Artist profile - DJ Ezy D: “If you can't use what you do to inspire others then you are in the wrong job” |23 February 2017
Every week the Entertainment page will try to bring you a short profile on a Seychellois artist, be it in the performing, visual or other forms of arts.
In our eighth profile, readers will learn more about the talented DJ Ezy D.
Born Daniel Vadivello, DJ Ezy D is one of the most successful and sought-after DJ/entertainers in Seychelles, besides being a presenter on local radio station Paradise FM
DJ Ezy D is a highly versatile DJ that can ignite a massive crowd; he is one of those DJs/entertainers who can light up a packed stadium. He has been doing so across London and Europe before coming back to Seychelles in 2013.
Q: When did you start deejaying - and what or who were your early passions and influences?
A: 2001, without a doubt the London Club Scene, DJs like TIM WESTWOOD, DR PHYCO, GREEN LANTERN etc… Always left me mesmerized, but the music itself, I was born with; it's been a part of my life ever since I can remember.
Q: Do you consider yourself being an innovative person?
A: Highly, I rarely follow the trend, I am different in style. I think this makes me stand out from the rest and has been the catalyst to my success here in Seychelles. I'm loud, I'm hyped and I'm in your face. You either like me or you don't. There is no in between with me. I don't just play music; I am an entertainer and when I am deejaying I exude a high level of energy and personality.
Q: What do you personally consider to be the decisive moments in your artistic career?
A: To be honest there have been many high points in my career so far. I am blessed enough to have played at some amazing places, and met some amazing people and experience some great gigs in many countries around the world. But if I could pick a moment when it all changed for me, it was 17 years ago when I attended my first music festival, which was “Party in the Park” which is held in Hyde Park in London every summer. And funny enough Beenie Man was the headliner that year. I can still remember that feeling, to be in a crowd of over 80,000 people screaming and dancing along to DJs and entertainers performing. It was then that I knew 100% what I wanted, to feel that rush. Quite surreal when I think about it now, the same Beenie Man I was standing in a crowd of 80,000 watching is now someone I chat with and consider a friend.
Q: What are currently your main challenges as a DJ? What is it about deejaying, compared to, say, producing your own music that makes it interesting for you?
A: Well currently not much as I have officially taken a year break from deejaying for personal reasons. Since I have been back in Seychelles, it's been so hectic, non-stop really, because the more successful the more busy I got. I mean to put into figures I would play on average 286 gigs per year and that’s not including all the radio shows! I have played practically at every bar and nightclubs in Seychelles. Often I would be one of the first names for most of the national and international events, I mean for the size of Seychelles it got quite hectic. The most I have done in one night is 9 gigs. With the right attitude and dedication challenges are easily overcome. And also you have to be in it for the RIGHT reasons. The LOVE of music. I have been in music most of my life. I love every aspect of it. I believe if DJs are in it for the wrong reasons like in it for only the fame, the girls, the money... they won't prosper in the industry.
Q: What do you usually start with when preparing for a set?
A: Would you be surprised if I tell you that my first preparation for any set doesn’t involve music at all? Before any gig whatever it is, corporate or private, my first preparation is ALWAYS to research my crowd/client. You see, deejaying is 100% based on your crowd enjoyment, so you have to know a bit about them and what they like, granted you will rarely please 100% but if you can get 90% dancing away that’s more than enough for a successful gig. I think this is fundamental for any successful DJ in Seychelles.
Q: When there's more music than one can possibly take in, it is becoming increasingly hard to know what constitutes an original and a remake anymore. What's your opinion on the importance of roots, traditions, respecting originals and sources?
A: Again, if you love what you do then it comes easy. I believe music speaks to you. Every song tells its own story. As an artist it is principal that you know where you come from in terms of your roots and traditions, however music is always evolving just like the times. So one has to move with it while trying to be original and creative at the same time. As a DJ this is not so much of a constraint, the rules are simple, if a track is good you play it whatever version it is – remix or original.
Compiled by U.J.