DJ Dreas: Namibia’s hottest music export of 2021
DJ Dreas’ forthcoming project, the ‘DAYSBEFOREULTRA’ EP, is set for release in January 2022 under Berlin-based independent label, Paradise Sound System.
MICHAEL KAYUNDE
WINDHOEK
The illusion has always been that the battle takes place in the Land of the Brave, but that’s not always true. Some artistic battles happen elsewhere and those battles cannot be overlooked.
Such is the example of disc jockey and music producer DJ Dreas, who has been flying the Namibian flag high.
With another body of work in the pipeline, tjil caught up with the mover and shaker.
Currently based in South Africa, DJ Dreas shared Mzansi has been good to him.
“I am thoroughly enjoying it here. It’s fast-paced and it gets quite busy, especially on the creative scene.
“I have been learning a lot. Being immersed in a different culture makes one very open-minded, not even sonically but just as a young man learning life.”
Africa to Europe
On his relationship with German independent label Paradise Sound System, he told tjil that what started out as a distribution deal for his album turned out to be so much more.
“They loved the music and wanted to include me in their plans of building the bridge between Africa and Europe. Paradise and I will be putting out more music together,” the music-maker added.
He mentioned that the ‘DAYSBEFOREULTRA’ EP is a dance project, sharing that he tried to mix it up a bit and push himself to creative thresholds he has never reached.
He revealed that the body of work is very experimental, noting that he wants to demonstrate to his peers and loyal listeners that it’s okay to try out different things within your genre - as long as you package it well.
‘DAYSBEFOREULTRA’ features Namibian vocalist Sean K, German-based singer/songwriter Sezou and Cape Town’s, Namakau Star.
“These artists are not house artists by nature at all. The assignment was to bring out the best out of each other and push each other to creative limits, and I believe everyone delivered,” DJ Dreas said.
Musical appetiser
Asked why he chose to go the EP route as opposed to a fully-fledged album, the producer commented that he tries to be intentional with everything he does. “Think of this EP as a starter meal or an appetiser for the main meal, which is the bigger body of art.
“This EP will also play a huge role on what ultimately will become the main sound of my album. ‘Ultra’ is the name of the album and we are in the days just before Ultra,” he said, a nod to the EP’s title.
His goal with this project is to help mould the sonic direction of ‘Ultra’, but not only that – he said he feels like he’s ready to take on the world.
DJ Dreas said he’s equipped to take on the stages of Africa, Europe, Asia and America and this EP could be the one that opens doors even wider.
Coming soon
Meanwhile, the DJ announced he has merchandise dropping soon and that he will be launching new label last year. Clearly a busy man, the producer will also launch two event brands in 2022 - one in South Africa and another in Namibia.
“I will also soon share details of a world tour, but in the meantime, pre-save ‘DAYSBEFOREULTRA’ and stream ‘Wonderful Things’ featuring Namakau Star – out now on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Joox and multiple stores worldwide,” DJ Dreas said.
WINDHOEK
The illusion has always been that the battle takes place in the Land of the Brave, but that’s not always true. Some artistic battles happen elsewhere and those battles cannot be overlooked.
Such is the example of disc jockey and music producer DJ Dreas, who has been flying the Namibian flag high.
With another body of work in the pipeline, tjil caught up with the mover and shaker.
Currently based in South Africa, DJ Dreas shared Mzansi has been good to him.
“I am thoroughly enjoying it here. It’s fast-paced and it gets quite busy, especially on the creative scene.
“I have been learning a lot. Being immersed in a different culture makes one very open-minded, not even sonically but just as a young man learning life.”
Africa to Europe
On his relationship with German independent label Paradise Sound System, he told tjil that what started out as a distribution deal for his album turned out to be so much more.
“They loved the music and wanted to include me in their plans of building the bridge between Africa and Europe. Paradise and I will be putting out more music together,” the music-maker added.
He mentioned that the ‘DAYSBEFOREULTRA’ EP is a dance project, sharing that he tried to mix it up a bit and push himself to creative thresholds he has never reached.
He revealed that the body of work is very experimental, noting that he wants to demonstrate to his peers and loyal listeners that it’s okay to try out different things within your genre - as long as you package it well.
‘DAYSBEFOREULTRA’ features Namibian vocalist Sean K, German-based singer/songwriter Sezou and Cape Town’s, Namakau Star.
“These artists are not house artists by nature at all. The assignment was to bring out the best out of each other and push each other to creative limits, and I believe everyone delivered,” DJ Dreas said.
Musical appetiser
Asked why he chose to go the EP route as opposed to a fully-fledged album, the producer commented that he tries to be intentional with everything he does. “Think of this EP as a starter meal or an appetiser for the main meal, which is the bigger body of art.
“This EP will also play a huge role on what ultimately will become the main sound of my album. ‘Ultra’ is the name of the album and we are in the days just before Ultra,” he said, a nod to the EP’s title.
His goal with this project is to help mould the sonic direction of ‘Ultra’, but not only that – he said he feels like he’s ready to take on the world.
DJ Dreas said he’s equipped to take on the stages of Africa, Europe, Asia and America and this EP could be the one that opens doors even wider.
Coming soon
Meanwhile, the DJ announced he has merchandise dropping soon and that he will be launching new label last year. Clearly a busy man, the producer will also launch two event brands in 2022 - one in South Africa and another in Namibia.
“I will also soon share details of a world tour, but in the meantime, pre-save ‘DAYSBEFOREULTRA’ and stream ‘Wonderful Things’ featuring Namakau Star – out now on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Joox and multiple stores worldwide,” DJ Dreas said.
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