Shingo Nakamura Embarks on New Chapter with Club-Focused Rework of “Thousands of Sounds”

3 days ago 5

Bridging chill and progressive house, Shingo Nakamura continues to push dance music’s boundaries by reinventing a track from 15 years ago for Monstercat Silk.

Shingo Nakamura, one of Japan’s most established DJs and producers, continues to craft melodic, progressive house. He’s helped Monstercat Silk mark its 15th anniversary with a club-focused rework of “Thousands of Sounds” from his 2011 album, Sapporo. In doing so, he’s revitalized one of his early classics, changing the drums, bass, and synths to fit his current sound.

Shingo has performed globally, including at Dreamstate SoCal and his debut at this year’s edition of EDC Las Vegas on the Quantum Valley stage. He has received support from, and performed alongside progressive house legends like Armin van Buuren, Above & Beyond, BT, Chicane.

Since Sapporo, Shingo has released four albums, including 2021’s Glow and, most notably, 2024’s Solace, with hits like “Lily Garden,” “Come Closer,” and “Prism.” He crafts melodic music that embraces his fans like a warm hug.

More recently, he released “Feeling” with Warung in August 2025, followed by the more vibrant, upbeat “Cautious Love” with MØØNE in January 2026. And in March 2026, A.M.R. remixed Shingo’s “Take Me Away” with Jordin Post, delivering a melodic, synth-filled rendition with a steady, walking beat.

By building an ambiance that gives listeners an escape, Shingo has created connection and calm through his sound and presence. Shingo lights a candle and drinks a cup of coffee to get into the music-making process, and at shows, he immerses himself in the crowd, soaking up the atmosphere before diving into a set.

Coming up, Shingo Nakamura will be performing from September through November 2026 throughout Japan, Europe, and the US. Listen to “Thousands of Sounds” before catching him live, and discover his process, dreams, and more below!

Stream Shingo Nakamura’s “Thousands of Sounds” on Spotify:

Who or what has been a source of inspiration for you as an artist as of late?

Lately, I’ve gotten a lot of inspiration from everyday life and Tokyo’s atmosphere. I especially like walking around Tokyo from late night to early morning — the quiet atmosphere and ambient sounds sometimes give me ideas for music. Of course, I’m also inspired by other artists. BT has been a big influence on me for a long time. Recently, I’ve also been producing and connecting with Japanese artists in the same genre. Japan has many great artists, so working with them and supporting their releases gives me a lot of inspiration.

When you are developing a track, what is the order in which you build a song? Where does the idea of a track begin for you?

For me, I usually start with a melody or chord idea. When a melody comes to me suddenly, I note it on my smartphone and develop it later in my studio. I often start with piano or synth, making the chords and melody first, then adding drums, pads, bass, and other sounds. But it can be different each time. Sometimes I start with drums.

You’ve been making music for 15 years. How do you feel your sound and creative process have changed over the years?

After releasing my first album, Sapporo, in 2011, I focused on making music with strong melodies for a long time. In recent years, I’ve had more opportunities to tour overseas and DJ in Tokyo, so I started thinking more about how to maintain the melody while also making the music work well in a club. But my focus hasn’t changed. I still want to make emotional music that helps people relax or imagine different scenes. Recently, I’ve also wanted to make more melody-focused tracks again, like the music I made around the time I was in Sapporo. Now, I’m trying to find my own balance between club grooves and melody.

“Thousands of Sounds” originally appeared on your 2011 album Sapporo, and now, 15 years later, you’re revisiting it with a new club-focused rework. What made you want to bring this particular track back now?

“Thousands of Sounds” is one of my favorite tracks from Sapporo. I often played it during my sets and still loved the melody and atmosphere, so I started thinking about how I could express it with my current sound. I kept the original melody and feeling but changed the drums, bass, synths, and other sounds to fit my current style. My DJ sets are usually around 120-124 BPM now, so I also wanted to give the track more groove and energy for the club. Going forward, I want to combine the chill house music I’ve been making recently with the melody-focused style from the Sapporo period. I hope I can find a new sound by connecting these two sides.

Do you have a dream that you hope to accomplish through your music?

My dream is to create an environment where up-and-coming artists from Japan in the same genre can have opportunities like the ones I have had. I have been inviting them to join me on tours in Japan. I want to share my experience and knowledge with new artists and support them. At the same time, I want to keep DJing, making music, and growing the scene together with them.

Your music has always had a remarkable ability to create serenity and atmosphere. Where do you personally feel most tranquil, and where do you go to find that sense of calm when life becomes chaotic?

I feel most relaxed when I’m traveling alone. I have had the opportunity to visit and perform in many different countries and cities, and I like taking some time to relax, enjoy nature like the ocean, or see scenery that I don’t normally get to see. When I’m busy or tired, getting away from my routine and taking time to clear my mind helps me reset.

Do you have any rituals or routines before performing or producing music that help you get into a creative flow?

When I’m making music, I like to relax first by lighting a candle or having a cup of coffee. I saw BT do that routine when I visited his studio, and I’ve been copying it ever since! Before a DJ set, I try to arrive early and soak up the atmosphere. I also like to talk with fans before my set. I’ve always enjoyed listening to music in clubs as a fan, so sharing that time and atmosphere with everyone feels like a ritual for me.

Monstercat Silk has been an important part of your journey for many years, from your early releases on Silk Music to being part of the label’s evolution under Monstercat. How has your relationship with the label and its community influenced you as an artist?

I’ve known Jacob Henry and Max Flyant, who are still with Monstercat today, since 2009, when I released my first track on Silk Music. I feel I’ve grown together with them over the years. Many fans have also listened to my music since those early days, and that connection has stayed strong even after it became Monstercat Silk. At the same time, so many new fans have discovered my music through Monstercat. I really love the Monstercat community, and I’ll never forget the energy at the Monstercat event I attended at Amsterdam Dance Event. I’m very happy to be part of Monstercat’s 15-year history. I hope we can keep building a community where fans can enjoy music together!