Wednesday, August 21, 2013

#DKTop10 : Women's Month Edition Feat. MsThato [Legacy Music]

Real Name: Thato Johanna Kekana
Hometown: Palm Springs
Hustle (what do u do): I am a female dj and producer, I am also a receptionist at Cityvarsity
Genre: I love them all!!!!
Record Label/Brand: Ms Thato (currently signed under Legacy Music)



 
 
 
Top 10
 
1)     Jill Scott – Blessed
2)     Jill Scott – Crossed my mind
3)     Jill Scott – Love Rain
4)     Mos Def – Brown sugar
5)     Oleta Adams – come and walk with me
6)     Common – light
7)     Amel Larrieux – for real
8)     Slum Village – Closer
9)     Goapele – closer to my dreams
10)  Unathi – mothers love song
 
 
 
 
 
 
DK: Tell us a bit about your top 10.
These are the songs that either bring me to tears or lift my spirit. They are also by my favourite artists. These are the songs I often listen to and I never get enough of them.


DK: What/Who inspired you to get into music?

My grandparents own a tavern at Meadowlands in Soweto, my uncles then started playing and hosting events there with their sound equipment and that’s where it all started, I was fascinated by the art of mixing. I often went there to visit from Fridays till Sunday and my late grandfather would play Jazz early in the evening followed by RnB, My uncles and cousins will then play some old school hip hop and Rnb, Kwaito then it drifts into House so basically my Family inspired me to get into music.


DK: What has been the biggest challenge for you as a dj?

Working with other DJ’s especially resident dj’s


DK: Describe your style of music in 3 words.

Soulful, Commercial, Earcandy!!!


DK: In your opinion, is it harder for women to become famous deejays?

Yes, as it is, there is quite a few that are famous and well known.


DK: Tell us about your new album and why people should go buy it.

It is called Soulful People and it’s the second edition. It features tracks from some of our best local producers like Deepconsol, Dj Lavida, Soulfunk, Posh, Lele x, Ras Vadah, Organics, Mizz, Room 806. It has a soulful sound to it moving into progressive tunes. It will definitely move you from head-nodding to get you off your seat.


DK: Out of 10, how would you rate entertainment in the Vaal and why?

I give Vaal a full 10!!! Vaal rocks from the people to the places!!!


DK: Who's your favourite producer local and international?

My favourite local producer would have to be Posh and my favourite international producer well it has to be the Layabouts!!!!!!


DK: What more can we expect from Ms Thato in the near future?

Ms Thato is currently busy with the album tour. This week on the 24th I am in Kagiso at Blue scale cafe. Then I’ll be in Soweto, Eastrand and I will be also coming to the Vaal. The Official launch will be at Meadowlands sometime in October the date still has to be confirmed. You can follow me on twitter @MsThato_Dj and I am MsThato Kekana on Facebook for more updates about my whereabouts.


DK: What advice would you give young girls inspired to get into the music industry?

It is best to know what you want and to value yourself, have a vision and whatever you do, make sure that you are best in it. 
 
 
Big thanks to MsThato for doing this with us, to all the Deep Knights followers please make sure you get her album. Available in music stores nationwide.

 
 
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email: deepknights1@hotmail.com

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Music Review: Cool Affair - Six 5 Nine EP

 
I knew straight after Cool Affair's interview last Sunday on Kaya FM that I have myself a review for today. I was very impressed by this young South African producer who grew up into the art of music. Sound engineer/music producer who has been in the music industry for over 8 years. True and consistent in his sound, Cool Affair never disappoints. The sound only gets better, with elements of jazz, soul, and blues in his melody, Cool Affair definitely the future of S.A deep house. I personally love the broken beats, and I continue to be a fan of this sound because of such great producers.
 
 
 
 
 
Cool Affair just added to the list of his great work so far with this amazingly chilled out EP, I have already picked out my favourite, Closer. Beautiful jazzy broken beat track, the whole EP is nothing short of what Cool Affair has delivered so far. It just keeps getting better.
 
 
 
Here’s where you can buy/listen to the Six 5 Nine EP:

http://www.traxsource.com/title/236440/six-5-nine-ep
 
 
 

 

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Twitter:  Deep_Knights
email: deepknights1@hotmail.com
 

 
 
 
 

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

#DKTop10 : Women's Month Edition Feat. Pabi

Real name:Paballo Dichaba
Hometown: Kroonstad
Hustle: DJ and full time student
Genre: Soulful and Deep House
 
 
 


 
Top 10
(no specific order)

1. Leela James - Good Time
2. Nastee Nev ft Donald Sheffey - Take Me
3. Dj Fortee ft Tshepo - Beautiful World
4. Al Coda ft Bongz Jazzman - Jazz Symptoms
5. Elements of Life  - Children of the World
6. Dawn Tallman - Believe in Love
7. The Layabouts ft Shea Soul - Perfectly
8. Nastee Nev - Close to Midnight
9. Deep Xcape - After the Rain
10. Original Buddhas - Monday Blues
 
 

 
DK: Tell us a bit about your Top 10 selection.
These tracks remind me of the memories I've made along the way. Good Time is my track for women's month. They remind me of how much I love vocals. I always feel so incomplete when i play a set without any vocals.


DK: Tell us a bit about 'Pabi'
I am a student at NWU-Vaal and I am currently doing my final year in BA Psychology and Sociology (please don't think i can analyze people, I get that all the time lol). I am driven and motivated by success. When I grow up i want to be like my mommy.


DK: In your opinion do you think Vaal female DJs are given any platform?
No. People often undermine and underestimate our abilities. for example, I can walk up to the dj booth and be given nasty looks by other male djs, but once I finish playing, they change, se ba nthabela which is uncool. Where is the equality in all of this?? I find it sad really.


DK: What inspired you to get into music?
I've always loved music. Funny thing is, I used to listen to a lot of rnb and hip hop. I had about four T.I and Usher albums lol. I started listening to house back in High School. I'd ask my friends to give me music then they'd just give me Kent's ultimix mixes just so i could get off their backs. Ne ke tena batho. How embarrassing. As time went by, I started enjoying real house music to a point where I felt being a "House Head'' was no enough. That's when I started learning how to dj (2010).


DK: Tell us about your first set, how was that experience?
My first set was a DISASTER!!! It was at Ha Basie Detox. My nerves?? They were uncontrollable and people had these expectations that I had to be good. I learned how to play indoors with those huge home theatre systems and I was comfortable because it was just me and my ''teacher''. When I got out there, it was a different story. But it was a learning experience, I must say.
 
DK: Highlight of your music journey so far?
Great hey. From playing with the best in the Vaal and the Free State. The greatest moment was when I got to play at the Mozolo Beach Party. I've always wanted to play there. I've also worked with Redsquare which was intense but fun at the same time. My parents complain all the time but become silent once the money comes in. hahaha


DK: What has been the biggest challenge for you as a dj?
The biggest challenge you ask??It has to be always asking for a chance to play. People always say ''banana ha ba batle ho fetwa'' so it makes it hard for female djs to deal with this male dominated field.


DK: What's the one thing you'd change about entertainment in the Vaal?
I was thinking of avoiding this question. The fact that I want to avoid it shows that there is a problem in the vaal. There is no sense of ''unity'' here. People are just doing their own thing, especially those who have been doing it for longer, the "Legends". If people could just stop thinking they're invincible then I believe it will make it easier for everyone to work together as one.


DK: What's in the pipeline for Pabi as a Dj?
I think I am the only dj that doesn't have a mixtape. I am thinking of recording one before the end of the year. After my BA, I would like to do my Honours and Masters and hopefully complete them withing the next 3-4 years. Education is everything in my family so hopefully that will go according to plan. More projects to come from Seipati and I as well.


DK: Any words for young aspiring female DJs?
My message to aspiring female djs, firstly, DON"T DOUBT YOURSELF. Things may be hard at first but it is always nice to reap the rewards of your hard work. Secondly, GET EDUCATED. I always say "it's a tough world we're living in", so it's always better if someone has a plan B.

Big thanks to Pabi for her time to do this with us, after watching her grow in music this past year there's no doubt with more of her passion and patience she's heading to be one the best female Dj's in the country.


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Twitter: Deep_Knights
email: deepknights1@hotmail.com

Friday, August 9, 2013

Music Review: Sean McCabe

 
 
One of the best producers with out a doubt, Sean McCabe.


 
 
Couldn't believe it when I saw a post that said Sean McCabe is in his mid 20s. If you know half of Sean's work then you'd be as shocked as I am but I'm hoping that's an old post [Laughs]. Matured, Soulful and oh so groovy sound Sean always provides. One of my favourite remixers. He started producing at the age of 12 and DJing since he was 14. Being too young to get into clubs at the time [Laughs] he got into House music through radio shows like Danny Rampling's Love Groove Dance Party and Deli-G's The Touch on Galaxy FM.
 
 
He has Produced and remixed artists such as Roland Clarke, SuSu Bobien, Todd Terry, Quentin Harris and Stephanie Cooke. Sean's first releases dropped in 2003 working along side Southern Divide. Like the last 2 music reviews posts I did, choosing one Sean McCabe song or remix to review was a challenge. So I'm going to let you in on 3 of my favourite.


 


 


 

 

Released 2012-05-02 but still one of my favourite Sean McCabe mixes

Jere McAllister with Carla Prather - Give You, Give Me (Sean McCabe and Black Sonix Remix)


Check out Sean McCabe's August Top 10 on Traxsourse:
Sean McCabe August 2013 Top 10
 
Oh and by the way haha, Sean McCabe is turning 28 on the 25th of August. Show him some love and don't forget to BUY his music.



Sources:

seanmccabemusic.com/category/interviews/

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Email: deepknights1@hotmail.com

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

#DKTop10 : Women's Month Edition Feat. Lisa Shaw [Salted Music / Naked Music]


Real Name:  Lisa Shaw
Hometown: Toronto, Canada
Hustle (what do u do):  I am singer/songwriter, recording artist & performer
Genre: soul, deep house, electronic, broken beat, jazz
Record Label/Brand: Salted Music, Naked Music



 
 
( not in order of preference)

1. "I'll Follow You" ( Magician Remix)  Lykke Li
2. "Ritual Reunion", Little Dragon
3. "Dance & Clap", Miguel Migs
4. "I Want Your Love" Chic
5. "Moments in Love" Art Of Noise"
6. "Outstanding" The Gap Band
7.  "Love Hangover" Diana Ross
8. " Just Be Good To Me" SOS Band
9.   "Tighten Up"  The Black Keys
10. "Stand Back" Fleetwood Mac




DK: Please tell us a bit about your Top 10 Selection.
I'm pretty diverse in my taste in music and as you can see some of these are older tracks and some are new but I've played these songs forever and I'm still not tired of them.  I would love to give you 10 more of my favorites since I feel like I've neglected so many but maybe next time:-)


DK: To someone that hasn't been exposed to your work, how would you describe "Who is Lisa Shaw"?
Though speaking of myself in the 3rd person is  kinda odd and describing my music is even more difficult but I guess the best way to describe me would be 


"Lisa Shaw is a soulful house singer  who's voice is most often compared to the singer "Sade" but she carries her own sound.   Her music  ranges from downtempo soul all the way to dance floor grooves and though she has  been featured on many different genres throughout her career, she is best known for her recordings on Naked Music and Salted Music.  

 DK: Your Single "Let it ride" was the biggest single to hit S.A back in the days, what inspired the song?
At the time, I was in a relationship and we were both getting a little head strong in our disagreements, and for most, that often leads to saying things you don't mean.  My mother always said "words are strong and you can never take them back so becareful and if you find yourself in that situation, take a deep breath and a long walk".  It always worked for me!


(I didn't know that" Let It Ride" was so big in S.A and that is really awesome!)

 DK: After all these years do you still enjoy touring?
Yes..very much!  It takes a toll sometimes when the shows are super late at and the flights are early in the morning  but nothing beats experiencing different cultures,  meeting new people, exploring new cities and  my favorite part...FOOD!   When I am on the road for a long time I miss being home but then when I'm home I am itching to get back on the road to perform.  It's a double edged sword but honestly my least favorite part of touring are the airports and flying has taken a real toll on my back over the years!

 DK: What do you do when you not busy with music?
If I am not working on music, I am usually cooking or planning what to cook days ahead of time. I've been in the kitchen since I was around 10 and I read cookbooks all day.  My family is Jamaican so it was apart of our upbringing to be in the kitchen helping and prepping and learning how to cook. My mother let me loose when she saw how much I loved it and though I made quite the mess (and still do) it has become my zone for meditation.

 DK: What's the one thing that's been keeping you motivated all these years?
My fans for sure!  My family and friends as well but I really have to say the fans and the love that I have received has kept me going all these years. It's important to have faith in yourself but affirmation with your "Art" is important and when others like what you do it gives you reason to keep going.  It's fuel for heart, soul & creative mind. 

DK: Do you ever get nervous when you about to perform?
Sure! The stomach jitters never really goes away but once I am on the stage and start to sing it disappears, I am comfortable and happy.  Those feelings are important but it's a matter of channeling that energy into the right places and then it can work for you and not against you.

DK: If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be and why?
RACISM!  I know some people would say there would be no poor or starving people or even wars but racism is the root of all evil and I believe it is why those other problems exist in the first place.

DK: What more can we expect from Lisa Shaw in the near future?
Definitely more music to come and at the moment I am working on another album and a few singles with various producers. 

DK: Finally, What message would you give to South African women in music?
Be brave, be strong and be true to yourself in the choices you make but most of all don't be afraid to be who you are.  Though opportunity gets you in the door it's talent that keeps you there.  Individuality is what separates you from everyone else and though it's a hard business the need to share your voice supersedes  all other reasoning. There is a need to feed your soul and that becomes just as important as sharing with others. 


We can't be thankful enough to Lisa Shaw for doing this with us, and not just for us but all the Women is South Africa as we celebrate their month.
 
 
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Facebook: Deep Knights Unleashed
Twitter: Deep_Knights


Friday, August 2, 2013

Music Review: Wayne Tennant

 
This week we look at Songwriter/Singer/Performer/House Music Artist Mr. Wayne Tennant.

 
 
I really thought I knew Wayne Tennant until I had look up his history for today's music review and I now respect his work more than I ever did before. You can never pin down Wayne's style of music, very diverse and oh so fresh. And I'm not just talking about his Dance/House music side, I'm sure you've also heard or felt elements of Pop, jazz and R&b in his music. When it came to this post and which song to focus on, I just couldn't decide. But the first choice, and I'm not being bias cause I love this and been playing it ever since its release. IndySoul Pres. Wayne Tennant - I'm Done (Original mix), I love the lyrics on that.

"The song "I'm Done" is based on experiences of my own in the past as well as other people's experiences.  I wrote it on the basis of a relationship with another as well as with one's self when it comes to just getting to the point where you want things to change and if it means getting rid of a habit that is no good for you then so be it." He said on a interview with Dj Plus Groove

Second popular choice that I've also been playing for some time, haha pure coincidence. This one shook dance floors across S.A and it still does, Fred Everything Feat. Wayne Tennant - Mercyless. released on the album "Lost Together" was voted a favourite on iTunes plus. I've been trying to get Wayne for our Deep Knights Top 10 but no response from him, how about we do some kind of a petition [laughs] let's all go write on his Facebook wall or tweet him, "#DKTop10" until he has no choice but to say yes, haha how about that?



Back to the music, last song you should definitely go buy has to be Filipe Narciso Feat. Wayne Tennant - Follow Through (Original Mix). Fast becoming a favourite as I see more and more people talk about it, very beautiful and soulful track that definitely moves you. I love the R&B vibe that Wayne brings to it, amazing songwriter he is. Check below for links to buy/listen to the 3 songs mentioned on the post.

 
 
 

And don't forget, if you want Wayne Tennant featured on the Deep Knights Top 10 after we resume from Women's month this August, then help us get him by writing "#DKTop10" on his Facebook wall: Wayne Tennant or tweet him @TennantMusic (don't forget to cc: @Deep_Knights) haha let's do this guys!!!