Shemsu, born in Paris as Fran Mtz, discovered his passion for electronic music as a teenager and soon began producing his own tracks. While his style blends elements of progressive house and melodic techno, Shemsu defies strict genre labels—driven by a love for music and a spirit of creative freedom.
Known for warm melodies, groovy basslines, and contagious energy, his sound has evolved into a unique and expressive signature.
Beyond producing, Shemsu plays a vital role in the scene as A&R Manager for Krafted Underground and CEO of EMA – Electronic Music Anthem. With previous experience running his own label, he brings a wealth of industry knowledge and a deep connection to the electronic music community.
Shemsu worked with Steel Tone on Mind Control, a sublime track that will be out on our label, Tanzgemeinschaft Records. Time for a chat about this collaboration.
Connect with Shemsu on Soundcloud / Facebook / Instagram
How did the collaboration between you and Steel Tone come about? Was it a natural connection or something you planned for a while?
It was a natural connection. Steel Tone and I have mutual respect for our work, and we’ve been circling around the idea of working together for a while. When we finally got in the studio, the energy was immediate — everything flowed. It wasn’t forced or overthought; it just clicked.
Can you walk us through the creative process behind this track? How did you balance each other’s influences and styles?
We both come from different sonic backgrounds but share a deep love for melodic tension and emotional depth. I brought my atmospheric textures and hypnotic grooves, while Steel Tone added this raw, rhythmic edge. We were open with each other — no ego — just pushing ideas back and forth until the track told its own story.
What was the main inspiration or story you wanted to tell with this release?
Mind Control explores that blurred line between desire and obsession — the way something can consume your thoughts completely. The female vocal represents that internal voice, seductive and commanding, like a force pulling you in deeper. It’s dark but beautiful.
Galø also contributed a remix — how did you feel hearing their reinterpretation of your original work for the first time?
I was blown away. Galø took the core energy of the track and twisted it into something more raw and unpredictable. It was surreal hearing Mind Control through someone else’s lens. It’s still our track, but his remix makes it feel completely reborn.
How did you decide to involve Galø in the project? What drew you to their sound for this remix?
I’ve been following Galø for a while — he’s the head of Black Roulette Records and has a very unique touch. There’s this wild, almost theatrical energy in his productions that I really admire. We wanted a remix that contrasted the original — not just a club edit, but a bold reinterpretation. He nailed it.
Were there any unexpected moments or challenges during the production or collaboration that shaped the final result?
Absolutely. At one point, we had a version that felt technically solid, but emotionally flat. We scrapped it and rebuilt the second half of the track from scratch. That decision changed everything — it gave the song the emotional lift it needed. It reminded me that sometimes letting go of something is the best way forward.
How has this collaboration influenced your own musical direction moving forward? Has it opened new doors creatively?
100%. Working with Steel Tone reminded me how powerful creative synergy can be. It’s made me more open to co-creation and more confident in stepping out of my usual patterns. I’m already experimenting with new textures and sounds I might not have explored otherwise.
What’s next for you after this release — more collaborations, solo projects, or something unexpected?
A bit of everything. I’ve got more collabs lined up and a solo EP in the works that dives deeper into darker, more introspective sounds. And there’s one surprise project coming that’s very different from anything I’ve done so far… but I’ll keep that one under wraps for now.
Thank you.
Mind Control is out on June 27 via Tanzgemeinschaft.
