We had the pleasure of catching up with the incredibly talented DJ and producer, TimAdeep, to discuss his journey in music and his upcoming EP on Basement Art, "Day of Days." Fans can presave the EP on Spotify, Apple Music, or Deezer and receive a free download of one of the songs immediately. Presave for free download
How did you first get into DJing and producing, and specifically, what drew you to the deep house genre?
I grew up in a family that loves music and art, which is how my love for music began. I found my passion for deep house during the Soul Candi and House Afrika era, dating back to the early 2000s and late 1990s, with Kwaito also playing a part. I started collecting music in early 2001, then began DJing in 2011, and started producing in 2015, which I've been doing ever since.
Who were your early inspirations and musical influences that shaped your sound, and how have those influences evolved over time?
I had the pleasure of drawing a lot of inspiration during my upbringing, from compilation times to getting to know compilers and original artists who produced the music. To name a few: Daft Punk, Glenzito, Junior Jack, Deadmau5, Julien Jabre, Kaskade, Harrison Crump, Kentphonik, and more. Over time, I've seen house music evolve into so many sub-genres, which drove me to do my own thing. At first, I didn't know what type of music I'd be creating, but over time, it took its shape without forcing it. Even today, I don't have a specific name for it, but I always reference it as "Groove Tech," a mixture of Deep House, Electronica, Deep Tech, Lounge, and more.
How would you describe your own development as an artist, from learning and emulating others to finding your unique voice?
Through a decade of my production time, I've found my signature and groove, thanks to those who showed me the ropes in the DAWs I've been using to make music, and also learning from tutorials, shaping my approach to music production. Today, my name is cheered among the finest music producers of all time and is recognized globally. That was my biggest achievement as an artist, and I'll forever cherish my fans for their love and understanding of my craft.
What aspects of DJing and producing do you find most interesting, and how do these two roles complement each other in your artistic journey?
I started as a DJ and wasn't even sure if I'd produce at some point, but driven by the rapid growth taking place in SA, that's how my music production began. I felt that being a DJ alone wasn't enough, so it drove me to make my own music and also play it in the music scenes. From counting beats per minute to counting four steps on cue through DJing, to producing using the same technique and using a metronome as assistance – that's how the drive came about, and that's the relation of the two complementing each other.
Can you tell us about the inspiration or core concept behind "Day of Days"? Is there a particular story or emotion you aimed to convey?
The EP itself celebrates the journey of my music career, and the songs commemorate every experience through the journey of music taking me to places I never thought I'd be in. I appreciate every moment of it all. A memorable experience I had during this shaped my music, and I wanted to do more non-stop. I appreciate the folks who believe in my craft and trust me to perform it to numbers of fans and music lovers out there.
How would you describe the overall musical style and sound of this new release? Does it explore new territory for you, or is it a refinement of your signature sound?
It possesses my signature with a new, refined style of music that I've been influenced by, which is influenced by experiences and moments. It expresses both my positive and negative sides. Through the journey of my music, I've been known to be ahead of time when it comes to making music, and I've embraced it because at some point you're making something from nothing, you don't know the shape it might take as you start crafting the music.
Walk us through your typical production process for a track on this new release. Where do you usually start (e.g., a melody, a beat, a specific sound)?
I have both starting points; sometimes it goes from a melody approach, sometimes it starts from the beat. Some elements I would craft from raw, some are samples I get from Loop Master and other sources, which helps accelerate your work. The EP consists of various styles of sound driven by Deep Tech, Soulful, and Electronica.
Are there any particular tracks on this release that you're most excited about or that hold special significance for you? Why?
Overall, the entire EP excites me because I'm happy to put it out there. "Behind the Rain versions" are influenced by every time I always enjoy making music whilst it's raining; it's just you and your PC creating something from nothing which becomes part of someone's memories and is appreciated fully. "SummerTime Blues" takes it back to every time you're home – that's that feeling you appreciate, surrounded by your family and friends rejoicing full circle around the Sun. "Wrap Around Me" is about love and never letting go, because that's what makes us humans appreciate our loved ones.
What kind of experience or feeling do you hope listeners will take away from this new music?
Happier moments and love, as it is the universal language which brings people together and dance their hearts out whilst they enjoy the EP. May it bring more memories and experience.
The "Day of Days" EP will be available worldwide from June 20, 2025. Fans can presave the release on Spotify, Apple Music, or Deezer and receive a free download of one of the songs immediately. Presave for free download