Exposed Vocals Interviews DJ Smokes

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

 

DJ Smokes: I was born in Atlanta Georgia USA, I then moved to Pretoria, South Africa where I spent most of my years and started DJing around 2006, then producing in 2010. At the time I was inspired by mash-up culture so I liked to merge acapellas and instrumentals from different tracks to create a unique experience for my audiences. I started djing because I loved radio mix shows and bumped into a computer djing programme called Ato-Mix, I learned that you’re not a real DJ until you can use CDJs so I quickly learnt to do that around 2008. Pretoria is a very musical city and the audience is very hard to please, it was the perfect place for me to sharpen my craft. I am now based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

 

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

 

DJ Smokes: The Smokes nickname used to be my older brothers nickname in high school, don’t ask me why lol.

The tradition at my high school was to take whatever name your previous family member who attended the school had, my original aka was “The Nov” but Smokes stuck like glue and I’m glad because “The Nov” sounds a little corny, don’t you think?

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

DJ Smokes: Online music sharing has allowed artists to take the middle man out of the equation and reach their audiences directly. It’s grown the music industry and exposed the world to a diverse range of music as opposed to people being forced to listen to whoever is in the media, it’s truly a blessing to our industry. I give my music away for free because at this early stage of my career I need to be accessible for my audience, in order to grow and cultivate it.

 

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

DJ Smokes: Start with your craft, good music always rises to the top and it makes for a more sustainable career.

If you’re confident in your craft and can’t get shows, create your own show and bring your audience to you.

In the early days don’t be afraid to perform for free as long as the platform is worthy and you know you can leverage it.Finally have a long term, at least five year plan in motion for your brand at all times.

 

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?

DJ Smokes: Sometimes I just go into my DAW and freestyle melodies, that’s most of the time lol, but because I have a brand plan I know what sound I’m focusing my production on, most times. After the melody I do my drums. Once I have a skeleton I start arranging the song, usually starting with the chorus, then breaking the beat down for the verses. It’s great to be flexible with your process because you can get a different sound just by changing your process. Once I have the full song, I listen to a song with a similar sound, usually within the same genre in order to get a feel of what the mix down should sound like.

 

 

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

 

DJ Smokes: No website yet. I use Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/dj-smokes  for my latest music and datafilehost to spread my links. I also make use of my local blogs such as SlikourOnLife and HypeMagSa. I market my music via my social media, @dj_smokes (twitter/instagram), DJ Smokes  https://www.facebook.com/DJSmokesza/ (Facebook Fan Page), smokesthemost (snapchat).

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?

DJ Smokes: I’d do the shmoney dance, then dab because that would be lit. I’d spend the money on a fully equipped studio that I can live in, with a guest room and kitchen to accommodate all night sessions and free wifi all day. Yeah I think I’d be good for life with that.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

DJ Smokes: Platforms like this are essential because online blogs allow artists to reach global audiences. Mainstream media like radio and TV are also still very useful. The most important for me has always been my own social media platforms because I have my own content strategy and my audience falls within my context, the context I have designed and that I am constantly evolving with my team to create the best possible experience for the fans.

Since I am a DJ, playing my music at my gigs also helps with the promotion of my music.

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

DJ Smokes: I am cooking up a new mix series called #UpInSmoke, so look out for that, I’ve currently got my debut radio single out End of the Month ft. Ab Crazy (South Africa) and Emmy Gee (Nigeria) prod by. DJ Smokes and MustBeDubz (South Africa) check that out on my twitter page @dj_smokes. I like to surprise with my original music so just stay tuned, but you can definitely expect at least two more singles from me this year.

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

DJ Smokes: I’d be an author, or architect because I love writing and I have a true passion for innovation and design.

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?

DJ Smokes: I have a loving and supportive family as well as an incredible team that I work with that spreads the load. I also have a flexible but structured schedule that helps me get to everything.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?

DJ Smokes:

More singles, a couple remixes, some really dope gigs. #MostHigh012