General Moses has been making serious waves in the tech house scene across the UK, and his latest single, “Chit Chat,” recently released on NoEgo Records, continues to build on that momentum. The track features a strong bassline, fresh female vocals, and breathes new life into a genre often criticized for being templated and generic. It’s clear that General Moses is breaking the mold with his unique sound, influenced by his DJ father, other well-respected family members in the industry, and his experience as a semi-professional basketball player. He also blends Caribbean influences into his house music, creating a distinct and refreshing style.

We had the opportunity to sit down with General Moses in this exclusive interview to discuss the influences behind “Chit Chat,” the impact of his diverse background on his music, and much more. Before diving into our conversation, listen to “Chit Chat” below to fully appreciate the unique sound Moses is bringing to the tech house scene.

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1. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your latest single on No Ego Records? How did the collaboration with Costa UK come about?

The collaboration with Costa UK came about through the Toolroom Academy. While this interview isn’t endorsed by Toolroom, I must say that for DJs and producers looking to enhance their skills and network, the Toolroom Academy is unparalleled in the industry.

I was already a fan of Costa UK’s work, particularly his track “Now Stop,” before we connected. We started interacting on Instagram about a year ago, becoming fans of each other’s music. The collaboration began simply with him sending me a DM that said “collab?” As a relatively new artist, I was thrilled to work with someone of his caliber. We’ve already worked on a couple of records together, with more to come in the future.

2. You come from a musical family. How have your dad’s career as a DJ and your cousin Shaquille O’Neal’s recent moves as a DJ shaped your influence and motivation?

Growing up, my dad always had music playing in our house. I remember dancing to various genres as a child. My dad was a DJ in college when it was a very different scene – probably just one or two turntables keeping the party going. While the physical aspects of DJing have changed, the essence of getting on stage and energizing people is something I definitely got from my dad.

Regarding Shaquille O’Neal, I need to clarify that he’s actually my distant cousin, not my uncle as mentioned in my bio. I’ll be updating that. He and my father share the same great-great grandparents. Shaq is super inspiring to me because I also come from a business and athletic background. I admire how he’s in the music world purely out of love for it, not necessity. It’s inspiring to see him involve his kids in music and DJing too. I haven’t connected with his son Myles yet, but I’m sure that day will come as I continue to grow in the industry.

3. How do you approach blending different cultural influences in your tracks? Can you give us an example from “Chit Chat”?

My approach to blending cultural influences is deeply rooted in my experiences. I lived in Belize for two years, which was my first time living outside the US. There, I was inspired by Caribbean sounds like dancehall, soca, Garifuna punta, and calypso. The key for me is percussion. In “Chit Chat,” you’ll notice a strong emphasis on drums, particularly in the breakdown and groove. While it’s a collaborative track, the drums were mostly my contribution. I believe this focus on percussion sets me apart from many up-and-coming artists.

4. What challenges have you faced transitioning from a sports career to the music industry? Do you see any similarities between the two spaces?

General Moses: To clarify, while I did have a short but successful athletic career, I’ve been in business for almost a decade now, involved in marketing, sales, and commercial real estate. The main similarities I see across sports, business, and music are:

  • You have to put in the work.
  • You need to focus on what sets you apart from the crowd.

For me, it’s communication – being able to get on a microphone, present myself, and energize a crowd. This skill has opened doors for me in every field. Other crucial factors are focus, being the first one in and last one out, and extensive networking. These principles pay off regardless of the industry.

5. How do you perceive the current state of the house music scene? Where do you see it heading?

General Moses: I think we’re in an exciting time for house music, especially tech house in North America. Mark Knight, who I consider the king of tech house, has said that the US tech house scene reminds him of the UK in the ’90s and 2000s. I agree with this assessment. 

Looking at the success of artists like Fisher, James Hype, and John Summit, it’s clear that tech house is becoming more mainstream. Ten years ago, you’d have to be part of the underground scene to even know what tech house was. I’m excited that my career is beginning just as tech house is gaining more widespread recognition.

6. What’s next for General Moses? Can we expect more collaborations or a new direction in your music?

General Moses: Absolutely, you can expect more collaborations with No Ego Records. They’ve been fantastic in supporting and promoting me, and I love working with their team. I’m also open to other collaborations – my inbox is always open for ideas.

However, I recently heard some advice from Marshall Jefferson about focusing on honing your craft and putting out studio albums to really stand out. I’m taking this to heart and considering how to balance collaborations with emphasizing my unique style and potentially working on albums.

7. Can you share any insights or advice for aspiring artists who wish to blend diverse musical influences?

General Moses: My advice is simple but crucial: go to the geographic location where the music you’re gravitating towards comes from. Immerse yourself in the culture and energy of the place. For instance, I’m eager to visit various African nations to experience their musical traditions firsthand. 

Diplo is a great example of this approach. With Major Lazer, he spent significant time in the Caribbean before creating that project. So, for any artist looking to fuse house or tech house with other genres or vibes, my advice is to go to the source. Experience the culture, feel the energy, and let it inspire your music authentically.

The post General Moses Talks No Ego Records Release, Caribbean Influences, And More In This Exclusive Interview appeared first on Magnetic Magazine.