Fka Mash
Interview
Fka Mash is a DJ/Producer/ from Soweto, South Africa. His releases have graced deep house music labels including Stay True Sounds, Get Physical, Freerange Records, Atjazz Record Company and more. His new EP, Love Songs From Soweto has seen him take a move from his club orientated deep house beats, and UM managed to catch up with him during his busy schedule to ask a few questions.
Thanks for taking the time out to chat Fka Mash - do you want to kick off with giving people the story of how you first got into music?
I've always loved music. It even goes back as far as my dad using it to calm down a 3 year old me or keep me occupied. Fast forward about 8 years later I'm in my room with Fruity Loops 3 learning how to make music as an 11 year old just because I found it so intriguing.
What or who were your biggest influences back then? DJ’s, people, labels?
People like Mujava, Mzo Bullet, were a huge deal for me at the time. I had also started discovering bits and pieces Black Coffee's earlier music at the time. I was and still am a big DJ Fresh fan. Blackwhole and Culoe De Song also played a big role in what possibilities were available for someone like me at the time. This was all happening between 2005-2009. I was also listening to a lot of Ralf Gum, Atjazz, Rocco and Stimming, I still do to this day.
How has the lockdown been for you? Have you managed to keep connected to other music people and the fans?
It's been okay to be honest. I have been trying my best to stay connected to my people. I really enjoy interacting with them so much, it's one of the few things I always try make time for.
You’ve been busy in the studio working on your new EP ‘Lovesongs From Soweto” - tell us about the release?
I really love many styles of music and in the same breath, I LOVE making different styles too. LSFS is basically me exploring those styles and also expressing my love for a good love song which I believe many people can relate to
It’s something of a departure from the ‘usual’ Fka Mash sound - was that a result of the lockdown or something you just wanted to express?
Love Songs From Soweto is more like a look into the future of Fka Mash music. I started making this music some years back and only kinda got known for the deep House and alternative styles. So with help from Soul Star, Tahir Jones, Just Bheki, Da Muziqal Chef, Sir Trill and Lomadusu; we were able to mould something that would truly express (in the best way possible) that other side of me that people arent necessarily used to.
Is this the way forward for you now stylistically?
Not entirely, I'm still gonna continue doing the style I'm known for. It's more about me being a multi-dimensional artist that can express themself as best as they can at any given moment. I might even give a full on Jazz project next and do a Gqom project the very next release lol!
The EP comes on your own label - how did you come to establish the label?
So I'm still in the process of actually starting my label. I figured I'd put this project out just as a self release and not under any other label while I'm in the process of staying my label.
You’ve had a strong relationship with Stay True Sounds over the years - what makes that so special for you?
Stay True Sounds is where I was and still am able to have a voice. They're very supportive of my music and actually gave me an opportunity to stand tall without being anybody else but myself and I'll forever be grateful for that.
Do you see yourself as a producer or DJ more than the other?
I see myself as an artist first. I've always been, and mentioned disciplines are all an art to me. So I'd say they're both equal in weighting for me. I think that's part of the reason why lockdown was so tough for me, just not being able to Express that side of DJing and share those moments with people was a bit of a nightmare.
What are your top tips for people wanting to get into the music business in South Africa, or even starting their own label?
It's gonna sound cliche but I think there's a valid reason for it… Just be you. Everybody else is taken. Spend time on your art. Get to know yourself as a person and figure out the best way you can do move in the industry.
Who are your favourite producers right now?
China Charmeleon
Chronical Deep
Frigid Armadillo
Kabza De Small
… to name a few. I think the most important thing I've noted about my favourite producers over the recent years was how they're all from my country. It says a lot about how far we've come.
Do you have a work routine for producing or just wait for an idea to come?
It depends how I feel, mostly. Ideas come all the time, but it's always better to be able to have the good ideas translate well. So when a good idea hits me, I work it until it sounds perfect to me.
What does your usual production set up consist of?
Very basic set up to be honest. A desktop, midi keyboard, 1 pair of 8 inch monitors and headphones for referencing. I'm working towards getting analog synths as time goes on. I believe that's where the fun is at.
What releases are the standouts for you personally?
Lonely Jester EP, more especially it's been a dream of mine to release on ARCo.
PRJKT-2 will forever be special to me because that is how I got introduced to the world as Fka Mash
What’s been the highlights of your career so far?
Ahh so many, releasing on ARCo and Get Physical. Winning best remix at DMASA, as well as getting a nomination at the SAMAs. Sharing line-ups with my childhood heroes, Kid Fonque, Black Coffee, Booka Shades, Martin Stimming, Jullian Gomes, Vinnny Da Vinci to name a few.
If you could work with any producer in the world, who would it be?
Thats a tough one cause I never really think about that as much. I love working alone so it always depends on who I'm vibing with at that particular time
What does your average week look like balancing all your work stuff - production etc?
Music. Music. Music. I hardly have time for anything else. Currently doing promo for Love Songs from Soweto, which isn't the easiest thing to pull of with limited resources, but I try rest as much as I can now. So if I'm not making music or doing promo, I'm resting.
What keeps you going, pushing the music, promoting, DJ’ing…?
At this point I'm just working towards personal goals. Business objectives. Growing the brand. And all of that keeps me up at night, I always wasnt to better myself or at the very least remain consistent.
What is on the cards for the rest of 2020?
More promo for my project. We working towards music videos as well, so more content from the Fka Mash camp.
Where can people follow you?
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