Erick is a music producer, graphic designer, a leatherman and a founder of Work of Art Studios, a platform famously known on YouTube for posting phenomenal acoustic music covers made by different Tanzanian artists.
We had time to hear more of his thoughts on the music industry and creativity, and here is what he had to say…
1. Please tell us more about WOAS – how did the idea come about and what challenges did you face?
WOAS stands for Work of Art Studio, generally it’s the collection of many forms or Art under one room. I have been interested in many things over the years including music, graphics designing, photography, cinematography, painting, drawing and many others.
But music stood up the most. I started the WOAS YouTube channel to create a platform for live acoustic music in Tanzania, a platform where an artist can record live music of his song or a cover of his favourite songs for free.
To make it happen, I had to keep time for it on my daily activities. I am a Civil Engineer by profession and currently employed full time by a construction company. Now you can see how it was challenging to make time for all the music sections that we have recorded so far.
Just to give you an idea, nearly all recording in WOAS YouTube channel were recorded between 10pm to 1am at night.
2. How do you see the Tanzanian music scene and what do you think needs to be added in terms of creativity?
The Tanzanian music scene has lost its way. We have been influenced a lot with other countries’ music style and this has lead us to keep following the trends of African Music.
On top of all that, most musicians are still not fully engaged on the technical part of making music. We leave all that to producers. I believe all musicians should learn music, instruments, and to always be technical on how they write their music. This way, they will make really interesting pieces that will last on our radios for years, and not what we make today, which lasts for a month or so.
3. Do you earn from your creative work?
Music for me doesn’t make earnings. I do most of it because I really love the art of music, art of making creative sounds and playing instruments. I hope someday it will make me a fortune.
4. Where do you see WOAS in the next 5 years?
In the next five years, WOAS will be a bigger creative company, with not just music. Currently have been more into making leather. The art of making leather goods have fascinated me for years, so I started learning about it and investing in it since August 2018.
Check out @Woasleather on Instagram for more.
5. Why acoustic only? And who is your biggest inspiration in music locally and internationally?
There is a taste in every type of music, but acoustic music has a special place in my heart. An artist singing with just a guitar or piano always brings out the most of what the artist can offer. Their voices are heard clearer and the level of connection with audience is normally high.
WOAS decided to focus on these aspect to lift up true talents.
Locally, Grace Matata, Hisia, Damian Soul and internationally, Tommy Emmanuel, Sungha Jung, Justine Bieber and Sauti Sol have been my true inspirations in music.
You can check out and connect with Erick and Work of Art studio on YouTube and Instagram.
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