After the current success of Afro Power Vol.1 and newly released Vol.2, I felt it only right to take it a step further and feature a producer on the compilations. Rowick Deep is an exciting producer who has just released his debut Album entitled ‘Music Is Life’ and I caught up with man himself to ask him some questions.
Sef Kombo: For those who don't know about you, tell us where you are from and what you do?
Rowick Deep: Hi, go by the name of Rowick Deep and I am Producer/DJ who is based in South Africa. I produce world-class music and have shared the decks with some of the pioneers of dance/house music in Africa.
S.K: What is it like producing in Africa?
R.D: It’s a quite exciting because South Africa is one of the world’s largest consumers of house music. So naturally, the environment (Music industry) is any producer’s dream.
S.K: How would describe your sound?
R.D: My sound is diverse and unique to its target market. I produce tracks which relate to most people. I believe that music should touch everyone.
S.K: How have you been influenced by your surroundings?
R.D: I ‘ve come from a musical background. You could say that my uncle, Dominique, really sparked my passion for music. As to now, anything from a song on the radio to a track produced by another producer influences my music. But I try to channel those influences in a good way.
S.K: What has been your response from the people in your country to your music?
R.D: The response has been great, I mean, I’ve been around the industry for the past decade or so and the fanbase is growing each day. The people in South Africa are very receptive to new material. As a result its not difficult to capture the audience.
S.K: What direction are you looking to take your music?
R.D; I’d like to continue producing, and maybe one day, I’ll be the jack of trades in the sense that I’ll produce for other genres beyond house/dance music.
S.K: What tools are you using to create your music?
R.D: I use software programs Q-Base and Reason. Both I find are quite user –friendly.
S.K: So Your Latest Project ‘Music Is Life’, What can we expect from the album?
R.D: My album basically takes the listener on a musical journey of my growth thus far. There is a lot of diversity in the album, because I wanted to cater to a wider market. I would say there’s a little bit of everything for everyone.
S.K: What is the reason behind the title name 'Music is Life'?
R.D: ‘Music is my life’-I live, eat and breathe music. It flows in everything I do. And a lot of people can relate to the title, so I guess it was suitable.
S.K: How long did it take you to put the album together?
R.D: The first draft took about 3 months, then another month or two perfect the tracks for the master mixing. So in total about 5 months.
S.K: You have a album tour, can we more have information about that?
R.D: As I am based in South Africa, my tours are in and around the country. I’m currently touring the “Music is Life Tour” at all major cities in South Africa. But would love to get the opportunity to tour in the UK and Europe, to share my music with the world.
S.K: How do you feel the Afro House scene right at this minute? Where are the places to go?
R.D: At the moment, its booming. There is a great buzz around it and getting guys like Black Coffee who are producing top quality music is always a great way to market to talent in South Africa. In South Africa, the dj’s travel to the masses. So the fans usually follow where ever the dj’s go, which is throughout the country.
S.K: Who should we be also looking out for in the Afro house scene?
R.D: In South Africa, I would say Black Coffee, Culoe de Song and myself, of course!
S.K: Are many African producers collaborating with producers outside of Africa, who would you like to work with?
R.D: Not many producers are venturing beyond the African shores when producing tracks. Most are concerned with the different variations of style the both producers may bring to the sound/track. I aspire to work with the likes of Boddha Satva, Rocco, Frank Roger, Charles Webster to name a few.
S.K: Are you aware of any UK house producers?
R.D: Yes, I am producers such as Kinetic P, Steve Lawler , Soulsearcher, etc.
S.K: What you advice to any young people in Africa looking to get into music?
R.D: Basically, just work hard, remain focused on your goals, and work smartly (market yourself well-let your reputation sell you as a brand)
S.K: What is next for you?
R.D: Releasing “Music is Life Vol.2”, to grow my label RoDeep Records and to just keep producing those massive floor-fillers!!
S.K: Where can we catch you DJin? and Where can we find yourself and music online?
R.D: In and around South Africa and Africa. You can find more about me on my website RowickDeep.com and find my current album ‘Music is Life’ and other material including remixes on Afrodesia
S.K: Thanks Rowick!!
R.D: Sho Sef
Remember to catch Rowick’s music on Afro Power Vol.1 & Vol.2!!!
Here is one video from Rowick's album entitled: 'Music Is Life'
