It’s always refreshing to speak to a beat-maker who brings something unique and fresh into the mix. Hypnosis fits the mould of those beat-makers. He has been in the game for more than ten years and has worked and rubbed shoulders with some true SA musical luminaries including the likes of Oskido, Abicah Soul, Stephanie Cook and countless others. He has also stayed relevant and been able to transcend the musical divide by having a digital presence on platforms like www.traxsource.com
We caught up with him to find out about the man behind the music and about his participation on the brand new release Candi Roots amongst other things…
Who is DJ Hypnosis?
I am an enthusiastic young guy who believes in quality music. I have been making tunes since 1996 and commercially since 2001. I have worked with all the major labels in the country and contributed to projects from all genres for many artists along the way. I am not just about house music, I am very diverse. Ideally I would like to take South Africa to another level and work with international artists. I make beats for all genres, except rock (haha).
Describe your sound?
I have a diverse soulful sound. I give the world what it demands at a particular time. Music in a beat makes a track a song.
Hmmm, explain further…
You have to have musical elements when making a track, not just churning monotonous stuff for the sake of it. Music has to be at the essence of what you are making, not just beats.
Do you think this sets you apart?
As I mentioned earlier I make music for most genres not just house. So I am versatile, my sound is very soulful. I put a lot of myself and how I feel into making music.
What impact has the digital age had on you as a music producer?
Well it has saved me a lot and given me the opportunity to expose myself to the international market. As an artist I have grown spontaneously and worked with some of the best in the world like Stephanie Cooke, Amera Light and Chris Idh. So in terms of growth and exposure it has been good for me.
You DJ too… Describe your perfect set?
Well the set has to be very melodic with feminine vocals to add that sensual touch. I mean I do work with male vocalists but there is nothing like a female vocalist. Jazz and vocals make the set complete for me.
Tell us a bit about Candi Roots. How did the project come about?
Soul Candi called me about a project they were doing to introduce three new artists into the mix. Immediately I wanted to be part of this, no questions asked. I didn’t even check who else was going to be involved! Originally I wanted to do a solo with them but this project has never been done before so I felt I just had to be part of it. Three artists all releasing music produced by themselves, local quality productions. I felt this was going to be a legacy so I had to put my unique touch onto it.
What tracks should we look out for?
Well there is Soulfiction which is a national anthem among DJ’s. There is the Adella remix, Roots of Asia and Now I Love.
I have a thing for Intombi Yakho; those vocals…
Yeah you could say that track defines me as an artist, it is really beautiful, soulful and melodic.
So I guess you must have some cool future projects on the go too?
There are a couple; ElectroCandi, DJ China, DJ Choice’s Casanova album and we’ve just finished shooting a video.
Wow thanks for the invite…
Ha, ha no man nothing like that; we were wrapping up some scenes just yesterday, next time maybe yeah? My album Music and Legacy is also coming out. I am also really excited about a project that I am doing with a guy called Decency. It’s something that has never been done before. It’s a combination of love songs and acapellas; a triple disc banger.
Lookout for Candi Roots in stores now and make a note of the name DJ Hypnosis – this man’s going places and gets our vote as one of SA’s premier music producers.
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