Afros in tha City

View Original

#SHEDJ OF THE WEEK WITH KITTYBASS

Are you ready to discover the next rising star in the music world? Look no further than our exclusive SHEDJ of the Week Weekly Feature! Each week, we handpick an incredible talent from the world of underground and independent music and showcase their exceptional skills, unique style, and captivating sounds.

What can you expect from SHEDJ of the Week? Prepare to be blown away by the electrifying beats, soul-stirring melodies, and boundary-pushing creativity that these emerging SHEDJs bring to the table.

Whether you're a dedicated music enthusiast, an aspiring artist, or simply someone who loves uncovering fresh, innovative sounds, our weekly feature promises to deliver a captivating audio experience like no other. Join us in celebrating diversity, originality, and the raw passion that fuels the underground music scene. Ready to embark on a sonic adventure unlike any other?

SHEDJS: WHAT INITIALLY SPARKED YOUR PASSION FOR DJING, AND HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE MUSIC SCENE?

Essentially I didn’t really like any of the dance music I came across in Halifax and thought that maybe I could be the one to fill the gap I felt was missing. I had already been through College for sound design & recording arts and had my own DJ set up, so I just started to email and reach out to every promoter in the city.

SHEDJS: CAN YOU SHARE A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE FROM ONE OF YOUR PERFORMANCES OR EVENTS THAT STANDS OUT IN YOUR MIND?

Having the artists I look up to reach out and tell me they like what I’ve put out. It gave me a lot of confidence to keep pursuing the path that I’m on.

SHEDJS: HOW DO YOU APPROACH CREATING A SETLIST OR CHOOSING TRACKS FOR A PARTICULAR EVENT OR VENUE?

I usually try to do research on the other DJs performing; what kind of music they play. It’s important to have continuity not only within my own set but also with the other artists will be playing throughout the event.

Regardless of if I have an upcoming show or not, I will spend hours upon hours searching for music of all genres and cataloging it into different groups. Then I have folders of music I can select from for any given event.

SHEDJS: ARE THERE SPECIFIC GENRES OR ARTISTS THAT HAVE HAD A SIGNIFICANT INFLUENCE ON YOUR STYLE?

I have a very eclectic taste in music, I love it all. And I think that aspect is what resonates most in my style and as a multi-genre artist. I can and will mix anything!

SHEDJS: IN A CONSTANTLY EVOLVING INDUSTRY, HOW DO YOU STAY UPDATED ON NEW MUSIC TRENDS AND TECHNOLOGIES?

I follow a lot of Instagram and Facebook pages which constantly keep me updated. I also keep a lot of my electronic music to the underground - searching for what up and coming artists are releasing. But if I play pop music for example, I keep an eye out for what’s trending globally.

SHEDJS: DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ASPIRING DJS LOOKING TO BREAK INTO THE SCENE OR ENHANCE THEIR SKILLS?

For skill enhancing I would always recommend collaborating with other artists, study their skills. Also go online and do your own research to create your own style.

For breaking into the scene I encourage talking to promoters, going to shows and networking in person will always make a bigger impact on promoters. And never be afraid to put yourself out there, keep releasing music! You’ve got to be loud or no one is going to hear you.

SHEDJS: WHAT'S NEXT FOR YOU IN TERMS OF PROJECTS, COLLABORATIONS, OR UPCOMING GIGS?

So much! I have several tracks I plan on releasing this year, I’m playing 5 festivals this summer throughout the Maritimes, and I’ve got two big pride productions coming up - one June 29th, and the other is July 27th, both in Halifax. Plus multiple other shows in between!