In a highly competitive and exclusive industry, two young Capetonian DJs have started a movement of their own. The dynamic cousins, Jodie Williams and Liam Bowers produce Gqom tracks instilled with a rich South African sound, showcasing the versatility and raw talent of Cape Town’s youth. KAT MANNE had the opportunity to chat to Jodie Williams about Surreal Sessions and peek behind the scenes.
When did you become attracted to music and why did you choose that path?
Cape flats kids always grow up listening to old school and all different types and forms of music so it came naturally and when I got FL studio, it cemented it.
How would you define your sound?
We make what we feel so there is no definite sound but our Gqom and Electro tunes have always been more on the heavier side of things.
Do you have any musical role models?
There’re so many people me and Liam draw inspiration from but my favourite artist ever has to be the late Aaliyah.
How did you end up working with Liam?
Me and Liam are cousins, so we have known each other since forever and we had the same interests so we thought: why not start a duo?
What inspires your music?
Life, love, biere and my hood, Kuils River are probably the main factors that inspire the movement and music.
How would you describe your target audience?
Anyone who has a liking for the darker side of the spectrum.
How do you balance business with creativity?
I have some behind the scenes peeps helping and grooming me on the business side of things but the creativity gets fuelled by business in a way.
A lot of creatives struggle with a lack of support from friends and family. Do you have similar obstacles?
I think all creatives have problems like this because the likelihood of you making it big is slim but my family started supporting me and Liam’s hustle when they actually saw that we were getting things done and that we are working hard towards our goals.
What are your current projects and plans for the future?
Making my label CAPECLUB which I run with Omar Morto and becoming a household name is a huge one, and our collaborations with FAKA is a huge one to look forward to.
Are you involved in any projects to uplift underprivileged creatives or do you plan to be?
CAPECLUB is an example of taking producers from the fringes of Southern Africa and giving them a platform to showcase their talents.
Who would you want to collaborate with?
I would love to say Aaliyah but sadly that is impossible; but I would love to produce a Gqom track with DJ LAG soon.
What makes your music different?
Using unorthodox techniques in my creative process and using elements from other genres.
For example, I produced a Gqom-inspired track a few weeks ago but I used Baile Funk Boombox samples to give it a different flavour than the usual vibe you would hear.
What makes it South African?
The mindset used to create it and how it sounds and makes you feel.
Do you collaborate with other creatives in other industries?
I’m dabbling in events here and there but that is pretty much it.
Is there a something that runs through your music – like a slogan, theme or message?
The fact that you can experience true freedom by music touching your soul is definitely one of the main messages I try to convey to the listener.
Find: https://www.facebook.com/SURREALSESSIONZ/
WS
