Behind Moliy’s Hit “Shake It to the Max”: Exclusive Interview with Silent Addy & Disco Neil

When a record becomes a global moment, attention often focuses on the artist. Yet behind every hit that crosses borders are producers whose creative decisions shape the sound, the energy, and the cultural reach of the song.

In this exclusive interview, producers Silent Addy and Disco Neil sit down with Afroplug & The Pulp Radio to discuss the making of Shake It to the Max, the breakout hit by Moliy that resonated across Caribbean, African, and international scenes.

This interview was produced in collaboration with The Pulp Mag, an Afro-Caribbean media platform dedicated to music, culture, and the creative voices shaping the diaspora.

Who Are Silent Addy & Disco Neil?

Silent Addy and Disco Neil are Afro-Caribbean producers whose work exists at the crossroads of Dancehall, Shatta, Afro-influenced club music, and global pop. Their sound is not driven by trends, but by rhythm, movement, and cultural continuity.

Silent Addy’s approach is rooted in groove and restraint. Rather than overcrowding his productions, he focuses on rhythmic clarity and bounce—elements that translate naturally from street-level club culture to global audiences. His work reflects a deep understanding of Caribbean rhythmic foundations and how they interact with modern production.

Disco Neil brings a complementary vision, combining raw rhythmic energy with refined sound design. His ability to move between scenes without losing identity allows his productions to feel both authentic and accessible.

Together, their collaboration follows a simple principle: make music that feels real first, then let it travel.

Creating “Shake It to the Max”: A Beat Built on Feel

From the early stages, the goal was never to manufacture a hit. The producers explain that “Shake It to the Max” came together organically, guided by instinct rather than formulas.

Groove and bounce were prioritized over complexity. By deliberately avoiding unnecessary layers, the beat left space for Moliy’s vocal presence while maintaining strong energy. This balance allowed the record to feel immediate, flexible, and adaptable across clubs, radio, and global platforms.

Simplicity, in this case, became a strategic choice rather than a limitation.

Culture as a Creative Compass

A key theme throughout the interview is cultural awareness. For Silent Addy and Disco Neil, Afro-Caribbean sounds are not trends to be packaged, but living musical languages.

Understanding where rhythms come from, how they move across regions, and how audiences respond to authenticity played a central role in shaping the record. “Shake It to the Max” draws from shared Caribbean and Afro-diasporic roots while remaining accessible to a global audience.

This balance—remaining rooted while staying open—is what allowed the song to cross borders without losing its identity.

Collaboration, Growth, and Global Reach

As the record evolved, collaboration helped expand its reach. The producers discuss how creative exchanges and multiple versions allowed the song to resonate across both English- and French-speaking Caribbean scenes.

Rather than locking the track into a rigid structure, flexibility became a strength. This openness allowed the record to grow organically while maintaining its core energy.

The result was not just a successful song, but a cultural moment reflecting how Afro-Caribbean music continues to shape global sound.

Tools Matter, But Mindset Matters More

While plugins, DAWs, and technology are part of every producer’s workflow, Silent Addy and Disco Neil emphasize that tools alone do not create hits. Experience, taste, and decision-making matter more.

Knowing when to simplify, when to stop tweaking, and when to trust instinct are skills built over time. For emerging producers, the message is clear: longevity comes from consistency, cultural understanding, and patience—not chasing every new tool.

Create Shatta, Dancehall & Reggae Sounds with Afroplug

Inspired by the sounds discussed in this interview? Afroplug provides direct access to the tools behind Afro-Caribbean music creation used by Producers of Beyoncé, Davido, Gunna, Asake, Sean Paul & More

Afroplug offers 20,000+ premium loops, samples, and virtual instruments, including dedicated resources for:

• Shatta
• Dancehall
• Reggae
• Afro & Afro House
• Amapiano

All sounds are professionally crafted, production-ready, and designed to help producers create authentic records rooted in culture.

Explore Afroplug → https://www.afroplug.com