Inside Kyle Watson’s Journey: Music, Coffee, and Coachella

From Jo’burg clubs to Coachella sets, the SA-born DJ opens up about new music, global moves, and staying grounded in the chaos.

If you’ve ever danced to a Kyle Watson track, you already know, his music hits differently. Dark, hypnotic, and built for the Jol, it’s the kind of sound that doesn’t just move your body, it gets under your skin. Now based overseas, the South African producer and DJ is living the dream, but it’s not all flashing lights and airport lounges.

We caught up with Kyle fresh off the release of his latest banger Bottom of the Rave (with vocalist Aurelia Ray, released under Experts Only and distributed by Virgin Music Group) to find out how life abroad is treating him, what fans can expect next, and how many cups of coffee it takes to power an international DJ career.

Spoiler: It’s a lot.

From 9-to-5 to Full-Time Music Machine

Life abroad isn’t all glitz and glam, it’s a grind. “It’s been challenging, but a good move,” Kyle says. “The biggest change is that I am now a full-time DJ and music producer, whereas in South Africa I had an editing and motion design job during the week. I travel and tour a lot more now so there’s an element of extra pressure.”

A Day in the Life: Fueled by Coffee

So, what does a typical day look like for a touring artist and label head? It turns out Kyle’s daily routine is powered by music, emails, and a lot of coffee.

“Coffee, start off with emails and life admin, go through demos for my record labels, coffee, go through music promos, make some music, coffee, create content for my social media, coffee.”

We’re not sure how he sleeps, but the man stays productive.

Inside the Rave: The Making of a Banger

Kyle’s newest release, Bottom of the Rave, is a collaboration with vocalist Aurelia Ray and fellow producer Will Clarke. “The track was born during a studio session last year February,” he says. “Will had the bones of the track ready, Aurelia came up with the melody, we made some changes to the production on the day, and I took the project home and worked on it over the next few months, testing it until I was happy.”

The title came straight from the session, too. “Aurelia came up with that specific line. It’s meant to represent the part of the night when you’re locked into the music and nothing else in the world matters. The dark approach to the production mirrors that.”

Leveling Up with Experts Only

The track was released under the label Experts Only and distributed by Virgin Music Group, an important milestone in Kyle’s career. “Experts Only is obviously a huge label and a great target for me to hit,” he says. “Because of this relationship, I was also given the opportunity to remix John Summit officially and got put on some great EO shows. It helped get my music in front of a lot more ears.”

Evolving the Sound: Faster, Tougher, Still Kyle

A lot has changed since Kyle started making music in SA, including his sound. “In general my music has got tougher and faster,” he says. “Ten years ago I was writing music at 122bpm, now I’m writing some new tracks at 134bpm. Things move in cycles but I’m just staying true to my tastes while adapting my sound for the shows I’m playing.”

He’s drawing inspiration from artists pushing boundaries globally. “MPH and Sammy Virji are influencing my sound at the moment. I’m looking at the UK artists making music that I really enjoy, seeing which of them translate well around the world, and feeding into that as inspiration for musical direction. I’m also feeling some of the new stuff coming out of Brazil.”

Crowds Around the World, But SA Still Hits Different

Kyle’s fans are clearly along for the ride. “My fans in the States are dedicated and will drive hours just to catch me at a show. In the UK I had a couple of people even fly in from Europe to watch me, which blew my mind!”

Still, nothing beats coming home. “Coming back to SA and playing a show or two is really special. Because it doesn’t happen often, the vibe is usually really good.”

Standout Moments & Staying Grounded

Every show is a reminder of why he does this. “I genuinely enjoy making music and playing it out to people who care enough to want to hear it,” Kyle says. “But in the last few years, playing to a full Yuma tent at Coachella two weekends in a row was something I’ll never forget.”

And no matter where he goes, SA fans stay top of mind. “I have so much respect for the OG fans who supported me in the SA venues for years. As an artist, you should never forget about the fans who lift you up as you grow.”

Future Moves & Wise Words

With big things still to come, including a first-time set at EDC Las Vegas, Kyle’s not slowing down anytime soon. “I’ve been working on some collabs with really great artists and my sound is evolving at the same time,” he says. “I’m excited to show everyone where everything is headed!”

To up-and-coming SA producers and DJs dreaming of global success, his advice is honest and practical: “It’s tough. There’s a lot of competition, so you’ve got to stick out. Whether that’s the way you brand yourself, produce your music, or a particular sound that you believe in and champion. Something has to exist that shows you’re different to the rest, so you can cut through the noise.”

And don’t sleep on the socials: “Spend time figuring out how to make your music/brand connect with the culture, and don’t discount the importance of social media. Nowadays, one viral moment can give an artist the break they need to level up.”

Final Thoughts

From humble beginnings in SA to major international stages, Kyle Watson is still pushing boundaries, one beat, and one cup of coffee, at a time. His journey is far from over, and if you’re not already watching, now’s the time to tune in.

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