Born in South Africa and currently based in Shanghai, DJ and producer Chilsta is among the few artists who blend instinct, culture, and club energy into each beat.
With his Afro House influences honed by years of raving and experimenting, Chilsta is producing music that impacts both dancefloor and soul. Here, in this rare interview, he discusses his creative process, how he has evolved as an artist, and the reason why remaining authentic is the key weapon in a sea of noise.
Hi Chilsta! How are you today, and what kind of energy are you pouring into your creativity lately?
Hey! I’m doing well, thanks for asking. Right now, I’m just leaning into whatever I’m feeling. I’ve stopped overthinking in the studio. My creative process is all about instinct. I trust my taste and go with it. That’s where the magic happens.
You blend Techno, House, and Afro House with African rhythms in your tracks. Is that a conscious move or something that just happens naturally?
That definitely comes naturally. I love Electronic Music, I’m a raver at heart. The African rhythm part? That’s just my roots keeping me grounded. It keeps me from losing myself completely. It’s how I stay connected to who I really am.
What does your studio setup look like these days? Any gear or plugins that are essential to your workflow?
Honestly, it’s super basic. Most of my tracks are mixed and mastered on headphones. When I’m back home in South Africa, I use KRK Rokit 5’s. My go-to plugins right now are Serum, Diva, and I just got into Dune 3, it’s got that trancy vibe and an insane sound engine. It’s become a new favorite.
Which DAW are you using, and why does it work so well for you?
I use Logic Pro. It’s super organized and predictable, which I like. I can stay locked in and not get distracted by random stuff.
When you start working on a new track, do you usually begin with rhythm, melody, or something else?
It’s usually melody or drums. That first element I start with always sets the theme. Once that’s locked, I just follow that vibe and structure everything around it.
What do you think is the most important part of creating a track meant for the dancefloor?
Drums. 100%. They need to be punchy, especially on high-end club or festival sound systems. If you’re DJing and the system’s pumping, those drums become your main instrument. People need to feel them in their chest.
How has your creative process evolved from when you first started making music?
Oh man, I wasn’t confident at all back then. I was copying artists, chasing fast success. I didn’t really know myself yet. But now, I trust my instincts. Being a raver helps too, I’ve experienced what works on dancefloors, on radio, even on TV. I know what sounds right and that keeps me authentic. And authenticity? That’s everything in this game.
Were there any key lessons along the way that really changed how you approach music now?
Definitely. The big one is don’t overthink. It’s a waste of time. I also learned to enjoy the process. I sucked at first, everything was off-key. But I kept going, trained my ear, developed discipline. And I still make sure it’s fun.
Which artists have inspired your sound and process the most?
A wild mix, honestly. Avicii, Kabza De Small, Black Coffee, Themba, Thakzin, Swedish House Mafia, Kaskade, Deadmau5… and Timberland too! He produced a lot of the tracks I grew up with. It’s that blend of local South African flavor and global Electronic Music legends.
What are you ultimately trying to build with your discography? What do you hope people feel when they hear your future releases?
I don’t want to be boxed in as just a club producer. I’m a human with real emotions, joy, heartbreak, reflection, all of it. I want to express the full range through music. I’ve got stories to tell and maybe one day you’ll even hear my voice on a track. I used to produce Hip-Hop and chill with rappers, so I get lyricism. An album is definitely on the cards.
Final thoughts? What should fans expect from Chilsta in the future?
More growth. More truth. More rhythm. I’m just going to keep pushing forward, making music that’s real to me and that hopefully connects with others on a deeper level. Stay locked in, you’ll hear me.
As Chilsta pushes into the next phase of his music journey, he does it with grounded energy and global perspective. Whether he’s experimenting with melodies in Shanghai or deepening his drum programming in South Africa, he’s a producer to keep on your radar. Authentic, rhythmic, and always evolving, Chilsta is here for the long game. Follow him on socials to stay updated on his latest drops, collabs, and live sets.
Mia Brooks dives deep into the beats and rhythms of the music industry, covering everything from chart-topping albums to underground artists. With a passion for discovering new talent and exploring the stories behind the songs, Mia keeps readers updated on all things music.
