Leaving a legacy and giving back to an industry that's given me so much has been a driving motivation. Witnessing my students grow and reach new heights is incredibly fulfilling. Transferring over 30 years of experience to enthusiastic minds and seeing them grasp complex concepts and create magic is truly priceless. Proaudio Sound Press: Your focus on Ableton and live DJing is distinctive. How have these areas shaped your approach to music creation and live performance? Craig De Sousa: Ableton came into the picture when I joined Iridium Project, leading to the development of my first live set. My goal was always to perform my original material live, and Ableton, particularly with the Push controller, facilitated this. It significantly altered my understanding of music theory and my approach to creating music. It became evident that successful artists who shaped the industry could create their own content, not just play tracks from other producers. Proaudio Sound Press: Let's talk about your albums. "The Deeper Sounds of Craig De Sousa" was a notable release. Can you share the inspiration behind this album and what you aimed to convey through its tracks? Craig De Sousa: "The Deeper Sounds" resulted from the faith shown in me by Nigel Laver from USM, a visionary in SA DJ compilations and House music releases. I invested time in learning about music production and engineering. Since there were no sound schools in South Africa at that time, I spent several summers in Paris immersing myself in the French House sound that I admired. This album became a signature sound that unexpectedly defined my career and continues to do so today.
Proaudio Sound Press: "Nightwatchmen" was an album ahead of its time. What was the vision behind this release, and how did it impact your career and the music industry? Craig De Sousa: "Nightwatchmen" stemmed from my radio show with Dino Moran on Good Hope FM. We both extensively promoted South African House music, which, at that time, didn’t receive much recognition or support for local producers. This album was the first 'SA House' exclusive mix, showcasing the emerging sound that I was deeply passionate about. It laid the groundwork for the explosion of this sound globally, now visible with artists like Black Coffee, Shimza, and Themba leading the scene. Proaudio Sound Press: The music industry has evolved significantly, especially in South Africa. How have these changes impacted artists and DJs, and what trends do you believe have been the most influential? Craig De Sousa: The most significant change has been the technological advancements. Brands like Pioneer, Ableton, and Roland have revolutionized the music scene with their remarkable products. Much like guitar pedals transformed the industry in the '60s, these tools have fundamentally altered the way we create and perform music. Personally, these advancements have allowed me to transition into a live performing artist. Proaudio Sound Press: Looking ahead, what is your vision for the music industry? What direction would you like to see it take in the future? Craig De Sousa: Music is a fundamental human need, and I’m excited to see a renewed interest among the youth in learning instruments and studying this universal language.
sound press | November 2023
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