On August 9th, beloved record label and party series All Day I Dream is set to release their Summer Sampler 2024 compilation. Perhaps the most impressive iteration of the VA series yet, Lee Burridge’s excellent curation is on full display: the record is filled to the brim with some of melodic and organic house’s biggest IDs of the summer, with contributions from Sean Doron, Double Touch, Shai T, Mass Digital, Budakid, and more. 

All Day I Dream, founded by Lee Burridge on a Brooklyn rooftop in 2011, has since become a massive phenomenon, known as a record label that consistently delivers the cutting edge of melodic and organic house music, and as a global party concept that produces ethereal and magical events. The Summer Sampler compilations, along with their Winter Sampler counterparts, have become highly anticipated, fan-favorite annual traditions that are hallmarks of the All Day I Dream imprint. Each year, the compilations feature carefully curated tracks from both established and emerging artists, showcasing the label’s commitment to quality and innovation in the genre. Some standouts from Summer Sampler 2024 include Sean Doron’s ‘Sunshine Hotel,’ Double Touch’s ‘Pomelo,’ and Shai T’s ‘We Will Dance Again.’

In the 15 years he has been releasing music, Shai T has accumulated quite a collection of hits on labels such as Anjunadeep, Lost Miracle, Armada, TRYBESof, Do Not Sit On The Furniture, and Pacha Recordings. His contribution to Summer Sampler 2024, ‘We Will Dance Again,’ was originally created in 2021 under a different name and shelved. However, following the tragedy of the war that erupted in Israel on October 7, he felt compelled to create something in memory of the dancers who passed away at the NOVA music festival. After revisiting the track in the studio, Shai transformed it into an emotionally charged, groovy anthem perfect for sunrise, and the new name, ‘We Will Dance Again,’ became clear.

You can now listen to the full premiere of ‘We Will Dance Again’ exclusively on When We Dip and be sure to check out our exclusive interview where we delve a bit deeper into Shai’s mind and discuss the Summer Sampler, musical influences, and what’s next for 2024. Enjoy!

WWD: Your last release on All Day I Dream was ‘Summer O’clock,’ a great contribution to last year’s Summer Sampler compilation. Can you explain the essence of All Day I Dream’s Summer Sampler series? How does it feel to be back on the compilation for a second year in a row?

‘Summer O’clock’ was a very successful release as it had the support of many big names in the industry and reached the #1 on beatport top 100 Organic House tracks, and so, I’m happy I could contribute to the Summer Sampler of last year in the best way. I believe that the Summer Sampler is a great spot to be at, if you have a strong and summer vibe single track. For me, it is always a pleasure to be back on All Day I Dream and on the Summer Sampler specifically. 

WWD: Outside of ‘We Will Dance Again’ of course, do you have a favourite track from the compilation we should check out? Why does this track stand out to you, even alongside such a stacked compilation?

I think that my good friends’ Double Touch track ‘Pomelo’ is a very good one. I like its vibe, groove and energy, and at the end of the day, it is a matter of personal taste. 

WWD: Can you tell us about your musical influences and how they have shaped your sound over the years?

My music collection and influences are wide. I grew up on the spectrum between Israeli local music to classic rock such as the Beatles, Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder, Queen, to some more modern such as Jamiroquai, Suede, Blur and so on. But at the same time, I also feel very connected to Latin music from salsa to cumbia and all the way to soulful and funk music, such as Marvin Gay and etc. 

WWD: What role does collaboration play in your music, and who are some artists you’ve particularly enjoyed working with?

I don’t do that many collabs. I find myself way more focused and sharp when I have my own flow in the studio, but usually the artists I collaborate with are some of my good friends or artists I’m feeling comfortable with and like their music, such as Sahar Z, Kasper Koman, Tamir Regev and more. 

WWD: What’s your favourite piece of equipment or software in your studio, and why?

Well that’s a difficult question as I like most of the equipment I have in my studio :)) 

I can say that I use a lot of the “Analogue Lab” by Arturia + Diva By Uhe, and a few physical synths I have such as Prologue and Microkorg Xl+(both by Korg). 

WWD: ‘We Will Dance Again’ was originally created under a different name in 2021. Can you share more about the initial inspiration behind the track and why it was shelved until now?

Well thats the real story – The track indeed was created Originally during 2021 under a different  name, and was shelved. However, it found a new purpose after a war erupted on October 7th in my home country, Israel.

In the days following the tragedy, I felt compelled to create something in memory of the innocent dancers who died at the electronic music festival “Nova”– partygoers who simply wanted to celebrate life and enjoy good music.

After revisiting the track in the studio, I felt I could refine it with my current musical sensibilities, transforming it into an emotionally charged, groovy anthem perfect for sunrise. 

Through the development of the track and his melodies, I felt a powerful message of hope emerge. With the track complete, the new name became clear to me: ‘We Will Dance Again’

WWD: What specific elements or techniques did you refine or add to the track during the reworking process?

I can’t remember exactly all the elements or techniques I added during the reworking process, but I do remember adding a  few layers to the groove which made the track more powerful and groovy, and at the same time, I added layers of pads and piano melodies, which put into the track lots of emotions and atmosphere. 

WWD: What about the electronic scene in Israel? Who are some Israeli artists that we should check out?

To be honest here – I’m hardly familiar with the scene in Israel 🙂 Israeli electronic music and the Israeli crowd is into more “Hard” styles such as Indie dance, Melodic Techno and etc. The style I’m producing and playing hardly exists there. I do know there are many talented and successful artists from my home country from different genres and that makes me happy and proud. 

WWD: How has your journey in the underground dance music scene influenced your personal growth and artistic expression?

I think that the fact that I achieved goals I had in the music industry during the last years, made me understand that this is not a 100 meter sprint but a long long marathon. You always have to reinvent yourself all over, create more music, show yourself on socials and networks and so on. 

Following that, I learned to take things easy, not to be on a non-stop run all the time, and to try to enjoy the road itself, and the small good things and memories it brings. 

WWD: What’s next for you in 2024? Are there any specific goals or projects you’re looking forward to?

Yes, sure. I always try to keep it up and create new music. I have few things coming up for late 2024 and further on in 2025. One of them will be a very special project for me, as I got the honor to officially remix one of my all time favorite artists (known legend in the industry) So you should stay tuned for this one!

WWD: We definitely will! Thanks, Shai! 

Release Date: August 9th, 2024. Buy Here

Shai T: Facebook // SoundCloud
All Day I Dream: Facebook // SoundCloud