Groovechild
Interview & Guest Mix
Groovechild (Liam Cresswell) is a Durban (SA) based DJ/Producer with releases on Deep Obsession Recordings, House Spot, Way Up Music and of course UM Records. His EP on the label is the latest on his musical journey, inspired by his Dad (also a DJ) and a determination to be hear. I caught up with Groovechild about the release and his career so far…
Good to catch up Liam - lets start at the beginning - how did you start out in music?
Well, my Dad was a DJ as well so from a young age I’ve been head first into house music, listening to stacks of his CD collections of house music, all he would listen to is house music and I guess thats where it all started.
How would you describe your musical style?
I’m not exactly sure. I guess I’m still finding my sound, I’m yet to discover my unique sound, I can range from low-slung deep beats, to synth stabbing beats, it all depends on the tune I have in my head when making a song.
Which do you see yourself as most - a DJ or a producer?
I see myself more as a producer, although I am also a DJ. I have been behind the decks from a very young age. It’s just hard to get gigs when nobody really knows you. In will get there in time though.
Favourite place to DJ?
That would be Olympus Nightclub in my hometown Durban.
As a producer - how do you find inspiration for new music?
I listen to all kinds of genres to freshen up my creative “pond” genres like, Lo-fi, Jazz hop, EDM, and I listen to sounds in those genres and think of how I would utilise those sounds in a similar way when making my tracks.
What’s your production set up?
Right now I produce from my standard HP Laptop and some speakers I saved up for. I’m hoping to build up a strong PC and get some banging studio monitors as time goes. Studios aren't cheap and I plan to work hard and release good, powerful music so that I can get the set up I want.
How do you work in the studio - do you plan tracks or just go in and work something out there?
Sometimes I can be sitting with friends and a beat or melody will just start playing in my head and sometimes I just open FL Studio with no idea as to where I’m going with it but it all comes together in the end.
Where did the idea/feeling for your EP Hear Me Out come from?
The idea of Hear Me Out simply came from me wanting to be heard out. I’m trying to get my name out there, get my music bumping from the widest reach, that’s why the EP consists of 3 beat BANGERS and which will definitely get people to Hear Me Out.
What’s your favourite tune of your own of all time - the one that never grows old?
That would be AlexKid -Love We Have. That song will never grow old, still a banger, always will be.
What other producers do you watch out for right now - tracks you’re playing and loving?
I listen to a lot of underground producers because their music is as exclusive as it gets. Producers like Massive R, Sti T’s Soul, Omu Dudu, if you're reading this, you should definitely check them out..thank me later.
What can UM listeners look forward to from your Guest Mix?
Good Deep House music from international and local producers, along with unreleased tracks of my own..It will be a joy ride!
Where can people follow you?
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