A Grammy winner from the Seychelles? DJ wins nomination

DJ Clint Maximus Breithaupt whose work has been nominated in the 58^th Grammy Awards. (Clint 'Maximus' Breithaupt )

(Seychelles News Agency) - A DJ from the Seychelles could soon be a Grammy winner.

Already Clint 'Maximus' Breithaupt is grateful to even have been honoured with a Grammy nomination.

“I think if the track wins, I will be overwhelmed and thankful. It's not every day you get to see your name on the Grammy nomination list. One hundred percent I’m going out to party like a mad man,” an excited Breithaupt told SNA in an interview.

Breithaupt said he was taken by surprise when he heard his work had been nominated in the 58^th Grammy Awards in the best remixer category. The Grammy Awards are held in February 15.

The Seychellois has been nominated alongside JES and Shant for the song “Hold On," in the Fatum remix.

Breithaupt, 36, started his career at a young age as a radio assistant at the local Paradise FM, one of the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation, SBC's two radio stations, putting new music on the system, editing music and producing commercials. He now has his own show -- ‘The Edge’ – in Lebanon and strong experience in remixing songs.

“The remix has a one in five chance. You have to remember thousands and thousands of songs have been submitted, and coming out in the top five is a big accomplishment on its own,” Clint said.

Almost two decades in radio and still passionate about it

Breithaupt had a fast-moving career at Paradise FM. After working as a radio assistant he advanced to co-producer of the breakfast show alongside Digby Taylor. Soon after he progressed to doing the live show on his own and was well liked by the local public.

He then moved to the United Kingdom to work part time at Signal radio. He later moved to Beirut, Lebanon where he works for Radio One and hosts his own show.

After 14 years on air “The Edge” is recognized as a show for those who are passionate about dance music. It airs on 60 stations worldwide, including in the Seychelles, a fact that allows Breithaupt to remain connected to people who know him.

“The Edge Radio Show has been a growing project for me, it started  life in Seychelles as a show called ‘The Mix.’ I gave it a name change to fit the market in Lebanon. I think the show took off because of all the guest artists I've interviewed over the years,” explained the Seychelles native.

Being a DJ in this big world

The show is now being produced alongside Hollywood DJ Antonio Giacca and a leading production house in the UK, Distorted.

To become a successful DJ one needs “a good social status” and the love of music, said Breithaupt.  

“Having the skill as a DJ is just not enough nowadays. The DJ has become just as big as any singer or composer. You can see it in many award listings.”

Performing as a DJ abroad gives one a lot more competition. Breithaupt believes that healthy competition is a good thing. It forces you to create new sounds and tap into new ideas.

Breithaupt said he has done remixes for performers such as BT, Ferry Corsten, Austin Leeds, JES and Richard Grey. Some of the releases he has worked on include “Get Ready, Sunny Side Up” and “Oxygen.”