It’s been a long time waiting but it’s finally here and he’s here to move your hips. So ladies and gentlemen put on your dancing shoes and get those cameras clicking because Atjazz will be playing at one of your favourite clubs or pubs in South Africa. The guy has graced us with many killer tracks like “For Real”, “Moments” and “Chasing” to name a few, you better go and hear what his got to offer.
On the chair with Atjazz...this guy has a very busy schedule for the tour and was able to grace the Kaizen team with few minutes of his time and made an interview with us. Martin aka "Atjazz" Iveson is one of the humblest guys ever. He was accompanied by Dj Gobbs from “Do It Now Recording” and this is how the interview went. Enjoy!!!!!
Kaizen: Who is Atjazz?
Atjazz: My name is Martin Iveson aka Atjazz, I grew up in the North of England. When I was little boy I used to like making sounds with my fingers and my father bought me a tiny synthesiser. I started making music in the late 1980’s and one of my friends introduced me to the new record label and made tracks for them. I started in the music industry as a producer and then dj a little bit.
Kaizen: When did you get a “Big Break” of making it in the industry?
Atjazz: I don’t know if i have (laughing), maybe this SA tour is one of the “big break” for me. It’s very nice if you guys think so. However, I feel like I’m here to do something not only for myself but for other artists, help people write better quality music and help them realise when their music is good. I tell people that music is only good when it gives you goose bumps and when you feel it. That’s the energy when you feel music feeds you, you know.
Back to answering the question, I don’t know if I’ve made a big break yet but I’ve never heard so many people screaming at me like crazy at House 22 (debut tour), people were screaming and I couldn’t even hear my record while I was playing.
Kaizen: What motivated you to write a track like “Please My People”?
Atjazz: That track is about me leaving my job, i was working at the big videogame company for about 13 years. The company i was working for was paying good wage bit it wasn’t fulfilling because i wasn’t really doing what i needed to do with my arts. So i left the job, if you could listen to the lyrics of the “Please My People” track is about pushing my work down, pushing it to the dirt and letting me carrying on with my passion. So now I’m free and here to “Please My People”!!!
Kaizen: Where do you get inspiration to write such music?
Atjazz: When I’m working i get into a sync and time just stops still...for me it’s like meditation, so is time i get to be in a moment between myself and the sounds. Nobody is in my head and that’s basically the thing because it feels like to me i don’t have to look for inspiration it feels like is the time in a clear empty space.
Kaizen: Is this your first time playing in South Africa?
Atjazz: Yes it is and so far i love the country, the tropical hot weather which is way better than in U.K it’s good for me. Here people are like...moving slowly not in a hurry and everybody seems to be super friendly and generously warm.
Kaizen: How did the tour came about?
Atjazz:Well, in 2010 i had communications with “Do It Now Recordings” and BBB music they talked to me to come play in SA. In August last year i had about eight people who wanted me to come this side nothing happened. Then by October 2lani “the warrior” spoke to me in bringing me here and arranged the gigs with “Do It Now Recording”
Kaizen: How would you view house music in S.A as compared to the one in Europe?
Atjazz: Here house music is like a lifestyle and it’s big whereas in Europe it’s like as the saying goes “there’s too many chefs and little onion”. Everyone wants to be the person at the top unhappy not to be just a fan or enjoying house music. Down here, music in their lives makes them feel happy, dancing or whatever.
Kaizen: Do you see yourself working with any local artist or producer?
Atjazz: Actually yes, I’ve joined with Do It Now Recording and did a remix of “Ngawe”. Beside that project I would love to work with Black Coffee but his also touring as well.
Kaizen: Which artists/vocalists have you featured on your latest projects?
Atjazz: I work a lot with the voice of Amalia (Canadian vocalist) who is based in Sweden. I’m also working with Tracy K and we doing a couple of demos for Vega Records. Tracy K is the vocalist who sings ‘cure and the cause’. In SA there is Kholi from C9ine we did a “Chasing” remix and I must say it’s rare to hear a voice I say wow I would like to work with and Bonga (Afro’traction) is the “Ngawe” vocalist from Do It Now Recordings. I don’t like working with singers that everyone have worked with, it’s more about working with new acts.
Kaizen: You probably have a busy schedule for the year ahead...what can we expect from Atjazz this year?
Atjazz: A tour is arranged for me to go play in the U.S and I’ve just finished mastering and releasing an album. In May, Atjazz remix history will be on shelves which is a 3 disc album. This will contain of my remixes through my career. Then July is the Southport Weekender at an Island in Croatia.
Kaizen: Which club are you a resident at down there?
Atjazz: Club life is no that on that side but i have a regular thing in 333 and play at a spot in London-Derby. There is a spot where we take new upcoming producers and dj’s and play their mixed tracks then put their name on the big screen just to give them exposure and market them...this is actually a good way of finding artists.
interview by: Nhlanhla Molepo & Keke Kubequ
location: Campus Square(interview) & The ChangeRoom(gig)
images by: Phakamisa Mfana( Soweto Entertainment Magazine)
