ASA On New Music, Touring Africa And How She Got Discovered

ASA /  Singer, Songwriter & Musician  

 

You’ve recently had a busy time touring South Africa and Namibia, how do you prepare your performances for set shows? 

I warm up two hours before the show, then stay totally quiet for fifteen minutes before show time to visualize myself on stage.

Africa loves you, do you believe your music speak to fans beyond the continent?

Yes it does speak to fans beyond the continent.

How does a typical day look like for you?

A typical day for me is waking up at 5:30am, reading for two hours, then having coffee with Oma (my dog) next to me. Work out and then write in the studio until 3pm, then do some riding, painting, chatting or watch movies, it all depends on my mood. 

Your latest single, The Beginning, what’s the message there?

It is about pausing in life, in love and however the words speak to you. I don’t really like interpreting songs, as they mean different things to the listener. 

How did you get into the music industry?  

I had been writing songs and performing before I traveled to Paris. I got discovered by an Artist & Repertoire in Paris while performing and then got signed.

Anything exciting coming up that fans can expect from you?

I have just released ‘The Beginning’, the first single from my fourth studio album, which will be released in September.

 

What have you learnt from your journey in the industry so far? 

Always have the right and truthful people around you, it helps keep you grounded. 

Your advice to the young female out there inspired by you?

Be YOU! Never let anyone tell you what your story should be.  

Follow ASA!

Instagram: @asaofficial

Twitter: @Asa_official

Facebook: @asaofficial

–Bridgette Makhela 

DJ Kinetic On Music And His Career Path

Thabo Damari aka Kinetic / 25 / House DJ & Producer / OB Engineer at YFM 99.2 & MD of Pro Tech Events & Entertainment

Why the DJ route?

As cliché as it may sound, I never chose “it” but “it” chose me. From as early as 7 years I had already started collecting music on tapes. I was 9 years old when I first saw a DJ mixing on turn tables, I can still remember how fascinated I was. I knew then where my path would lead, and I have never looked back.

Motivation…What does it mean to you?

It means never looking to others for validation, but rather remembering why you started in the first place and never losing sight of YOUR goal.

What does music mean to your craft?

Music is my craft, so with that being said I can only explain it as…Without music the word craft is meaningless to me. Music features in every aspect of my life, from the work I do as a Sound Engineer, to the business I run.

That one moment you always dream of reaching?

Being able to make timeless music that will one day be looked upon by future generations as revolutionary.

How do you prepare for a gig you’re meant to play at?

It always starts with the music. I prepare my sets depending on the kind of event, venue and crowd. I then prepare my outfit because I will be presenting myself to people, and people always need to have a visual reference (put a face to the name so to speak) and I want that reference to be a good one. Lastly, I have a home cooked meal (whenever possible) before I leave the house.

Money or love?

I get money doing what I love. Does that answer your question?

Are you happy with where you are in your life right now?

I cannot say I am happy, but I can say I am content. I still have lots to achieve and as long as GOD keeps me on this earth I will soldier on.

That one song that is timeless to your ears?

It has to be Planet Noir – Children Of The Ghetto from the Mekonko compilation mixed by the legend Khabzela in the year 2000.

What do you think of the industry you work in?

I never have a clear answer to this question because I become too subjective. My answer is always influenced by personal experiences which in most cases have not been to my liking. I do however try my best to shy away from all the negativity and focus my energy on building myself and those around me. This industry is what you make of it and I choose to run my own race despite the many challenges.

Follow Kinetic!

Instagram: Kinetic_SA

Twitter: @kinetic_err

Facebook: KineticSA

Soundcloud: http://www.soundcloud.com/kineticsa

 

–Bridgette Makhela