‘Challenges Have Fueled My Hunger and Passion’ — A Quick Chat with Simple Tone
Simple Tone is on a quest to cement his name in the music scene and his efforts spanning more than two decades are testament to that.
The self-taught DJ and producer from Orlando East, Soweto, fell in love with house music in 2006. Since then he has learnt to understand the genre and expanded into “spiritual piano” and “private-school amapiano” which has had him on everyone’s radar. Every Friday he releases a DJ mix for his fans known as Simple Fridays.
Before the release of his album Stimela SamaPiano Vol 2, TshisaLIVE spoke to Simple Tone about his music and future ventures.
What is the significance of releasing this body of work now?
Compared with my previous project I wanted to do something that defines me as a person, not to go with a trend, so I chose a more musical and spiritual journey on this project and I worked with wonderful musicians. On this project the amount of work and heart put in explains how unique and heartfelt it is.
How would you describe the journey of your career?
Musically, the journey has been a big rollercoaster. I won’t lie about that. We all think once we take a big leap of faith things will start flowing, but certain things will throw you in different directions. One of the biggest highlights of my journey was when I had my fifth paying gig in 2012, where I shared a stage with Black Coffee. He was part of a campaign in Pretoria’s Rhapsody Restaurant launch of a coffee brand.
What were you doing before stepping into the music scene?
I was a professional dancer doing campaigns with Simba and Coke. Once I tried getting into the work space, I worked for MultiChoice for a weekend earning R300 for a day, but music followed me as I was offered a gig worth R500 for a day and left the corporate job I had to take a leap of faith in something I was passionate about.
My first stint in the music scene was the time of DJ Khabzela, DJ Kent and Black Coffee. Their music was exclusive and I used to record cassettes from the radio — YFM, Kaya FM, Jozi FM — and go DJ with those cassettes at weddings, unveilings and other events in the neighbourhood.
My passion for music started in high school, grade 10. That’s when I started to fall in love with music. After school I used to DJ in my bedroom, make mixtapes with Auto Mix and play them for my friends.
What challenges have you faced and overcome in your career?
I had to walk long roads to attend gigs where I was being paid with six packs of alcohol and being exploited by pub/club owners. Not working with the right musicians and promoters not recognising my work has also been a hurdle I had to overcome. One thing about our industry, certain people tend to disregard your worth. But I feel these challenges have made me more hungry and passionate towards my end goal and I’ve learnt how to not let anyone or any situation take advantage of me and where I’m going.
