For the second installment of Round Corners, a series of mini-interviews with artists about their life in the arts, MICK RAUBENHEIMER chats with stylistically limber violinist Hezron Chetty. Chetty is fresh from wrapping up Brynn’s debut album, and soon starts working with Medicine Boy on their next album, as well as with Francesca Biancoli and Beatrice Asselta’s Nada Brahma Project, which combines Yoga with live music.
When did you first identify as a creative artist?
From a very young age my brother, my sister and I learned to play instruments, however, when we had family jam sessions with my dad they found it difficult to improvise. I intuitively understood how chord changes worked and was able to make up notes that usually fit in with the songs that we were playing. As I began to mature musically I began experimenting with songwriting. I started while in high school and over the years I have been moulding my inner creative artist to something that is true to my mind, body and soul.
Outside of your medium, what branch of art most stimulates you?
I live and breathe my medium and do not have much time to truly appreciate other forms of art as much as I would like to. I am rather obsessive that way, and music is what stimulates me the most. I do enjoy contemporary art and modern dance, but both of these are subtle enjoyments due to my busy schedule with music.
Which artist/s in said discipline have significantly inspired you, and why?
In contemporary art it would have to be Damien Hirst. I actually met him and was invited to his hotel suite in London for a chat sometime in 2010. I find his character to be similar to mine – we both have a contemporary take on old forms of art, and instead of following received trends we became innovators in our respective fields. Sure we may ruffle a few feathers because of our approach, but in the end the art that is created speaks for itself.
What, to you, is art’s most important function?
Art’s most important function is to nourish the right hemisphere of the brain. Logic is what grounds us and creativity is what sets us free.
Local creatives (in any medium) that currently excite you?
Medicine Boy, The Lee Thomson Quintet, Albert Frost, Eland Gray, BCUC, Jules Terea, Brynn, Hatchetman, Crimson House, Diamond Thug, Van T, The Brothers Remedy, Pure, Follow Me Follow You, Mthwakazi, Black South Easter, Savage Lucy, Brynn, (Artist) Werner Goss Ross, Nkululeko Dlamini, The Kickstands, Zingara.
Plus (Artist) Dane Stops, Urban Village, The Brother Moves On, Zweli Mthembu, Southern Wild, Taleswapper, Mr Cat and The Jackal, DJ Invizable, Nonku Phiri
There are so many that excite me in South Africa, I could go on…
Churchil Naude, Riku Latti, Sannie Fox, (Artist) Luke Molver, (Artist) ND Mazin, (Artist) Faith 47, Dope St Jude, Academie, Abbey Grange.
What specific work – be it in literature, music or visual art – do you return to again and again, and why?
I don’t actually return to something again, I prefer to move on once I’m finished with a work of art in any form. There is so much art in the world and I want to consume as much as possible before I leave.
Any current project you’re unveiling/wrapping up?
I’ve finished laying down the string parts for the Brynn album and I am excited for the release. Three months ago I became the owner of a music studio with my business partner Gary Thomas, we are recording artists and writing music for film and TV. I will be recording my second album with my band this year, with a release date scheduled for early next year.
Who: Hezron Chetty
What: Mad Violinist Productions
Web: https://hezronchetty.bandcamp.com/
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