“You have to be constantly engaging with people and music. Its forever changing, shifting and waving… stick with the times, always look into the future!”

Here is part 2 of our music feature exploring the underground music scene of South Africa.
Born in the late ’80s Dave Dix has been melting front row dancers with his subtly hypnotic rhythms. His charming personality shines through hints of the eye contact he offers as he moves his sweaty body behind the decks. Sweat drips down his many tattoos, a wishful taste of those drops transports me as my body moves in sync with his intentions. We had a chat with the musing DJ & producer about drumming, tattoos and the natural frequency of the earth…

Where were you born?

Johannesburg Central – 1989

Your early drumming career has carried some deep grooves, how do you think such a background has served you?

Drumming was a part of growing up. My father being a full-time musician, this kinda opened up the musical doors. I picked up my first stix when i was about 10 years old. I played casually for about 4 or 5 years before joining a few local small time bands… Drumming has defiantly installed some good routes. Its become the foundation of my learning and given me structure with my production today. A far better understanding of time codes and styles that range between different kinds music.

Tell me about your inconspicuous piano playing. How do you feel that builds on to your production?

I began playing piano 2 years ago. I have been studying at the local Jazz School here in Cape Town. It has added so much depth to my abilities. Having learned about those little black and white keys has defiantly broadened my musical knowledge & capabilities.

Tell us about some of the ink on your body…

A lot of people find my tattoos quite amusing. I enjoy telling the obscure stories about each one. The idea and concept behind my ink – was SURREALISM. The notion of “nothing is what it seems”. The aim “to resolve the previously contradictory conditions of dream and reality.”

What does 7.83 mean?

Since life began, the Earth has been surrounding and protecting all living things with a natural frequency pulsation of 7.83 HZ—the ancient Indian Rishis called OM.

Nomadiq manifested out of a lot of sacrifice… Tell me a poem of your experience.

A surrendering of possession, an offering of end-less time.
An ancient ritual, dedicated to recent times.
Surrendering thy self to the great divine.
Music oh music, you will always been mine.

hahaha, not bad for on the spot hey! :)

Your vision for nomadiq music and the future?

To push and promote the music that we like and listen to. To formulate relationships with other like minded individuals around the world. To travel experience new things. You have to be constantly engaging with people and music. Its forever changing, shifting and waving… stick with the times, always look into the future! AND to have FUN of course, FUN is important.

What is your spirit animal?

An online quiz once told me I’m a FOX. I would have preferred it have been a donkey, i have so much love for those bewildered creatures. I find them rather fascinating.

I hear a trip to Europe is on the cards soon, what are you looking forward to?

YES! We are heading to Europe this summer. Really looking forward to meeting new people and make new connections. Also to experience the different scenes and cultures i think is most valuable. Very excited :)

‘Under The Tree’ was an incredible offering by nomadiQ Music. What did the festival teach you?

Ah it was such an amazing experience for me. The idea was to create a unique boutique experience, a lilttle different from your everyday festival, with a touch of culture and the perfect picturesque setting, an intimate picnic experience came alive!

Two of the most valuable lessons you learned last year?

To be mindful and more conscious of everything around me. That time is only present and our future exists only in our imaginations.

You also design all of nomadiQ’s visual graphics, what is the key thing you wish to convey? What is universal to your work?

I began working on the NomadiQ designs with the vision to create something new & different. With every design I try to combine obscure elements and images to convey abstract definitions.

What kind of porn are you into?

haha. (Really?) only HARDCORE stuff!