Best known for their massive dance hit ‘Lola’s Theme’, the Shapeshifters continue their world domination of the club music scene with a jam-packed new triple album. Adam Bub speaks with the dynamic duo’s Simon Marlin.

They have remixed for Leona Lewis, George Michael and Christina Aguilera, but the London-based Shapeshifters, also known as Simon Marlin and Max Reich, have proven themselves as a long-lasting club act in an industry where many DJs crash and burn. As their name suggests, the Shapeshifters know how to adapt to a changing music climate, having recently moved from the UK’s declining EMI Records after five years to independent dance label Defected, where they have released their Shapeshifters In the House three-disc mix compilation.

“It’s a statement as to where we’re at as DJs and a glimpse of what’s inspired us over the years. We hope it’s something people will enjoy,” Marlin tells AXN. “We just do what we always do and that’s create work we are proud of. I think we are much more comfortable being with Defected, as the whole company understands what we do and where we want to be in the future,” Marlin reveals.

Following 2004’s House Grooves and its second volume in 2005, as well as 2006’s Sound Advice, the new album’s 47 tracks are split into three strands – disc 1 offers adrenalin-fuelled house defined by underground, tech-edged beats, and features artists such as the Freemasons and X-Press 2, while disc 2 focuses on more uplifting grooves, including their new hit, a cover of Orbital’s ‘Chime’, and other artists like Dirty South and Bob Sinclar. Most surprising is the third disc – a collection paying tribute to the artists that have influenced the Shapeshifters over the years, including Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Hall & Oates and Tears For Fears.

“We wanted people to see past the obvious and get an idea of what the Shapeshifters are all about – past, present and future,” Marlin explains. “It’s easy to mix records you know are hot at the moment but I think it’s much harder to sum up 30 years of musical bliss and inspiration on one 80-minute CD....trust me!”

Marlin signed Reich to the Down Boy record label he was working for during the 1990s, and they found a mutual passion for underground club music. In 2003, they worked on an instrumental track inspired by Marlin’s wife Lola, which eventually became ‘Lola’s Theme’, a UK number one smash and mainstream international hit, featuring the vocals of UK diva Cookie. Following hits have included ‘Back to Basics’ and ‘New Day’.

The Shapeshifters have picked up many Australian fans along the way through playing various gigs including this year’s Future Music Festival in March. “The people turned out in force with a great attitude, and as a DJ you can’t fail when it all comes together like that,” Marlin asserts. The boys are in talks with Future Entertainment at the moment to return around February 2009, he adds.

Indeed, playing shows in the world’s biggest party destinations is one of the perks of their job. In September alone they’ll launch their new album in London and play shows in Belgrade, Ibiza and Valencia, with shows later in the year in Poland, Egypt, Japan and the US, capping off a stellar year for the dance outfit.

“The best thing has to be living and working your dream – we love producing and DJing and now we get paid to do what we love,” Marlin says. “We’re lucky enough to see and experience some amazing places and meet great people all over the world. It doesn’t get any better than that.”

Shapeshifters In The House is out now through Defected/Stomp Entertainment.