FEATURE
AHZEE
New York DJ and producer Ahzee takes a load off to catch up with The 411's Reshma Madhi
You have spoken of your heritage and also what has
inspired your music – how have Mediterranean and
South American culture influenced your sound?
I was born in Guyana, South America where the
culture is embedded in us coming together and
having random family parties. Not just a gathering
but full on dance parties. We would be jamming to
soca, reggae, calypso, Indian music and almost
anything that would get you on your feet. Creating
music for me is taking that influence and making
sounds based on what I listened to my whole life.
Today the instruments I gravitate to are stemmed in
those sounds.
How much impact have cultures like these had on
the EDM scene generally?
I think more recently quite a bit. From the reggae
meets EDM all the way to those tribal sounds being
merged with it. Feels like it converged.
Who are your musical influences – EDM or in other
genres?
EDM - Tiesto has always inspired me but I also like
other artists such as Bob Marley and Edward Maya.
You have mentioned how there were some who said
you couldn’t live your dream, who said this and how
did you overcome this to follow your ambition?
There isn't one specific person but this industry is
tough. Your critics are everywhere. Some people like
your music, some people don't. When I started this a
lot of people with the exception of my family kept
saying this won't work. Let it go. Get a "normal job"
but I kept pushing. I tend to focus on my passion for
music vs. what everyone says. You have to work hard
and keep focused. Not just chase fame.
What are your future dreams and do you feel you
may still have the same doubters?
My dream remains the same. I want to make music
that the entire world listens to! I want to make
people want to dance, sing and honestly forget for a
moment. That's music. It brings you to another
place. I also want to help causes I'm passionate
about. Giving back is what matters when you get a
platform, so I plan on using that to help others. The
doubters will always be there. They are really not the
focus. The focus is making great music for my fans
(#ahzeefam)
You grew up in NYC – did you get a lot of support
from the Guyanese community there to pursue your
dreams in EDM or were you more inspired by the
wider diverse New York?
The support I got from my Guyanese community was
more in my family. They have been my biggest
supporters from day one when I made my first song
not knowing anything about this industry. Beyond
them I'd say it's the wider diverse New York and
Europe, which really gave me a chance at this and ill
forever be grateful.