Atjazz and Julian Gomes interview on The Gift The Curse album

Well this is it folks the moment you & I have all been waiting for.
Martin Atjazz could very well be one of the hardest working producers around, certainly one of the most prolific, he has an ever increasing following of dedicated music heads, a sound that is so unmistakable there is no other quite like him. He’s a cheeky chappy and we love him. Without further a do, ladies & gentlemen I present to you Martin Iveson aka Atjazz!

Q.Martin you are on the verge of having your second album release of the year. Where does your creative force come from?
A.No Idea, I think I’m a touch bonkers, I need a rest though, Already had two albums released ‘SPW 10’ & ‘More Than A Remix’ and with ‘The Gift The Curse’ now here it’s all a bit above my head, I’m just knuckling down to get it all done, Loving what I do.

Q. There appears to be a special relationship emerging between British and South African artists, producers and DJs why do you think this is? And what if any, impact does this have on the current music scene?
A.I think we get on with our Brothers and Sisters in SA very well, we get each other on an energy level, SA has a booming music scene and I think that has a lot to do with it. They love international acts popping on their stages and I feel we’re the same here, we never sniff at a Black Coffee concert and I think our mutual respect for each others countries and ways has allowed to be far away friends.

Q. You have collaborated with the likes of Omar, Jazzanova and more recently with Julian Gomes. How does working with different artists influence your sound and creativity?
A. Well I don’t really collaborate much, I’ve worked closely with Charles Webster in the past and I’m sure we’ll do that again but I usually work alone and work on remixes and production rather than being sat in a room with someone for weeks on end so I’m not really sure I get that influenced by others, I think boundaries break down allowing work to flow but I feel in this industry, we have to keep a sharp solo sound in order to be that little bit different.

Q.What is the inspiration behind the album title, The Gift the Curse?
A. It’s a basic contradiction of life and when we are served a gift in life it’s almost quickly followed by a curse and this is on going. This album is really an expression of our work without trying to be part of something, we’ve done this for us and we hope that people get it on their own level. It’s a very personal album in that we really just wrote music and did our very nest not to think out it and just let things flow.

Q.You need to thank my girl Karen the Grifter for this next question. She asks ‘If you could produce a track with anyone dead or alive who would it be and why?
A. Marvin Gay or Jay Kay! I’ll leave that to your imagination.

Q. Martin 2013 appears to be have another productive year for you, what are your plans for the months ahead?
A. Albums, album, albums. I need to get back to me this year in regards to producing as everything in 2013 was either remixes or collaborations, I need some time on my own to get some music out of me. The label is cutting back a bit and only releasing specific projects that are headed towards album releases, I want my artist friends to get their noise heard in full effect rather than in bits and pieces.

Q.The Atjazz Record label hosts a range of talented artists and producers: DJ Tipz, Peacey. Is there anybody in particular you are championing at the moment? Who would you recommend we look for?
A. I think all my fellow ARCo. team are incredible and different, they’re all singing their own song and none of them sound alike. Peacey, Trueself & Si Tew are all in the process of finishing albums but there is yet another South Africa chap to look out for in the shape of ‘Thee Gobbs’ who’s album is ready to drop.

Thank you so much for taking part of my interview. I can feel The Gift the Cure (The Gift The Curse) blowing up in listener’s ears, bedrooms and dance floors all over the world.

“Like…. Whatever!” X (Martin you are a very naughty fella).

Julian Gomes – The Gift The Curse

“It takes two to make a thing go right, it takes two to make it outta sight”! Which is certainly the case when it comes to Julian Gomes & Atjazz. I interviewed both ahead of their new album release, The Gift The Curse back in October. Julian is a producer and DJ in his own right and has been creating music for a decade, firstly with the G Family Project and then deciding to fly solo in 2012. Since then he has experienced success with his collaboration with Atjazz on the Overshadowed track and more earlier this year he was awarded best video for “Lovesong28″. So what happens when the two people who live across the globe from each other, who both share a passion for music come together? The result The Gift The Curse and this interview.

Q. Growing up in South Africa who were your musical heroes growing up?
A. I was influenced by a lot of music growing up, So its hard to point out one of my heroes when you think of so many musical forms, Especially when you growing up in South Africa. All I can say is that I’m grateful to have come across so much music from a young age.

Q. For all the people who may be unfamiliar with your style, how would you describe your sound?
A. Pure & Honest House Music

Q. There appears to be a special relationship emerging between British and South African artists, producers and DJs why do you think this is? And what if any, impact does this have on the current music scene?
A. I think universally that there are a lot of collaborations happening, I think the internet has helped DJ’s, Producers and general creative & exchange ideas and explore there ideas together, Which is great because Art is universal.

Q. You have collaborated with the likes of Omar, Black Coffee and of course Martin Atjazz. How does working with different artists influence your sound and creativity?
A. I’m Grateful to have collaborated with these artists because I’m a fan of their sound first and foremost. Collaborating is always exciting when the energy is on the same page, You learn a lot of things from each other and at the end of the day its all about putting out good music.

Q. Speaking of collaborations, you have been working together with Martin Atjazz on the new album The Curse The Cure, what can we expect to hear from this album?
A. Yes, The Gift The Curse, Is a project that is close to Martin and Myself. Its been a year and a half in the making. Martin and Myself came together and decided that we wanted to get into studio and write and Organic and Honest album. We happy that is officially available and people are getting to hear ”us on a plate” like martin says.

Q. There are many people who are keen to see you both play together. Will you be touring in the UK to promote the album?
A. I really like the sound of that, Need to talk to Martin about it.

Big love going out to Julian for taking the time.