Q+A: 5 minutes with Terrasoul

Let’s introduce Terrasoul, a House / Electronic producer and DJ from Cape Town, South Africa. Having performed at some of the Motherland’s most recognised music festivals like Rocking The Daisies, Oppikoppi, and CTEMF, Kaelem Fakier is entrenched in the local dance music scene, having previously showcased his ability during a crowd-catching live set at We House Sundays x Boiler Room. 

To add to this list, Terrasoul is preparing to perform at TIMELESS Festival in March and has agreed to chat about his musical background, the festival, and more! In addition, he has shared an exclusive mix to whet our appetites for the soon-to-launch event.

Purchase tickets to the Timeless Festival here or find out more about the event here

Set the tone for us. Why the arts?

I’ve been immersed in music from a young age, with my father playing me early House, Techno, Ambient and Psytrance. His musical taste also gave me a deep appreciation for jazz and ’80s New Wave, all of which became the building blocks to create my sound as a DJ and producer. I took up the recorder, choir, and drums in school and eventually studied sound engineering to marry my musical taste with technical ability. I started DJing and producing in 2006, which was a dream of mine from the age of 8.

Which comes first when you’re producing – the sound or the idea?

I like to allow the idea to take itself wherever it wants to go and not be limited by staying within a certain sound or genre. But sometimes something just sounds good too, so I’ll run with it and see where it ends up.

What’s on your current playlist?

Beyond the new Dance music coming out, I’m really enjoying ’70s and ’80s Jazz and Funk bands like Weather Report, Passport and Shakatak, again. The compositions created in that era are truly unrivalled.

Tell us about the chemistry you have with your fans on stage.

It’s the DJ’s job to take the crowd on a journey, lending your experiences to create something stimulating and educational. I like to take the listeners through a variety of emotions, giving them the opportunity to connect to their innermost feelings and celebrate them through dance. I give them something for their mind, body, and soul.

How are you prepping for your set at TIMELESS fest?

Depending on my time slot, I will structure something accordingly that will not only set the right tone for my fellow DJs but will also give the crowd a sense of where I am at musically at the moment.

Which of your songs should festival-goers put on their ‘TIMELESS’ playlist?

‘Jupiter’ is still one of my favourite tracks that I’ve made over the years, but ‘Faea’ is definitely a better idea of my current sound.

With so many exciting acts performing at TIMELESS festival, who are you most excited to see?

I’ve been a big fan of Röyksopp since the release of Melody AM. It would be a dream come true to see them live.

Imagine you’re a festival-goer. Do you rough it in a tent or glamp in luxury?

Roughing it out is definitely the best way to get a true sense of the festival-goer’s experience at the event. Camping is part of the outdoor festival experience,

What one thing MUST you absolutely have with you on stage?

Tequila!

Break down the news for us: what can we expect from you this year?

I’ll be spending most of this year in New Zealand, so I will have loads of time to make music. I am also planning on completing a body of work with my talented younger sister, something that I’ve wanted to do for many years and now finally have the chance to do.

Famous last words?

“Free your mind. Your ass will follow”.

Listen to Terrasoul’s exclusive Timeless Festival Mix below:

Timeless Festival Mix #3 Tracklist:

1. WhoMadeWho – Silence & Secrets (Frank Wiedemann Version)

2. Manuel Tur – Love Me Well (Original Mix)

3. Matthias Meyer – The Choir (Original Mix)

4. Volen Sentir – The Great Escape (Cornucopia Remix)

5. Raidho – Jaguar Dance feat. T.Etno (Original Mix)

6. Roy Rosenfeld, Khen – Milongi

7. Kamilo Sanclemente – Evergreen (Original Mix)

8. Chicola – Todas las Palabras (Original Mix)

9. Morttagua – The Invisibles (Original Mix)

10. Packim – Feel The Air (Glowal Remix)

11. Jonathan Kaspar – Kern (Original Mix)

12. Decius & Lias Saoudi – Look Like a Man (Extended Version)

13. Azzecca – Other Side (Extended)

Follow Terrasoul:

Facebook – Soundcloud – Instagram

Image via artist