Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
When dreams take flight
IT’S difficult to catch a break in the music industry. Ethan Lewis knows this all too well, but is determined to chase his dream. In May last year, Lewis, whose stage name is Dovewax, was signed to CapeClub Records after he made a track for the company.
He has since released two official songs under the label and several unofficial releases on Soundcloud.
He began making music in 2012 when his cousin, Jaydon Lewis, a fellow music producer, introduced him to the digital audio workstation software known as FL ( Fruity Loops) Studio.
The pair collaborated on a track and by the time it was complete, his cousin urged Lewis to come up with a stage name.
“We were sitting in my aunt’s room, and he (Jaydon) said ‘You need a name right now.’ I was looking around the room and I saw a picture of a dove on the mirror and I saw a candle.”
That is how he came up with the name Dovewax.
“I stuck with it,” he chuckled. Lewis cites cousin Jaydon, international producers Skrillex, San Holo, Shadow Child and his dead uncle, Roger Lewis, as his inspirations.
While Lewis is an electronic dance music producer, his taste is eclectic.
“I don’t limit myself to a specific genre, but I tend to lean more towards bass house, future house, trap and dubstep,” he said.
“The mission of the (record) label was to shine a spotlight on young, talented producers/musicians from every corner of SA, as there is so much talent that is often overlooked,” said Lewis.
Last Friday, Lewis was invited to the GoodHope FM studio for an interview with radio host Stan Mars. He spoke about his experience in the music industry. His latest track, Tell Me, was played on air. “It’s really a feeling like no other, especially since I wasn’t expecting it.”
Lewis lives in Rocklands, Mitchells Plain, with his family. They and his friends have helped keep his passion for music alive over past six years. “My friends I’ve known since high school have been my biggest support.
“They always hype my music when I play them a new tune and my family has never stopped me from making music, although they have thrown a few noise complaints.”
Lewis has tips for aspiring producers: “Don’t be afraid to put your music out there. Try to create your own sound. Too many aspiring pro- ducers are trying to be like the next producer. Don’t force your music. It takes time to create a track, and people will notice a rushed track.”
To check out his music see www. soundcloud.com/dovewaxmusic or on Instagram (@dovewax_music) or Twitter (@dovewax).