Featured Artist

Aston Wylie

Aston Wylie hails from the humid shores of the Eastern Cape.

During his 10 years of performing as a full time musician he has completed his music degree, toured South America & Asia as a soloist in the NMU Choir, toured South Africa & collaborated with artists such as Majozi & Richard Brokensha, participated on The Voice SA, released 3 albums with numerous singles including a 5fm indie chart NO1 and established himself as a sought after private & corporate entertainer.

Now residing in Dubai, Aston has performed at numerous venues cementing himself as an energetic & vibrant addition to the live music scene.

Q  So what made you want to become a musician?

Nothing made me want to become a musician, that thought has never crossed my mind. I've always just loved listening to music and from a young age I was encouraged to sing as much as I wanted.

Q  What would you like to accomplish over the next few years? 

Musically I would just like to be happily performing my own music with and for my friends as well as for anyone who would like to listen.



Q    Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music? 

 I love talking with friends, it's nice to talk. I also really enjoy going to the gym. I particularly enjoy doing something for the first time because it's usually quite funny, regardless of what it is.

Q      Do you have any weaknesses that you're actively working to improve on? 

Yes, I struggle with procrastination, time management and setting goals. They're common struggles I think because we live in an ever more distracting world - Doom scrolling on social media is probably my biggest problem.

Q Which instrument is your favourite to play and why?

The Tambourine because it gives me something to do with my hands instead of doing terrible dance moves.

Q  What is it about music that makes you feel passionate?

When I can visibly see someone being affected by the noises I am making, it does something inside of me that makes me feel like I'm doing something right.

Q  Which instrument is your favourite to play and why?

The Tambourine because it gives me something to do with my hands instead of doing terrible dance moves.

Q   Describe your favourite and least favourite part about being a musician.

My favourite part of being a musician is the diversity in which I can ply the trade geographically. I get to meet a lot of people and experience being part of many different occasions.

My least favourite part is that it takes evening time away from my family and I which can be taxing.

Q   Describe your favorite and least favorite part about being a musician.

Working with people and … working with people haha! 

Q  What do you like most about playing music? 

Playing music can be really fun, genuinely. It's a never ending journey which is always challenging in one way or another.

Q  Can you describe your creative process when you write new music.

I usually start by writing some lyrics and try to find a melody that works. I try keep everything written down even if I don't like it, almost like a linear mindmap of possibilities. From there it either gets put into production or carries on living on the page.

Q  Who's your ideal musician to collaborate with and why? 

Ideally, anyone. It actually doesn't matter who because finding anyone to collaborate with is a win in of its own in my experience. Of cause I could say it would be ideal to collaborate with someone famous and successful, like Ed Sheeran because that's the style I am currently emulating.



Q    Describe your favourite venue for performing.

This is a really good question, probably cafe roux in South Africa. Check it out, small, farm house type venue, 120 people max, cosy, good voice and drinks, intimate, low roof, warm lights, original music.

Q  Tell me about your favourite performance in your career?

Cafe roux band gig in 2018. It was just incredible. My first sold out band gig, every song seemed to resonate with the audience. Alot of my muso peers were in the audience which was extra special, people I looked up to. My wife Kayleigh was there, I had family there. It was great! 

Q  How would you handle traveling and being away from your home for an extended time period while you were on tour?   

Being away is awesome, being on tour is awesome. I traveled for many years and it was an unbelievable time. I enjoyed almost every second of it, getting to spend time with musicians, my best friend, eat good/bad food, stay in great/terrible places, drive extremely long/dangerous roads, catch early flights on 2 hours sleep. It was just amazing, we didn't realize how amazing it was until COVID came along. Of cause I'd miss my wife sometimes but that's life.

Q    Have you ever participated in any music competitions? Did you win any prizes?

Yes, a handful, the voice, pop idols at school. I won a R50 voucher and I bought a Westlife cd, my parents still had to put in R70.

I also won a TV competition to watch Tom Walker n Camdan London, that was awesome.

Q   So where can we catch you performing right now?

You can catch me performing regularly throughout the city. With Dash Music I have the pleasure of performing 2 gigs a week at Jones the Grocer, Radisson Red at Silicon Oasis for Ladies Night and Cheese & Wine Night.

This venue is honestly for everyone including your doggo, whether you're looking for fresh air or a cosy deli feel they've got a spot for you. The food is smashing, for South African in me it's the "Me So Hungry" and the Cheesecake, goodness gracious. The sound system is also great which for me as a muso is GREAT!!