SHANDA – HER FIRST VA RELEASE
ROOTED IN CLASSICAL TRAINING AND HONG KONG’S UNDERGROUND
Shanda’s journey into techno doesn’t follow a typical route. Born and raised in Hong Kong, she fell in love with music through the flute at age six and spent thirteen years playing in orchestras. In her twenties a night at a techno club in Australia completely changed her musical compass – the driving rhythms felt like “a doorway to joy and freedom”. That spark led her back home to Hong Kong, where she bought decks, began learning to mix and, within months, started ABYSS with friends to give fast, upbeat techno a home.
Shanda’s DJ journey officially began in 2020, and she wasted little time. Over the next three years she played more than seventy shows in underground venues including OMA, Social Room and Void. Her popularity brought bigger stages: she performed at Hong Kong’s Clockenflap festival in 2023 and headlined nights in Vietnam, Sydney and China. ABYSS quickly sold out over ten events, pushing a sound built on rhythmic drums, acid‑laced basslines and catchy vocal samples. Shanda describes her style as a blend of fast‑paced techno and dark grooves with unexpected rhythmic twists.
A MOVE TO BERLIN TO CHASE INSPIRATION
In September 2023 Shanda relocated to Berlin to immerse herself in the city’s legendary techno culture. She told Mixmag Asia that the move was about dedicating herself fully to music; Berlin offered endless parties and people who have “known and been enjoying Techno since they were young”. Her impact was immediate: she debuted at OXI Club, then appeared at revered venues such as RSO, Club OST, OXI, Renate and Alte Münze. She also became a resident at HEISSS and played the Home Again festival.
Despite being rooted in hard‑groove techno, Shanda’s sets often weave in minimal, trance and breakbeat influences; she believes the spectrum of techno is wider than ever and enjoys exploring that breadth. She describes the process of making mixes as meditative, a way to recharge while preparing positive and playful journeys for the dance floor.
INTRODUCING FRAEN – THE VOCALIST BEHIND THE TRACK
Shanda’s upcoming single marks her first collaboration with a vocalist, and she has chosen a compelling partner. Berlin‑based singer‑songwriter Fraen (Francesca Enge, also known as Fraen Again) is best known for blending neo‑soul, contemporary R&B and UK garage. Her debut EP every cloud has a silver lining (2023), created with German‑Jamaican producer Tender Games, pairs lush R&B arrangements with confessional lyrics and displays her vocal prowess and emotional nuance. The EP’s standout track “home now” uses a mellow guitar and dream‑pop touches to offer an introspective dialogue about self‑reliance; Fraen explained that the song encourages choosing self‑love when others neglect your feelings.
Fraen continued to release singles through 2024. Her neo‑soul/garage hybrid “hit’n’run” explores the turmoil of a complicated relationship; the song’s melancholic vocal and bass‑heavy beat create a chill yet deeply involving groove. Reviewers note that Fraen’s music often pairs vulnerability with modern, futuristic production — a style that makes her a natural fit for Shanda’s bold techno rhythms.
‘JUST A LITTLE MORE’ – A CROSSOVER OF TECH AND SOUL
The collaboration debuts on Bipolar Disorder Rec.’s upcoming Various Artists Vol. 003 compilation. The label’s third VA features fourteen tracks that span “the full arc of day and night,” balancing peak‑time euphoria with late‑night reflection. Shanda’s contribution, “Just a Little More,” is built on her trademark hard‑groove techno and features Fraen’s evocative vocals. The label lists the piece as “techno | groove” and notes that the track forms part of a balanced showcase in which new names sit alongside established producers. Mastering was handled by techno mainstay Chlaer, with artwork by Giorgi Gdrzelišvili.
“Just a Little More” is Shanda’s first official release on a compilation and offers a glimpse of her evolution from DJ to producer. Scheduled for release on 12 September 2025, the track captures the energy of the late‑night dance floor while Fraen’s vocal hooks hint at vulnerability and longing. It feels like a conversation between Shanda’s love of fast‑paced techno and Fraen’s neo‑soul storytelling — a fusion that mirrors her own journey from classical flutist to rave organiser.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Many of Decloak’s students will recognise Shanda’s relentless work ethic: she went from learning to DJ in her bedroom to organising events, playing festivals and moving halfway across the world in just a few years. Her story illustrates how quickly things can progress when classical discipline meets rave passion. With “Just a Little More,” Shanda not only breaks into production but also bridges techno with soulful songwriting. It’s an inspiring reminder that electronic music can be both hard‑hitting and deeply human — something Shanda and Fraen demonstrate beautifully.
You can check out here track here pre-release as it was selected as a Preview track for the EP - https://on.soundcloud.com/OIxhgsp8TJ81BmwR4p
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