1). Who is Ezel? Where are you from? What do you do?

Hello everyone my name is Ezel. I’m from the Dominican Republic and I’m a musician, record producer and DJ.

2). Tell us more about your musical journey? What lead to you taking that route than anything else?

I think the real journey is my life itself. Music is just a vein that flows thru me since the beginning. In my particular case, music has become a tool of balancing my life and learning to love all that life brings within the journey itself.

3). Clearly this was all spawned from a love of music. What does music mean to all you?

From a love of life, music has become an understandable language for me to communicate with my loved ones.

4). How did you get into the whole music scene? Is it as glamorous as most people tend to think it is?

It could be, but it is only secondary to accomplishing my purpose in life

5). Which genre of music do you specialise in and which is your personal favourite? How do you get music?

Good music that breathes spirituality in it is my favourite genre. Of course everything has a start, and for me it has been Spiritual House. I get music by many ways, most of the time labels hook me up (for which I’m grateful) but anytime I see something that i like and I can buy; I’ll do it.

6). How do you manage being a DJ and producer? Which one do you prefer? Do you still find the time to be with yourself?

I’m always with myself, no matter what I’m doing. The beautiful thing is to explore the different aspects of myself while getting into different roles like producing or dj-ing. I think everything has its particular charm. There is nothing like being on your sanctuary producing a piece of music that is like getting out a reflection of the soul or by the other hand being lost in and spiritual mayhem in a club somewhere shaking things up!

7). What is the biggest event you’ve ever performed at? What would be your ultimate performance and where?

Each and everyone are special to me. I’m still a new cat in the scene but I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to play on several cities of the U.S. Circuit. I couldn’t forget those magic nights at Boston (Uhuru Afrika) or Chicago (The Shrine) but also small ones like in Houston (The Flat) and of course NYC (Sullivan Room) among others. I don’t have and ultimate thing to do but I do have a lil’ romance with some places for example. I can’t wait to visit Greece, London, Japan and of course South Africa.

8). Give us a breakdown a day or night in the life of Ezel? What’s the preparation like, leading up to an event, and what happens afterwards, what food you eat?

I like this question. My favorite so far… well there is some preparation. In my case I like to approach the gig with a pure, balanced mind and with a relaxed body. So I get into all sort of treats to give me myself good caring so I can express joyfully when I get to play. Eating good and a relaxing bath are a must always but also praying. In a moment of tranquillity, maybe on the hotel room or somewhere I would invite my internal spirit and my spiritual guides to join me in the celebration. That’s the key for a successful gig as they will put everything in place for u to conquer anything and at the same time once u get to understand them u will fill and incredible joy while playing since they are there with you dancing and giving u the touch to play in a divine way. ;)

9). Is the music industry your only source of income. Are there any other ventures that you are involved in?

Right now it is. I’ve been blessed to be able to create a name for myself with the help of my mentors and people around me. But to get here I had to do other things in the past. For example I have a major in communications & advertising and used to work for a international ad agency for 4 years before I could actually take that step.

10). What about time with family and friends – How do you manage that?

I try to be in touch with them as much as I can. I’m not really a talkative person and sometimes that causes stress within my loved ones but internally I try to connect with them as well a my friends.

11). Given your insight into what’s fresh on the music scene, what do you think the trend for new year will be? Has the economic climate affected your pocket?

I hope the trend is to get back to good music. I’m a lil’ bit bored with most of the things that are being put out lately.

12). How many groupies do you get?

Well I don’t recall them in that fashion but I would say I have a few extremely beautiful and intelligent female followers. And those are my favourite. ;)

13). Have you had any awkward moments with fans? Have you performed at an event that made you go ”WTF???”

Not really

14). Did you always know you’d end up where you are today? Do you have any qualifications under your belt for any studies you may have completed?

I kinda sensed the essence of it, but not the superficialities like style or scene or things like that. First and foremost I’m a musician, I’ve trained since I was a kid and I’m still training, studying and getting better. As far as qualifications I just have the qualification of a dreamer & a hustla getting new inspiration everyday.

15). You’ve achieved so much, what’s in store from Ezel? What aspirations do you have?
Well thank you, I’m still getting there. Let’s see… this year is very very special because I will be releasing my first full length album this year. It’s called “Secreto”, which means Secret and I hope it will give a much better glimpse my musical message.
Since there are 12 original tunes with amazing collaborations with artist like Carlos Mena, Djinji Brown, Monday Michiru, Tamara Wellons, Quetzal Guerrero and Daimondancer to name a few. Also It has 2 years in the making.

16). Are you interested in any collaborations with artists in South Africa?

I’m never closed to inspiration in life. The fact is that I’m more of a lone cat in terms of making music, don’t really collaborate much production wise but I would like holla at some vocalist out there, for example KB…Do u remember those Osunlade’s classics “El Musica & Feeling U” Where are U girl?? Let’s get down.

17). Who do you regard (aside from yourself) as a producer or performer that’s making strides in the industry?
I have infinite respect for my own crew. Yoruba Records with my mentor Osunlade. And his crazy ways of teaching me by not teaching me ;) and of course Ocha with his main man Carlos Mena which is an incredible music entrepreneur with and really sharp instinct and that’s something I admire at lot.

18). How may budding producers or DJs get in touch with you should they be interested in working with you?

They can always hit my webpage http://www.ezelmusic.com as I told before I’m friendly but with really monk-style ways.

19). In terms of the music you make, are there certain music programs you use? What is the secret to the sound you make? What influences the sound you make?

The secret is studying, listening and not doing so ur internal river can flow towards the style or sound of your desire. We always start following something but by means of natural development we end creating our own fountain just be aware when the times come to embrace what is your own for which it will take u to the only place u could ever be and that’s with yourself.