#MusicExchange: Jaydon Lewis

8 May 2020

A wunderkind with the Midas touch, Jaydon Lewis has continuously astounded listeners with his powerful and dynamic production.

As a testament to his prodigious talent, at the age of 19, his music had already amassed over 150 million plays.

Image by Oneleggedbeggar

Now, Lewis is embarking upon 2020 with a new, unique sound – a fusion of Afro-pop and melodic house that glows with passion and optimism. It was his remix of “Ride” by Twenty One Pilots that first ushered him into the spotlight on the back of its 30-million+ views. Several successful remixes followed soon after, including ones for Chainsmokers’ “All We Know” and A-Trak’s “Heads Will Roll”. Both received massive DJ support. Even Lewis’s remix of the iPhone ringtone has had over 55 million plays.

He has just been working with Paxton on a new release entitled “Good Company”, which came out last week.

I caught up with him around that time.

The new decade means:

Hope, togetherness and strength. Last decade ended with a lot of negativity and it felt like we were all alone to deal with the issues. Of course, 2020 hasn’t started the best but we’re seeing the strength and togetherness of humanity in the face of adversity brought forward by Covid-19. We can get through this pandemic and we can change the world for the best.

Fame is about:

Creating moments that touch people in meaningful ways and telling stories that are honest and connect with those around us.

Retirement will happen when:

Never. I’ll create music until I die. I’ll keep performing as long as there are decks available for DJing. Look at Giorgio Moroder still going strong at 79.

I don't do:

Drugs, smoke or drink alcohol of any kind.

What does music mean to you?

Everything. I can’t imagine my life without music. It’s influenced me so much. It’s why I started producing at the age of seven.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?

Creating music and inspiring people. It makes me incredibly happy when I receive kind messages from people all across the globe who have connected with what I’ve made. It’s a crazy feeling.

Any funny moments on stage?

I played a track in reverse by mistake, without realising until 10 seconds in.

What is your most treasured possession?

My computer.

It’s your round, what are you drinking?

Water or cola.

Dream gig to do:

Ultra Music Festival.

If you were not a musician, what would you do?

Film editing/production or photography.

Image by Oneleggedbeggar

Pick five words to describe yourself?

Dynamic, creative, kind, indecisive and curious.

Five favourite SA albums of all time?

Paxton – This Is Me
Nasty C – Strings and Bling
Jimmy Nevis – Chimera
Samthing Soweto – Isphithiphithi
YoungstaCPT – 3T

What song changed your life?

My remix of “Ride” by Twenty One Pilots because it paved the pathway as an artist and what I wanted to explore creatively for the future.

Favourite fashion garment:

My black cap.

Top of your bucket list:

Playing Coachella.

Your greatest achievement:

iPhone remix, it has over 100 million plays.

What do you complain about most often?

My slow internet.

What is your fear?

Insects, the crawling ones that fly like roaches; the Park Town prawn.

Happiness is:

Surrounding myself with good people and doing what you love.

On stage, I tend to:

Dance.

The best life lesson you have been taught:

Everything in life takes time.

Wishes and dreams:

I want to change the electronic scene by creating my own genre for other producers to be inspired and create a new sound and trend for EDM music. Touring the globe and creating a positive impact on people’s lives.