!Sooks

Interview

!Sooks burst onto the scene in recent years with his brand of quality release after release on labels including OpenBar, Antidote Music, DeepStitched and Stay True Sounds, working alongside big names including Pierre Johnson and Thoko Namuya. His next release will come on Atjazz Record Company so what better time to catch up.

Thanks for taking the time to chat - do you want to kick off with giving people an idea of how you first got into music?

Thank you for the invite. For as long as I could remember, I’ve always loved music and I come from a very musical family. Both my parents were choristers so I grew up around A LOT of music. So eventually I came across FL Studio at a neighbor’s house, I think I was about 11/12 years old. & as they say, the rest is history.

What or who were your biggest influences back then? DJ’s, people, label?

I grew up listening to a lot of different genres, but I’d say Kwaito played a huge role in my life. There were also a lot of deep house compilations from DJ Fresh, Vinny Da Vinci and Soul Candi to mention a few that really had a huge impact on me. & I know for sure I’m not the only musician who was inspired by these compilations.

Do you see yourself as a producer or DJ more than the other?

You know I get this question quite a lot and I always struggle to answer it hahaha. It’s really hard to pick because some days I really enjoy Production more than DJing and vice versa. So, I’ll go with both.

Why is deep house so big in South Africa, what makes it so popular there?

I personally think it has to do with the diversity they have there. South Africans generally love good music, and it’s amazing to see how good music is always celebrated there.

The scene seems to be growing and bringing so many new creative talents right now - what’s behind such success?

I think more and more artists are realizing that what we have in Southern Africa is something very special and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The talent is downright unbelievable and it’s just the beginning.

How has the lockdown been for you? Have you managed to keep connected to other music people and the fans?

The Lockdown hasn’t really changed much for me except the gigs and travelling. Ask anyone who knows me and they’ll tell you I spend most of my time indoors working, so it hasn’t changed much really.

What are your top tips for people wanting to get into the music business in South Africa?

Know exactly what you’re getting yourself into. Do a lot of research and the internet should always be your best friend.

What’s your usual preparation for a set? Picks tracks, sleep…?

I’ve spent millions and millions getting new music online hahaha. That process is daunting but worth it in the end. I give myself plenty of time to “dig” and then I guess everything else is secondary.

Favourite places to DJ?

South Africa definitely. Almost all the places I play in JHB are awesome. Cape Town energy is also amazing! I’ve also played in Mozambique a few times and the vibe there is really great. I’m looking forward to playing more African countries as soon as the lockdown is over.

How did you get into producing music from DJ’ing initially?

I started with production, for the longest time but I knew that eventually I’d have to start playing my music live so then I started dj’ing and it’s been an amazing journey & I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me.

Do you have a work routine for producing or just wait for an idea to come?

For the longest time I’d create a routine and stick to it, force myself to work even on days where I really didn’t feel like touching my PC. Especially when I’m on the go and there’s back to back gigs, the routine method really works then, but it’s sort of forced and not coming from the heart. So, I recently realized that isn’t healthy for me anymore. Lately, I’m just taking my time (because there’s plenty of that, thanks to the lockdown) and I’m making some of the most beautiful music ever & I can’t wait to share it with the world.

What does your usual production set up consist of?

I’m a minimalist so my set up is no different. I have an Alesis V49 MIDI, Scarlet 2i2 Audio Interface and M-Audio Monitors. I’d love to get more analogue equipment though. Oh, and I use my Sennheiser’s hd25’s headphones for monitoring! They are just brilliant!!

What releases are the standouts for you personally?

Shu! Another tough question. This may sound a little cliché but all my releases are special to me because they mean a lot to me. From the first EP I dropped on Antidote Music “7 Years of Color”, to my debut album “Symmetry” on House Afrika Records. All these releases have a certain significance in my career. And now recently ‘’Pot Pourri EP”on ARCo.

You’ve collaborated with some great names, which have been the most memorable and any stories to tell from them?

You’re on a roll with the difficult questions! All my collaborations come directly from the chemistry I have with the artists. I believe the chemistry directly translates into the music. I have quite a number of ones that stand out though; all my collaborations with Secret Souls are special to me for obvious reasons. Mainly being the fact that we’ve been at it for a while now, since high school to be precise so you can imagine how much we’ve shared together and how far we’ve come. All my collaborations on my debut album are also special to me because I respect all those artists and I think they are super talented. My collab with Avi Subban specifically will always be special to me also because we got to win BEST UNDERGROUND RECORD OF THE YEAR 2019 at the Dance Music Awards South Africa with our track “Oasis”. In fact, we’re planning on dropping more music together this year, so look out for that. Another one would be my collab with Pierre Johnson on “Miles Away”, I’ve always enjoyed working with him. Lastly, my collab with Krippsoulisc on PX2 is also a special one. We are working on “PX3” and it’s flames! And now recently my collab with The Mighty Lazarusman on our tune “Imagine”.

How do you choose one record label over another or does it just happen to be right track, right time, right label?

All my releases are pre planned, I don’t choose labels randomly. There’s always a plan around it and it’s always been like this ever since. & quite frankly it’s been working out just fine for me.

What’s been the highlights of your career so far?

Winning Best Underground Record of The Year at the Dance Music Awards South Africa, also winning Best House Artist at The MTN SWAMA awards in the Kingdom of Eswatini. These are among many more highlights. And of course, debuting on ARCo.

If you could work with any producer in the world, who would it be?

Ooooh tough one once again. There’s a lot of artists I’d love to work with man and It will happen.

What labels are you looking out for right now - tracks you’re playing and loving - especially from SA?

Without a doubt Stay True Sounds is really dishing out the best underground music in SA right now. I think I’ll drop something there before the year ends. DJ Buhle is also dropping massive heat lately! I’m really loving her stuff. The amigos Secret Souls also dropped a lovely EP on Antidote Music. I’ve been playing that almost everyday!

What does your average week look like balancing all your work stuff?

I don’t get up to much really. I spend most of my time in studio. If I’m not working on my stuff, I’m listening to music or spend countless hours digging for material. It can get hectic sometimes but nothing I can’t handle.

What keeps you going, pushing the music, promoting, DJ’ing…?

The love and passion I have for music really. Nothing else matters.

What is on the cards for the rest of 2020?

More music! I’m super excited about my debut on ARCo as that has always been my dream. A couple of remixes are on the cards too, and maybe another EPB or 2.

Where can people follow you?

Facebook

Instagram

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!Sooks

Interview

!Sooks burst onto the scene in recent years with his brand of quality release after release on labels including OpenBar, Antidote Music, DeepStitched and Stay True Sounds, working alongside big names including Pierre Johnson and Thoko Namuya. His next release will come on Atjazz Record Company so what better time to catch up.

Thanks for taking the time to chat - do you want to kick off with giving people an idea of how you first got into music?

Thank you for the invite. For as long as I could remember, I’ve always loved music and I come from a very musical family. Both my parents were choristers so I grew up around A LOT of music. So eventually I came across FL Studio at a neighbor’s house, I think I was about 11/12 years old. & as they say, the rest is history.

What or who were your biggest influences back then? DJ’s, people, label?

I grew up listening to a lot of different genres, but I’d say Kwaito played a huge role in my life. There were also a lot of deep house compilations from DJ Fresh, Vinny Da Vinci and Soul Candi to mention a few that really had a huge impact on me. & I know for sure I’m not the only musician who was inspired by these compilations.

Do you see yourself as a producer or DJ more than the other?

You know I get this question quite a lot and I always struggle to answer it hahaha. It’s really hard to pick because some days I really enjoy Production more than DJing and vice versa. So, I’ll go with both.

Why is deep house so big in South Africa, what makes it so popular there?

I personally think it has to do with the diversity they have there. South Africans generally love good music, and it’s amazing to see how good music is always celebrated there.

The scene seems to be growing and bringing so many new creative talents right now - what’s behind such success?

I think more and more artists are realizing that what we have in Southern Africa is something very special and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The talent is downright unbelievable and it’s just the beginning.

How has the lockdown been for you? Have you managed to keep connected to other music people and the fans?

The Lockdown hasn’t really changed much for me except the gigs and travelling. Ask anyone who knows me and they’ll tell you I spend most of my time indoors working, so it hasn’t changed much really.

What are your top tips for people wanting to get into the music business in South Africa?

Know exactly what you’re getting yourself into. Do a lot of research and the internet should always be your best friend.

What’s your usual preparation for a set? Picks tracks, sleep…?

I’ve spent millions and millions getting new music online hahaha. That process is daunting but worth it in the end. I give myself plenty of time to “dig” and then I guess everything else is secondary.

Favourite places to DJ?

South Africa definitely. Almost all the places I play in JHB are awesome. Cape Town energy is also amazing! I’ve also played in Mozambique a few times and the vibe there is really great. I’m looking forward to playing more African countries as soon as the lockdown is over.

How did you get into producing music from DJ’ing initially?

I started with production, for the longest time but I knew that eventually I’d have to start playing my music live so then I started dj’ing and it’s been an amazing journey & I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me.

Do you have a work routine for producing or just wait for an idea to come?

For the longest time I’d create a routine and stick to it, force myself to work even on days where I really didn’t feel like touching my PC. Especially when I’m on the go and there’s back to back gigs, the routine method really works then, but it’s sort of forced and not coming from the heart. So, I recently realized that isn’t healthy for me anymore. Lately, I’m just taking my time (because there’s plenty of that, thanks to the lockdown) and I’m making some of the most beautiful music ever & I can’t wait to share it with the world.

What does your usual production set up consist of?

I’m a minimalist so my set up is no different. I have an Alesis V49 MIDI, Scarlet 2i2 Audio Interface and M-Audio Monitors. I’d love to get more analogue equipment though. Oh, and I use my Sennheiser’s hd25’s headphones for monitoring! They are just brilliant!!

What releases are the standouts for you personally?

Shu! Another tough question. This may sound a little cliché but all my releases are special to me because they mean a lot to me. From the first EP I dropped on Antidote Music “7 Years of Color”, to my debut album “Symmetry” on House Afrika Records. All these releases have a certain significance in my career. And now recently ‘’Pot Pourri EP”on ARCo.

You’ve collaborated with some great names, which have been the most memorable and any stories to tell from them?

You’re on a roll with the difficult questions! All my collaborations come directly from the chemistry I have with the artists. I believe the chemistry directly translates into the music. I have quite a number of ones that stand out though; all my collaborations with Secret Souls are special to me for obvious reasons. Mainly being the fact that we’ve been at it for a while now, since high school to be precise so you can imagine how much we’ve shared together and how far we’ve come. All my collaborations on my debut album are also special to me because I respect all those artists and I think they are super talented. My collab with Avi Subban specifically will always be special to me also because we got to win BEST UNDERGROUND RECORD OF THE YEAR 2019 at the Dance Music Awards South Africa with our track “Oasis”. In fact, we’re planning on dropping more music together this year, so look out for that. Another one would be my collab with Pierre Johnson on “Miles Away”, I’ve always enjoyed working with him. Lastly, my collab with Krippsoulisc on PX2 is also a special one. We are working on “PX3” and it’s flames! And now recently my collab with The Mighty Lazarusman on our tune “Imagine”.

How do you choose one record label over another or does it just happen to be right track, right time, right label?

All my releases are pre planned, I don’t choose labels randomly. There’s always a plan around it and it’s always been like this ever since. & quite frankly it’s been working out just fine for me.

What’s been the highlights of your career so far?

Winning Best Underground Record of The Year at the Dance Music Awards South Africa, also winning Best House Artist at The MTN SWAMA awards in the Kingdom of Eswatini. These are among many more highlights. And of course, debuting on ARCo.

If you could work with any producer in the world, who would it be?

Ooooh tough one once again. There’s a lot of artists I’d love to work with man and It will happen.

What labels are you looking out for right now - tracks you’re playing and loving - especially from SA?

Without a doubt Stay True Sounds is really dishing out the best underground music in SA right now. I think I’ll drop something there before the year ends. DJ Buhle is also dropping massive heat lately! I’m really loving her stuff. The amigos Secret Souls also dropped a lovely EP on Antidote Music. I’ve been playing that almost everyday!

What does your average week look like balancing all your work stuff?

I don’t get up to much really. I spend most of my time in studio. If I’m not working on my stuff, I’m listening to music or spend countless hours digging for material. It can get hectic sometimes but nothing I can’t handle.

What keeps you going, pushing the music, promoting, DJ’ing…?

The love and passion I have for music really. Nothing else matters.

What is on the cards for the rest of 2020?

More music! I’m super excited about my debut on ARCo as that has always been my dream. A couple of remixes are on the cards too, and maybe another EPB or 2.

Where can people follow you?

Facebook

Instagram