Trancemicsoul on Grietfest, Ultra and Sonar

Trancemicsoul is ready for Grietfest 2014

The name Trancemicsoul (Clement Phaswane) seems to be popping up in all the right places. Since the Pretoria beat maker attended the Red Bull Music Academy in New York last year, he’s developed a cult status waiting to explode.

This August sees Trancemicsoul playing alongside a stellar cast of global underground heavies at Grietfest 2014. I called him to talk about business.

Trancemicsoul: “Grietfest has the lead on underground festivals”

Hello Clement. How’s business in Pretoria?

TRANCEMICSOUL: Hello Johann, business is a bit slow lately, but I have no complaints at all about it. I guess it’s the change of sound, season and vision you know.

You’re set to play Grietfest 2014 which is known for featuring legends not necessarily from the pages of DJ Mag but from the underground scene. With the support of Olmeca, Red Bull et al. do you think they have the lead on underground festivals?

TRANCEMICSOUL: Yes, and I’m really thankful for the booking. I can’t wait for the show! Talking about the support from the mentioned sponsors, they play a huge role in terms of cross-pollination of talent, music and culture. And in my opinion, they do have the lead.

I personally believe that not enough is being said about the middle class DJ. It might sound like an insult, but it has economic truth. What’s your take of enterprises like Ultra and Sonar invading local festival turf?

TRANCEMICSOUL: True that… and I think that’s what makes the underground movement very unique, pure and
diverse. The sad part is the economic growth. For many it doesn’t really matter, it’s all about the love and passion. But we need to bridge the gap because most mainstream artists totally drink from the underground. Talking about the above mentioned enterprises, I think it’s a great thing for the country to have a leg of festivals with such huge magnitude. As long as they give our very own artists a platform (home and abroad), then there’s growth for sure.

On that note, did you hear about the Bridges For Music partnership that granted township DJ’s Lavish 189 and DJ Siphe Tebeka slots on Tomorrowland?

TRANCEMICSOUL: Yes! Heard about it a few months ago on RA Exchange (198), it’s massive news for the country, and a form of inspiration to many aspiring DJ/Producers like myself.

Nowadays the DJ, producer and music journo has to be a multifunctional digital Swiss Army Knife. And to think, back in the 90’s we just spoke about the love of the music. What’s your prediction for the rest of 2014?

TRANCEMICSOUL: It looks like one has to pay more attention to many things, not just the music. With social media lots has changed about the music industry. Innovation, mental fitness, fashion, and presentation of one’s art plays a huge role. But you know what, if you were born to do something then you’ll definitely do it, technology is just a cherry on top!