Today we’d like to introduce you to Rita Mucavele.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always been obsessed with music from an early age. It’s in my blood, in my roots. Since I can remember, I’ve been playing some type of instrument, the drums, euphonium, bass guitar, etc. I’ve always felt that through music and sound, I find and feel my emotions. I really have my mom to thank for constantly pushing me toward more creative pursuits. She immigrated to this country from Zimbabwe and carries a rhythm and melody in her heart and mind at all times. It’s where I get it from!
While in college at Georgia Tech, studying Biomedical Engineering no less, I worked in the music building helping my fellow students rent instruments. It’s here that I learned more about sound synthesis, music production, and DJing. Once I entered this space, it was only inevitable that I would discover electronic music on a deeper level. Since then, I’ve seen the connection of emotion through sound in a genre-less way.
Fast forward to today. I’m mostly a full-time music producer and touring DJ. I’ve had the honor of performing at Atlanta Pride for 8+ years, performed at festivals across North America, and have track releases with major bass music labels such as Odyzey Music (CloZee’s label) and Deep Dark & Dangerous. I have to say, my favorite place to perform is here, at home, in Atlanta. I’ve performed at The Eastern a few times and I can say it is one of the premier music venues in the nation. We’re very fortunate to have so many amazing music venues in this city.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I believe that being an artist is really a process of self-realization – so absolutely, there are challenges. Being a queer, black female music producer and DJ, I find myself amongst a small group of producers in the electronic music space, and even more so in bass music.
There’s this sense that every song, performance, and interaction must be my 110% in order to get just a fair acknowledgment, and I see that this isn’t the case for my male peers. It can definitely be a tough mental space but is also an opportunity to push myself even further. I see and acknowledge my female, POC, and queer peers pushing the boundaries of music.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My name is Rita Mucavele, aka CANVAS. I’m a music producer and DJ focusing on bass music. More specifically, “gut music”: music for the visceral parts of the human experience. When I create and perform, emotions and connection (mind, body & soul) are my goals. I believe that music is an escape, music is a shoulder to cry on, music is the hype behind the excitement, it is life distilled down in sound. Every CANVAS performance is about connecting with the audience/ fans, giving them (and myself) a chance to heal! It’s high-energy sound therapy.
I’m most proud of my production progress and the team surrounding my project. From performances at Electric Zoo NY to The Caverns in Tennesee and Same Same But Different Festival in California, we have the opportunity to create a community nationwide that is here for the music. Talking with fans and sharing these unforgettable experiences, there’s nothing better in this world. I feel healed! That genuine positive energy is contagious and us humans need that more than ever.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Absolutely! I knew but didn’t fully realize how much music has been my mental sanctuary. Creating gave me something to believe in and hope for. As an artist, you know deep down that you MUST create. It’s our connection to the world, and during COVID – connection is what we all sought more of.
So the biggest lesson was in “connection”, cherishing it, seeking it, and being a pillar of support for my friends, family, and community. I cannot stress enough the importance of COMMUNITY! It takes a village.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.djcanvas.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djcanvas/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DJ.Canvas
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/DJ_Canvas
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKZmSl52JS0
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/djcanvas
- Other: https://gutmusic.io/
Image Credits
John Verwey Jeremy Wing Alec Robertson Lane Jackman
