Sho Mag Afro House Magazine
Sho!Mag: One can only say, ‘you have done a lot of House Music’ and we just cannot overlook your contribution to the Music Industry with Surreal Sounds Music. What was the driving force behind starting that Label?
Katlego Swizz: Well not much that I had done on creating but I was more involved in decision making. At first, the label was ‘Surreal Sounds’ back in 2012, a decision which was taken by me, ‘Da Capo & Punk Mbedzi’ where we create a hub that will actually be a home where everyone can be part of the movement. This was before Da Capo was signed to Soulistic Music & Punk Mbedzi on Under Bridges. Collectively our force was music first, the rest after. Even till today, Surreal stays the same vibe; ‘Music first, the rest after.’
Sho!Mag: Rewinding back to early days. What would you say was the biggest challenge in starting an Independent House Music Label?
Katlego Swizz: Not knowing the correct way of doing things, having to make drastic decisions that might affect your career and not paying attention to the finer details about the music industry. I would list those as my current challenges. Well, the cool part about this is that we learn and we grow. Even today, I still learn there’s a lot that I don’t know of when it comes to the music industry, and besides ‘most things I just learn them along the way’.
Sho!Mag: For some of us music, family or even money inspires us. What would you say is your inspiration when you are just about to give in to challenges?
Katlego Swizz: That crazy rush that says: “Dude are you sure if this is gonna work or are you just going in blind folded” But then again a wiser angel says to you: “Nah you got this, go all in, whole heartedly”.
Sho!Mag: There has been a number of ‘high points’ as well as ‘low points’ through your musical journey with Surreal Sounds Music. To date, what would you say is your ‘ultimate high point’?
Katlego Swizz: The biggest high point in my life is actually achieving the dream I always had growing up, having to know and interact with the House Music legends. I got to work closely with ‘Nick Holder’ when we were about to unleash ‘Da Capo’ to the music scene, this was back in 2009/10.
Fast forwarding today, I’m working closely with the 4-time Grammy Nominee DJ/Producer Kenny Dope who is also a half member for the duo “Masters At Work”, one could say they are some of the ‘Pioneers Of New York House Music Scene’. Surreal works with Kenny/Dopewax via ‘Samurai Yasusa, Karyendasoul, Kunzima Theology / RED9, Cornelius SA, Collen Cohen & Tize’.
