Floating in Subtle Sound Waves with DJ Sotto Voce
We caught up with enthusiastic Zim-born deejay, Tawanda Chitapi aka Sotto Voce set on taking his audience on a soul-lifting musical journey.
Chat Sesh with Trixie Calmdown + DJ Sotto Voce
YOUR BIRTHDATE, PLEASE?
January 22
AND DECADE?
90s.
WHAT CITY WERE YOU BORN IN?
Harare, Zimbabwe
THREE WORDS OR LABELS YOU’D USE TO DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONA.
Giver. Go-Getter. Fixer.
WITH THE AQUARIUS ENERGY! WHAT TYPE OF MUSIC DO YOU PLAY?
Tech-House, Afro-House, Amapiano
DESCRIBE YOUR DJ STYLE IN TERMS OF WHAT’S IN STORE FOR YOUR AUDIENCE.
High Tempo, Soul-Lifting, Rhythmic Beats.
WHAT WOULD BE THE NAME OF YOUR AUTOBIOGRAPHY?
The Awakening.
TELL US ABOUT THE MEANING BEHIND THE NAME SOTTO VOCE.
SOTTO VOCE means “under the voice.” The music I play doesn’t necessarily need to be understood. By mere observation, you receive both the emotion and message that the music is translating just by paying attention to what is underneath the voice. You feel and enjoy the music.
FIRST ALBUM THAT YOU OWNED & LOVED?
It was a green Craig David cassette tape - Album title “Slicker Than Your Average”
2002! RIGHT AROUND WHEN THEY STOPPED PRODUCTION OF CASSETTE TAPES IN NORTH AMERICA. ON THE LOW, I HAD HIS ALBUM ‘BORN TO DO IT’ ON REPEAT IN 2000.
FIRST DJ/PRODUCER THAT CAUGHT YOUR ATTENTION?
DJ Cleo.
AYO! ‘BIZIZI’ IS THE ULTIMATE GQOM TRACK! WHAT YEAR-ISH DID YOU BEGIN MIXING MUSIC?
Curiosity struck back in 2007 when I was playing around with the Virtual DJ software on my computer. I have been involved in the world of music in various capacities since then, including playing the Trombone in the orchestra and jazz band. I bought my first set of DJ Decks in 2020 when the pandemic hit and that was the birth of SOTTO VOCE.
DAMN. KILLING IT JUST A FEW YEARS IN.
AN ARTIST THAT MOTIVATES YOU?
Black Coffee. I resonate with his roots. He is one of my greatest inspirations. I see myself in him in a lot of ways.
“Since this interview - DJ Sotto Voce booked his dream gig opening for one of his greatest inspirations - Black Coffee on May 21st 2023 @ Malkin Bowl in Vancouver.”
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU ARE DOING DIFFERENTLY NOW FROM WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED?
Instead of just playing the most popular bangers, I focus on taking my audience on a tasteful musical journey.
SONG ON REPEAT RN.
Two Zulu Men In Ibiza - DJ Merlon, Enoo Napa
A BOOK YOU’VE READ AND RE-READ.
The Miracle Power Of Your Mind. By Joseph Murphy
WHEN DO YOU FEEL THE MOST ALIVE?
When I am behind the decks - giving and receiving high energy vibrations from the audience. I don’t just listen to music I FEEL music. I am most alive when I am floating in musical waves!
OCEAN, CITY OR MOUNTAIN VIEW?
All the above! I enjoy spending alone/thinking time by the ocean, it’s so serene. I find night-time city scapes energizing and I am a “houses in the hills” type of guy.
WHEN I SAY ‘MOVE’ YOU SAY:
“WOZA!”
LET’S WRITE A HAIKU. I’LL START:
POWERFUL SILENCE.
CHASING BEAUTIFUL SUNSETS.
AMAPIANO.
ANY EXCITING PROJECTS COMING UP THAT YOU’D LIKE US TO KNOW ABOUT?
There’s new music on the way!
CAN’T WAIT! HOW MIGHT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY BEST SUPPORT YOUR CREATIVE VENTURES?
Spread love and good cheer!
ANYTHING ELSE YOU LIKE US TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I am a student of the art of DJ’n, I am constantly learning from my peers and those who came before me and I hope to inspire others through my journey - my gift to gift the world!
THANKS FOR CHATTING. ϟ
Instagram: @i.am.sotto.voce
SoundCloud: DJ SOTTO VOCE
Spotify: Sotto Voce