Deep house maestro Dustinho recently took center stage at the highly anticipated Bread 4 Soul event in Johannesburg, leaving the crowd in awe and earning a resounding standing ovation for his electrifying set. Speaking with us, the acclaimed DJ shared insights into his unwavering dedication to deep house, his latest releases, and the evolving landscape of the genre.
A Standing Ovation for a Dedicated Artist
Dustinho expressed immense satisfaction with the crowd’s reaction at Bread 4 Soul, highlighting the appreciation he receives from fans who truly connect with his music.
“It’s actually a good feeling to get from a crowd like this… For people, from people who actually appreciate the music and bump the music,”
he remarked, adding that it validates his artistic direction.
Sticking to His Deep House Roots in Amapiano Territory
Hailing from Johannesburg, a city predominantly known for its vibrant amapiano scene, Dustinho remains steadfast in his commitment to deep house. He clarified his dedication:
“What made me decide to stick with this is that I started with this. So for me, I’m doing it ’cause I love it, basically. I’m not going where the money is or the whatever… You just have to find your lane and stick to it, man.”
“While You Wait” and More on the Horizon
Dustinho elaborated on his recent EP, “While You Wait,” revealing it was released to appease fans who had been clamoring for new material since his last release a year ago. Surprisingly, he disclosed that the EP comprises tracks that “didn’t make it into the actual project,” hinting at the superior quality of his upcoming main release. Adding to the excitement, Dustinho revealed he has “cooked up another While You Wait” – a longer project born out of boredom and intended to be heard before the main album drops, emphasizing his desire to give the final project sufficient “legs” and push.
Friendly Rivalry: Dustinho vs. Chronical Deep
The conversation touched upon the playful social media banter between Dustinho and fellow deep house DJ, Chronical Deep. Dustinho clarified the nature of their rivalry, stating,
“What people don’t know… Chronical is my boy, man. Like, he’s my guy. But, you know, as a musician, as an artist, you have to have that competitive thing in you.”
He humorously concluded,
“Thabo and Tsepang [their real names] are good friends… Almost best friends, hey. But Chronical Deep and Dustinho are enemies.”
This competitive spirit, he believes, is vital for the culture.
Embracing “Deep House Lite” and Fostering Growth
Addressing the ongoing online debate surrounding “deep house lite,” Dustinho expressed his embrace of the subgenre. His primary concern, however, lies in artists’ lack of investment in their craft, particularly in mixing, mastering, and marketing. He urged artists to either invest in these aspects or pitch their music to labels that can provide the necessary resources. Dustinho believes that with proper investment, “deep house lite” can significantly contribute to the culture and expand its reach.
The Future of House Music: “The Best Is Yet to Come”
Looking ahead, Dustinho is optimistic about the future of house music. He noted a consistent improvement in new releases: “Every artist’s new release is better than their last release.” He envisions a future where the genre is “spoilt for choice” with talented artists and more events on the scale of Bred 4 Soul, creating a thriving ecosystem for everyone involved. His final message to aspiring artists is simple yet profound:
“If it sounds good to you, chances are it’s gonna sound good to 10 other people. So just release your stuff and see what happens.”
