So, as you may have noticed, I’ve been quiet for the past few weeks (sorry for that, by the way!). It was for good reason, though. The National Arts Festival took over Grahamstown (and my life) between the 2nd and 11th of July, and as the host of a daily radio show on the local radio station, I got the chance to hang out with a whole host of artists including Shotgun Sunday, Guy Buttery, Captain Stu, Gary Thomas, DJ Bob, Tidal Waves, Nibs vd Spuy, 10 Points for the Dismount, ETC Crew, Autopilot (twice!), Outside the New, Andy Lund, The Parlotones, Jesse Clegg, Mix n Blend, HoneyB, Kill the Witness, Matthew Gair, Edward Allen, VoodooChild, Timmy Likes Milk, Ph.Fat, Reburn, aKing, Dear Reader, and Farryl Purkiss
Perhaps more exciting, though, than the big names like aKing and The Parlotones, was chance to check out the the huge amount of talent that is just busy breaking through on the SA music scene.
Here’s my pick of 3 bands to watch out for…
1) Autopilot
You may well have heard their name before, as they’ve been on the scene for a while now, but they’re only just really starting to break through. They’ve been around since 2005, but in 2007 their previous lead singer, Jade, left the band and was replaced with Brigitte who quite simply has one of the most powerful voices I’ve heard in a very long time. They’ve just finished recording a brand new album called A Broken Word and were kind enough to drop off the first master copy for me to take a listen to – it’s sounding awesome, and I’m really looking forward to the final copy soon. More than that, though, they are one of the coolest and most fun bunch of people I’ve met in a long time. Watch out for them coz I have a funny feeling they’re gonna be big!
Online: http://www.autopilotband.co.za
My interview with them:
2) VoodooChild
It’s taken them a ridiculously long time to record their debut album, “Attack. Don’t Panic”, and it may well have been worth the wait. They’re made up of 5 wacky members in the form of Alan (keys), Brendon (lead guitar), Fuzz (bass guitar), Hendrik (drums) and Lebo (vocals), who have been gigging around SA for the past 5 years or so, earning quite a name for themselves. I’ve seen them perform live together in the past, and the album comes pretty damn close to capturing their energy. The album’s been out for about 2 weeks now and its one of the albums I’ve had on repeat since then…check out tracks like Centre of Gravity, I Stay Up All Night, or my personal favourite, Child of the Sun. They’ve got a unique and funky sound, and seem to have managed to produce an album which is as good as they are live. The next time they’re in your area, make sure to catch one of SA’s biggest bands that you don’t know yet!
Online: http://www.voodoochild.co.za
My interview with them:
3) Outside the New (OTN)
I seriously doubt you’ve ever heard of them before. I hadn’t. They’re a bunch of completely crazy guys from Jhb called Outside The New who made a big impression in their 5 days in Gtown (mainly at the bar). I would love to describe their sound, but in one performance it went from very rock to very hiphop…which I loved. They’re busy putting together a debut album but in the meantime I’ve got a demo for you to listen to (remember, it’s a demo so don’t expect too much from it!).
Online: Facebook
My interview with them:
