How would you describe your sound? Who is your target market?
I would describe my sound as modern electro pop and dance music. I also like carrying a strong message through my lyrics. My target market is young go getters who enjoy life, take initiative and live responsibly. People that live for today and indulge in contemporary music and fashion trends.
International acts that I really look up to include Justin Timberlake, Muse and Britney Spears. Locally, Flash Republic, Tasha Baxter and the late Lebo Mathosa are my favourites.
Honestly, I just got tired of sitting around waiting for something good to happen, so I decided to go out and make it happen for myself. I didn't have any expectations at the time. I just wanted to put something out there and see what the response was like. Almost immediately opportunities to further my singing career came flooding in.
DJ Roxxi approached me after seeing one of my videos on Youtube and wanted me to be apart of her musical debut. Being the huge Flash Republic fan that I am, I immediately suggested that she use Craig Massiv to produce the track. Thanks to Facebook, DJ Roxxi and I were able to track him down and make it all happen. The whole experience has been a huge dream come true. The track is called Away and I would describe it as a “feel good” song for the clubs, one with a catchy hook and a hard beat.
We see you have quite an impressive online presence what with your site and blog and YouTube videos, how important would you say is marketing and promoting yourself as an artist?
Thank you! I worked at an independent record company for two years so I understand how the music industry works, and marketing is vital for an artist's career. Not only does it expose your music to new audiences but it also contributes to building yourself as a brand. I try to get my name out there as much as possible. The internet is a great tool to use because it exposes your brand globally.
Initially, I had mixed feelings about digital distribution but I now understand that it is the way forward and if you don't jump on board, you'll eventually fall behind. With regards to free music downloads, I'm all for it! I make music for people to enjoy and I want it to reach as many people as possible. Artists can still make money from merchandise and live shows.
I find performing in front of larger crowds the best. As long as the audience responds, I really don't mind where the venue is. So far, my favourite performance was at Cafe Vacca Matta in Pietermaritzburg. I also enjoyed performing for the ABSA Dolphin Dash at uShaka last year because it was for a good cause.
I think more interest from the media would help the SA music industry a great deal. Radio stations could up their quota and play more local music. It would also be nice if South Africans could purchase local music from iTunes.
If I wasn't a musician I think I'd still be in the same industry. Maybe writing and producing music, managing artists or even producing music videos.
I'd be Wolverine from the X-men because of his strength and fast healing powers. He and Storm have been my favourite X-men characters since I was little. It would be cool to change the weather as well.
A track of mine called Hazard was recently featured on the Trevor Williams Vol 2 compilation and a tour for the CD is in the works. I'm also planning to shoot a video for the song. Then I have a line up of promotional work for the radio single with DJ Roxxi. At the moment I just want to take everything one step at a time. I plan to release a few singles, along with videos via the internet and I would eventually like to release my debut album.
Thanks for all the tremendous support. It is really appreciated! Remember… You create your own opportunities in life so go out there and grab them with both hands.
