Real Talk With Auris

Interview by Mike Chrom

AURIS is passionate about promoting recording artists, elevating and showcasing underground music through various platforms.
As a recording artist, DJ, recording labels manager and marketer, AURIS has a dynamic and organic approach that brings a refreashing new innovative aproach to the music industry.

1. In a nutshell, who is AURIS, what does your name mean, and what makes you unique as a DJ and aspiring producer?

Thank you for having me, Mike!
Auris is a fusion of ‘AURA’—reflecting sound healing—and ‘RIS,’ my childhood nickname. I’m a DJ and aspiring producer, deeply passionate about promoting recording artists through live events, social media, and recorded promotions.

By day, I’m a social media specialist, content creator, and mixed media designer. This dual role creates a beautiful Yin/Yang synergy between my career and passions, allowing me to bring fresh, innovative energy to the music industry.

I’m currently working on some exciting new productions that will be launching soon, so stay tuned for some original pieces! :)

2. Can you walk us through your creative process when preparing a Set for a live performance?

Absolutely, great question! I consider several factors when preparing a set for a live performance:

Event Mantra: I start by understanding the event’s goals—what mood or vibe they want to create through visuals, decor, and other elements like fire dancers, lighting, and set design.

Audience: Knowing who will be attending is key to shaping the set’s energy.

Set Time: The timing of the set influences track selection, genre, BPM, and the overall sound journey I intend to create.

Once these elements are mapped out, I design my music set. I weave my own productions with new or unreleased tracks from other producers. Often, I collaborate with my network, asking if they want to feature their new work. This collective energy is what excites me. I seamlessly blend these tracks to tell a cohesive story.

Beyond the music, I also prepare my outfit, aligning it with the event’s theme. My fashion background allows me to design my own looks, often collaborating with my daughter, who’s a makeup artist.

On performance day, I ensure I’m well-rested and arrive early to connect with the event organisers, fellow DJs, and staff. This respect and positive energy are crucial to how I perform. Knowing the equipment inside out and having backup music ready is essential, especially for unpredictable environments like Afrika Burn.

When it’s showtime, I step into my role with confidence, fully feeling the crowd. The most magical part is seeing the audience immerse themselves in the music. It’s not about me as a performer; it’s about taking them on a sound journey that leaves them uplifted and at a higher vibration.

3. Can you share any upcoming projects or releases that fans can look forward to?

Yes, I’m thrilled to be launching an organic ambient album, designed for deep sleep therapy, meditation, and optimal focus. The first track, a 27-minute journey of pure bliss, is set to release soon. I’ve incorporated natural sounds from my surroundings in Cape Town. The ocean, birdlife, and passing trains create a deeply immersive experience.

4. Which venues or festivals resonate with you the most, and why do they hold a special place in your heart?

The Afrika Burn community holds a special place in my heart. It’s a co-creation of art, crafts, lighting, fashion, and more, all in a remote setting where time seems to stand still. Without access to data or cell phones, I found a space where I could truly exist as a creator, artist, and giver.

5. What challenges have you faced as a DJ/producer? 

One of the biggest challenges has been finding time for music production. It’s about carving out time and overcoming the excuses that keep you from pursuing a lifelong dream. But with time management, I’ve made progress and moved closer to achieving that dream. I am glad to say that the challenge was accepted, and happy to be on the production path ….. finally! LOL!

6: How do you balance staying true to your artistic vision while still meeting the demands of the industry?

Mmm, I must say, it involves a lot of fine-tuning. As a social media specialist, much of my day is spent representing brands, which puts me in a corporate headspace that can limit my personal ‘scroll time’ and the freedom to explore my creativity. To stay true to my artistic vision, I’ve chosen to build my brand offline in my spare time. This has been the healthiest choice for me. As a creative, it’s crucial to understand what inspires and drives me and what resonates with my core dream and purpose. I’m passionate about innovation and originality, so I focus on creating original ideas rather than following trends. It hasn’t been easy to carve out my space in the music industry, but I trust the process. I believe those who connect with the music journeys I create are the ones who need it most, and everything else will happen organically.

7: What do you hope listeners take away from your music, particularly in the context of the growing popularity of Organic Oriental Desert Techno?

Although the music I’m passionate about isn’t mainstream, I believe it offers an authentic and healing journey that the world needs. My intention is to be a conduit for beautifully and magically created sessions that help listeners release stress, anxiety, and illness. I want people to feel positive and creatively inspired, no matter the challenges they face.

Music is the only alchemy that poses no threat and offers no false promises; it acts as a unifying force for listeners. By stimulating our deepest emotions, music allows each of us to escape and discover our inner sanctuary.

Thank you for this amazing interview!

Auris Linktree

Auris on Soundcloud

Auris on YouTube