“Masidus” The One and Only , Super Talented Saxophonist, Musician and Music Producer.
How did you get into music?
My parents loved music and when I was in school, they came around with a sheet of paper asking if you wanted to sign up for an instrument, and that was it!
Where was your first ever gig?
The Exeter Phoenix Arts Centre
How often and for how long do you practice?
Every day, varies depending on what skills I'm focusing on or instrument I'm practicing , however I always do at least a few hours a day of focused practice which sometimes goes into double figures!
What do you think makes a good musician?
Most importantly - be a good person! Music is a language and should be treated as such - if you're not a person who reciprocates good vibes and doesn't actually converse in the way in which you would with English for example then we're not going to connect. You wouldn't engage in conversation by shouting over everyone even whilst they're trying to communicate with you, would you?
Similarly, you need to have solid musicianship skills and the ability to converse in the language of the style you're playing in else it simply won't work. If I'm speaking a wildly different dialect to you that makes life difficult, but trying to have a conversation in Spanish with you if I don't even speak Spanish is near impossible!
What’s the worst thing that has ever happened to you as a musician?
I wouldn't say it's a 'worst thing' in particular, however the worst thing in general is not being able to do your job well and not just you, but EVERYONE else knowing it too. Trust me when I say this, work hard on your basics and your general musicianship skills as these transfer throughout every single instrument and specialisation - the feeling of performance stress only exists when you don't know what you're doing and there's a very fine line between real stress and pure enjoyment!
Has your career journey had a deliberate direction, or did it simply gradually evolve in whatever direction it found?
I've tried to be deliberate in my actions however as I age, I've realised life is sporadic and the more specific your plans, the hardest they are to bring to fruition. They say that luck is a huge factor in the music business, but you'll never get lucky if you never leave the house. As long as you put yourself in the environments where you're able to gain opportunities, you're skilled at your craft and you're a good person then you're going in the right direction.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
International touring playing arena shows
Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
I do and it's usually beatbox more than songs!
What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
Science probably, I was tempted to study biology
How would you describe the music you like to make?
Ableton live loop, multi instrumental hip hop
Who’s your favourite Band/Artist of all time?
Impossible question haha
If you were talking to a younger version of you, what career advice would you give yourself?
Learn how to market NOW!!!! I see so many phenomenal musicians who never make an name or living for themselves and plenty of questionable musicians who make millions of pounds and the reason is marketing! Marketing is the real artform these days. An incredible musician also once said to me, without expertise in a particular skill, the average participant is generally only aware of the terrible and phenomenal, the upper and lower echelons. If you're anything above awful and you know how to market yourself, you can create an enterprise for yourself. Honing your musicianship skills or getting better at your instrument is effectively worthless if those skills aren't providing you with anything in return - being the best musician in the world is no good if no one knows who you are!
What’s your favourite animal and why?
I love animals SO MUCH - same as the favourite band/artist, impossible!
What do you like about working with JW DJ Agency?
THE TEAM it's not often you find such a beautiful and like minded set of people with a community spirit within an agency, especially in London! Plus JW is the best anyway so it's no question!