Minimal, Techno and Deep House DJ Deep Candy, known to fans from her days back in 2003 as ‘Lady of the Deep‘ thanks to her legendary performances at Joburg party nights ‘How dirty is your House‘. She is the one sugar coated half of female duo Candyflip along with fellow female DJ iCandy. We talk to her about how her London experience affected her South African perception of Dance music, what it means to be a female DJ and the experience of judging the KGB Vodka Music Production Competition.

What kind of influence did London have on your sound, how did it inspire you?

It was in London mid 2000 that I started my collection of music, the influence was huge as I was exposed to alot more variation and availablity of music, then in SA at that time. I was completely blown away at how “advanced” and professional the scene was compared to SA. It was a breath of fresh air to me as I realised that THIS interest I had in music could realistically grow into a more serious and professionally acknowledged Art.

I was fortunate enough to have friends that had been living in London for a good few years that had grown into the scene. I was introduced to DJ’s, Club Owners, Managers, like minded people that all shared the same interest in music and became an inspiration to me. Music was part of my Everyday life.

When you came back to SA in 2003, how different was the industry to the one you had become accustomed to?

Coming back to SA I noticed that we are behind in terms of technology and knowledge in the industry. We lacked the training facilities and we are unexposed and uneducated as opposed to the already established industry in London. In SA I found that the attitude towards DJ-ing was not really taken as seriously as people hadnt been educated or exposed to the ART of DJing and didnt really have an understanding of Electronic Music. Our industry lacked variation, and what we had been exposed to was just the tip of the ice berg. I also found people followed the masses and it was quite difficult to introduce new sounds.

Which do you most enjoy, playing as a resident where you get to know your crowd as time goes by or playing at various gigs, where reactions are unpredictable ?

As an artist and underground DJ, it’s the unpredictible response from a crowd that gets me going. The underground scene in SA is still pretty small and the same faces are often seen at all events and clubs. My sound is constantly growing and changing and whether I’m a resident or not, when I am booked for a gig. I have my own unique sound and strive to be as creative as possible to get that WOW from each gig.

Deep Candy – Live @ Next by deepcandy

You are part of a small group of lady DJs in SA, what do you think about the reaction towards your gender in the industry, does that stifle growth at times ?

Yes I am fortunate enough to have been recogonised as a professional DJ and artist. Being part of a group of talented female Artists is an honour for me. I think its awesome that Females are being recogonised in the industry and this group has given woman a platform to grow in a male dominated industry. I do find that being a female DJ, I have been booked at events in the past for no other reason than people thinking a female DJ will pull people regardless of my sound or mixing ability. I find it unprofessional and an insult to Female artists. Talent and Passion are often overlooked.

It’s one thing entering competitions and winning them, it’s another thing to be chosen out of a list of hopefuls to actually judge a prestigious event like KGB Vodka Music Production Competition. That must have been a stamp of approval on your talent.

Wow… Yes when I was asked to be one of the judges I was pretty blown away. I was chosen purely on my taste and ear for music which obviously shows in my performances. It was a huge confidence boost for me and inspired me to grow even more as an artist and trust in my creativity and continue to express myself through my sound. I am recogonised for my sound and the effort that I put into my performances.

Finish the sentence: Music should be…

FELT

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