Welcome to Perazim creative compass, where we start with a central thought-provoking question and then explore related sub-questions over a 10-15 minute timeframe.
Interviewee: Denny Hus @dj_dennyhus
Category: DJ
Produced and Written by: Kevin J. Graham @perazimmagazine
Interviewed by: Sophia Karydis @sophiakarydis
Photography by: Randerick Bishop @kaangproductions
Overcoming Creative Blocks: DJ Denny Hus on Rekindling His Inspiration
Introduction:
In this inaugural edition of Perazim Creative Compass, our presenter Sophia Karydis (@sophiakarydis) sits down with DJ Denny Hus, the Afrobeats and Dancehall sensation known for his high-energy performances and dynamic mixing style. With a massive social media following, Denny’s music has reached fans across the globe, yet even he faces creative blocks from time to time. In this interview, brought to you by the team at @perazimmagazine, Denny shares his candid thoughts on how he navigates creative slumps and finds new sources of inspiration.
Recognising the signs of creative stagnation:
Denny opens up about how he identifies when he’s in a creative rut. “It’s when I start relying too heavily on my old mixes,” he admits. “I notice that my ideas aren’t flowing as freely, and I keep gravitating towards familiar beats. It’s like I’m stuck on repeat.” He explains that these moments often follow periods of intense creative output or a break from his routine. “Once I recognise the signs, I know it’s time to shake things up.”
Rediscovering creativity through community:
To reignite his creative spark, Denny immerses himself in diverse artistic environments. “I love being around other creatives, whether they’re painters, poets, or fellow musicians,” he says. “It’s amazing how a conversation with someone from a completely different field can light a new fire in me.” He also experiments with genres outside his usual repertoire, like Soca or EDM. “It forces me to think differently and opens up new avenues for creativity.”
Digging deep to find the root causes:
When a creative block lingers, Denny takes a step back to figure out why. “Is it burnout, or am I just bored with the routine?” he asks himself. If it’s exhaustion, he takes time to rest and recharge. “You can’t create if your mind is running on empty,” he notes. If the issue isn’t fatigue, Denny looks to collaboration for a fresh perspective. “Bringing someone else into the process can help me see things in a new light,” he shares.
The Power of experimentation:
Denny believes that embracing experimentation is key to overcoming creative barriers. “I’ve learned to be okay with making mistakes,” he says. “Sometimes I’ll play around with sounds that I’ve never used before, just to see where it takes me. Even if it doesn’t work out, it gets me out of my head and back into the creative flow.”
Consistency and discipline as a foundation:
Despite the ups and downs, Denny maintains a structured routine that keeps him grounded. “You can’t wait for inspiration to hit; you have to be consistent,” he emphasizes. “I’ve found that sticking to a schedule, even when I’m not feeling motivated, is what helps me push through.” His advice for up-and-coming DJs? “Show up every day, even when it’s tough. That’s when the real breakthroughs happen.”
Turning obstacles Into opportunities:
Denny recalls a time when he felt stuck creating content about African artists. Instead of quitting, he decided to shift his focus and explore different aspects of their music. “I started looking at the themes in their songs—romantic versus work-related—and it opened up a whole new conversation with my audience,” he says. This pivot not only refreshed his creative process but also deepened his engagement with fans.
Final reflections:
In wrapping up, Denny offers a powerful takeaway: “Creative blocks aren’t roadblocks—they’re opportunities to try something new.” His strategies of community engagement, experimentation, and consistent practice provide a roadmap for anyone seeking to reignite their creative fire.
Coming next week:
Sophia Karydis will be back with another insightful interview as she chats with Eben Badu, a versatile creative who thrives on collaboration. Join us as we explore the dynamics of working with diverse teams and the art of partnership.
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