Christiaan Kamstra is a talented musician from the vibrant country of South Africa, born into a family of gifted musicians. His father was the drummer for the popular 80’s band ‘Stonehenge’, and his uncle was a guitarist playing for multiple bands touring South Africa. With music in his blood, Christiaan picked up a guitar at a young age and began playing and writing his own music. His music can be classified as Pop, with catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and a distinct sound that sets him apart from other artists in the genre. He has written and composed 12 original songs, with 5 of them currently out on social media platforms like SoundCloud, Spotify, YouTube, and Instagram. His songs “HOME,” “HOLD,” and “Don’t tell me what to do” have received significant traction, reaching more than 3 million views and praise from music enthusiasts.
Apart from his musical pursuits, Christiaan is also the Global Operation Director of Veloché Interior and Exhibition, a company which has a global footprint operated in United Kingdom and Turkey for the past 12 years. Before that, he worked for Media 24, a South African media company, where he gained invaluable experience and knowledge that he now applies to his music career. Christiaan is happily married to his wife Debanjali Kamstra, and they have two beautiful daughters, Tiffany and Victoria. With his family’s support, Christiaan continues to pursue his passion for music, bringing his unique sound and style to audiences around the world. His passion for music is evident in his soulful performances, and with his talent and dedication, he is poised to make a significant impact in the music industry.
Follow Christiaan @imchkofficial
How did growing up in a family of musicians shape your musical journey and influence your style?
Growing up in a family with a strong musical background has had a huge influence on my own musical journey. I was constantly surrounded by music and musicians, so I was exposed to a variety of genres, instruments, and techniques from a very young age. This helped me to develop my own unique style and sound, as well as giving me the confidence to experiment and explore different musical avenues. Additionally, my family has been incredibly supportive of my musical aspirations, and their encouragement has been invaluable to me in pursuing my passion for music.
What has been your biggest musical inspiration so far in your career?
My biggest musical inspiration so far in my career has been my family, friends and fan base. They have always supported me and pushed me to pursue my dreams. I am so thankful for their unwavering love and support.
How do you see your music evolving over time?
I think my music will continue to evolve as I gain more experience and knowledge in the music industry. I’m always looking to experiment with new sounds and styles, and I’m sure that as I continue to make music, I’ll find ways to incorporate different elements into my work. I’m also looking to collaborate with more people in the industry so that I can learn from them and bring new ideas to the table.
Can you talk us through the writing and composition process for your latest song?
During of the song writing process for HOME I recall having a discussion with my uncle while he was laying in hospital, it was quite an emotional discussion of how he was feeling and recalled him saying he just wish to be home, the following week he was gone. That conversation and the emotion it evoked was the inspiration for the song HOME. I wanted to create a song that captured that emotion and gave a sense of homecoming, of being surrounded by those you love and being safe and secure. The song writing process for HOME was a long and emotional one. I started with a basic chord progression and melody and then slowly built up the song from there, adding in more instruments and vocal harmonies. I wanted to capture the longing and sense of longing that my uncle had and to create a song that anyone could relate to. I took my time with the song writing process for HOME, making sure each part of the song was as perfect as I could make it. I wanted to make sure that the emotion of the song was conveyed in each lyric, chord progression and melody. I also wanted to make sure that the song was accessible to all audiences and that they could relate to it in some way. Once I had finished the song I recorded a demo and sent it out to various people to get feedback on it. This was a great help in terms of refining the song and making sure it was as strong as it could be. I also sent it out to various radio stations and websites in the hope that they would play and get some feedback
What’s the most memorable gig or performance you’ve had so far, and why?
One particularly memorable performance not because of the size of the stage but because it was so far the most memorable being invited to open for a Dad’s band Stonehenge in the city, it was at full capacity and was my very first time playing live and alone onstage, kinda got a standing evasion …hehe they were standing already. The crowd was amazing and I had so much fun playing my songs and seeing my Mom cry in the crowd looking at me being so proud. It was an incredible experience and one that I will always remember.
As a Global Operation Director of Veloché Interior and Exhibition, how do you balance your job with your music career?
Balancing my career as the Global Operation Director of Veloche with my music career is no easy feat, not mentioning being a family man also requires attention. It requires me to be incredibly organized and prioritize my tasks. I make sure to plan ahead and create a schedule for my days and weeks that allows me to give both my career and music career the attention they need. I also make sure to take regular breaks throughout the day to give myself a mental break and clear my head. Lastly, I make sure to never overcommit myself and accept tasks that I know I can accomplish in a timely manner.
How has your experience working for Media 24 influenced your music career?
Working for Media24 has given me a unique perspective on the music industry. I’ve been able to see the way the industry works from the inside, and I’m able to apply the same journalistic principles I learned in the newsroom to my own music career. I’m better able to understand the importance of staying on top of the news and trends in the industry, as well as how to best network and promote my music. I’m also more aware of the importance of researching and understanding my audience, and how to reach them effectively. All of these skills have helped me become a better artist and have had a positive influence on my career.
How do you differentiate your music from others in the pop genre?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question as every artist has their own unique sound. However, some things to consider when trying to differentiate your music from others in the pop genre include: experimenting with different instruments, blending different genres, writing lyrics that are meaningful or relatable to your audience, and creating an original production style. It’s also important to stay true to yourself and your vision for your music, as this will help you stand out from the crowd.
What advice do you have for up-and-coming artists trying to break into the music industry?
1. Work hard and stay focused. The music industry is a highly competitive field, and you need to be prepared to put in a lot of hard work to succeed. 2. Develop a unique sound. While there is no one-size-fits-all formula for success in the music industry, it’s important to stand out from the crowd by creating a unique sound. 3. Network. It’s important to build relationships with other industry professionals, such as producers, A&R reps, and promoters. 4. Invest in yourself. Investing in yourself is an important step in launching a successful career in the music industry. Invest in quality equipment and recording software, attend industry events, and invest in professional marketing and promotion. 5. Believe in yourself. It can be difficult to break into the music industry, and it’s easy to become discouraged. It’s important to stay positive and have faith in your music.
What was the biggest challenge you’ve faced while working on your latest project, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge I faced while working on my latest music project was learning how to use new production software. I had to spend a lot of time researching and teaching myself the basics and more advanced aspects of the software. I was able to overcome this challenge by dedicating a few hours each day to learning the software and experimenting with creating different sounds and effects. I also consulted with more experienced producers who were able to provide valuable advice on how to get the most out of the software.
How do you feel about the current state of the music industry, and where do you see it heading in the next few years?
I feel like the music industry is in a state of flux right now. Streaming services have completely changed the way people listen to music, and with the rise of digital downloads, physical media is becoming less and less popular. I think the industry will continue to see a shift towards a more digital platform, and I think it will become increasingly important for artists to have an online presence in order to reach their fans. Ultimately, I think the industry will continue to adapt and evolve to meet the changing needs of the consumer.
What has been your most significant achievement so far in your music career?
My most significant achievement so far in my music career has been the release of my first single HOME, HOLD and DONT TELL ME WHAT TO DO. It was a huge milestone for me, as it was the first time I had ever released my own music for the public to hear. It was a long and difficult journey to get the singles completed, but it was incredibly rewarding to finally share my music with the world.
What sets your music apart from others, and how do you continue to innovate?
I think what sets my music apart from others is my unique blend of influences. I draw inspiration from a variety of genres, including hip-hop, jazz, folk, and rock, and combine them together to create something that’s all my own. I also strive to create music that’s emotionally resonant, exploring topics like identity, relationships, and mental health. I continue to innovate by keeping an open mind, trying out new sounds, collaborating with other musicians, and staying up-to-date on the latest trends in music.
How do you leverage social media platforms like Instagram, SoundCloud, Spotify, and YouTube to promote your music?
I learn form the best and one thing I can say is social media is all about content and hence my 5 ways I leverage my social media platforms 1. Utilize Hashtags: Hashtags are a great way to increase your reach and visibility on social media platforms like Instagram, SoundCloud, Spotify, and YouTube. Use relevant and popular hashtags to help make your content more discoverable and maximize your potential audience. 2. Create Engaging Content: Create content that is interesting, engaging, and shareable. You can use visuals, audio, and video to make your content stand out and get more attention. 3. Connect With Influencers: Connect with influencers in your genre who have a large following and collaborate with them to help promote your music. 4. Utilize Ads: Utilize ads and sponsored posts on social media platforms to help reach a wider audience. 5. Build Relationships: Build relationships with your followers and engage with them regularly. This will help to create a loyal fan base and keep them interested in your music.
What’s next for Christiaan Kamstra? Can you share with us any upcoming projects, gigs, or albums?
Yeah I’m working on a music video for one of my singles and I’m hoping to have that out by the fall of 2023. I’m also in the process of writing and recording new song to out the end of 2023. Finally, I’m also planning to do some live shows in collaboration with music festivals in the near future.
