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Smirnoff Experience: Mash Up Street by Murray Walker
DJ Tiesto and BLK JKS get together for the South African leg of the Smirnoff Experience. We speak to them about working together.
Why did you get involved with Smirnoff Experience South Africa?
Tiesto: I’ve been impressed with the other Smirnoff Experience events around the world in places like Paris, Shanghai and Moscow. It’s all about bringing one-of-kind experiences to life, which I like. I think the South Africa Smirnoff Experience is going to be the best yet!
What was it like working with BLK JKS?
Tiesto: It was really interesting to work with such young and up-and-coming artists. BLK JKS have great creative vision and a lot of enthusiasm. It was a lot of fun working together!
What are you looking forward to most about performing at Smirnoff Experience South Africa?
Tiesto: I haven't been to South Africa for a long time and it's going to be an amazing time to do a Smirnoff Experience show and we're going to broadcast live around the world! It's also right before the World Cup! Go Holland! Can't wait to Be There on 15th May.
Tell us about your interest in music, when and how did it start?
BLK JKS: I believe our interest in music begins in the womb or whatever dimension which precedes this one and when the sounds are right—from pop to classical, all the way to drum and bass or kwaito—we love it to bits, because we find ourselves tapping into the sensory memory of our primordial super selves.
Are you self-taught musicians?
BLK JKS: Yes, guess we are insofar as we are Afrikan, DIY, rebel and punk like that! It was high time we started our own party, our own way. Some of us are more classically trained, some of us started off more self-taught, but these days we learn a lot from each other.
You blend rock with musical influences from your local culture but how would you best describe your sound in a few words?
BLK JKS: Unique, because you too are unique, just like everybody else — and that's the truth. Our music is all about the raw. It’s honest.
You have a national following and have played to crowds around South Africa – what’s your favorite gig to date and why?
BLK JKS: Our favorite is either the next one or the last. In terms of the last in this case we just played at the Cape Town Jazz Fest and it was a "howler"… we had a lot of fun, summoning the spirits of the Mother City, yes, it was like the wind, cried, Mary. We were the first band on that day, and they shut the stage down after we played.
Tell you what, can't wait for the SMIRNOFF mash-up, it's going to be a riot!
You obviously love to rock out, but are there other music styles and sounds that you enjoy?
BLK JKS: We are into all types of music and stuff, as long as it kicks ass.
Which other musicians do you most respect or feel inspired by?
BLK JKS: Too many to mention… those who master, build and go to war for entirely new language of self, searching ever for that beastly beautiful musical universe to move masses to, with only this intangible tool and energy of the sonic god force, so that we might realize like: Bjork, Fela Kuti and Michael Jackson.
You have been nominated for ‘Album of the Year’ at the South Africa Music Awards – how did you feel when you heard the news?
BLK JKS: Acknowledged. It feels real nice.
You will be performing at the World Cup Opening ceremony in South Africa, are you nervous about the performance?
BLK JKS: No no no... We are not nervous at all, possibly anxious…wish it was tomorrow!
This interview appears courtesy of Smirnoff Experience. Click here for more info on the event. To listen to the track or download the player please click here.
What's On Editor, writer, photographer, wannabe rock star.
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Why did you get involved with Smirnoff Experience South Africa?
