IN CONVERSATION WITH SHAQUILLE BECK MCGOSH

interview by MARIE-PAULINE CESARI

Numéro Netherlands Digital presents an exclusive interview with rising electronic music talent Prom Night, aka Shaquille Beck McGosh. Fresh off the release of two standout remixes for Lauer’s MiamiSync on the iconic Running Back label, the Copenhagen-based producer and DJ opens up about his musical roots, creative process, and the deep connection between sound, style, and storytelling. From early days digging through his parents’ record collection to lighting up dancefloors across Europe, Prom Night is a name on the rise — and 2025 is shaping up to be his biggest year yet.

Who were your first musical inspirations growing up?
I come from a family where music, dancing, and the arts were always front and center. In that environment, pursuing music felt like a natural path. My dad bought me my first mixer and record player when I was around 10, which sparked my interest — but it wasn’t until I was 14 that I really started mixing properly with my first proper setup.
My early influences were deeply rooted in the music I grew up with — hip hop, R&B, soul, jazz, disco, and the vibrant Black music culture that surrounded me. Those genres shaped my love for rhythm, melody, and storytelling through sound.

At what moment did you know you wanted to pursue music seriously?
I think my path toward music started long before I even realized it. Growing up in a family where music, dance, and the arts were part of everyday life, it always felt like music was just… who I was.
The music I grew up with shaped the way I hear and feel music today. There was something in those rhythms and stories that felt like a spiritual fit — they made me want to create, mix, and tell my own stories.
I got the chance to start DJing around 14 or 15, and local promoters and DJs helped me get my foot in the door. Those early gigs taught me so much and really showed me the power of connecting with a crowd. Looking back, there were many moments that kept affirming this path.

Your parents’ record collection played a big role in shaping your sound. What’s one record that changed everything for you?
It’s nearly impossible to narrow it down to just one record, so I’d rather mention a few artists who had a massive impact on me. Quincy Jones, Miles Davis, Michael Jackson, Anita Baker, Luther Vandross — and honestly, so many more — all shaped my musical foundation.
Each of them taught me something different about rhythm, emotion, and the power of storytelling. Their influence is deeply woven into the sound I’ve developed and continue to evolve today.

What was your vision when reworking Lauer’s ‘MiamiSync’ for these remixes?
Lauer’s ‘MiamiSync’ (originally from 2012) has long been one of my favorite tracks of his, and it’s been a staple in my DJ sets for years. When I started the remix, I wanted to honor the original without straying too far from what made it special.
I added a few elements — whispering vocals, arpeggios, and replayed basslines — to enhance the theme. After delivering the first remix, Lauer asked if I could do another version with a more club-driven edge, which led to the ‘Piano Rave Tool’.
A little backstory: Cruising through Frankfurt in a black VW, I asked Lauer, “What’s your favorite track of all your creations?” Before he could answer, I said, “MiamiSync is hands down my favorite!”  And now here we are, dropping two remixes of that masterpiece.

Do you approach disco and rave-infused remixes differently when producing?
Definitely. Both sounds play a big part in my DJ sets, but I approach them very differently in the studio.
When I’m writing a disco-infused track, I focus on rhythmic melodies, rich percussion, vocals, and synths — building layers to create a lush, emotional atmosphere. It’s about capturing dancefloor euphoria.
For rave- or club-oriented tracks, I strip it back — fewer elements, a driving kick, hard-hitting basslines, and a standout motif like a piano riff. It’s more direct, more powerful — meant to lock in energy from the first beat.

How does fashion intersect with your music and artistic identity?
Fashion and music have always been inseparable to me — both are ways of expressing emotion, identity, and energy.
Just like music tells a story, fashion sets a tone. The way I dress reflects my personality and often mirrors the vibe of my sets. It’s an extension of the themes I explore musically — whether bold, playful, or nostalgic.
Both music and fashion constantly evolve, and I find creativity in that. Just like I blend genres, my style pulls from streetwear, vintage finds, and underground culture. Together, they help tell a cohesive artistic story.

You’ve played everywhere from intimate clubs to huge festivals. What’s your ideal setting for a Prom Night set?
Ideally, a Prom Night set would run at least three hours, so I can fully dive into the vibe and tell a musical story. I love festivals — they have a whole vibe — but nothing beats the intimacy of a perfectly tuned nightclub.
I like weaving through afrodisco, italo, house, techno, and some classic disco cuts. My goal is to create a dynamic, genre-blending experience that keeps people engaged and emotionally connected. I want each set to feel like a journey — full of exploration, energy, and moments of magic.

Running Back is a legendary label! What does this release mean to you personally?
Running Back has been one of my biggest inspirations, both as a DJ and producer. Getting the call that my remixes would be released on the label felt surreal — like a dream come true.
I was beyond excited to share my take on one of Lauer’s tracks with the RB family. It’s a full-circle moment for me and one I’ll always cherish.

You blend so many genres effortlessly. What’s one unexpected influence people might not guess?
I’m always exploring new sounds, so it’s hard to name just one unexpected influence. Outside the booth, I spend hours listening to everything — Brazilian funk, Afro disco, old-school house, global rhythms — anything that sparks curiosity.
If something resonates, it ends up shaping my music, consciously or not. That constant curiosity keeps my sound evolving.

What excites you most about 2025 and what’s next for Prom Night?
I’ve been sitting on a lot of unreleased music, and I’m excited to finally share it. The Running Back remixes are just the start — this year will bring two vinyl releases, a track on an ambient compilation via Permanent Vacation, several remixes, and a special remix EP on my own Prom Night Records.
I’m also buzzing for festival season — I’ll be making my debut at Nation of Gondwana, Heartland, and more. 2025’s shaping up to be a big one, and I’m ready for it.