sonic environments.

As an artist who never stands still, Simon has also founded and run several award-winning record labels, while mentoring the next generation of producers. His focus now is on creating emotionally charged, cinematic soundscapes that push boundaries and explore new territory—ushering in a bold new chapter in his illustrious career.

Elite Force, the groundbreaking alias of Simon Shackleton, has been at the forefront of the electronic music scene since 1996. Widely regarded as a key figure in the evolution of the breakbeat and nu-skool breaks genres, Elite Force’s signature sound is rooted in his pioneering “tech-funk” style—an eclectic fusion of house, techno, electro, and breaks that has defined his career.

Elite Force’s debut releases on his own Fused & Bruised label in the late 1990s were a visceral blend of breakbeat and experimental electronica. His fearless exploration of diverse genres helped carve out a distinct niche in electronic music. By the 2000s, Elite Force was recognized globally for his heavy, groove-laden dancefloor anthems, earning acclaim from the likes of Fatboy Slim, Laurent Garnier, and James Zabiela.

In 2010, the release of his Revamped album solidified Elite Force’s place as a dominant force in the electronic music world. The album introduced the concept of “revamps”—innovative mash-ups that combined elements from multiple tracks to create entirely new works. The project was a huge success, dominating music charts globally and earning Simon a prestigious Beatport Award for the best-selling breaks track of the year. That same year, Elite Force swept the Breakspoll Awards, winning Best Producer and Best Label for U&A Recordings.

Beyond the studio, Elite Force has been a force to be reckoned with on the international DJ circuit. His performances have taken him across the globe with shows in Australia, China, the USA, Russia, and countless other countries. His legendary DJ sets, including marathon six-hour performances at festivals like Glastonbury, Burning Man, and Coachella, are known for their seamless transitions and boundary-pushing track selections.

Elite Force’s music has also found a home in film, TV, and video games, with placements in The Matrix, MotorStorm: Apocalypse, Pro Evolution Soccer, and Driveclub, to name a few. His remixes for artists such as Grandmaster Flash, Crystal Method, and UNKLE have cemented his reputation as one of the most innovative and sought-after remixers in the industry.

As a lynchpin in the tech-funk movement, Simon Shackleton’s Elite Force project continues to push the boundaries of electronic music, blending genres, breaking rules, and creating a lasting legacy in the global dance music scene.