///BY Matthew Blanco Carries The Night
///PHOTO BY Rick Day
With her sights set on conquering clubland, Shara Strand is teaming up with some of nightlife’s most sought-after remixers on her next single, “I Will Carry You.” Industry heavy hitters like Mike Rizzo, Corey Dee and the Klubjumpers are all unleashing their own interpretations of the hard-thumping track. Shara Strand will support the release of the remixes by touring the country, performing many of the season’s Pride festivals. Before Strand jets off, catch her live Saturday, June 15, when she performs the DJ Escape and Tony Colluccio mix of “I Will Carry You” at Splash.
It’s unusual to release 12 remixes of a single at one time.
I know! I’m grateful that so many DJs wanted to add their personal touch to my song.
How did you select the remixers for the maxi single?
I have an incredible record label (D1 Music) that knows just what the dance floor needs. They brought all of these amazing talents together to add new vibrant interpretations to the single.
You’re performing the DJ Escape and Tony Colluccio mix at Splash. Yes, their mix has been getting a huge reaction all over the country and is the #1 seller on iTunes so far. The beat goes hard and practically carries listeners to the dance floor. The first time I heard it, I instantly fell in love.
What makes “I Will Carry You” the perfect summer anthem? It’s a song about love and loyalty, forever and always. It has a passion people in love can lose their minds to! For those who haven’t found the one yet, this song gives hope that a special person is out there.
What do you love about dance music? That there are no rules. It’s all about fun! There are enough dreary and serious things in our world. Dance music offers the ultimate escape. Out on the dance floor, you can be whomever you want, dance like no one is watching and let yourself go crazy.
How did find your way into the dance scene? I signed with D1 Music, an independent dance label in NYC. Our first EP was mostly adult contemporary songs, but the fans kept asking for dance remixes. We gave it to them with “Jekyll or Hyde,” and I even got to go on tour, performing the track at gay clubs throughout the country. It was an eye opener for me, and I was immediately addicted to the dance floor.
What do you love most about performing? It’s a crazy rush. It’s like skydiving. You are scared as hell at first, you doubt yourself, and then you push yourself to begin and just go for it.
What artists do you love to get down to? Strong female voices rock my world. I love me some Rihanna, Katy Perry, Robyn and Beyonce.
How do you remain strong? It’s tough to be a new music artist. So many people, who didn’t go after their own dreams, resent you for being brave enough to go for yours. It hurts when they lash out and try to bring me down. Deep down in my core, I wish everyone the best, even the haters. I’m determined not to lose my positive spirit.
Who carries you when times are tough? There is nothing like coming home from a rough day to my baby Pomeranian Coco.
Its pride season. What are you most proud of? I’m proud that I’m doing what I’ve always dreamed about, and it’s actually cooler in real life than I’d imagined.
What’s your pride message to gay fans? Always remember, you are beautiful and special, just the way you are.
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