We chat to HAEZER about being a bit of a punk fan,
a dangerous stage show and being a keen film student.
Q:
So… your stage name “Haezer” is actually quite simply part of your birth name “Ebenhaezer”… tell us how “Ebenhaezer” became “Haezer"?
A:
I tried out so many names and it all just sounded so cheezy, so decided to just shorten my name. It's looks cool on paper and it's unique. I startedHAEZER while i was still editing at a post production house and kinda didn't sleep for a year. Editor by day, dj/producer by night. I then started getting international shows after the release of WTFIH and the Anarchy! previews. When the Trashbag boys from Australia asked me over i knew i had to quit my job and do HAEZER full time... That's when ebenhaezer became HAEZER :)
Q:
Some of your fame among a lot of South African fans, has come through your Remix of Oorlog Frankenstein’s “Dans,Dans,Dans” and without people actually knowing it , the incredibly tight production behind Jack Parow’s version of the song. From what I can understand, you were at school with people like Francois Van Coke and Hunter Kennedy, would you say that has helped your career at all?
A:
Ag not really. I mean my music was never associated with them and they were never really into my music till much later when i was already established and have done 2 or 3 european tours. It was only then that Francois got more into it and even did some Mcing over Anarchy at a party i threw in the City Hall in Cape Town. Jack Parow did like my stuff from very early on in the game...but i wouldn't say we have the same fan base really.
Q:
What is it about Belville that produces so many great Musicians?
A:
I think it was the whole punk/skate and break shit attitude. I think the bellville peeps were just not afraid to start a band, even though it might sound horrible, and then practice till it's great. And the music is real. Writing about stuff the bands really felt strongly about. Me...I don't know. I guess it's just that i started making music i like and didn't care whether it's not commercial. As long as i think it's good.
Q:
Your particular style of Electro Trash seems to get the Rockers Raving, and the Ravers Rocking, what do you think it is about your tracks that gives it such crossover appeal?
A:
When i started my biggest mission was to make basslines that sounds like guitars. I grew up on rock 'n roll and punk and even though it's not blatently obvious in the music, you can still hear/feel the influence. People also respond to the dj's energy and i love playing my music out to people and i think people can feel that.
Q:
It’s not every day that you see a DJ spending almost as much time in front of the decks and in the crowd, as behind the decks… you seem to have a very strong connection to your audience… do you ever jump up and down at home, pretending to perform to a crowd in your mind, or does it just happen spontaneously when you get on stage… an energy boost because of the chemistry between you, the crowd and the music?
A:
Yeah, my performance on stage is completely unrehearsed/spontaneous fun. It's also dangerous, cause if i'm feeling grim the people will definitely pick it up. I'm a all or nothing kinda guy.
Q:
You studied film at AFDA, do you think the outlet of creativity through film has spilled over into your music, or is it the other way around?
A:
The workflow of editing and making music is very similiar. Studying editing and working in the industry has taught me a lot of patience production wise and to not release songs too quickly and rather rework and rework and rework x 100 till you're absolutely happy with the track.
Q:
What are the chances of seeing a full length Haezer album in the near future?
A:
It will happen. Just not this year. Working on an album takes time and people forget you when you're not releasing anything. And also producing an album means less shows, cause you need lots of time in studio and need to focus. Right now i'm focused on touring and singles. I want to see and play to the whole world! At the moment it's mostly Europe,SA and Australia, but i've got a gig in Thailand pending and a show in America next year.
Q:
The Electronic Dance Music Scene in South Africa has always been quite small, and within that scene there are a majority of subgenres that seem to be competing as well, from House & Electro to Trance & Techno, Breaks & Drum & Bass, yet there are a lot of DJ’s and producers who actually seem to make it on to the biggest stages in the world, where do you see EDM in South Africa going in the future?
A:
I've mentioned this i think like 2 years ago in an interview and i stand by it. I think more and more producers are going to surface. At the moment there's alot of very good dj's, but not many producers. As soon as we get more producers it's easier to market them and sell it as an unique show. I do think this is starting to happen and that dance music in SA is growing rapidly with an international playing almost every weekend, we are definitely on the map and growing!
Q:
What’s playing on your ipod/mp3player/car radio at the moment?
A:
1. The Waterboys - We will not be lovers
2. Can - Vitamin C
3. Fool's Rhythm - Two Fingers
4. Battles - Leyendecker
5. Paul Kalkbrenner - Aaron
6. Elbow - Fugitive Motel(RJD2 remix)
7. Tom Waits - The Black Rider
8. Nick Cave and the bad seeds - Stagger Lee
9. Burial - Moth
10. Angelo Badalamenti - Twin Peaks Theme Song
haha, it's that precise cause i had to make a playlist for someone else.
Q:
What can we expect from Haezer in the near and distant future?
A:
Right now i'm focused on making a killer EP and touring the shit out of the world. Distant future - big international festivals and full album.
