Tarryn and Clairise, collectively known as TxC, are trailblazing artists hailing from South Africa who have set out to redefine the music landscape. Their debut EP, “A Fierce Piano”, and latest release, “Turn Off The Lights”, showcase their commitment to evolving sound and challenging the status quo — and with an upcoming single on the horizon, their journey promises to push boundaries even further.
TxC’s performances blend Neo-Tech and Soul elements into hypnotic Amapiano sets, which have earned them international acclaim, gracing stages like the FIFA World Cup and Boiler Room. With millions of followers across social media platforms, Tarryn and Clairise’s impact transcends borders, solidifying their position as key figures in the global music scene. Wonderland had the honour of sitting down with the duo to discuss their early beginnings, the mission behind their music, and their exciting future plans.
Read the exclusive interview below…
Hey Tarryn and Clairise! How has 2024 been treating you so far?
2024 has been an exciting journey for us as South African DJs and creatives. Despite any challenges faced, we’ve managed to adapt and innovate, exploring new ways to connect with our audience through digital collaborations. We’ve also seen a resurgence of interest in our unique blend of music, culture, and art, both locally and internationally. Overall, the first part of this year has been filled with growth, resilience, and creativity for us, and we’re looking forward to continuing to push boundaries and inspire others through our work.
Prior to your career as a duo, what were you both up to professionally?
Both of us initially pursued academic endeavours, but over time, our dedication to music somehow just shifted our focus, leading us to commit wholeheartedly to the industry. Our journey into the realm of music was totally organic, driven by our shared passion and unwavering determination, marking the beginning of a dedicated pursuit in this field.
What were some of your early musical influences?
Always, respect to those that did it before us, because they literally set the path for us to create a space for ourselves. Some of our early musical influences include South African amapiano artists and DJs such as Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa and DBN Gogo. Their beats and innovative sounds have had a significant impact on shaping our musical style and preferences.
How did you first start working together?
We’ve been intertwined in each other’s lives long before we teamed up professionally. Deep down, we always had this sense that we’d eventually work together professionally at some point. When Amapiano burst onto the scene in the mid-2010s, it lit a fire under us, pushing us to carve out our own space within it.
How would you describe your sound as TxC?
As TxC, we’ll describe our sound as an electrifying fusion of traditional South African rhythms with modern electronic beats. We blend elements of house and jazz to create a vibrant and dynamic sound that resonates with audiences worldwide. Our music is a celebration of our cultural heritage while also pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the electronic and dance music scene. With pulsating rhythms, infectious melodies, and soulful vocals, we strive to create an immersive experience that transports listeners to new sonic landscapes.
What do you hope to say with your music?
With our music, we hope to spread joy, celebration, and unity. We hope that people feel the same sort of escape and happiness that we feel when we listen to your music. With that being said, we want people to feel uplifted and energised when they listen to our tracks, and to create a vibe that brings people together to scatter the dance floor.
Who else in the Amapiano scene is inspiring you?
We draw inspiration from various artists in the grand scheme of things. We’re inspired by the females that are dominating the scene as when amapiano started it was a male dominated industry. Their continued success and impact motivate us to push for more and strive for excellence in our own musical endeavours within Amapiano.
Can you speak about the direction that you’re heading with the recent release “Turn Off The Lights”?
As TxC, we have never stopped exploring and experimenting. “Turn Off The Lights” is a result of one of our experiments, and more atmospheric tones while still maintaining the signature energy and groove of our previous works. We aimed to create a track that captivates listeners with rhythms and deep basslines, inviting them to drown themselves in the music and lose themselves in the moment.
What are you looking forward to for the rest of the year?
More music! Like you know, we have focused more on our performances and mixing side. But this year, we’re going back to the studio to make songs. Our album is also coming out this year and there’s a feature with one of the biggest African artists.