Soletek Live

1). Who is Soletek and where did the name come from? What do you do?

• Soletek (Ebenhezer Musandiwa) is an 18 year old from the East Rand.
• I am a producer & DJ.
• The name came from the fact that i make soul music with a bit of tech… It would’ve probably been Soultek but that name was already taken.

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

• I have a cousin who is a deep house fanatic. Whenever he would come to visit; he would bring the latest compilations from the likes of Monde, Khabzela, Glen Lewis etc and I was fascinated by the genre of music. This is when I got FL studio in 2004 and started messing around with it. Family and friends told me I had what it took to make it and then that is when Soletek started his journey.

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

• Music, to me; is a way of communicating and influencing individuals. No matter who you are or where you come from; music makes us equal.

4). How did you get into the whole music scene? In SA, the music scene is looked at as being very glamorous. As an insider; is it as glamorous as most people tend to think it is?

• I guess it was being at the right place at the right time for me. Meeting my mentor Bossruu; helped me grow musically and eventually with his connections and the fact that I had been working with the likes of DJ Pap, Terry Hunter, Abicah Soul etc, I landed a deal with one of the most innovative record labels in South Africa - BBB (Bass, Breaks & Beats) Music (which is responsible for the great talents such as Liquideep & C.9ine).

• The music industry isn’t as glamorous as it seems, you need to find a record label you can trust and always work in black and white; because there are a lot of big names that will come to you hoping to exploit your talent (but pay day is one of the best days ever).

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

• I specialise in deep house; whether it be soulful, deep tech or afro… I’m there, but I also do some neo soul, jazz and hip hop beats too.

6). How do you manage being a producers and DJ? Do you still find the time to relax?

• DJing for me is a part time but it is still hectic since I get guys from abroad and locally asking me to remix their projects while I have the responsibility of working on my own songs as well.

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

• DJing isn’t really such a big thing for me nowadays, so I can’t really recall a BIG event.
• My ultimate performance would be alongside Karizma, Terry Hunter, Dennis Ferrer, The Martinez Bros, Black Coffee and DJs @ Work… anywhere in the world as long as I am amongst these legends.

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

• I sit at my laptop most of the time, checking mail or on social networks being my awesome self. LOL!
• Before a gig, I always practise as it increases skill and technique.

9). Is the music industry your only source of income. Are there any other ventures that you are involved in?
•
The music industry and my parents are my sources of income (I just got out of high school last year).

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

• Time is something that I rarely have because of my deadlines, but I always make time for the important people in my life.

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?

• The economic climate hasn’t affected me and I think afro has taken the world by storm but cannot take the place of soul.

12). Let’s be real… How many groupies does Soletek get?

• That hot babe reading this interview right now… she’s one of them ;-)

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

• Yep, a lady stripping in the club while I was playing my remix of a song called Brighter Day.

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 or still busy with?

• I guess from 2004; I always wanted to be where I am today.

15). What’s in store from Soletek? What aspirations do you have?

• I am working on my project called Sole Moments which will be on the House Afrika Sessions 2 compilation, and hopefully by next year I will be releasing my debut album.

16). Do you like to work alone or to collaborate? What would be your ultimate collaboration?

• I prefer working alone.

17). Who do you regard (aside from yourself) as a producer or performer that’s making strides in the industry?

• I’ve got quite a few; Black Coffee, Culoe De Song, Mindlo & Essential I, Infinite Boys and many more.

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

• I’m on FaceBook and Twitter (twitter.com/Soletek) or they can give my Manager (Linda) a call on 0735604399.

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

• I use Reason and It’s a secret… Right… LOL!

20). Which team will you be supporting during the World Cup?

• Bafana Bafana