Hot On Top #RediscoverJozi Exclusive: Headphase
Headphase has become a familiar face and integral part of the Hot On Top crew, showing a versatility of sounds to suit the backdrop of each event he plays. The Hot On Top resident and Joburg favourite is a regular fixture on the SA club and festival circuit, with some memorable performances at Rocking The Daisies, Earthdance, Synergy Live, Era, Toy Toy + many more.
For our next interview and exclusive mix in the #RediscoverJozi series, Hot On Top sat down with Headphase to find out more about his music and what he loves about Jozi.
HOT: Hey Tim, welcome to the #RediscoverJozi interview. What excites you most about the upcoming event?
Headphase: Thanks, I’m really excited about the venue. There is always something special about playing in a new space for the first time, especially when the space happens to be a historical landmark! The support lineup also looks great, with the likes of Metro Ticket, Chris De Vos and JAG joining for the first time.
HOT: It sounds like you’ve had a busy couple of months since the last time we shared a dancefloor at the Hot On Top 2nd Birthday at Katy’s Palace. What have you been up to?
Headphase: I’ve tried to keep myself busy with a few club gigs to get through the cold winter. I’ve had the pleasure of playing a debut set at Toy Toy, upstairs at Truth, a couple of nights at Gin & Juice and a recent visit back to Cape Town for a closing set in the Era techno tunnel.
HOT: How have you found the adjustment from Cape Town to Joburg over the last year or so?
Headphase: It’s been tougher than expected. I was lucky enough to connect with the Cape Town electronic music scene early on, but it took quite some time to develop similar relationships and presence in Joburg. I feel like I am gradually getting there, getting closer with some of the great people at And, Truth, Arcade Empire and of course the Hot On Top family.
HOT: Tell us a bit more about how your connection to Hot On Top came about.
Headphase: Back in Cape Town, I had heard a bit of a buzz in the air about a new Jozi events company making waves. The concept, lineups and venues looked fresh and unique to the typical Jozi scene. As I moved to Joburg, I reached out to Alex, caught up for some drinks at a Boiler Room event and could tell that we were on the same wavelength. After playing a couple of events and helping out wherever I could, the rest was history.
HOT: What has been your favourite Hot On Top set so far?
Headphase: That would have to be the B2B2B set with Alex and Jono at my 2nd Hot Day Out. The flow of a B2B set is critical and I felt like this was an occasion where we were all sonically-aligned. We managed to squeeze in songs from Four Tet, Todd Terje and even Jamiroquai.
HOT: Who are some of the artists you’ve enjoyed sharing the stage with at our events?
Headphase: I’ve always enjoyed hanging out with Matt Suttner for his laughs and sandwiches, Warren Bokwe for the smooth grooves, Data Takashi for the edgy beats, Zuluboy for his endless banter, Bhashkar for his pearls of wisdom as well as Carly and Abby for being the raddest DJ girls in Jozi. It’s also been great having my good CPT buddies, Bombardier and The Kiffness, fly down for a few events.
HOT: The mix you’ve recorded for us is something a little bit different to mixes you’ve recorded recently. How did you go about the selection?
Headphase: After a string of recent techno mixes, I was excited to put out something a bit more playful. I tried to put together many of the songs that I’ve played at Hot On Top events over the past year or so, with a stronger focus on the Nu-Disco and Deep House elements. Some tracklist appearances by Art of Tones, Bicep, Lazarusman, Fatima Yamaha and a little sprinkle of Stardust at the end. I had a lot of fun with this one!
HOT: Our new event series is all about rediscovering the best that Jozi has to offer. What are some of your favourite things about this great city?
Headphase: Exploring the vibey parts of town, Braam and Parkhurst. Cycling in The Cradle. Enjoying a braai and a sundowner on my balcony with my friends and girlfriend.
HOT: What do you think is Jozi’s best kept secret?
Headphase: The sunset. The big smoke of Jozi creates quite a spectacle on clear evenings.
HOT: Thanks for the catch-up, we’ll see you on the dancefloor at #RediscoverJozi on the 2nd of September!
Headphase: Can’t wait!
Catch Headphase at the next Hot On Top event, 2 September 2016: #RediscoverJozi Part.1 at Constitution Hill