If you are a fan of house music, you are probably already familiar with Kyle Watson. If you aren’t, you are missing out on some fantastic tunes. Halfway through his 12-date ‘My Machines’ tour, I got to see South African DJ and producer Kyle Watson at Concord Music Hall and chat with him about his story. Read about what led him into the scene, his time during the ‘My Machines’ tour, and what’s next below!
No, I played Spybar in 2018 and Prysm in 2021. Both were amazing!
I listened to a lot of music as a teenager. I enjoyed house music, but I also listened to anything from metal to rock. The music I was messing around with at home was based around 4/4 house loops. That’s where the bug bit, but I never saw myself doing it professionally.
This is a tricky question that I always have trouble answering. The truth is I don’t know. I think the “secret ingredient” is not something you can put your finger on but more a concoction of music and art that influences you. All of that comes together to create this direction, and in my case, it has become what makes a Watson record a Watson record.
I had always taken inspiration from overseas producers in my earlier career, and luckily the music I was making was connecting well in the South African market. I lived there, and the sound was popular. UK producers heavily influenced me while I was finding my direction. Now I take inspiration from the US market.
What a wild ride! I really appreciate the fans that have come out to the shows and enjoyed themselves. The reactions have been great, and I’m looking forward to the next few shows as we wrap things up!
The first ‘My Machines’ show happened in 2018/2019 in my hometown of Johannesburg, South Africa. I tested it in the United States on New Year’s Eve 2019, and the plan was to do a full run in late 2020. That was put on hold when the world ground to a halt, so we decided to do it this year.
Since it’s an all-original set, I’m most excited for the fans to hear new flips of old records, VIP mixes specially produced for the show, and some of the old tracks I never get a chance to play out.
I honestly couldn’t pick one on the ‘My Machines’ tour. All have been good, and I’m pumped for the next few shows!
The fact that it’s an all-original set automatically makes the approach unique, as the set is more of a journey through my catalog. It’s paired with visuals that echo the artwork, which I think is an important element.
Generally, I have a playlist to choose from with an idea of the first two or three tracks I will play. After that, I wing it based on the energy and vibes of the audience. Sometimes I’ll group two or three tracks that I know flow well, but other than that, it’s on the fly.
For the ‘My Machines’ tour, the approach is a little different, with things still fluid but a little more planned out than usual so I can make the most of mixing tracks in the key and overlaying things.
Tricky question! I’ve written a track with a Sage The Gemini sample which I’ve been playing every show, and it’s probably the one I most look forward to dropping just because of the reactions it’s been getting.
When I start my set, the visuals switch to loops I created based on the ‘My Machines’ tour art. It was important for the look and feel to run through right from the first teasers of the tour to the show experience.
Hitting play on the first record of the whole run at Sunbar in Tempe, Arizona, was a pretty cool moment and a feeling I’ll remember for a while. Meeting people after the shows have been great, too, especially the ones who have traveled hours just to catch a show!
I’m at a period in my career where I’m about to start taking more risks and trying out some new things. It could be an exciting time, so looking forward to seeing what the future holds. Also, thanks to you all who have supported me on this journey. It’s been pretty amazing 😊
With just a few more shows left on the calendar, there is still time to catch Watson on his tour. See the remaining tour dates below.
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