Masšh

Interview & Guest Mix

Masšh is a fresh new music producer/DJ based in Johannesburg, South Africa whose recent releases just grabbed my attention from the first moments. Another Fruit Loops producer that has taken the basics and built an incredible, emotive sound. His inspirations are founded in jazz and dance music and that shines bright in his productions. His simplistic approach to sounds is rich with rhythm and vibes that mark him as a serious name to watch.

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

Yes, sure! I got into music through a friend in high school. I'm tech geek so I used to collect different types of softwares and games etc. Uhm, then one day, one of my friends was raving about how hard FL Studio is, at the time it was called Fruity Loops, so I asked him to give me the software so I can try it myself. I did, kept on getting better and better, fast-forward 9 years later and it's the career path I chose. I've always been a music lover from kindergarten, I'd listen to jazz bands like 'Sinakho' all the way to 'Dj Mujava' who is one of the icons that shaped the South African dance music scene.

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

Mmm, my biggest influence was and is my curiosity. I wasn't really thinking of making music back then, in fact I never knew how it was made. I just collected a whole lot of it from multiple genres. My mom had a couple of cassettes from Kalawa Jazmee Records, RnB stuff, Brenda Fassie, Deborah Fraser, Arthur Mafokati, Umanji etc which I'd keep for myself. The only time I enjoyed some good House music was in a taxi, I'd be so disappointed when they played soul music instead of 'Casablanca' by Mzo Bullet, that was the only time I heard such exclusive anthems, haha. Moving into the CD era, it became my annual ritual to always get my hands on Soul Candi Compilations, lol, especially for the December roadtrips with my family, I don't recall ever missing one. So, when I got insight on how music was produced digitally, I just kept exploring and fed my curiosity. I still am.

You’ve been busy in the studio working on your new EP ‘Falling Into Place” - tell us about the release?

Okay, the initial name for the EP was actually 'Eventually it falls into Place' which was the theme, given what the world was going through, still is, at the time. More than anything, this was a personal project which served to distill my dispair and give hope to better days. In sharing with the world, I hoped it would do the same for those who listen and feel the same way or felt like giving up on their dreams, mayhap, going through emotional turmoils. It is meant to instill faith in the face of adversity.

Your sound is emotive and atmospheric - what inspires that richness?

I advocate for simplicity. It's a really hard thing to do to be simple yet be layered in the depths of intricacy. I spend a lot of time working on the tonality of my piece rather than the technical part of it. You get the emphasis on tone and tension right, you get the emotive expression in the music. It's how one writes or plays the music that inspires everything else.

You play between Afro House and Deep House - what’s the differences in their sounds to you?

I don't think the sound is really different, there're quite a few shared elements. Afro House is more rhythmic and edgy while Deep House is more tamed and anthemic. However, both are versatile, especially in today's age.

The EP comes on Aluku Records - how did you come to hook up with the label?

I got introduced to Aluku through a friend, Cornelius SA, a super dope producer. Look out for him!

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

Yes, I do. I see myself more a producer than a DJ. I love the art of introducing new dope sounds to the world but the art of expressing music to the world prevails for me.

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

Yes, I have. The previous year was a challenge for almost everyone, I believe. The only way I got through it was to literally keep connected with the music community. For the most part, I think everyone got through it because music played an important role in some form.

Who are your favourite producers right now?

My, gosh! It's a lot of them. Lol, let's my give you from the top of my head, in no particular order.

Atmos Blaq

Lemon & Herb

Dlala Thukzin

Kususa

Levy M

Karyendasoul

China Chameleon

Kasango

Ivory Child

Fka Mash

Tiago Correia-Paulo (not a House producer)

Ian Ludvig

Desiree RSA (be on the look out)

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

No, not precisely. Sometimes ideas come when I'm mixing a song or finishing up a song. Other days I get a rush of ideas inspired by a particular sound I designed or came across (presets, samples, vocals and others etc). I work spontaneously, usually.

What does your usual production set up consist of?

Keyboard, audio interface, a pair of monitors, a mic and some burning incense, haha.

What releases are the standouts for you personally?

Mano Mano by Suka, Clemente & Martin HERRS - Manifesto (Ivory Re-Idealize) , Sun Ra Was Right (Kususa Remix), WhoMadeWho - Abu Simbel, Nika Nika (Magical Remix) by Dlala Thukzin and everything FKA Mash dropped since last year has been quite superb.

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

Gracing the SelectiveStyles seat, and finally getting to meet Kid Fonque! That was epic. And unexpectedly charting no.1 on the House Connect by Dj Loyd on 5FM.

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

I don't know, honestly. I struggle pairing my sound so I don't really think much about that. As it evolves maybe I'll have an answer. But, generally, anyone pushing something unique and different, I'd be more inclined to want to work that person.

What does your average week look like?

Music, Music, Music, Music, Music. Oh, did I mention, music? And of course handling admin, making sure everything is in order, mixing for clients, going through collaborations or projects I want to work on. Anything music, really. If not, then I'm out with friends or I just binge.

What is on the cards for the rest of 2021?

Ahhmm, let's wait and see. :)

But for now you can look forward to a Remix I did for Terra Elle ft. Soul Star - Maqondana which should drop in a couple of months.

Where can people follow you?

Facebook

Instagram

More to enjoy:

Social

Streaming

Mailing List

Masšh

Interview & Guest Mix

Masšh is a fresh new music producer/DJ based in Johannesburg, South Africa whose recent releases just grabbed my attention from the first moments. Another Fruit Loops producer that has taken the basics and built an incredible, emotive sound. His inspirations are founded in jazz and dance music and that shines bright in his productions. His simplistic approach to sounds is rich with rhythm and vibes that mark him as a serious name to watch.

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

Yes, sure! I got into music through a friend in high school. I'm tech geek so I used to collect different types of softwares and games etc. Uhm, then one day, one of my friends was raving about how hard FL Studio is, at the time it was called Fruity Loops, so I asked him to give me the software so I can try it myself. I did, kept on getting better and better, fast-forward 9 years later and it's the career path I chose. I've always been a music lover from kindergarten, I'd listen to jazz bands like 'Sinakho' all the way to 'Dj Mujava' who is one of the icons that shaped the South African dance music scene.

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

Mmm, my biggest influence was and is my curiosity. I wasn't really thinking of making music back then, in fact I never knew how it was made. I just collected a whole lot of it from multiple genres. My mom had a couple of cassettes from Kalawa Jazmee Records, RnB stuff, Brenda Fassie, Deborah Fraser, Arthur Mafokati, Umanji etc which I'd keep for myself. The only time I enjoyed some good House music was in a taxi, I'd be so disappointed when they played soul music instead of 'Casablanca' by Mzo Bullet, that was the only time I heard such exclusive anthems, haha. Moving into the CD era, it became my annual ritual to always get my hands on Soul Candi Compilations, lol, especially for the December roadtrips with my family, I don't recall ever missing one. So, when I got insight on how music was produced digitally, I just kept exploring and fed my curiosity. I still am.

You’ve been busy in the studio working on your new EP ‘Falling Into Place” - tell us about the release?

Okay, the initial name for the EP was actually 'Eventually it falls into Place' which was the theme, given what the world was going through, still is, at the time. More than anything, this was a personal project which served to distill my dispair and give hope to better days. In sharing with the world, I hoped it would do the same for those who listen and feel the same way or felt like giving up on their dreams, mayhap, going through emotional turmoils. It is meant to instill faith in the face of adversity.

Your sound is emotive and atmospheric - what inspires that richness?

I advocate for simplicity. It's a really hard thing to do to be simple yet be layered in the depths of intricacy. I spend a lot of time working on the tonality of my piece rather than the technical part of it. You get the emphasis on tone and tension right, you get the emotive expression in the music. It's how one writes or plays the music that inspires everything else.

You play between Afro House and Deep House - what’s the differences in their sounds to you?

I don't think the sound is really different, there're quite a few shared elements. Afro House is more rhythmic and edgy while Deep House is more tamed and anthemic. However, both are versatile, especially in today's age.

The EP comes on Aluku Records - how did you come to hook up with the label?

I got introduced to Aluku through a friend, Cornelius SA, a super dope producer. Look out for him!

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

Yes, I do. I see myself more a producer than a DJ. I love the art of introducing new dope sounds to the world but the art of expressing music to the world prevails for me.

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

Yes, I have. The previous year was a challenge for almost everyone, I believe. The only way I got through it was to literally keep connected with the music community. For the most part, I think everyone got through it because music played an important role in some form.

Who are your favourite producers right now?

My, gosh! It's a lot of them. Lol, let's my give you from the top of my head, in no particular order.

Atmos Blaq

Lemon & Herb

Dlala Thukzin

Kususa

Levy M

Karyendasoul

China Chameleon

Kasango

Ivory Child

Fka Mash

Tiago Correia-Paulo (not a House producer)

Ian Ludvig

Desiree RSA (be on the look out)

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

No, not precisely. Sometimes ideas come when I'm mixing a song or finishing up a song. Other days I get a rush of ideas inspired by a particular sound I designed or came across (presets, samples, vocals and others etc). I work spontaneously, usually.

What does your usual production set up consist of?

Keyboard, audio interface, a pair of monitors, a mic and some burning incense, haha.

What releases are the standouts for you personally?

Mano Mano by Suka, Clemente & Martin HERRS - Manifesto (Ivory Re-Idealize) , Sun Ra Was Right (Kususa Remix), WhoMadeWho - Abu Simbel, Nika Nika (Magical Remix) by Dlala Thukzin and everything FKA Mash dropped since last year has been quite superb.

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

Gracing the SelectiveStyles seat, and finally getting to meet Kid Fonque! That was epic. And unexpectedly charting no.1 on the House Connect by Dj Loyd on 5FM.

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

I don't know, honestly. I struggle pairing my sound so I don't really think much about that. As it evolves maybe I'll have an answer. But, generally, anyone pushing something unique and different, I'd be more inclined to want to work that person.

What does your average week look like?

Music, Music, Music, Music, Music. Oh, did I mention, music? And of course handling admin, making sure everything is in order, mixing for clients, going through collaborations or projects I want to work on. Anything music, really. If not, then I'm out with friends or I just binge.

What is on the cards for the rest of 2021?

Ahhmm, let's wait and see. :)

But for now you can look forward to a Remix I did for Terra Elle ft. Soul Star - Maqondana which should drop in a couple of months.

Where can people follow you?

Facebook

Instagram