#MusicExchange: WeezyJay

The duo is made up of South African-born producer Jermaine Roberts and Warren van Wyk. Roberts (bass, guitar, keyboards, vocals) has been making waves since early 2010. Well known for his ability to marry electronic sounds with live recorded instruments and producing for the likes of Trizzle, Loufie, Cjay, Brenton Goldman, Kyla Nicole, Early B, Emo Adams including film/TV work such as the box office winner Catching Feelings alongside Bokani Dyer.

Warren van Wyk (drums/programming) has performed for a host of leading gold, platinum and multi-platinum bands and artists including Just Jinjer, Dewald Wasserfall and Kurt Darren.

The duo will be showcasing their new material this month with a full South African showcase tour planned later this year. I caught up with Roberts.

When are you happiest?

When I eat! Put masala literally on anything and I’m a happy human.

What does music mean to you?

It’s my medication. Without it, I will lose my sanity. So yes, I am addicted.

Are you famous?

Hell yes. My mom’s my biggest fan.

What drives you: ego or humility?

Humility. Everyone needs help sometime in their lives. Helping a person walking in humility is better than helping an egomaniac.

Any funny moments on stage?

Words disappeared and my pants ripped.

What is your most treasured possession?

My recording studio. It’s set up in such a way that it allows me to be super creative. It’s also quiet so I have my best naps in there.

It’s your round, what are you drinking?

Mojitos, while singing “Take Me Back To The Beach”.

What makes you stand out?

Our unique blend of electronic sounds blended with super melodic vocal licks. Also, I’m tall so I stand out.

If you were not a musician, what would you do?

I’d be a beach umbrella – free tan and tons of beach time. Or I’d probably be doing medical things like saving lives and self-medicating.

Pick five words to describe yourself?

Random, creative, spontaneous, introvert, easy going.

Five favourite SA albums of all time?

Saron Gas (Seether) – Fragile
Frime Circle – Live This Life
Finkelstein’s Good Life
Tweak – Birthday Card
aKING – Against All Odds

What song changed your life?

Saron Gas – “Fine Again”.

What do you love?

Cars, exercise and eating.

Give us some real proper slang and what it means?

Haluuurrrrr burrrrrrr means “Hey man!”

Your greatest achievement?

Doing a film score for a very cool film.

What do you complain about most often?

Bad coffee.

What is your fear?

Losing loved ones and undercooked chicken.

Happiness is?

People singing your song word for word.

On stage, I tend to?

Point a lot.

The best life lesson you have been taught?

Have ice cream on standby after a hot bunny and also be kind.

Where would you like to be right now?

Sitting next to you while you read out my answers, ha! Also literally any white sandy beach.

Do you do charity work and, if you do, what do you do?

We go out to small independent crèche schools and offer to do a re-paint and some basic repairs. I am Mr DIY.

Wishes and dreams?

Take care of our families, make music that moves people’s emotions.

Social media links

www.weezyjay.com
Instagram - @weezyjay_band
Facebook - @weezyjayband