Diamond Dealer

The South African house music invasion continues – and how

Interview by Nicky Trax


Originally from Kimberley in South Africa, Diamond Dealer is a fast rising music producer/DJ and was also the official match time DJ at the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Thought that would grab your attention! Currently living in Montpellier in the south of France, DD, as most of his fans call him remixed Nick Holder’s “Time” featuring Sacha Williamson last year, which was supported by superstar DJs such as Roger Sanchez – and this new song marks their growing partnership. Remixing for top labels such as Defected and Soulcandi, DD’s reputation is growing, aside from his DJing and music producing he also runs the Brilliant Cut Media record label which has released two albums – ‘The Diamond Collection’ with DJ Kent in 2009 and DD’s artist album debut ‘The One’ in 2011. DD is definitely one to watch. Most South Africans know Diamond Dealer as the DJ from Bloemfontein where he started his career, playing deep African house music at underground student events and in the townships, soon creating a buzz as a sought after DJ headlining events with the likes of Black Coffee, Culoe de Song and DJ Kent. DMCWORLD jumps in to find out some more…

 

How would you describe your sound in 2015?

My music and DJ sets are all about soulful deep house with that South African deep afro house touch. 

Your journey is 8 years long and suddenly starting to bear real fruition…

That’s true, we have a great deep house scene in SA and I’ve had the privilege to see it grow to where it is today. It’s always been strong, but the scene has developed it’s own authentic sound and today it’s breaking into the international electronic scene with producers like Black Coffee and Culoe de Song becoming international DJ names and ambassadors to our sound…holding down residencies at places like DC 10 in Ibiza this past season. It’s a special time for us and it’s only the beginning…

Can you tell us what’s new from you in terms of productions.

I’m really excited about my forthcoming release on London’s Groove Odyssey Records.  The track is called Ain’t No Pressure and features Canadian singer Sacha Williamson on vocals and remixes by Groove Assassin.

How do you manage to keep it fresh, new and vital?

It’s always good to listen to other genres of music for inspiration and also not just to follow the latest trend. I always try to make music that I will actually play out in my DJ sets, it’s a gut feeling thing. 

What was your first break in the industry?

I produced my debut album back in 2009 with DJ Kent in South Africa. This album really introduced me to the South African scene and everything developed from there.

House and dance is so much ingrained in British music, are there any UK artists whose music you feel a real affinity for? 

There are so many great artists in the UK scene it’s a tough call… Jimpster, Hot Natured, Disclosure… 

You grew up in South Africa, how much of an influence did the neighborhoods around you have on your path towards music? Were there any other major influences such as key people, DJs, producers or clubs etc. ?

5FM in South Africa used to broadcast Pete Tong’s Essential Selection and Essential Mix in the early hours of the weekend and I grew up listening to these recordings on cassette of the tracks and mixes that I loved – this was the start of my love affair with electronic music. During my student years I hosted a deep house radio show on the University station and we were hosting our own underground events. On my show I had DJs like Black Coffee coming to mix live after he released his debut album and he played me a track by a then unknown producer called Culoe de Song… 

What do you hope the future holds for you? 

I’m based in France now but still playing a lot back home in South Africa and traveling a lot. Europe is a new challenge for me and I’m looking forward to working with Groove Odyssey on more projects and events in the UK. I haven’t played in the UK yet so it’s definitely on my to do list!

Surprise us with a DD unknown fact?

I can speak French now, with an accent from the south of France…lol…must be the good weather!! 

Ain’t No Pressure’ by Diamond Dealer featuring Sacha Williamson is out now on Groove Odyssey Records.

www.grooveodyssey.com

soundcloud.com/djdiamonddealer