Justin Vee’s list of tracks has been an inspiring contribution to our ever growing world of ‘House’. With riveting original tracks and mixes like,”In & Out”, “The Funk” and “Get Together”, already behind he’s name, Justin continues to evolve with the music and elevate his audience.
He’s been following his passion for over a decade, and has worked alongside many great South African musicians such as Just Jinger, Watershed, Grannysmith, Loyiso and more. He has also played alongside many well known international DJ’s like DJ Mea, Milk & Sugar and The Hoxton Whores just to name a few.
There is no doubt that Justin will continue to raise the roof of most clubs and the souls of most people, as he releases new material into the future.
Your array of talent in the industry is so vast from mixing to writing and producing, what is it that you find really brings out your creativity?
Each aspect of my role in the industry adds to my creativity on so many different levels. I get new ideas each and every day from random projects I work on or clubs I play at.
**As an experienced DJ and music producer I’m sure you have had many great moments. If you had to pick the most memorable moment in your career so far what would it be? **
As a producer, hearing my track “Get Together” ft Adrian Shannon for the first time being played on major stations like 5fm & 94.7 was a truly memorable moment, then later hearing that the track went top 40 on both stations and even top 10 on 94.7 and then to number 1 twice on Homebrew. This led to the track being used on The Hits 15 as well as Club Anthems 2006 which had combined sales of over 50 000 units.
As a DJ, I would have to say playing at the ICE Event held back in the day at Nasrec opening for NSD, playing to around 12 000 people. The reason I say this is they had all the local bands playing before the dance event started and I took over after them. It was an incredible sight to see, picture 12 000 people rushing to the main stage it was a truly memorable night and an amazing experience for me.
You have also worked alongside some impressive artists as a sound engineer, which of these artists really left their mark with you?
I would have to say Ard Matthews of Just Jinger & Adrian Shannon of Grannysmith, both of these gents are just absolutely incredible at what they do. Their song writing skills are incredible and the attention they pay to detail on every level of instrumentation is mind blowing. Zwai (TKZee & Bala Brothers) & Loyiso (Bala Brothers) are also impressive and are undeniable proof that music does flow through the family veins.
Besides working with some well known names in the music industry in South Africa you have also played alongside some awesome international DJ’s, which of these held the most significance for you?
The Hoxton Whores would have to be at the top of my list on that note, not as famous as the rest but true gents and absolute nutter’s at the same time. Had a great time with them when they were here for H2O not so long ago and I’ve stayed in touch with Kevin Andrews since. They have a good grasp on what people want to hear and see from a dj team/producers. They are pushing the boundaries in their productions and it seems they are really starting to make headway. There are big things to come from these gents.
What has been your favourite venue or gig to play thus far?
Venues — I would have to say Numbers in East London, the Bang Bang Club in Cape Town, Raffles & Murmur in KZN & obviously Taboo & Sutra in JHB.
Gigs — H2O of course
Is there always an ongoing pressure to strive for more and achieve more?
Yes definitely, this is an industry of new and ever changing trends and the pressure to achieve more is there always. That will never change it’s just how it is! It’s a good thing I think, it keeps you on your guard and helps u stay open minded at the same time.
Your music tends to sway towards Funky House more than any other House music, what is it about Funky that you enjoy?
Baselines! It’s the key element to why I enjoy the funkier side of house music. The baseline in my opinion is what gets people excited and makes em wanna shake their little buts. I know it does for me…hahaha
When you are not mixing, producing, playing or writing, what is it that you do, just to chill?
Chill…me?
Never! When I get the chance to take a break I might find myself watching a DVD, maybe a little playstation and yes a game of golf once in awhile are things I might do to chill…the rest I can’t tell u for legal reasons…lol
What can we look forward to from Justin Vee for the rest of 2009?
At this moment I’m working on House Anthems 8 alongside Kevin Grenfell & Roger D’lux which is due for release in mid April which of course will have an extensive nationwide tour.
Later in the year will be House Anthems 9. I will also be working on a new single or 2 for radio and some serious collaboration’s are in the pipeline.
Playing abroad over the summer is also work in progress, looking to sign with a worldwide DJ agency. So yeah big things to come for 2009…watch this space I will keep you updated.
**Do you have any inspirational words for any up and coming DJ’s out there? **
Produce, produce, produce….stay humble and keep your eye on the prize. Don’t be side tracked and stay out of the politics, be a listener and not a talker. Play with passion and not for the fame. Nuff said!
To view Justin’s DJSA profile, click here
Article by Kim Simpson
