That which drives all of us, universal energy. But I have also learned that life is about our fears on the one hand and love on the other. These days I try to focus on the love side, as I believe this can have an impact on our consciousness as humanity, in a world where there is much fear. For me music is just another language, a form of communication, my escape. 

I play a variety of genres from progressive, techy, uplifting and psy sounds. What I play depends very much on what I am feeling in the moment, the energy I am receiving from the crowd. What I tend to focus on is primarily the underlining moods and emotions of the tracks. By focusing on emotions with good feel undertones I try ensure a feel good journey, even though the base lines may be kick ass and want to make you jump up and down!

Music Travel was a track that I did in collaboration with Adam White in the UK. The track is about my personal life story, the learning’sof “love with intent”, which had quickly jumped to no. 5 on the DMC world trance dance charts. Following on that success it reconfirmed to me that music is a universal language and I was surprised by the power of the message contained in Music Travel. Other release has been “today is the day” during last year’s soccer world cup and now we are launching the Music Travel Earth – 2011 CD. Within it is “Acid Rain – no more” that was done in collaboration with Wendy Oldfield and Eric M. Soon thereafter, it will be “Africa Sunrise” which experiments with European techy sounds with African sounds. Something different.

Building on the international success of the Music Travel track and understanding the plight of our society and our children in this country, the idea emerged together with Eric M and the Acorn Foundation that we could host an annual event, with the intention of making a difference and focusing on universal love energy.

Through the international Dj’s that have gotten involved, our aim is to take this event all over the Globe. Through the Acorn foundation – an organisation focussed on the plight of children, we will highlight the cause and bring awareness in a world where reaching out to one another will again become part of our daily life.Therefore, the proceeds from this event will go to the Acorn Foundation. There will also be a collection point for any unwanted goods, including baby food, clothing, blankets, etc,. Anyone, who wants to make a difference can participate. It does not exclude anyone and it is all inclusive.

Musically, this event will be a South African first, Similar to the very successful events like Armin Van Buuren  – “Mirage” or Tiesto’s “Elements of Life”, where it is a live dance event with DJ’s behind the decks, but the difference is that it includes live acts right throughout the night.

There is a diversity of local and international DJ’s, artists, and performers. Internationally renowned DJ’s such as, DJ Phillip from Belgium, Rafi from Estonia and Johnny from Miami will be performing. Locally we have the best of our DJ talent, touching progressive, techy, uplifting and psy sounds. This will be combined with live acts, including famous local percussionists, saxophonists, guitarists and vocalists. A total of 28 artists and DJ’s complete the line-up.

The artists are involved because of the cause and they have similar intent. For example, Wendy Oldfield and her song “Acid Rain” which she performed long before the world became aware of such a threat, is now using this platform because of the urgent need for a greener world. It can again be highlighted and addressed.

The event will all be tastefully choreographed with amongst other live dancing performances, with each artist bringing their own flair and personal style.

Also, the first 500 through the door will receive the official Music Travel – Earth 2011 CD which retails at R129 and features international and local artists and producers (Dash Berlin, Markus Shultz, Gareth Emery, Ard Mathews, Wendy Oldfield, Eric M, me, etc.

Nothing, everything is always how it is meant to be. 

I don’t necessarily believe that is where it is going. You will always have live musicians and DJ’s (using which ever technology is available) and then you get geniuses like Beardyman. This guy is insane, producing a live set, anything from drum and base to whatever, using the power of his vocals and live loops… 150% talent.

It all started 8 years ago when friends of mine entered me into the Lectrodektus DJ competition. I had been playing for about 2 months at that stage. Such platform gave me the opportunity to learn which culminated in me getting into the finals. From there I was blessed to have played at many events locally and abroad. At the moment I enjoy playing at ESP as a resident guest DJ, balancing work and social life, particularly since the birth of my daughter Evangeline. My future is in the Music Travel – Earth event, where I see it becoming more inclusive and bigger platform for everyone to participate in and focusing on our society. Oh, of course also making music.

Do you have any advice for bedroom DJ’s who want to make it to the top?
Yes, definitely. I have received much advice from many DJ’s, artists and clubbers. Firstly record your sets and listen to them carefully with an open mind. Give them out, but make sure you are willing to receive criticism. Try not let your ego get in the way of good solid criticism. It’s the only way to grow. Then it is also important to play in front of a crowd as often as possible. Take all opportunities, whether house parties or other. By playing live you can gauge the response. Also, remember it is all about the journey and the clubbers, not you! Lastly, don’t be afraid of approaching club owners with your demo CD.

It is a wave that has changed the music industry. When technology changes you always have those that resist change, like when beta video machines moved to VHS and then to DVD. You cannot stop it. Therefore, you either get on top of the wave or you will end up underneath it. This has had an impact on the way artists make a living, but it is important to adapt and find new ways to survive.

There have been many moments…. For example playing at trance on Thames in the Uk, mixing into my music travel track, just when the sun was setting and then it was getting darker, when all the surroundings starting lighting up…. It was a moment. I also enjoyed playing trance in a black club for the first time, the far out café’… Africans can party, what a vibe.

Spencer and its community touched my life 8 years ago as a DJ and I am very grateful for this. Thank you.

 

Check out the event details here: