Tom Szirtes aka Shur-I-kan, is considered amongst the top of a new wave of electronic producers thanks to his trademark blend of musicality and cutting edge production techniques. Representing the deeper side of house, Tom’s acclaimed productions are in heavy demand having remixed the likes of Akabu, Trackheadz, Miguel Migs, Fred Everything and Motorcity Soul amongst others. Ever difficult to pigeon hole Shur-I-kan’s productions can also be found on top labels such as Simple, NRK, Urban Torque, Physical Graffiti and Winding Road. He is also well known for his numerous collaborations with Glasgow house kingpin Milton Jackson and recently they started their own label called Dark Energy Recordings that has an exciting roster of upcoming releases featuring the talents of Daniel Kyo, Sei A and Burnski.

Shur-I-kan has built a reputation as an exciting and formidable DJ and together with his monthly podcast and international club appearances has spread his sound from the US, Brazil, across Europe, to Asia and beyond.

And his latest venture, remixing one of the winning tracks from new record label 54 Music's global search to find new production talent kicks off on March 6th with an incredible launch at the label's spiritual home, Bar 54 in Shoreditch. Also playing on the night are the labels other collaborators, Audiojack, Inland Knights and Kanio, alongside the competitions winning producers, so you can expect a no holds barred shindig that will put 54 Music firmly on the dance industry's map.

What have been the highlights of 2009 so far for you?

Its only February give me a chance – otherwise its going to be something sad like completing Fear 2 on the xBox. Lots of good things to look forward to though – growing Dark Energy the new record label, my sisters wedding and lots of gigs in exotic locations.

Who can you pinpoint as the first artist that really inspired you?

Jean Michel Jarre is the first major influence, just really inspiring sounds a true champion of electronic music, amazing sound scapes and an incredible range of synthesisers. I used to spend hours pouring over the equipment lists he had in his album sleeve notes as a young teenager.

What tracks can’t you get enough of so far this year?

Well I have say that Milton Jackson’s Crash album must be one of the highlights so far.

What do you look for when choosing tracks to remix? And is there any particular Shur-I-kan stamp that goes on them all?

Its musicality, there’s lots of producers who can write good beats but I think there are less of us that are principly musicians as opposed to DJs. The key for me is to combine something exciting musically with top class beats and at the same time keep it at the cutting edge of production – its incredibly difficult and I’ve not succeeded yet but that’s the goal that defines my sound.

What tips would you give someone who wanted to start producing their own tracks? What equipment would you need to get going with?

You just need a computer and a pair of speakers – that’s pretty much my setup. After that its just talent and patience (the amount you need of the two are inversely proportional).

Are you still doing stuff with The Bays?

I did a lot last year but not much more recently, I’ve been doing the Bays on and off for probably six years, its very relaxed, I just do it when they ask me really, there’s no need to rehearse and they’ve got all my live gear so I just have to turn up and play.

What is your ultimate chill out music?

Steve Reich’s Drumming or maybe Miles Davis’s Kind of Blue.

Can we expect to see another Shur-I-kan artist album in the future?

Yes, its one of my priorities this year. Expect the unexpected. In the meantime a hip-hop project of mine entitled The Humble Bees Project is going to be out this Spring on iTunes and other digital stores.

The launch party sees all the collaborators in the competition play together at 54, are you looking forward to the night? What are you planning for your set?

Yes should be quite a gathering not sure how we are all going to fit in. During my set I mostly plan to play music.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SHUR-I-KAN AT: shur-i-kan.com

FOR ALL THE LATEST FROM 54 MUSIC AND TO LISTEN TO THE WINNING TRACKS CLICK HERE: 54london.com

BUY TICKETS FOR THIS INCREDIBLE LAUNCH PARTY AT: ticketweb.co.uk