MM Exclusive With SXSW DJs Tweeko And DJ Simz

Ahead of gracing the stage at SXSW festival for Mixtape Madness on Monday, we sat down with Tweeko and DJ Simz for an exclusive chat about the event and their careers so far. Tickets are available here.

What do you think the most important aspect of DJing is?

Simz: I think the most important aspect of DJing is the connection between the music and the crowd. Reading their energy, setting the mood in the room and seeing people’s mood elevate when I get on the decks.

Tweeko: Preparation I believe is key as the more prepared you are, you will be ready to tackle any problem that comes your way or to cater to any crowd. 

What is your favourite genre of music to spin?

Simz: I like to spin Hip Hop, R&B, Afrobeats, Dancehall and everything in between but I also love representing my south asian culture and spinning Desi, Punjabi and Bollywood tunes too

Tweeko: Simz took most of the genres out my mouth , I’d love to throw a little uk rap and drill in there too.

What’s the most memorable set you have played?

Tweeko: Mine would be Wireless last year, warming up for Kairo Keyz, having that many people dancing and giving to the set felt surreal. 

Simz: I think one of the most memorable sets I have played is opening for K Trap for his UK Tour. Getting the crowd hyped and set for an artist like K Trap is moments I won’t forget.

Were there any artists/music that inspired you to forge a career in performing?

Tweeko: If it’s specifically DJing, first it would be the fact that my dad did it before he got into food. But what inspired me get into it commercially would be Kenny Allstar and the way he can move a crowd. 

Simz: I think seeing females in the like Maya Jama, Tiffany Calver in the DJ Music and Media industry heavily inspired me to begin.

You are both performing at SXSW next week – what kind of things are you most excited to see?

Tweeko : I’m honoured to be a part of something so great as SXSW. I can’t wait to connect with new people and to bring vibes of UK music to the international crowd. 

Simz: I am super excited to be representing up and coming talent and connecting with new faces in the industry and be in an environment full of talent!

The focus seems to be on industry relations and networking, do you have any tips regarding this for people just starting out?

Simz: I would say networking is key to any industry. I have noticed it a lot so far in my experience. Opportunities can come from relationships and being seen. It also helps stay in the loop with the industry and what’s happening by making those relationships, friendships and being out there.

Tweeko: as Simz said, networking is very very key and everyday you will never know who is on the other side of the door. Never be afraid to take an opportunity and to take risks.

I can see from your socials that you both are constantly grinding. How do you stay motivated to maintain such consistency?

Simz: Staying motivated can be difficult at times but you always have to remember why you started doing this in the first place and that always helps me to stay consistent and motivated. Also consistency is the key to success with everything, so making sure you are consistent will end up in results!

Tweeko : Honestly, it’s all about practising on your worst days; being good at delivering at your worst will allow you to remain perfect on any day better than your worst day. And once you master that, grinding doesn’t feel like grinding anymore. It’s just another day.

DJ Simz – You started hosting the For Da Culture Podcast in 2024 discussing Desi, Punjabi and South Asian music and culture. Did you feel there was a gap in the market with regards to this space?

Simz: Yes. There is DEFINITELY a gap in the market for this. Myself and DJ Limelight started For Da Culture in 2024 as a podcast platform, which we have now evolved to a freestyle platform too. South asian artists don’t have a platform right now where they can go and showcase their talent on. And that is our aim with this platform. With that being said, we are passionate about all cultures and want everyone to represent on this platform.

What do you foresee for the South Asian diaspora musically in the next few years?

Simz: South Asian music is already on a mainstream level. But it’s about to blow up even more and step into a real wave of global influence. I also see a lot more Cultures Connecting – South asian sounds crossing more with Hip Hop, Afrobeats. We’re seeing more artists charting, more South Asian sounds in club settings, and major labels starting to pay attention. South Asian music isn’t just being accepted anymore, it’s being celebrated.

Tweeko – You have mixed thousands of UK hip-hop tunes. Both mixing and mastering are incredibly underrated skills. What drew you to mixing in the first place?

Tweeko: When I was 11 years old I borrowed my mums laptop and Tesco speakers and got to producing music. Producing was fun but once I found engineering , I found my heart and love for engineering specifically.

What were some of the lessons you had to learn quickly with regards to mixing?

Tweeko: In the studio, it’s all about the psychology of hospitality and ensuring that the energy in the room is optimal for the artist to deliver. That’s how, regardless of what you do, you will get the best from yourself and the artist. Reading the room is key as you will always be working with new energies all the time and as the studio is, it’s a place where people express their vulnerabilities on the mic.  so being able to channel the right energy for the right record is key.

Questions by Charlie Edmondson