Thakzin
Interview
Thakzin hails from Johannesburg and is a 26-year-old self-taught producer and artist began creating original music in 2011. His sound has real range, from Afro house, to Deeper house, pulsating house beat and neo-jazz grooves. his production and creative skills have ensured his music has been noticed, and played, on stages by the likes of Black Coffee, Themba, Shimza and many other South African and international DJs. One of his recent collaborations with Euphonik, titled ‘All The Moves’ – was a chart-topper on 5FM, one of South Africa’s top radio stations.
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?
Music has always been in my life, my father used to be in a band as a keyboardist, so he would teach me and my sister how to play. I started Djing 2009, while doing that i fell in love with the idea of creating. Late 2011 was when i started producing my own music.
What or who were your biggest influences back then? DJ's, people, label?
As a DJ/producer i used to draw inspiration from different artists. Doing wise i would listen to DJ Kent, on the music production side the biggest influencer was Cuebur.
The scene seems to be growing and bringing so many new creative talents right now - what's behind such success ?
We've seen how far and possible loving and creating music can take us. The entertainment scene is very visible so if you got talent and you see what it can do, then why not use it.
You have worked with some big electronic names, how did that happen and how has this played a role in your journey?
Well the sooner i realized that i was on to something with music, judging from the response i would get from my surroundings i started releasing a lot of music, putting it out for free so that everybody can have access to it. Doing that brought in a lot of attention from some of the big names. All of that played a very big role confidence wise, also made me realized that i will forever be the student of the game and that’s how I’ve been approaching music ever since. eg. Euphonik, we met on an email 2017. I sent him my single and he replied "come sit with me when you have time. Stop wasting music. I'll show you how to release." fast forward we had some stuff done together.
Your release with Euphonik was rather pop, do you see yourself more Afro house, deep house… how would you categorise your sound?
Whenever I’m asked to categorise my sound i feel boxed however i would say my brand is mostly aligned with Afro House, however I’m a fan of fusion, I always try and challenge my creating abilities. I enjoy not knowing what's going to happen, so i always try to introduce that element to my fans as well by doing those collaborations.
How has the lockdown been for you? Have you managed to keep connected to other music people and the fans?
This was definitely a learning curve for all the artists. On an artist side our business is more outdoor based because of gigs and everything, so whenever that stops an artist is bound to be affected. However it has definitely given me more time to work on my music and connect with my fans and colleagues in music since we are mostly indoors on our phones.
What inspires you musically?
Everything i see and hear inspires me in different ways. It doesn’t even have to have any visible music attachment. So i absorb the energy i get from an environment, the noises and experiences drive me.
Tell us about your new release ‘Unexpected Feels’ on Paradise Sound System?
Unexpected feels is a project that is out that features 2 singles, 1 is 'Unexpected Feels’ featuring an amazing keyboardist called divine Keys, the other one is 'Fighter' featuring an amazing vocalist called Leko M.
Unexpected Feels was definitely an unexpected project from me. Even the day we recorded the songs live everything on my side was just half briefed, not on purpose however I’m glad it worked out like that because somehow everything felt very organic. This is my first international release and it's been nothing but fun and educational, all thanks to the Paradise Sound System team.
What do you have on the cards for the rest of 2020?
The rest of 2020 on my side musically is looking great, more EPs and singles are already on cue..
What does your usual production set up consist of?
It's very simple. I got my monitors, midi, sound card, mic and the brain.
What releases of yours standouts for you personally?
So far it's Unexpected Feels, as i mentioned it's my first international release.
What makes a good label to work with?
A label that is able to not only work with an independent artist but also offer educational support to the artist about some of the key things to know or do to grow their brands in the music industry.
If you could work with any producer in the world, who would it be?
There so many producers i would like to work with, if i had to choose 1 insane one i would go with Pharell Williams mainly because i can’t tell how he would approach a sound however what i know is that it's gonna be crazy.
What labels are you looking out for right now - tracks you're playing and loving - especially from SA / house scene?
On my list i got some Themba, Zakes Bantwini, Dafro Manyelo, Leko M, Hypesoul, Drummetic Boyz and Kabza de Small & Sun El songs.
Loving the sound being done at EL World (Label)
What does your average week look like balancing all your work stuff?
Very busy i enjoy being useful so i pile myself with a lot of work, studio sessions.
Where can people follow you?
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