HASKELL RETURNS TO TOOLROOM WITH SOLO WEAPON ‘SHAKE THAT’
After teaming up with Mark Knight and Gene Farris on last year’s Go Deep, Haskell steps back into the spotlight with his latest Toolroom release, Shake That. Out now, the track captures the spirit of Toolroom’s late-noughties energy with intricate drum programming, vocal chops, and rolling club pressure. It’s a big statement from an artist who’s been on a sharp rise since his debut with the label three years ago — and by his own words, his strongest work to date. Already supported by the likes of Tough Love, R3HAB, ɪʟʟʏᴜs ʙᴀʀʀɪᴇɴᴛᴏs, and Tomo Hirata, Shake That is a clear signal of intent from a producer cementing his place among the new wave of house talent.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH HASKELL
‘Shake That’ has landed - what was the inspiration behind this track and how does it connect with the Toolroom’s classic sound?
The inspiration behind Shake That was to create something that felt like a real distillation of my sound — skipping drums, that underground club energy, the use of vocal and rhythmic synths, everything coming together to push the envelope and make a statement. It was my first release on Toolroom and it had to be big and powerful. Mark doesn’t just put anyone on the label, so to get a solo release was a massive deal for me, and I was really pleased with the result.
You’ve released on labels like Toolroom and Love & Other, and worked with names like Mark Knight and Gene Farris. What have you taken away from those collaborations?
Working with different artists and labels has taught me a lot. Everyone approaches things differently: some are about volume and getting as much music out as possible, while others take time to cultivate and nurture records. Some give great feedback and promotion, others don’t. What matters is knowing your own standards, being happy with what you put out, and making sure you go after each record with focus.
Your journey from professional rugby to electronic music is unique. How has your sporting background shaped your approach to DJing and producing?
I think my background in professional sport has given me an advantage in music. It’s taught me to look outside the box, to take control of my own career, and not expect to be spoon-fed. I’ve learned to go after opportunities, take advice, seek feedback, be ruthless and consistent, and pick myself up after setbacks. Those are lessons I lived for 20 years in sport, and they’ve carried over into music.
You’ve played everywhere from Ibiza to Ministry of Sound in London. Is there a gig or moment on the road that stands out as a turning point for you?
Playing Dubrovnik with Toolroom was a massive moment, sharing a lineup with the likes of Low Steppa and Mark Knight, and the next day with Kruzy Kassim. Playing on the beach with Carl Cox was huge for me too, a real career highlight. And then getting the chance to play at Burning Man was something else altogether. It was a slightly different set than I usually play, but the vibe was unbelievable. I even welled up during it, it was that special.
Looking ahead, what’s next after this release? Any goals or projects you’re especially excited about for the rest of the year?
I’ve got loads of releases lined up, but my biggest goal now is to launch my label, Rogue Unit Records, in January. That’s going to be a huge step forward in taking more control over my career. I’ve also got some projects in the works under different aliases, and I’m doubling down on my production. At the same time, I’m really narrowing my focus on DJing and music. I want more DJ gigs and for me, the big focus going forward is America and Europe.
With Shake That now out in the world, Haskell has delivered a record that captures the essence of Toolroom while carving out his own lane in house music. Backed by heavyweight DJ support and with his own label launch on the horizon, this release feels like the start of an even bigger chapter.
HASKELL // PROFOUND MIX SERIES
STREAM/DOWNLOAD ‘SHAKE THAT’
