Exposed Vocals Interviews SimsGotBeats

SimsGotBeats is a 23 year old producer from South Africa based in the township of Soweto, government name is Simphiwe Xaba. Produces hip-hop, deep house, Elctronica with a touch of Dubstep and he also indulges in producing soundtracks for video games. He started producing when he was 16 years old with FL studio 6 he says his music was influenced by artists like Jimpster, Christian Tiger School ,Flux Pavilion, Gucci main and the whole Chicago Drill music scene.

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

SimsGotBeats: I grew up in East Rand in a small place called Palm Ridge. The love for music began when I started Djing using an old software called Automix than I moved to Virtual DJ until one day my friend Gareth, who is one part of a  @Minimal_Groove, gave me my first ever copy of FL studio 6 and  the rest was magical.

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

SimsGotBeats: When I was deciding on a stage name I wanted something cool, catchy and relevant to my art, a name that I could someday be turned into a brand so SimsGotBeats was what I came up with.

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

SimsGotBeats: In this day and age online music sharing is unavoidable, some artists struggle a lot because of this and some gain recognition from online sharing. But reality is that artists should get paid for the hours they put in trying to perfect their craft. I have given music away for free mainly just to gain exposure that’s all.

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?

SimsGotBeats: As a startup you always have to network and attend events  in order to get a feel of what people are into and just do you, be yourself, know your sound and market yourself. Social networks like Twitter can do wonders for you.

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

SimsGotBeats: I don’t usually write songs but what I can tell you is that it starts with you, what you feel, what’s real to you. Write about things that people who are in your situation can relate to .I’m based in Soweto out here inspiration can be drawn from every corner and street believe me.

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

SimsGotBeats: Sure, Catch all my music updates on: souncloud.com/Simphiwe-x, Twitter:  @Sims_Xaba29, email: [email protected] and I use Whatsapp: 0764059079.

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

SimsGotBeats: I’d use the money to start my own company, invest, give some away to the needy and a one year trip to New York.

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

SimsGotBeats: I use Twitter, Facebook and my personal favorite soundcloud.

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

SimsGotBeats: 2016 is looking good I’m currently working on a project with an inspirational talented fellow producer who goes the name Fimo, that’s Fimo The King on facebook. I’m also currently producing tracks for Akinfelay @opeyemi_AK who is a rapper based in Nigeria and last but not least I’m currently producing a sound track for Falcon9 which is one of the games developed by the talented Postchchefsroom based developer Kobus vd Walt, check his work out at Kobusvdwalt.com.

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

SimsGotBeats: I would be making games or I would have been a graphic designer and most of all lost in life.

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

SimsGotBeats: First of all I am a student at the University of Johannesburg when I’m studying or doing my assignments that’s when I’m working but when I’m making music I’m simply just having fun. Having good time management makes my life easier.

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

SimsGotBeats: Just look out for new music and collaborations with underground artist from all over the world and I have some house releases in the pipeline, they will surely be released under the ever so brilliant label D.U.M.P @2a1f2580.