RMR Interviews Kyle Watson Prior To Performance At Seattle's Q Nightclub

RMR Interviews Kyle Watson Prior To Performance At Seattle’s Q Nightclub

South African house artist Kyle Watson performed recently for his second time ever in Seattle at Q Nightclub on Capitol Hill. This world-renowned artist is known for his unique bass house style which incorporates emotion evoking melodies and hard-hitting, gritty tones. What attracted me to this artist particularly was the diversity in his sound and his ability to play around with new ideas and make them fit together with ease. His music continues to surprise and intrigue fans throughout every level of its evolution. Kyle’s debut album Into The Morning has been a great example of this, with a combination of unlikely sounds that somehow manage to fit together into the perfect collection of dirty but thought-provoking art.

Kyle’s music has been released on labels such as Dirtybird, This Ain’t Bristol, Heldeep, Atlantic/Big Beat, Universal, and Ultra, and he’s gained support from top charters like Oliver Heldens, Claude VonStroke, Justin Martin, and Sonny Fodera. Kyle is also currently working on his remix edition of Into The Morning, which will be available by the end of the year. Check out our interview below which took place hours before his Q Nightclub set.

Kyle Watson – Into The Morning

RMR Interviews Kyle Watson

*This interview has been edited for clarity.*

RMR: What can you tell me about the music scene in Johannesburg, as someone who’s never been to South Africa?

Kyle: The music scene is really diverse there and there’s lots going on. There are a few different scenes in Joburg which are pretty obviously discernible. The biggest is the deep house and deep techno scene. That’s a big market. And of course, there’s also the bass house scene; the sort of music I make. Then there’s ‘Gqom,’ which is a new house-based sound. Gqom incorporates ravey stabs, choppy vocals, and runs around 125 BPM, and the style was actually born in South Africa. It’s very unique. In Joburg, you can walk right down the road and run into any one of these genres, so it’s good to keep an open mind.

RMR: I’ve heard Johannesburg described as “one of the most beautiful cities in the world,” and conversely, “a city of crime and contrasts.” Could you explain for people like me who live here in the US what living in Joburg is like?

Kyle: My wife and I get to spend a lot of time at my house in Joburg, which I love. Most weekends I’m playing somewhere in South Africa, a lot of the time in my own city. The life that we get to live in Joburg is pretty awesome. It has its problems obviously, and we are a 3rd world country so some things are much more difficult than others. But what we get for our money is really good, and we’re able to drive and have the amenities we need. It’s a laid-back and free feeling living there. As far as danger goes; in every city, there are places you shouldn’t go. Joburg is no different. So just stay clear of those places, that would be my suggestion.

RMR: What can you tell me about yourself that most of your fans wouldn’t know?

Kyle: One thing most fans don’t know about me is that I still hold my day job as a video editor while touring and making music. I’m a responsible guy, and the music industry is super fickle, so I’ve always kept the mentality in the back of my mind that I need to have a second source of income. That way if everything were to fall apart and the music wasn’t working out anymore, I would have something to fall back on. I even edit my own videos. I always tour with my wife, and she’ll take videos of me which I edit into recaps.

RMR: How did you get your start in the music industry?

Kyle: That’s a funny story. It actually started when I met my wife. I met her in a club in Joburg, and before that, I had never performed as a DJ before, or actually even considered it. I only produced. I met her and mentioned my music, and as it turned out, her brother was in the industry. She told me I should send him some tracks, so I did. That’s how I got signed, and the rest is history!

RMR: Of all the trials and tribulations you’ve gone through as a DJ and producer in the industry, What has been your most difficult experience?

Kyle: There’s always ups and downs in this industry. It’s one which is notoriously difficult to maintain stability in. One of the most difficult challenges is keeping your relevance to fans while still making music you enjoy yourself. Artists can sometimes get to the point where they don’t really feel like they’re making the music they want anymore. I’ve found myself feeling that way a few times, and I’ve also had moments where my music wasn’t gaining traction from my audience, or I didn’t know where to take the current sound I was working with. But eventually, with time, it all began to work for me. It doesn’t happen overnight. You really have to be patient and put your heart into it.

RMR: Do you have a favorite city or venue that you’ve performed in? Or one you hope to play in the future?

Kyle: Not really. I’ve always loved playing Johannesburg. Sao Paulo was also amazing. In the US I’ve really enjoyed being in Denver and Phoenix. But to me, it’s the people that make the party. I don’t have a big goal to play at one particular spot or event. I just feel like that’s kind of overrated. At the end of the day, it’s just about playing for the right people, wherever they are.

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