Dance music producer Phila Koshin, who hails from Mbabane in Eswatini, is known as a radio production manager at various radio stations in KwaZulu-Natal. He was also senior production engineer and later a broadcast and innovation manager. Phila discovered and signed hip-hop stars Beast, Sands and Dearson.
What is your full name, where are you from and what sparked your interest in music? Also, who are biggest influences?
My name is Phila Koshin and I was born in Eswatini but moved to South Africa to study then decided to settle here. I have always loved music. I recorded my first album at age 16 but did not have a mentor, nor was I signed to any music company. I remember seeing Don Laka and Oscar on TV explaining how they recorded music from Don's house. This made me understand that the endeavour to pursue music was far from being accomplished, as much as it sounds like a cliché. But my love for music was scripted in my bones since childhood.
Can you share your back story and how it shapes your music?
Born to an audio engineer, travelling with my father to work made me interested in audio equipment. I was always intrigued about what audio equipment can do. I was then interested in studying further about studio works and I later became a broadcast, acoustic sound engineer which led me to music and broadcasting.
How does your hometown/city impact your lyrics and sound?
My music is a mix of demographic feel and the buzz of eDubane and mellow Mbabane. So I always love producing music from different ethnic groups.
What's your songwriting process like, and how do you come up with ideas?
With me it's always the melody first. The lyrics are always easy to come when the groove and melody are set. Then it's ready to lay in the words.
How do you balance lyrical depth with catchiness and commercial appeal?
Keeping the song simple and easy to sing along with is the best solution to creating catchy songs. Not trying to be [too] sophisticated and deep helps in bridging between you and your audience.
What's been the highlight of your career so far, and what's next?
My greatest highlight was final mixing and mastering in great music that has touched many. From Tigi to Yebo Nkosi, adding my A&R, marketing and production skills has been a pleasure.
How do you navigate the ever-changing music landscape?
Keeping true to who I am and always staying grounded, even in times where I have gained success, is what keeps me in the game. Often artists feel the pressure of sounding like already existing [popular] sounds.
What advice would you give to an aspiring singer or artist trying to break in?
Research the industry as much as possible. You can never know too much. Be ready to learn.
How do you manage fame, social media and personal relationships?
Respect is paramount to me.
What social issues or causes do you feel strongly about addressing in your music?
A lot of youth need to be trained on vocational skills. I’m more interested in having the youth educated and letting them be self-sustaining.
How do you prioritise mental and physical health in the midst of a demanding career?
Staying connected to self and spiritual health is important to me. Also I am able to stay sober as I do not consume alcohol or take any recreational substances.
What can fans expect from your upcoming projects?
I'm currently working on an EP that will feature multinational artists. Icon PB is a record label I'm signed to and they have since done an exceptional job in spreading my music beyond the continent. Love Back is just one of many powerful tracks we will deliver.
'Be ready to learn': 5 minutes with dance music producer Phila Koshin
Image: Supplied
Dance music producer Phila Koshin, who hails from Mbabane in Eswatini, is known as a radio production manager at various radio stations in KwaZulu-Natal. He was also senior production engineer and later a broadcast and innovation manager. Phila discovered and signed hip-hop stars Beast, Sands and Dearson.
What is your full name, where are you from and what sparked your interest in music? Also, who are biggest influences?
My name is Phila Koshin and I was born in Eswatini but moved to South Africa to study then decided to settle here. I have always loved music. I recorded my first album at age 16 but did not have a mentor, nor was I signed to any music company. I remember seeing Don Laka and Oscar on TV explaining how they recorded music from Don's house. This made me understand that the endeavour to pursue music was far from being accomplished, as much as it sounds like a cliché. But my love for music was scripted in my bones since childhood.
Can you share your back story and how it shapes your music?
Born to an audio engineer, travelling with my father to work made me interested in audio equipment. I was always intrigued about what audio equipment can do. I was then interested in studying further about studio works and I later became a broadcast, acoustic sound engineer which led me to music and broadcasting.
How does your hometown/city impact your lyrics and sound?
My music is a mix of demographic feel and the buzz of eDubane and mellow Mbabane. So I always love producing music from different ethnic groups.
What's your songwriting process like, and how do you come up with ideas?
With me it's always the melody first. The lyrics are always easy to come when the groove and melody are set. Then it's ready to lay in the words.
How do you balance lyrical depth with catchiness and commercial appeal?
Keeping the song simple and easy to sing along with is the best solution to creating catchy songs. Not trying to be [too] sophisticated and deep helps in bridging between you and your audience.
What's been the highlight of your career so far, and what's next?
My greatest highlight was final mixing and mastering in great music that has touched many. From Tigi to Yebo Nkosi, adding my A&R, marketing and production skills has been a pleasure.
How do you navigate the ever-changing music landscape?
Keeping true to who I am and always staying grounded, even in times where I have gained success, is what keeps me in the game. Often artists feel the pressure of sounding like already existing [popular] sounds.
What advice would you give to an aspiring singer or artist trying to break in?
Research the industry as much as possible. You can never know too much. Be ready to learn.
How do you manage fame, social media and personal relationships?
Respect is paramount to me.
What social issues or causes do you feel strongly about addressing in your music?
A lot of youth need to be trained on vocational skills. I’m more interested in having the youth educated and letting them be self-sustaining.
How do you prioritise mental and physical health in the midst of a demanding career?
Staying connected to self and spiritual health is important to me. Also I am able to stay sober as I do not consume alcohol or take any recreational substances.
What can fans expect from your upcoming projects?
I'm currently working on an EP that will feature multinational artists. Icon PB is a record label I'm signed to and they have since done an exceptional job in spreading my music beyond the continent. Love Back is just one of many powerful tracks we will deliver.
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