The DJ having a love affair with deep house has just dropped his first album with Do It Now Recordings. We talk to him about Deep House Monsters, his favourite acts and big plans for the future.
He’s been the opening DJ, the headliner and the artist making your face melt at 4 in the morning. Kyle Partridge aka Whitey D’vine is certainly one of the most underrated DJs in the country. Now he’s dropped the kind of album deep house fans will cry over. Here’s what Whitey has to say:
What made you start DJing? I was always drawn to music. I snuck into a club in Joburg called Reality when I was 14 and saw Brad S playing on the rooftop. I begged my parents to buy me decks and they agreed after I blew 3 home stereos by mixing my grandfather’s old school belt driven vinyl player with music coming out the hi-fi – haha!
You’re familiar to lots of people in Joburg, where have you been playing lately? I’ve been playing at Truth, rooftops around Jozi, in Soweto and a lot of places I haven’t played before which is pretty cool.
Describe your sound in a sentence: Deep, chunky, soulful house.
Which artists feature most often on your set list? Charles Webster, Art Department, J. Axel and plenty more.
Who are your influences? There are so many. The long list includes Frank Roger, Vini Da Vinci, Charles Webster, DJ Fresh (SA), Thulani the Warrior and of course Brad S.
What’s it like putting your own album together? It’s a life changing experience for me. I loved every step from start to finish. Thulani offered me a record deal, which I agreed to without hesitation. It was great listening to so many tracks and hearing what’s being put out there. It makes me want to get serious about my own productions.
Why did you sign with Do It Now Recordings to do Deep House Monsters? I love the irony of the fact that I bought my first vinyl record from Thulani the Warrior, and then he offers me a record deal with Do It Now. I also respect the fact that the label is about pure quality house music, including local and international music that’s made with passion.
What kind of sound can we expect to hear on the album? You’ll be hearing a story that combines soul with deep house.
Have you been working on your own productions? Yes I have. You’ll be hearing, and hopefully enjoying it, very soon.
If you could land a gig anywhere in the world, where would it be? Beside a pool, anywhere, playing to all the artists whose music has influenced me.
“Music is the heartbeat of my soul.” - Whitey