A DJ has promoted the release of his debut single by spinning the decks on public transport and inside a local DIY store.
Shakeil Luciano, known as Schak, has been signed by DJ Patrick Topping's label Trick. The 30-year-old, from North Shields, North Tyneside, released his first song Moving All Around (Jumpin') [feat. Kim English] last month.
He has been creating videos to promote the tune, which has now been played on BBC Radio 1 and in clubs across the country. The videos show people raving to the track while on a double decker bus, the Metro, the Shields Ferry and inside a showroom kitchen at B&Q in North Shields.
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In one video, released on Halloween, Schak rides along North Shields Fish Quay on a mobility scooter, with fireworks flying from the back, while dressed as Mario.
Schak said that before he got his big break he was on Universal Credit and working 10 hours a day on his music. He said he feels incredibly lucky that he can now work as a DJ full-time.
He said: "People are singing my song and it's on Radio 1, I can't believe it. It's just surreal, but I'm so grateful for the overwhelming support I have received. I have got a lot of great support and amazing people around me.
"I like doing mad things. I just started thinking about what mad things I could do that haven't been done before. On the double decker bus we took over the top deck. The bus driver didn't say anything, I couldn't believe he kept on driving.
"The metro driver was really sound. The other people on the metro just looked at their friends - they didn't bat an eye lid. The staff on the ferry laughed about it, they thought it was class. The only place we got thrown out was B&Q!"
Schak, who can play the piano, started writing music two-and-a-half years ago. He was signed by Patrick Topping after the DJ invited him to his club night at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle in November 2021.
He said: "It was sold out but he said he would put me on the guest list. I went down and I had a conversation with him. I said 'I have got a lot of music is there any chance I can send it to you'."
Around a week later, Schak was offered the opportunity to sign for his label Trick. His first song Moving All Around (Jumpin') [feat. Kim English] has now been released through Trick and Ministry of Sound.
The track, which available on streaming services, has already been played BBC Radio 1 by presenters Danny Howard and Dean McCullough as well as Mistajam on Capital Dance.
The single will also be played at half time at St James' Park during Newcastle United 's next Premier League game against Chelsea on November 12.
Schak said: "I came across the acapella to this song, by Kim English, a little known song from the 90s, and I wrote the music. A lot of people are loving it. I get messages everyday saying 'I love your single'.
"Patrick Topping is one of my heroes. He's from North Shields and he put North Shields on the map. He's supported me so much, it means everything to me.
"I wouldn't be here without Patrick Topping and Ben Hemsley, who has taught me how to write music. I'm so grateful for the opportunity I have been given and I'm just so happy.
"I'm in a position where I can do this for a living. I come from humble beginnings. I came from nothing and I didn't have anything as a kid. Me and my mam were on the poverty line growing up and it was rough."
The toon fan, who has previously worked as a lifeguard and for HMRC, is extremely proud of his North East roots. He said: "Part of the reason I am where I am is because of where I come from, I'm so proud to come from North Shields.
"North Shields is a little town and we have got Sam Fender, Ben Hemsley, Patrick Topping and the rest, there's so much talent. When I went on Radio 1, Danny Howard asked me 'What is in the water up there?'
"I love Newcastle, it's the greatest city in the world. We have got amazing community, nightlife and culture. I have travelled up and down the country and there's no where else like it."
Schak is now looking forward to the future. He is already on the line-up to play Hideout Festival in Croatia next year and is excited about what other opportunities may come his way.
He added: "I would like to play at the big festivals and I would like to go international and play in different cities. This is the beginning of something really exciting."
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