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Q&A: MILLER SOUNDCLASH HEADLINER DJ BLOCKS

With Miller Genuine Draft

Over the next few weeks we’ll be profiling the Miller SoundClash finalists; getting to know the DJs who will be flying to Las Vegas to compete for a chance to play alongside Dannic at Drais! Today we are speaking with the entry from Zambia, DJ Blocks!

Tell us in one sentence who you are and where are you from?

"I am John Mutale Nshimbi AKA DJ Blocks from Zambia."

Where did your love of music first come from?

"The second I received my first iPod! It had some house music on and from there it became a way of life for me. To this day it’s a huge part of who I am."

How long have you been DJing?

"I have been DJing for 5 years."

Do you produce music also?

"I haven’t gone solo yet on producing but have been working alongside an amazing producer here and have music set to be released later this year. I’m excited to grow in this area as I have some awesome ideas!"

What’s been the highlight of your career so far? 

"My highlights have been winning the Miller SoundClash 2015 in Zambia and knowing I’ll be representing my country in Las Vegas. Playing at the R&G Oktoberfest festivals in front of thousands was also an amazing experience."

Tell us about the success as a DJ you’ve had in your own country.  

"Zambia is such an up and coming country which has given me the opportunity to work on loads of new projects such as the first ever Silent Disco in Zambia, Foam Parties, festivals and much more! I also came 3rd in the Savana DJ competition, and have worked nationwide as a top DJ within the country."

How does it feel to win your local Miller SoundClash competition? Tell us about your experience in the competition so far. 

"It’s been both thrilling and humbling at the same time. Competing against such great talent in the final certainly wasn’t easy, but it showed me that if you really want something badly enough you can get it! It’s been so great for Zambia to have been put on the map and partake in the competition, so it’s been a win both for me and for the country as a whole."

How much does it mean to you to have made it to this stage of Miller SoundClash?

"Knowing that I’ve got the chance to play in Vegas is already a win! It’s more than a dream come true. I’m also hopeful that this could pave the way for other DJs in the industry to get involved and realize there are so many opportunities out there."

How do you plan to stand out over the other DJs in Las Vegas? How will you be preparing for the finale?

"I’ve been doing my research, but for the most part will be going with my gut and my instinct of what the crowd needs to hear in Las Vegas. Basically music speaks to be and I’ll express what I feel!"

What makes you unique compared to the other international finalists?

"I’ve always said ‘I do what I love and love what I do’. For me, the finale will be about enjoying every second, loving the music and soaking in every second of the experience."

Las Vegas is the EDM capital of the USA, with major DJs playing every weekend. If you could meet and hang out with one of these DJs in Vegas, who would it be and why?

"That’s a tough one for me, there are so many talents out there. If I had to chose it would be Tiesto. I’ve always felt his music is as good as it gets in dance. While I was growing up he was a big influence on my inspiration."

Who from dance music’s elite do you most respect and take inspiration from?

"Afrojack. The constant flow of energy in his music is incredible. He has been consistent in producing great tracks and I hope that one day I can be half as good a DJ! He also comes across as a very humble guy, very cool but not letting fame get the better of him, which is something I find really inspiring."

How important is it for competitions like Miller SoundClash to give aspiring DJs the chance to show their talent to the world? 

"It’s very, very important! Firstly, a country can be put on the map that people had not previously considered as necessarily having talent worth seeing. Secondly, DJs are given the chance to show what he or she can bring to the table. It’s a chance to express yourself in a way that words can’t and I’d like to thank Miller Genuine Draft for this opportunity." 

Tell us a bit about your home country - how is the electronic music scene where you are from?

"The electronic music scene is not huge yet so I hope that this competition will make people pay attention and realize there are other types of music and other ways to express yourself. I’m excited to bring it back home after Vegas and keep the hype going in the EDM department!"

Be sure to follow the finalists progress and support your favourites in Las Vegas by following #MillerSoundClash on Facebook.

 

DJ Blocks - Miller SoundClash 2015 - Zambia by Miller Soundclash on Mixcloud