What’s your stage name and where are you from?
My stage name is SSY, and I’m from Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
What’s the story behind your stage name?
Numerology. I wanted something that equals the number 9, the father of all numbers and the last single digit number—a very powerful number in the universe. SS are my initials and also stand for “Sanctus, Sanctus,” which in Latin means “Holy, Holy,” and Y stands for Yogi, a very rare and sacred letter.
Describe your musical journey in three sentences.
I used to sing in a choir in high school, traveled the world, and learned music theory. I’m a multi-instrumentalist playing drums, piano, vocals, and also producing instrumentals. My growth has taught me that music is infinite, and its purpose is to praise God.
Share an interesting experience you had while creating your latest track.
My producers are from Canada, so we send music back and forth over the internet. Once “Young, Happy & Free” came together, we were all extremely hyped. Only two versions of the song exist, which is rare for me as a perfectionist since I usually have many drafts.
What message do you want to convey through your music?
Love, excitement, joy, and how blessed we all are to be alive in this moment.
Tell us about a challenge you faced during production and how you overcame it.
Recording with autotune can be interesting, especially with latency. I switch off my mic in the headphones and imagine what my voice will sound like once autotune is applied.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
Internationally, The Underachievers—they are a complete duo with substance and a good message. Locally, Nasty C for his insane melodies and flows.
Where do you see your music taking you in the next year?
Around the world, opening doors, allowing us to see new places and connect with listeners worldwide.
What’s the next big step for you as an artist?
Keep producing elite-level music, growing, and experimenting. I have new high-end equipment that I’m ready to put to good use, aiming for more sync deals and placements.
We occasionally feature artists on our Bird of Paradise Podcast for in-depth discussions. Would this be something you’re interested in exploring?
Yes.
Are there any other promotional opportunities you’re looking for to boost your visibility?
Yes, I started on Misosoup recently and am getting the hang of it.
Where can we hear/watch your most recent work?
Listen on Spotify
What is the best way to contact you if fans want to give feedback or if other artists/producers want to collaborate?
IG, Twitter, or email.
