Beachfront beats in the heat

CHENNAI: SaschaWeisz aka DJ Megablast says he is a compulsive music addict. With two decades behind the turntable, this beat master apparently still can't get enough.    "I don't think I can sit still for more than a day without getting the itch to create something," says the DJ who has two international albums to his credit. The Austrian beat master was in the city on Saturday for Hennessy Artistry's beach party and was accompanied by Zimbabwe-born singer O G Goddess. OG, as she softly introduces herself, had an upset stomach so we directed most of our questions to Megablast. The duo arrived with their crew to perform on Saturday. After the show, what does the duo have planned for their first trip to Chennai? "I want to try a masala dosa," O G smiles, despite holding her still-throbbing stomach. Megablast is, as always, focused on the music. "Unfortunately, there just isn't enough time to go out and experience the music culture in Chennai," he rues. He pauses for a moment and adds, "What I would really like to do is look out for musicians who play traditional instruments in India to add to my sound." Their one day in the city may not be enough and hopefully, their Asian tour planned for this winter will come in handy. There isn't a specific genre of music that one can classify his music into. From Afro-centric grooves to baile beats to disco, house and techno, it’s the best of record samples collected over the years — all rolled into one. "I think the music that really influences you is what you listen to growing up," Megablast confides. "For me, it was Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson." However, the DJ makes it a point to weave a number of cultures into his creations. "When I find a promising singer, I like to keep the music as authentic as possible," he says. O G jumps in at this point, "That's why I'm going to be singing in Shona tonight." She elaborates, "It’s my mother tongue, and it doesn't matter which part of the world I'm in — I don't sing anything else." Whatever the language, it certainly has the world moving their feet. "Yeah," nods Megablast, "either you feel it or you don't."