TiMO ODV – Signs to major, writes Deep House hit single

TiMO ODV – Signs to major, writes Deep House hit single

TiMO ODV has gone from relative newcomer to the music scene (he still is) to a number one hit [as measured by SA EMA and Afstereo National Charts], with his song ‘Save Me’ featuring Sarah Jackson.

 There are various plans for me right now since I produce more than one genre, so producing/writing for other artists and myself is what I’m doing right now.”

‘Save Me’ is a soulful rendition underpinned by a solid deep house groove.

The multi-instrumentalist talks about his passion, the deep house scene in SA and what growing up in the East Rand was like. He also signed to Universal Music back in February of this year, so 2015 has certainly been a good one for him so far.

TiMO ODV’s production sound is experimental by nature and spontaneity seems to propel his creativity. His says his aim is to put out the kind of music that truly resonates with South Africans.

We decided to get in early and find out more about this fresh new artist…

Your decision to create music that has a ‘deeper pop enshrined sound’ that fixes itself in the subconscious of the local SA audience is a pretty smart way of approaching the production of popular music. What do you think are some of the musical characteristics that draws in the local people of SA?

TiMO ODV: Definitely the deep house element, so many music fans in SA love deep house. All I did then was add some vocals to broaden the audience outside of the typical deep house fan base.

You’re from the East Rand in Joburg, how did growing up in a place such as this impact the way you view the world, along with your place in it and more specifically the music industry at large?

TiMO ODV: Growing up in the east didn’t make that great of an impact I think the impact starts once you’re old enough to go to clubs. The east is known for the H20 and all the dance music that it includes. When I grew up I mainly listened to hip hop and RnB. When I started clubbing that’s only when I really started falling in love with dance music.

You were signed to Universal Music in February this year, congratulations on that, it’s quite the achievement. How did this deal come about and what are some of the labels plans for TiMO ODV so far?

TiMO ODV: It came about from hundreds of demos and finally one being good enough, it wasn’t ‘Save Me’ though. There are various plans for me right now since I produce more than one genre, so producing/writing for other artists and myself is what I’m doing right now.

Your break out single ‘Save Me’ is all geared up as a radio number one hit track. What were you trying to do with song when you were making it and how did you end up featuring Sarah Jackson on the vocals?

TiMO ODV: I wasn’t trying to do anything really, I just made it and worked on it until I was happy. Sarah was supposed to sing the main vocal but while I was writing it we decided to just keep my vocals in it.

When it comes to your production you are multi-talented and skilled. You write lyrics, sing, produce and play instruments. Why is it important to you as an artist to be able to do all of these things and how much time do you spend per week for example on mastering them?

TiMO ODV: For me it’s important because it allows me to actively play a part in the songs I produce/write. At the moment sadly I haven’t had time for practising instruments with all the buzz going on. While I was learning though I was typically aim for forty five to fifty hours a week. I did that for about two and a half years.

So what would you say led you to the somewhat uncommon and original idea of wanting to play the ukulele and melodica?

TiMO ODV: To be honest when you have the basics of piano, playing melodica is sort of natural as well as a guitar having a similar effect on ukulele.

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