Future of Dance awardee March: Atmos Blaq
In this interview, Mio speaks with Atmos Blaq, an up-and-coming producer and DJ, who has recently been recognized as an awardee of Future of Dance for March month. They discuss Atmos Blaq's journey in dance music, from being influenced by his father's house music collection to becoming a producer and DJ himself. Atmos Blaq also shares about his upcoming single release 'Kwa Mama' and the inspiration behind it.
Mio: Hi Atmos Blaq, it's great to have you with us. First of all, congratulations on being chosen as an awardee of Future of Dance for March month. How does it feel to be recognized for your work and be a part of a fund that supports underrepresented artists in dance music?
Atmos Blaq: Thank you so much, Mio. It feels amazing to be recognized for my work, especially by a fund like Future of Dance that is committed to supporting underrepresented artists in dance music. It's a great feeling to know that my music is making an impact and being appreciated by people in the industry.
Mio: You mentioned that your love for dance music started with your father's house music collection. How did that lead you to become a producer and DJ yourself?
Atmos Blaq: Yes, my love for dance music started when I was young and grew up listening to my father's house music collection. That sparked my interest in dance music, and I started exploring different genres of dance music. I stumbled upon videos of Black Coffee and Shimza in 2013, which introduced me to Afro House music and the producers of that genre. From there, I knew that I wanted to be a part of the industry and started producing my own music.
Mio: That's really interesting. Can you tell us more about your musical journey and how it led you to your first gig as Atmos Blaq in Pretoria?
Atmos Blaq: Sure. In 2019, I released my first ever EP under the UK-based Label called DM Recordings. I then became consistent with releasing my music with labels like Uncover Music, Swoon Recordings, Moblack, and Celsius Degree, just to mention a few. My music caught the attention of promoters in South Africa, which led to my first gig as Atmos Blaq in Pretoria in 2021. It was an incredible experience, and it made me even more determined to keep pushing and creating music.
Mio: That's really inspiring. Can you tell us more about your upcoming single release 'Kwa Mama' and what inspired it?
Atmos Blaq: 'Kwa Mama' is a single that I'm really excited about, and it's set to be released on the 7th of April 2023 with Kid Fonques’ Stay True Sounds Label. The song is inspired by a bar/tavern/pub in my hometown (Dobsonville Gardens Soweto) where people go to hang out and have fun. I wanted to create a song that gives off the same feel as being in a lively and fun-filled environment like 'Kwa Mama.' I can't wait for everyone to hear it.
Mio: That sounds amazing. We can't wait to hear it either. Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us, Atmos Blaq. We wish you all the best with your future music releases and career in the dance music industry.
Atmos Blaq: Thank you so much!