DigitalSoul March 2016

6

CONTENT

How to

Appreciate Heavy Metal

Cape town pride 12 15

16

"NOT FIGHTING"

DIAMOND THUG

BY JUSTIN SERRAO

RELEASE "MONDAY WILL HAVE TO WAIT"

60

THE RUDIMENTALS

70

JUNKYARD LIPSTICK 28

STERLING EQ

photographer LIAM FAGAN SINFORME INDUSTRIES

52 LOKI ROTHMAN

PAGE 24

THIEVE

PAGE 26

FEATURED ARTIST - CHRIS VALENTINE

PAGE 42

ROXETTE 30TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

PAGE 66

CAPE TOWN PRIDE

PAGE 48

HIPSTER HOGWASH - A RANT BY MISS INFORMATION

PAGE 90

{PSY.OLOGY}

PAGE 94

THE BANJO

PAGE 98

What is

Editor

Yolande ‘Gypsychild’ Jordaan

- Editing,Design, Concept, Layout design - Content Strategy - Advertising/ Marketing - PR

Y yolande@digitalsoulmag.co.za

Team

Christelle Scheepers - Sub-Editor, Art, Across the bar Y christelle@digitalsoulmag.co.za

Natalie Mentor

- Freelance contribution Y nataliementor@gmail.com

Annabelle Foster - Agony Aunt - ‘Ask Annabelle’ Y askannabelle@digitalsoulmag.co.za

Keena Strachan

- Freelance Y keenbean1093@gmail.com

Benjamin Shepherd - Music Instruments

DIGITAL SOUL

Digital Soul aims to showcase an eclectic appreciation of the Creative Arts. Centred around a young, music-orientated market and caters to the social media apt and interactive crowd.

Features include local DJ’s, bands, visual-, graphic-, digital- and illustration artists, photographers, festivals and/or other events, other industry related pieces, as well as articles of interest to people within the industry; Essentially, a mouthpiece for the digital music consumer in SA. At Digital Soul we recognize the Artist's potential to define an entire generation with a single piece of work and therefore our virtual platform becoming the since qua non for SA's Creatives to stand up and say: "Shut up and Listen!"

Web

Wilbur ‘likesmith’ - Creative Logician & all-round Propellerhead Y wilbur@digitalsoulmag.co.za

?

"Artistic Passion is our Inspiration."

connect

Cover

Photographer: Iggy Bester Photo-editor : Yolande 'Gypsychild' Jordaan

digitalsoulsa

EDIToR’S NOTE Gratitude and humility are most definitely the theme of the day. February proved to be the most successful issue of DS to date with a whopping 14 000+ reads! I have long surpassed the point of being humbled and grateful.

On another note, our delay in publishing of this March issue comes as a result of the Devil-flu which has left me incapacitated for several days now and no hands to take over my duties in editing and/or design. I apologise to all our readers who have been anxiously awaiting this issue.

So with no further avail, here it is: Digital Soul March 2016!

Featured on our cover, are none other than the rocking Junkyard Lipstick. A first for a DS cover in that they are the first group as well as

the first rock / metal artists to grace our cover.

You'll want to keep an eye out for our April issue as these ladies also inspired April's theme: The bad-ass issue!

Once again, this issue is crammed full of content, interviews, reviews covering genres from thrash metal to psy trance and events such as Cape Town Pride.

Take a look at our featured photographer as well as our featured illustrator!

Enjoy, take it easy and if it's easy, take it home.

e d n a l o Y

HoW To

Appreciate Heavy metal

H

eavy metal is one of the most diverse and misjudged genres of music that I have encountered. Although many completely overlook it, within the metal genre as a whole, one will find countless sub-genres, which all draw influences from, and encompass virtually the entire musical spectrum. With a little patience and research to find the right bands, anyone can find plenty to meet their personal taste.

1

REMOVE ANY / ALL PRECONCEPTIONS YOU MAY HAVE ABOUT METAL.

Metal is not solely a bunch of guys crunching out noise, screaming profanities, and worshipping Satan. A lot of metal is melodic and beautiful, as well as very complex and technically demanding.

Many musicians have been playing their instruments for years and are professionally trained, often being able to play at very high levels of proficiency. Many of them incorporate influences from genres such as classical, jazz, folk, and opera. Additionally, metal bands virtually always write their own music, including the melodies, harmonies, and rhythms, plus their own lyrics, etc., all of which keeps the music genuine, as opposed to the fake, manufactured feel of most popular music. That being said, metal is often more aggressive and intense than more mainstream-oriented “radio rock”, and lyrics often touch on more controversial topics such as war or violence (albeit usually as a form of social criticism rather than a vehicle to condone such things). Other bands may write about topics such as fantasy, addiction, history, religion, politics, literature, philosophy, relationships, hedonism, or death. Bands with more extreme lyrics often intend their songs to be taken as tongue-in-cheek or sometimes for shock value, and in most cases shouldn’t be taken seriously. The most common instrumental setup for a metal band is one or two electric guitar(s), a bass guitar, drums, vocals, and sometimes a keyboard/piano,

although it is not limited to that. Some bands incorporate additional instruments, sometimes opting for a symphonic sound, or using other unusual instruments for a more avant-garde approach. Often-times the vocalist also serves as an instrumentalist. Some bands write all or mostly instrumental music. Metal vocals vary widely in style, from the multi-octave, theatrical approach of Judas Priest’s Rob Halford and Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson, to the gruff style of Motörhead’s Lemmy and Metallica’s James Hetfield, to the growling of many death metal performers, and to the harsh shrieks and screams of black metal. There are a number of successful female vocalists as well.

2

RELATING YOUR MUSIC PREFERENCES TO METAL

Consider what music you like now and what kinds of metal you might like. Do you like fast paced music or slower music? Do you want to hear guitars shredding or guitars playing melodies? Do you want to listen for the drumming? Do you want to listen for lyrics?

What lyrical themes are you looking for? Do you mind growling vocals, or do you want lighter vocals? Or no vocals at all?

Try starting with classic heavy metal and then work your way to the “Big 4” of thrash metal (Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax).

Also ask for help on forums or research each genre more to decide which you may like.

Any metalhead will be all to happy to help a newcomer out and share their knowledge.

Heavy metal: distorted guitars, more forceful than rock, guitar solos. No growled vocals.

Original metal. Popular bands include Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Dio, Motörhead, Black Sabbath, Twisted Sister, Ozzy Osbourne, Grim Reaper, Led Zeppelin and WASP. Thrash metal: Fast paced, focus on guitar shredding, often aggressive vocals and blast beats with influences from punk and metal.

Lyrics usually deal with social or political issues. Bands include Megadeth, Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, Testament, Exodus, Overkill, Kreator, Sodom, Annihilator, Sadus, Destruction, Evile

Power metal: Melodic, soaring vocals, constant riffs, melodic guitar shreds, keyboards and lyrics about fantasy, dragons, knights, mythology, etc.

Examples of bands include: Blind Guardian, HammerFall, Helloween, Sonata Arctica, Demons & Wizards, Angra, Dragonforce, Iced Earth, Charred Walls of the Damned, Kamelot and Rhapsody of Fire Goth metal takes the pure sound of heavy metal but with the dark atmospheres and lyrics of goth rock. Check out bands like Type O Negative, A Pale Horse Named Death, Cradle of Filth, Within Temptation, My Dying Bride, Graveworm, Rotting Christ, Paradise Lost, Katatonia or Moonspell.

Speed metal is an extremely fast and technically demanding subgenre of metal.

Bands: Motörhead, Riot, Judas Priest and Striker.

Rap metal can be defined as Rap rock with metal traits and heaviness. Artists and bands: Rage Against the Machine, Faith No More, Stuck Mojo, Kid Rock (old) Death/doom: Both death metal and doom metal. Bands: Asphyx, Autopsy, My Dying Bride, Paradise Lost Blackened death metal: Death metal mixed with black metal. Bands: Goatwhore, Behemoth, Portal Thrashcore / Crossover thrash: Usually

thrash metal that leans really close to old school punk rock. It can be thrash-influenced hardcore punk or a mix of thrash metal and early 1980s-style punk. Bands: DRI, Suicidal Tendencies, Stormtroopers of Death, PC Death Squad Black metal: Ranges from complex to raw song structure, distorted guitars, tremolo picking, shrieking vocals, often cold atmosphere and anti-religious or paganistic lyrics. The original bands applied deeper, more evil-sounding voices which were intended as a representation of Satan rather than the modern shrieks.

Bands: Emperor, Immortal, Mayhem, Burzum, Gorgoroth, Darkthrone, Dimmu Borgir, Dark Funeral, Xasthur, Bathory, Venom, Celtic Frost, Black Anvil, Marduk, Watain Doom metal is described as slower paced, with clean or growl vocals, general lyrical themes center around despair and doom (hence the name). Bands: Candlemass, Saint Vitus, Cathedral, Trouble, Witchfinder General, Asphyx, Pentagram, Reverend Bizarre, Solitude Aeturnus Death metal: Fast paced, very heavy, complex song structures, vocals consist of deep, growl ing vocals, lyrics are often gory. Bands: Death, Obituary, Cannibal Corpse, Morbid Angel, Deicide, Entombed, Grave, Cryptopsy, Autopsy, Bolt Thrower, Job for a Cowboy, Possessed, Necrophagia, Suffocation Technical death metal: Death metal with more complex rhythmic patterns. Lyrics are often philosophical and poetic. Bands: Death (later material), Cynic, Atheist, Obscura, Necrophagist, Nile, Gorguts, The Faceless Melodic death metal: Often slower than traditional death metal with focus on melodies, often containing keyboards/pianos and acoustic guitar parts. Popular Bands: Carcass, Dark Tranquility, In Flames, At the Gates, Arch Enemy, Amon Amarth, Children of Bodom, Insomnium, Norther, Shadows Fall, All That Remains (early), Scar Symmetry, The Black Dahlia Murder Progressive metal: Combines the heavy, guitardriven sound of heavy metal with the uncommon time signatures, dynamic shifts and complex p of progressive rock. May cross with other metal genres as well (i.e., progressive death metal).

Songs are often long, theoretically complex and contain acoustic parts.

Metalcore: Combination of hardcore or posthardcore punk and extreme metal. Breakdowns are common, and often abrasive or intense

vocals. Bands: Hatebreed, Converge, Integrity, I Am War, Parkway Drive, Killswitch Engage, As I Lay Dying, Texas in July, Earth Crisis, Bury Your Dead, Throwdown, The Acacia Strain, Unearth, Avenged Sevenfold (early) and Bleeding Through Mathcore: Progressive metalcore with odd time signatures and frequent changes in time signatures and lots of complexity. Bands: Converge, Blood Has Been Shed, The Dillinger Escape Plan, iwrestledabearonce Djent: Not a genre. But refers to progressive metal bands with often keyboards, rhythm guitars doing chugging to give heavy feels and palm muting. Bands can be experimental. Bands: Periphery, After the Burial, Animals as Leaders, Tesseract Melodic metalcore: A subgenre of metalcore with tons more melody and melodic death metal influences. Vocals range from growls, screams and singing. Bands: Trivium, August Burns Red, All That Remains (newer), I Killed the Prom Queen, The Devil Wears Prada, and Bury Tomorrow Deathcore: A combination of death metal and hardcore. Bands: All Shall Perish, Despised Icon, Suicide Silence, Job for a Cowboy (2005), Waking the Cadaver Chelsea Grin, Oceano, Emmure, Rose Funeral, and Whitechapel Groove metal: Post-thrash, sometimes slower than thrash with focus on rhythmic (groove) patterns. Bands: Pantera (1990s and up), Lamb of God, DevilDriver, Exhorder, Sepultura, Hellyeah, Machine Head, Five Finger Death Punch Folk metal: Heavy metal crossed with traditional folk music. Bands: Ensiferum, Finntroll, Korpiklaani, Eluveitie, Moonsorrow, Tyr Nu metal: Combines many genres of popular music (grunge, hip-hop), with heavy metal.

Bands: Korn, Slipknot (first 2 albums and the song “Duality�), OTEP, Soulfly (early), Sevendust, Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit, Deftones (1990s), Dope Industrial metal: Usually with white noise beats, industrial effects, distortion, heavy bass, abrasive beats, industry noises and sometimes keyboards.

It could be simply industrial meets metal. Bands: Fear Factory (although they play lots of metal genres), Nailbomb, Ministry (newer), Rammstein, Static-X, Marilyn Manson, Ghost Machine Symphonic metal: Utilizes symphonic elements instead of relying on guitars alone.

Bands: Nightwish, Therion, Rhapsody of Fire, Epica, Within Temptation

3

GIVE IT A GOOD LISTEN Don’t put it on in the background and tune it out.

Most metal cannot be fully appreciated if you do not focus while listening. Listen to each instrument. Try to follow the rhythm. Listen to the vocals. If you cannot understand them, look the lyrics up either in the album’s booklet or online. And listen through multiple times.

Albums from the more complex sub-genres often take several listens to really get into and understand, and the more you listen the more layers you uncover. Most metal doesn’t rely on groove or instantly catchy hooks like much pop and rock does. Don’t give up if your first impression isn’t great. A lot of metal “grows on you” and if it doesn’t, try another band. Metal is so diverse there is at least one type for everyone.

Davey Suicide “The hole is where the heart is” Official Music Video youtube.com

4

ENJOY METAL YOUR WAY

Find your own way to enjoy metal. It can be at shows and in mosh pits, or just sitting back and enjoying it. Maybe you want to try to play it on an instrument, or to write your own. Maybe you want to read the lyrics and try to understand and relate to them. Many people listen while driving or while doing anything else. It can be great motivation at the gym or while running. It could be for when you drift off to sleep (no joke, people will fall asleep listening to doom metal).

Ministry at Carfax Image by Rudi Olivier

5

ATTEND A GIG

Go to a metal show or watch a performance, even if it’s just online. Don’t worry, you won’t get thrown into a mosh pit unless you choose to step into one. Seeing a band work together and watching each member master their own instrument can give you a better appreciation of the work they put in, especially if you play an instrument yourself. Composing music and playing music live are two different skill sets, both of which metal bands have to be good at to become successful.

Dear Annabelle, We’re both girls of 26 and have known each other since school. Just before Christmas we had drunken sex during a party at her brother’s house. Now she’s hardly talking to me. In the past week she’s called me disgusting, depraved and a freak. She won’t open her mind to the possibility of us having a happy future together and that breaks my heart. The reality is that we know each other inside out. Over the years we’ve been on numerous holidays and hundreds of nights out. We’ve laughed, cried and made utter fools of ourselves as mates do. Exquisite I’m bisexual and have had all sorts of sexual relationships with men and girls. She’s always identified as being “straight”, but something happened that night at the party.

She relaxed. She allowed me to pull her onto the dance floor where we smooched. People started clapping and shouting: “Get a room.”

So we did! Upstairs we made love and it was exquisite – just as I knew it always would be.

We touched, licked and orgasmed together and I know she felt something special too. But in the morning she was like a scalded cat.

She woke up and flew out of my arms screaming she had to get away. Now I’ve had a text telling me she’s horrified we got it together and she never wants it to happen again. I understand the intense passion we shared surprised and even scared her, but why turn against me when I’m the one who could give her the most amazing future and love? Why can’t she simply go with the flow and see where this thing takes us?

To the real bisexual...

I am stoked you two had the experience you did, no doubt you’ve fantasized about this, which isn’t wrong. You’re friend will also not forget it anytime soon. Unfortunately it takes a few more experiences like yours to either say “wow” or “wow let’s do this again!”

And it would have to be a sober, mutually pursued experience to wake up and say “let’s give love a shot?” You cant blame the chick for

freaking out a bit, sex with your straight friend is not something silly if the feelings aren’t mutual. Not many people are actually aware of what ‘ bisexuality’ really is! I didn’t know until it happened to me either. I am straight but love having sex with woman, i won’t enter a relationship with one and by the sounds of it neither will she.

You cant understand nor can you pressure her decision. As her friend you should give her all the space she wants as well as, respect whatever choice she makes without question.

Should it turn out that you two are ‘just friends’ are you truly prepared to spend time with the one you love, the one you’ll never have? Can you endure her being happy with someone else. Shouldn’t you just let it be?

Annabelle, My guy is a thoughtful, gentle soul, but people constantly take advantage of his generous nature.

One geek owes him R3,000 from years ago, yet the money is never mentioned. Another (married moron) constantly borrows his car and uses my bloke’s flat for sexual assignations with loose women. But the one that really gets my goat is the bully who physically pushes my man around on a regular basis. Any time we’re out together in a gang, this creep cannot leave my man alone. If he’s not got him in a “jokey” headlock, he’s inviting him outside for a fight.

This oaf and I have had words on more than one occasion about this and, consequently, he gives me a very wide berth. But I dread to imagine what he gets up to when I’m not around. I keep begging my bloke to drop the lot of them, but he continually makes excuses and tells me that he’s fine. But how can he be when he’s regularly ripped off, taken for a ride and thumped?

To The ‘protector’ of ‘real men’...

Firstly I would like to emphasize how much these people your fella chose as his friends, only really irritate you!

Besides people won’t leave your life, no ‘till they’ve allowed

you the experience you need to learn, and that lesson is: The annoyance you find in other people is mostly a reflection of what you must change within you. I could tell you to avoid all contact, you’ll only cause unnecessary friction with his buds and raise questions. How could he end up choosing his friends over you?!

If he chooses you, the money will become an issue. I say this because you’re already being a bully. Perhaps you enjoy pushing him to make a change in his life. Or if you carry on fighting his battles, and lowering his self confidence you’re probably going to loose interest and cheat on him. An enemy which will make your third enemy the scariest hypocrite of them all, you! A real relationship has no need for a mother figure to poke her head in his business and you are supposed to accept, support and build up your man, not belittle and change him!

Best saying I ever heard, a man marries a woman hoping that she will NEVER change.

A woman, marries a man, hoping she can change him. Is it not funny that a man never changes, and a woman always does?

So be a good woman to your man and if you love it let it grow, if you cannot accept then set it free. If he wants you and he really does want only you, he will make the choice out if his own... You are only supposed to guide him anyway.

Annabelle, She’s a woman with a troubled past and a huge amount of emotional baggage. The first time we met she was dossing on a mate’s floor having been made homeless by her ex. She was just about holding a job together, but she was vulnerable, broke and alone. I felt sorry for her and decided to take her under my wing. At first we were just mates.

I lent her some money, gave her my sofa bed to sleep on and helped her to get back on her feet again. One night she came into my bedroom and explained that she had feelings for me. We made love and it was wonderful.

A few days later we came out as a proper couple, but not everyone approved or was supportive. My parents told me point blank that they didn’t like her and didn’t want her in their house, while various friends warned me to be careful. Well, it’s now three years on and,

to cut a very long story short, she and I have been through hell.

Things started going wrong when I realized that she was stealing from me – mobile phone, watches, clothes all started going missing.

Then men started turning up at the house looking for her. We stopped having sex because she claimed to have cervical cancer, which I later found out to be a wicked lie.

Eventually, she admitted that she was taking drugs and up to her neck in trouble with her dealers. We broke up but now she says she’s clean and wants to come back. She claims I owe her a second chance and that if I turn her away, then I’ll be just as bad as every other pig who has ever let her down.

Where do I go from here?

Dear Halfway House, Upstanding, trust worthy, reliable, honest, consistent and considerate drug addicts are a rare find these days. I know too many of the people you describe in her than you care to imagine.

Consequently with the baggage, they’re followed by dramatic, sketchy behaviour and heart break is unavoidable.

Manipulative, inconsiderate, unstable, irrational and irresponsible, now those qualities are consistent in drug addicts. If you want to know, her life is fucked up because she keeps making the choice to be as she is, and will only be worthy of love when what she thinks, what she says and what she does are all the same thing. The cycle begins with her dependency, which is her downfall. Until she becomes independent, not to trust her will be so much easier than to love her, suspicion will become a part of your nature. You should make a choice and stick to it. If you choose her then it must be only her and then you stand up for your choice.

Then again if she chooses to continue to use drugs and it bothers you, well... You know the drill. Question is, are you willing to cut ties and is she willing to submit? She only has the right to be with you if she has independence.

If she depends on you, then I can tell you now, she is where she is because she chose this. Not because you refused to help her.

Image from mixfitmag-.com

DIAMoND THUG RELEASE DEBUT

C

ape Town-based Diamond Thug are excited to announce the forthcoming release of their EP ‘Monday Will Have To Wait’. This EP is the band’s first major release and their first release available as a physical release.

The digital EP release will be made up of four brand new tracks including the current single ‘Long Way’ and physical release will have two bonus tracks added to the four singles, with both formats of the EP available from 29 February 2016. “’Monday Will Have to Wait’ is an EP, deeply influenced by our own experienced reality and meandering perspectives. We tried to stir up the same emotions in the listener, as we felt while writing the EP. I think that there are moments of hope, excitement and happiness, but there are also moments of longing, impatience, confusion and discontent, the sort of overwhelming emotional roller-coaster of a Sunday evening. All in all it’s an honest reflection of each member’s current position in life, as a young adult, as an individual coming to terms with the contrasting and complex realities of the world,” comments Diamond Thug member, Danilo Queiros.

Opening track ‘Beauty Through The Devil’s Door’ is a hypnotic intro to the EP showcasing the beauty of lead singer Chantel Van T’s

vocals. ‘Long Way’ is the current single from the EP and a great Pop/Indie track. The single is proof of the incredible song writing strength of Diamond Thug and is probably the most commercial single on the EP. The 3rd track on the EP, ‘Mind’s Eye’, is a bit of a darker track and tingles the listener’s senses as Chantel’s vocals invite them with lyrics “I feel your desire”.

Fourth and final track from the Digital release of the EP is ‘Miami’. Another incredible single from the band with a very sexy seductive feel to a longing for love found.

‘Monday Will Have To Wait’ is a powerful 4 track collection of songs, which sets Diamond Thug apart from anyone else in the South African music industry.

Here is what some of the big names in the music industry have to say about the EP: “If there is one album I’ve been looking forward to hearing this year, it is the brand new Diamond Thug.

I have always loved this band and it was so good to see how they took a lot of time last year, to grow and work on songwriting and their sound. And I am happy to say that all their hard work has paid off and what they have made is such a good album. They have found their sound and honed their songwriting skills to make something really special.” – Catherine Grenfell, 5fm “ ‘Monday Will Have To Wait’ is like a rad

day on the beach in Cape Town. There’s cold water and it’s f*cking hot! Top notch EP. It’s intricate and delicate and pretty and wild and sounds unlike anything I’ve ever heard come out of the SA scene. This EP has such a mature sound, I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t like it. Seriously, each song just reminds me of riding in a boat on the sea, with cool salty water hitting my face and keeping me interested. Then you chill for a lil bit and bask in the sun, then the chorus hits and you’re jumping into that water. It’s glorious!

Masterfully produced, tastefully written and well recorded. ” – Alistair, Shortstraw “Diamond Thug effectively captures the innocence and carefree attitude of youth through their spirited lyrics and rolling melodies.” – Tecla, Texx And The City “An impressive body of work displaying the rapid evolution of the band. Diamond Thug has our attention.” – Lenny-Dee, Bye Beneco Singles ‘Mind’s Eye’ and ‘Long Way’ were recorded in Boston at The Converse Rubber Tracks Studio. Diamond Thug were chosen as one of 89 artists worldwide to record their singles at the studio. The songs were engineered by Boston rock legend Dave Minehan of Wooly Mammoth Studios and he was assisted by Matt Carlson.

‘Beauty Through the Devil’s Door’ and ‘Miami’ were recorded at Digital Forest Studio in Constantia and the songs were produced

and engineered by Grammy and SAMA-Award Winning Producer, Darryl Torr.

Diamond Thug will be launching their EP across SA, so catch them live on the following dates: 4th March – EP Launch in Cape Town above Truth Coffee Shop, Buitenkant Street.

11th March – EP Launch in Durban, The Winston 13th March – Fourways Farmers Market, JHB 18th March – Mieliepop Festival (https:// www.facebook.com/mieliepop/) 20/21 March – The Good Luck Bar, The Sheds, 1 Fox St, Johannesburg 24th March – Arcade Empire, Pretoria 27th March – Outland Festival (https://www. facebook.com/OutlandFest/) ‘Long Way’ single is available for purchase on SA iTunes Watch the music video for “Long Way”: youtube.com/watch?v=BgpEKru62xU Diamond Thug are: Chantel Van T – Vocals + Synth/Guitar Danilo Queiros – Bass + Production Adrian Culhane – Guitar/Synth/Backing Vocals + Production Edward Buxton – Drums

Digital soul review Shine bright like a

Diamond Thug " Monday Will Have To Wait" EP launch WORDS BY CHRISTELLE SCHEEPERS

I

n light of some of the events that I have been able to attend in the past few months, I have no reason why I am even still remotely surprised when on Friday 4 March I once again struck muso gold, not once, not twice, but three times over at the EP launch of Diamond Thug appropriately called Monday Will Have To Wait. It was another gorgeous night in the mother city as I made my way to the loft above the twice named best coffee shop in the world Truth Café in Buitenkant Street. As I found myself greeted by the warm city evening, I hoped that what I would I experience upstairs would be as idyllic as what I was enjoying outside.

our way and boy did they throw. Of beats and lyrics and rocking there was enough to go around to have the entire loft abuzz. Peeps were grooving and shaking and I was once again feeling very blessed for my fantastic job. Diamond Thug had its formation in 2012 when band members Chantel and Danilo first got together and by using her voice and his computer started creating electronic beats from various sub-genres with in the genre. The band was expanded by adding a drummer by the name of Adrian, but then not long after A decided to chuck his drumsticks and instead picked up the guitar making room for the last edition to the band Ted (no obviously not the naughty teddy.) Like many bands in their formative years, Diamond Thug has had to do a fair amount of experimentation to find to their own distinctive sound. The formula was mixed and blended, trialled and errorred like chemists in a lab eventually the got the right combination and added the perfect the catalyst and voila or rather BOOM! The found the perfect balance between their sound and the gorgeous vocals of Chantel. Was it all worth it? Abso-bloody-lutely. The band has played some of SAs biggest festivals and I am certain that this EP will be adored by fans old and new alike.

My luck continued to swing in the right direction, when an awesome acquaintance of mine was at the door. I bounced up the stairs to find the adorable Eden Myrrh doing her ghetto Alicia Keys thing (as she referred to herself) on stage the embodiment of all things cute and her solo act something rather executional. While I was not initially keen on her style, by the end of her set she totally won me over. Her cover version of Gotye’s Somebody That I used Know was charming funkdefied rendition of the song. It was her song Vigilante that finally pushed over the fan edge. I was so surprised by the tiny one and the power that her voice packed, that her’s is “Monday Will Have To Wait” is sure to be a career that I am looking forward to keeping another successful EP for the Diamond Thug an eye on. (such a damn dope name too), if you are looking for some tracks that will just lift a bad mood Next on the line up in the build-up to like the sun warming away the clouds then do seeing the Diamond Thug was the peculiar yourself a massive favour and download the Amy Ayanda, her sound is something unlike tracks from iTunes at only R10 a pop it will be anything that I have ever heard. Amy is a the best soul soothing investment that you multi-dimensional eclectic performer’s whose could musically make. The tracks Long Way, sound is warm and endearing, captivating Mind’s Eye, Miami and Beauty Through The and leaves one with a sense of calmness Devil’s Door belong on the radio of a vintage that I am certain will rock even the rowdiest convertible while cruising on the open road baby soundly to sleep. After a restless week and if not Victoria Road will make an equally she and her band mates had soothed all and impressive setting for the equally impressive lead me back to my smile. Amy is not only a EP. singer and songwriter, but also an impeccably talented painter. Now that is talented.

To promote “Monday Will Have To Wait” Diamond Thug are taking their show on the And then it was time for the act of the hour: road, to know if they are heading to a town Diamond Thug had hit the stage. After we, near you, please check out their FB page for the audience, had had an opportunity to filled more information. From us here at DS we our lungs, emptied our tanks and refilled our

wish them safe journeys and nothing but the drinks we were ready to grab what they threw greatest success.

JUSTIN SERRAO "NOT FIGHTING" NEW Music Video out now!

Justin Serrao’s steamy new music video for ““Not Fighting” is out now. “Not Fighting” is a Country-Pop song that Justin was inspired to write from influences he gained when he spent time in Nashville, Tennessee last year.

On making the music video, Justin had the following to add, “It was an interesting shoot! Having Michelle play ‘Chopstix’, topless on the piano…”

Take a look at “Not Fighting”’s music video here: https://youtu.be/6l3dxteS-3s Through the use of contrasting monotone and full colour scenes, music video director, D.O.P. and editor, Charl Fraser tastefully depicted the track’s deeper meaning in this video.

He illustrated the story of a lost lover (Actress - Michelle Chrystal Longman) and the tragedy of regret that inspired Justin to write “Not Fighting”.

Justin’s future schedule is also filled with exciting events and news. He hints that the finishing touches are being done on his highly-anticipated EP that will feature the best in hot rockcountry flavour, a cool collaboration with one of his favourite bands, CrashCarBurn as well as pre-production on his brand new television show which is set to kick off at the end of 2016.

Justin Serrao’s latest single, “Not Fighting” is available to download on iTunes: https://itun.es/za/y61aab Upcoming shows: 20 March - The Beerhouse Fourways, RSA May - In Your City Tour across RSA August - UK Tour LINKS: iTunes Link: https://itun.es/za/y61aab Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/099s24vjideOs1COYR0tN2 Google Play: play.google.com/store/music/album/Justin_Serrao_Not_ Fighting?id=Bucoo6dhfugsnb7zttn7scb4mii Website: www.JustinSerrao.com Twitter: @JustinSerrao Facebook: www.facebook.com/JustinSerraofanpage Instagram: @justinserrao

SHOT AND EDITED BY DANIE NEL

L

oki Rothman eases us into this week with the release of his stylish #OneManBand video cover of Justin Bieber’s hit, “Sorry”.

Apart from his original offerings in the form of his debut album, “The Way Back”, and his instrumental DVD, “Syndactyly”, Loki started to release a selection of #OneManBand covers in 2015. “Sorry” is the fourth in this particular series.

Why Loki chose this song: “I think all the new Justin Bieber tracks are cool. The whole of the new album is done so well. “Sorry” is the one single on the album that really ‘sat’ with me the most. The percussive elements used in the original version drew me in to try and copy it on an acoustic guitar. I haven’t found a legit cover of this tune on YouTube, so I thought I’d give it a go.”

These #OneManBand covers are showcases of Loki’s revered guitar skills and magnificent voice, but also serves as a representation of what to expect at his popular live shows and where he is headed with his original work.

What’s up for Loki in 2016: Loki is full of plans for 2016. He will release new original singles including collaborations with Pierre Greeff (Die Heuwels Fantasties) and Albert Frost, amongst others.

Loki and Albert are planning to tour together in May 2016. Details will be announced soon, but keep

an eye on his Facebook page for information about his solo shows around the country.

Loki regularly entertains his fans with his brilliant one man band cover videos.

“Don’t believe me just watch…”

Mark Ronson - “Uptown Funk” ft. Bruno Mars cover LunchMoney Lewis - “Bills” Sam Smith meets August Rush - “Leave Your Lover” by Loki Rothman #OneManBand LINKS: Loki Rothman cover Justin Bieber’s Sorry: youtube.com/watch?v=QxfrT_2AWaU Facebook: facebook.com/LokiRothmanMusic?fref=ts Twitter: https://twitter.com/LokiRothman YouTube channel: youtube.com/user/LokiRothman Instagram: @lokirothman Website: www.lokirothman.com

Extra Ordinary in the Making

"Extra Ordinary" is the name of Thieve’s sophomore full length album which is due for release in March. The boys from Thieve quietly worked away for months on their second offering in a make-shift, beach side studio. ""Wild Western Cape" is the first single and music video from "Extra Ordinary" and is out now. The music video documents the making of the band’s full length album and gives the viewer an inside glimpse into their journey of coming together again to create their best work yet.

Thieve’s

Extra Ordinary Album Launch Tour in April 2016:

Thieve are taking "Extra Ordinary" good vibes on a nationwide tour that kicks off on April 3rd in Pretoria and ends up in Cape town on April 15th, so be sure to catch them in your city.

3 April: Park Acoustics in Pretoria

Watch "Wild Western Cape" here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kzlBfBHkDE

6 April: Mystic Boer in Bloemfontein

The music video was made by Jaco S. Venter.

7 April: Mystic Boer in Potchefstroom

"Wild Western Cape" will be available on iTunes soon!

8 April: Rumours Lounge in Johannesburg

The Lyrics: “What’s so wrong with a couple of beers These are friends I haven’t seen in years So cheers to your idea of forever Build on the fear of not being together Does a good time have to end in tears It’s not a party till your girl disappears With your cellphone, car keys and your god damn money We either have it all or nothing I can’t help but be the cause of all the brawls It’s not my fault, I can’t help where I came from So if I get your name wrong At the end of the day, we’re gonna end up alone anyway At the end of the day we’re gonna end up alone anyway You can either hold me back Or get to know me.”

9 April: Arcade Empire in Pretoria 10 April: Good Luck Bar in Johannesburg 13 April: Aandklas in Stellenbosch 15 April: Cape Town (to be announced) LINKS: Twitter: @thieveband Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thieve/?fref=ts Instagram: thieve_band

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SINFORME I

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RAPHY OF

FAGAN

INDUSTRIES

I take photos.

Sometimes they don’t look kak Been shooting for about 6 years now, mostly alternative type shoots.

I love shooting bands live

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bio

Chris Valentine

FEATURED ARTIST

Chris Valentine is an artist & illustrator from Johannesburg, South Africa. His interest in illustration began at a young age with obsessive sketches of Asterix & Obelix, comic book superheroes and the making of action figures from paper, cardboard and whatever else he could find.

Opposite: One of two portraits for Vuzutv‘s show, “The Hustle”, sponsored

by KFC and Hennessey.

Agency : Ogilvy Johannesburg

It was only in high school that he realised he could make a career out of his passion for drawing when his love of music led him to album artwork by Alex Pardee and Derek Hess for the bands The Used and In Flames, respectively.

Chris spent his school days drawing Iron Maiden album covers, WWII photographs and mock illustrations for his favourite clients.

Once he finished matric, he applied as a graphic design intern at Rivers Church, where he worked on branding material, album covers and artwork, leading to his decision to go freelance in 2010. Starting out with graphic design and branding, Chris slowly built up a client base through word of mouth and online exposure, eventually persuading certain clients to allow him to integrate illustration into their branding. As things currently stand, Chris has had the opportunity to work with many of his dream clients, including Nike, Apple and Coca-Cola. Chris has been nurturing a love for oil painting and street art in his years as an illustrator & is hoping to exhibit more frequently in the near future, as well as travel to paint murals.

Private Commission 121cm x 91..4cm Oil on Canvas

Ashley Joncas Creative Studios.

Mural with @these10fingers

originally done for the Designers Against Child Slavery exhibition in New York & it’s now available as an A3 open edition print!

"The ties that bind"

IMAGES PROVIDED BY STERLING EQ

sterling WORDS BY NATALIE MENTOR

EQ

IMAGES PROVIDED BY STERLING EQ

T

his gorgeous trio needs little introduction as they have toured all over South Africa and abroad. They represent our country with beauty, boundless musical talent and charisma, entertaining hundreds of thousands of fans for almost a decade.

Their unconventional blend of classical instruments (flute and strings) with proper upbeat party music and catchy tunes, set them apart from the rest. Attending a performance is like dancing in a colourful street festival in Rio. They leave the crowed enthralled long after the last notes have been played. We are happy that they gave Digital Soul a timeslot to answer some questions to see what the group is up to.

DS: How did you establish the name of your band?

STE: We wanted the name to represent strength and talent, and of course a name needs to have a ring to it. We went through many options but everything seemed a bit corny, until the term Sterling (representing the colour silver, but also synonym for “excellent” and “commendable”, and it felt right. We were a quartet at the time so added EQ for “Electric Quartet”, to give it a unique ring. The band changed to a trio (3-piece) over 3 years ago but by then the name was so established, there was no reason to change the EQ bit.

DS: How long have you been performing together and who are the members?

STE: Carina Bruwer (Flute), Luca Hart (electric violin), Ariella Caira (electric cello). Sterling EQ has been in existence for nearly 10 years now; members chopped and changed a bit in the beginning but Carina was there from the start and Ariella joined soon after, while Luca joined us in 2013.

DS: Besides playing music, do you have any day-jobs or other interests?

STE: We all do different things; Carina owns an entertainment business which provides an online platform for clients and artists to book gigs; Luca composes her own music and does solo freelance gigs, and Ariella also performs freelance with many different ensembles and groups. Luca and Ariella also both does a bit of teaching to give back. All three of us are very active and love the outdoors – Luca loves hiking and runs a facebook group which encourages others in Cape Town to join on group hikes; Ariella is a runner and does regular yoga and meditation, and Carina is a long distance swimmer who has done quite a few extreme swimming marathons.

DS: I’ve noticed you do charity work too. Which charities do you like to support?

STE: Our chosen charity is the Little Fighters Cancer Trust – an amazing organisation that supports children

IMAGES PROVIDED BY STERLING EQ

with cancer and their families. We support them by offering a pro bono performance annually, and by getting involved in some of their projects. Carina has a dedicated charity swim project called Swim For Hope, through which she raises significant amounts for the charity every year.

success in the music industry.

DS: What kind of musical background do you have?

STE: We are all Classically trained; Carina has a B Mus (Hons) in Performance; Luca has a BAMus (both from the University of Stellenbosch), and Ariella has been learning the cello from the age of 5, with some of DS: How would you define your genre? the top Cape Town teachers, and she went STE: We call it “instrumental pop”. We felt on to study Theatre and Performance at it is necessary to almost spell out the fact that UCT. All three of us played in ensembles although we are Classically trained, our music from early school years, and have significant is not Classical at all! We draw on a myriad of experience in professional Classical solo and styles including pop, jazz, Latin, World, and ensemble playing, as well as playing with also a bit of Classical; and we also play a lot of more contemporary acts. original music which just sounds like Sterling EQ  It’s easy to enjoy, no vocals or lyrics to DS: At Digital Soul we would like to create confuse the issue (haha!), and the listener a platform to expose South African artists loves the occasional reference to well-known and inspire a greater sense of appreciation musical phrases. We enjoy ourselves so amongst the crowds. How do you much on stage and it truly is contagious; the contribute instilling this idea in the minds audience just loves it without fail! of our South African population?

STE: It probably needs to happen higher DS: Do you think it is important to treat your up, unfortunately. The government needs band as a business and why? to pledge its support to the arts (all styles!)

STE: Of course. Strategy is involved in in order for it to become part of our South any success story and Sterling has been no African culture. At the moment we seem to exception. The image, the music and the be a bit confused as a nation and arts and mission should be in line with each other, and culture can go a long way into healing us, but then the hard work starts. There has been this doesn’t seem to be a priority at all, and many more behind the scenes hours than as a result, most South African artists really on-stage hours, which is the only recipe for suffer.

DS: What do you base your music on?

STE: The foundation of a good Sterling song is a good, catchy melody. Because we don’t have vocals, we need strong melodies and innovative arrangements to really make an impression with each song. Then add a funky beat, and it becomes uniquely Sterling EQ. We improvise around the melodies and make sure that we can add our unique stamp to whatever we play – there needs to be enough space for each of us to contribute something special with our instruments – either something super virtuosi, or a touching performance of a melody – whether simple or intricate – to create a lasting impression for the listener.

DS: Do you have a specific group of followers in SA or how would you describe your fan base here?

STE: We have a very loyal following that never seems to get bored of our music and come to every show! And then there are always new people who have heard of us and finally get to attend one of our shows; they’d usually go home with at least a couple of our CDs and would come again to the next one!

Then we also have a lot of facebook followers from all across the country and the world who literally beg us to come perform at a venue near them. It is so difficult though as we are not really the typical touring group; we do perform far and wide but this is especially for corporate and private events; the public venues are sometimes tricky to fit in as it is risky and you need to book ages in advance.

DS: What image do you wish to convey to the public?

STE: We used to pursue the “pop star” look quite seriously. It has been important, again, to differentiate us from the Classical music genre and it has been a good tool for selling CDs etc. We still take great care in dressing for events and maintaining a specific image in whatever we do, but we have matured a bit, and our image has become slightly more relaxed, unless we are performing in a more theatrical environment, or are part of a big production that requires intense styling! We are a bit more “us” now, and we find that it has given the actual music and performance more credit, although we can’t get away from being an allfemale band, with the inevitable attention one gets as a result!

DS: Anything new you’re working on at the moment?

STE: Yes, we are hoping to release a "Best of Sterling EQ" album this year, to celebrate our 10th birthday! We will include our (and our audience’s) favourites from the first three albums, as well as 4-5 new songs, and hopefully another fun music video.

THE

RUDIM WORDS BY KEENA STRACHAN

IMENTALS P

rimarily a 9-piece afro-reggae-ska band whose music deals with real issues of a modern, post-apartheid South Africa, such as poverty, abuse and HIV/AIDS. Although they are already firmly established within the local music industry, they remain innovative and never fail to entertain and adapt.

Currently taking South Africa by storm with “Rude-Boy Styles� showcasing new age elements such as dancehall, drum and bass, dub step and hip-hop. The band currently consists of 12 members who have entered their 14th year together.

IMAGES BY PIRANA PHOTOGRAPHY WARREN HIEBNER

IMAGES PROVIDED BY THE RUDIMENTALS

They are the ever-changing face and voice of the fire within a new South Africa, with a massive following both locally and internationally, ceaselessly maintaining their appeal to younger generations.

Band members include three members on brass, Ross MacDonald (background vocals), who is also a member of Hog-Hoggidy-Hog and a top UCT music educator in trombone, Jody Engelbrecht who plays the trumpet and Simon Bates on the saxophone.

The band has two guitarists, Errol ‘Bong’ Strachan on bass who also happens to be a retired six times national freestyle skateboarding champ and Michael “Doc Mike” Levy on lead electric guitar. Giovanni Serci is the band’s latest addition whom you will find on drums and percussion.

Nikolai Athiros tops things off with his skills on keyboard and synths. The master behind the band’s sizzling new production is Antonio “Fingers” Cencherle.

Vocals are comprised of 4 members, Zimbabwean-born Teboho “Tiebos” Bobo Maidza who is The Rudimentals’ lead vocalist. Whosane Pangaea, straight outta’ Brooklyn, New York.

He has spent over 10 years in the music industry as producer, music marketer and MC who has not only collaborated with artists such as The Black Keys, Mos Def, Om’mas, Jean Grae and HHP but is also a model for Puma. As if the band has a shortage in eye candy, Jamaican-born Marlon “Khaos” Cotterell is not only a talented vocalist but international model for Armani and Hugo Boss too. Lastly there’s Lloyd “King Labash” Charles Muponda from Zimbabwe with a distinctive, ‘proper ragga’ voice.

“Radio Skaweto” and “Noh TV”, two singles from The Rudimentals’ albums “More Fire” and “Set it proper” made the South African best MP3 Awards, each maintaining top spots for 3 months. “Radio Skaweto” held the number 1 spot for 7 weeks and

was aired on radio locally and internationally Prior releases include a 5-track EP; “Blaze while the “Noh TV” music video went on to up the Fire” which was released in November win a bronze National Stone award for best 2014. Two tracks on this EP made it to 5FM’s directed video. top charts. The track “Sound Boy Killa” became their very first hit single to make it to number 1 on the Top 40 Countdown in December 2014.

(Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=6eFfKN2Hn0s ) “Bubbling”, a more traditional, straight-up reggae track, climbed to number 2 in the Top 40 in March 2015 and went on to be voted number 9 in 5FM’s top 100 songs of 2015. They also released a second music video for the single “Rudeboy Styles.” (Watch it here: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=Th9hX39LIjY ) The Rudimentals have shared the stage with Mad Caddies, Randy Crawford, Joe Sample, Groove Armada, Johnny Clegg, Violent Femmes, Lucky Dube, Freshlyground, Vivian Jones, The Wailers, Jimmy Eat World, The Prodigy, The UK/English Beat and went on tour with UB40 in 2007.

I went on to interview Errol “Bong” Strachan to find out what we can expect from The Rudimentals in the near future.

DS: Since the adoption of the new-age elements as opposed to the traditional reggae/ska sound, what can we expect in terms of production this year?

TR: “We have decided to try and not ‘pigeonhole’ our music into any specific genre in creating music without labels. There will be a new song released in under a month (features elements of hip-hop, reggae and dancehall)

with another music video in the works as well as an album in the works.”

DS: What are the challenges (besides 11 okes in one band!) in terms of having such a diverse group of people in the band?

TR: “There aren’t really any issues, the fact that the band is more diverse makes our music that much more spicy. Our band motto is “Democracy – one man, one vote” DS: The last time the band toured the country was in 2007, with none other than UB40. Can we expect The Rudimentals to show the rest of the world soon that ‘local is lekker’ by embarking on their own tour?

TR: “Soon, yes. From the 27th-29th of May we will be travelling up to Swaziland for the Bushfire Festival. Then later this year we plan on travelling to Durban/Johannesburg and we are working on an overseas tour!”

DS: Why give into the new age elements?

What motivated the band in this change? What was the pushing point?

TR: “We didn’t say this needs to happen because of the times, we evolved the music to be relevant to the times. We said “hey, let’s just mix it up, ‘Mahn.’”

DS: Any big festivals coming up which we should know about?

TR: “On the 20th of March is a huge reggae festival at Hillcrest Quarry in Durbanville featuring The Rivertones, Sons of Selassie, Azania, Roots Rockers and Triple Crown. We launched monthly events at The Rockwell Suite Hotel at the V&A Waterfront on March the 3rd.”

Clyde Evan John Finlayson (1963-2014) The Rudimentals would not be where they were today if it were not for Clyde E.J Finlayson- ‘the man always with a damn good plan’, father, manager and local music and electronic legend.

“All he wanted was a number 1 hit single and if it were not for his blood, sweat and tears, we would not be where we are as a band and a family today. Rest in peace brother, “Sound Boy Killa” is for you!”

-The Rudimentals

WORDS BY CHRISTELLE SCHEEPERS

I

n celebration of their 30th anniversary, Roxette (Maria Frediksson and Per Gessle) returned to South Africa after four years, on their XXX Tour, to shake our socks off with what was a raise the roof concert.

As I am an 80s model, I grew up listening to their music and was in primary school when hits like “It Must Have Been Love” and “Joyride” dominated the airways. I still remember having a cut out of the latter’s lyrics from People magazine that I kept in my pencil bag/pocket ‘til it was ruined to the point of illegibility (I can still whistle the private tune too).

That being said, I was super excited when the Ed told me I’d be attending the concert.

The Swedish pop rock duo was formed when the MD of their record label EMI suggested that the two artists collaborate. Per had been performing with another successful Swedish act called Gyllene Tider (GT) and Marie, who had been preforming with another act, sang background vocals on a few GT tracks when Rolf Nygren had the light bulb moment of them teaming up. The band members of GT decided on the name “Roxette” as it was the title of a Dr. Feelgood track. Like with most bands, it took a few years before they achieved international success. Their breakthrough album was “Look Sharp!” The album had been taken back to the US by a student who been in Sweden in 1988. “The Look” was picked up by a Minneapolis radio station and due to caller feedback it quickly spread to other radio stations across the US. Thanks to Dean Cushman, “The Look” achieved radio success even before Roxette was commercially released. While they had previously been branded as unsuitable for the US market, owing to the success of “The Look” EMI International did a 180 and the single “The Look” and the album “Look Sharp!” was released internationally.

One thing lead to another and pretty soon thereafter, Touchstone Pictures approached EMI and Roxette for a track for the film “Pretty Woman.”

At the time they were too busy to record something new and pulled a two year old record off the shelf, dusted it off (i.e. edited) and “It Must Have Been Love” was released on the films’ soundtrack. We all know how that story ends. Fast forward to 1991 we were treated to the release of the album “Joyride” the title track hit number one in 25 countries around the globe. Strangely enough though, the track was Roxette’s first No.1 in their home country. The years following “Joyride” were a bit of a joyride for the

IMAGE FROM ROXETTEBLOG.COM

band, they released more albums, including in their personal capacity, and a best of compilation but even though there were a few single gems that performed well they never did quite hit the same level of success as with “Joyride.”

But back to the concert though… after a bit of run-around trying to find my tickets and very nearly giving up hope and going home, I finally managed to get into the arena only to find that the time indicated on social media and my invite did not take into account for the opening act, local legends Watershed (sad about missing them.) The audience were kept waiting for nearly hour after the next set announcement was made, leaving us to wonder exactly what was the problem. It was, however, when Marie was escorted onto the stage by an aide the dots were connected. She must not be feeling well. She spent the entire concert sitting down and sadly, the reason why was never explained to the audience. While Marie’s cancer has saddened us all and her recovery been an inspiration, sharing what was going on would have made the concert that much more special to all of us in attendance.

We live in a time where artists will cancel concerts ‘cause they are not feeling well or pitch to the show drunk or drugged up and deliver a less than stellar performance much to the disappointment of their fans and with little regard for the let down that they cause. Even though her voice is no longer at the strength that us Roxette fans are used to and the band and Per had to carry her vocally, her sheer determination and will to be on stage, albeit sedentary, will, in my books, go down as one of the single greatest and most inspirational performances I have ever had the honour of experiencing. I almost feel sorry for all the acts I have yet to see as they have a pretty high standard of professionalism and great entertainer’s morale to beat. All in all it was a concert that well and truly cemented Roxette’s place in my and I am certain many other South Africans hearts.

We wish Marie all the best for her recovery, Roxette nothing but good luck for the remainder of their XXX Tour, the album recording and hope that we will have the privilege of being graced by their presence again soon. “Suiker Bossie Ek Wil Jou Hê…”

J U N K Y A R D

WORDDS BY YOLANDE GYPSYCHILD IMAGES BY IGGY BESTER

L I P S T I C K

IMAGES BY IGGY BESTER

It's a size zero death match.

Skin and bones galore.

"To be the pretty one is what we're fighting for."

Size zero death match. Body fluids and gore.

"To be the skinny one is what we're dying for."

Size zero death match. Media the mentor.

"To be the supreme queen is what we're fighting for."

Die the winner with the lowest score.

An apple a day keeps the weight at bay.

Starvation is the key.

"We'll harm and hurt ourselves so we can fit into double zero skinny jeans."

- "Size Zero Death Match" Junkyard Lipstick

G

ive me "angry chick music any day! All female metal bands are undoubtedly an "endangered species" in some sense of the word. For some time I have been searching S.A. from coast to coast and border to border.

On my epic quest to find these bands. Previously my search delivered Cortina Whiplash who we featured in September 2015.

Recently, I was thrilled to stumble upon Junkyard Lipstick, a thrash metal ( chick ) band based in Cape Town. To my utter delight, these ladies aren't only loud, gorgeous, in-your-face and talented, they address actual issues which the average South African faces daily. Although their lyrical themes may be considered generic by some, as it relates to the general thrash metal motif i.e. warfare, corruption, injustice, murder etc., they circumlocute the clichés such as hating the world and burning it to the ground or the signature "woe-is-me" or "ode to Satan" track but instead deliver solid, loud and magnificently produced singles which deal with current affairs and other real shit.

Over the last thirty years, there is one trend unparalleled both for its influence and its controversy – the questionably-dubbed ‘heroin chic’, made infamous in the 1990s by Calvin Klein campaigns and Corinne Day shoots, as well as models like Kate Moss, Jodie Kidd and Jaime King. The grunge-inspired, generation-defining look caused outrage. According to the media, its images of languid, angular models glamorised drug use – and even people in high places began paying attention. “Fashion photos in the last few years have made heroin addiction seem glamorous and sexy and cool,” condemned US President Bill Clinton.

Although eating disorders have been a reality since the beginning of time and Anorexia Nirvosa already described in 1684, it only became a topic of "human interest" during the 90's and remains a disorder that millions of women ( and men ) battle daily, both locally and internationally. "Size Zero Death Match" confronts the mentality and concept that fuels eating disorders and highlights the risks and fatality that exists.

Apart from their general sound and how they have established themselves within the scene, their controversial approach must be the quality which I have come to love and respect most about these ladies. If a topic is considered "taboo", you can be assured that it has been the subject of at least one Junkyard Lipstick track.

In "House of the Holy", they highlight hypocrisy in religion while the track "Dear Mr President", of which the title is rather self-explanatory, features a single sentence voice clip by none other than

IMAGES BY IGGY BESTER

South African President Jacob Zuma, touches on social issues such as vigilante justice, E-tolling, rape and murder.

Junkyard Lipstick places another political issue in perspective in their single "Protest and Pudding" Protest the government, protest and lose.

Protest for hygiene and then lose your shit too.

Protest for education, for jobs galore, wake up and smell that your government's rotten to the core.

Vote them in, gullible to their greed, loyalty a weakness 'coz there's too many mouths to feed.

"Let's rally the desperate, claim to empathize" unions fooling the poor.

People rise rise rise.

- "Protest and Pudding" Junkyard Lipstick

Band members are: Luci - Drums Jo - Vocals Louise - Lead Guitar Robyn - Rhythm Guitar LINKS: facebook.com/junkyard.lipstick youtube.com/user/JunkLipstick junkyardlipstick.com junkyardlipstick.bandcamp.com soundcloud,com/junkyard_lipstick twitter.com/junkyardlipstic instagram.com/junkyard.lipstick

From useless, unemployed boyfriends to paedophilia, these chicks rock out about serious shit. Their latest single, "Trafficked and Tortured" centres around human trafficking, a very real issue in both South Africa and the world at the moment. I spoke to drummer and founding member of the band, Lucinda Villain in an effort to get some insight into Junkyard Lipstick and what makes these ladies tick.

DS: How would you describe your sound to a person who has no concept of what Thrash Metal sounds like?

JL: Thrash metal can be the expression of various of your emotions, the common ground being intensity. It can be your beer fuelled fun self or your anger against religion, politics & social prejudices. We play fast, aggressive music with distorted guitars, manic drumming and angry vocals.

We push our music beyond a power-chord punk style and add various influences depending on the theme of the song.

people change over the years, their goals, their lifestyle and their circumstances. Of course it’s hard not to get emotional when band members leave but it’s also part of life, and by moving and pushing through these changes we still achieved our goals and have always survived and evolved. I would hope that this current line-up will stick together for the long haul, especially because being in a band is a hobby that takes away the stresses of our daily life.

And the fact that we are all here now with one common goal in mind, to make music.

DS: Junkyard Lipstick – wicked band name. You mentioned in another interview that when choosing a name, you “wanted something feminine yet bad ass & rough”. Based on that statement, would you brand yourselves as feminists?

JL: The band name was very much inspired by Juliette Lewis’ project called Juliette & the Licks. She’s a complete badass but rocks the feminine look all the way. I wouldn’t say we’re feminists at all.

There are some principles that we support that are in line with our own morals & should be in line with any human’s. We’re an all-female band because it’s just easier in terms of friendships and logistics. I don’t think guys understand periods or mood swings as much as any other female LOL.

DS: Would you agree that lately music has become “disposable” in a sense of the word? Some years ago we used to follow a band’s entire career, we

DS: There have been several memberchanges over the years, Jo-mariè Smit is the band’s third vocalist, also three other guitarists had their time with the band before Louise and Robyn and two bassists before Katinka. Lucinda, you are the only member who saw the birth of Junkyard Lipstick. Do you think you have the necessary dynamic with the current members to carry the band for the long haul?

JL: Over the years as Junkyard Lipstick’s sound has matured, I have matured. There’s been a lot of learning about friendships, relationships and the dynamics of being in a band. There’s an acceptance of the fact that

spent, what felt like a fortune, on their albums and we would listen to those albums, over and over again for years.

The internet has made it so simple to discover new artists and new tunes are so easy to come by, that it seems music has become something that we use for very short periods of time before discarding it and replacing it with the next album or artist?

JL: I would definitely agree on that statement. Music has become extremely easy to access and the listeners take the process for granted. It’s pretty sad because so much blood, sweat and tears go into writing, practicing and performing

music made by people who TRULY love it.

My husband always tells stories of how they used to work hard for their music back in the 80’s and early 90’s. The tape trades, the letters sent by post, scavenging the record store for the latest metal releases. When you work hard for something, you tend to appreciate it more. The market is a bit saturated too. Everyone wants to become an internet sensation and I do feel that this is another big reason why listeners also take it for granted, they see past the superficial intentions, the lack of heart & the bullshit.

a unique approach to their performance and music. It is possible but it comes with a lot of sacrifice which very few people are willing to make in our tough economic times.

Also as discussed in the previous point, the internet just makes it extremely difficult to become “legends” these days due to the endless choices that consumers have.

People are desensitized & it seems to get some kind of fame you’re mostly likely have to do something extreme to go viral, potentially compromising your reputation and your morals by being stupid or going against what you believe in. I may sound DS:Whatdoyouthinkittakesforthe“modern” cynical but I really doubt that any modern band to acquire “legend” status alongside bands will have the same impact as those bands like Slayer, Iron Maiden, Megadeth old school bands, merely because in the and/or Anthrax and establish itself in the future people will remember Miley Cyrus’ disgusting sexual antics as opposed to Lost Society’s fun thrash metal.

hearts, minds, ears and entertainment systems of fans ‘till death do you part?

JL: It’s damn tough to break through those barriers. You have to really put your heart and soul into it, every hour of the day which is virtually impossible for a band like us where everyone has day jobs. Though new bands hardly ever have a niche, it’s mostly copy & paste and using the same formulas used before by other bands. Replicating their sound, their image, attempting the same path to success. That said, bands that do have that unique element can get out there and make a name for themselves, Ghost for example. I would hardly put them in the same category as Slayer but they have

DS: You recently acquired a new band member, Kat and your first performance as a band with her on board was last month (Friday 05 February 2016) at The Mercury Live where you featured as supporting act for NervoChaos from Brazil. Was a first performance with a new band member a daunting concept at such a big gig?

JL: With Jacky leaving the band due to her career taking off, it was definitely a hard one for all of us to accept, but Kat has leaped in to fill those shoes and she has worked hard to get to know our set in such a short time. For us the most important thing was that her personality and vibe suited ours and she scores a 100% on that point. She’s excited for shows and even though she was nervous, she had a smile on her face and she was happy. All that really matters.

DS: Please share your experience as supporting act for NervoChaos?

JL: It was great! It’s also awesome to meet bands from other 3rd world countries, to hear their stories of struggle and to see how well they perform. International bands really know how to put on a performance, and you learn so much as a fellow musician. Thanks to Sash from Emalyth & the Boargazm

A Trafficked & Tortured" is our

most serious song in terms of lyrical

content and the music projects sadness, panic & anger.

The song is about a young lady's

account of being kidnapped by a

human trafficking syndicate, almost

like the movie "Taken" but in our song she's tortured as well.

This may seem extreme but this type of thing happens to females all over the world and most of the time, it doesn't have a happy ending.

Being an all-female band, we'd like our content to reflect that which evokes emotion in us as women.

This song empathizes with victims of

violent crime against women around the world.

W

IMAGES BY IGGY BESTER

piggies for including us on this bill.

DS: And supporting Aborted on their tour of SA in 2015?

JL: It was crazy! We could not believe at that stage that we were chosen to support such a big band right on our own door step.

We were all pretty nervous opening for them especially while they were setting up back stage and watching us. Another band where we could learn about the energy of performing and how to perfect your own craft. And they were so humble when we met them. Definitely a band to look up to in terms of every aspect of being a musician, skill, performance and attitude. Thanks again to Witchdoctor Productions for this amazing opportunity.

at a few notable festivals/events such as Ramfest, Splashyfen, Rolling Stone Weekend, Metal4Africa and Witchfest.

Are you able to single out a favourite?

JL: I think this answer will be different for most of us in the band but there is definitely a consensus that Witchfest and Metal4Africa is both at the top. Witchfest stands out because we played with so many international bands on the same bill, bands that are our personal heroes.

The crowd was pretty awesome too, & we were treated like professionals and real rockstars by the Witchdoctor Productions crew.

Metal4Africa still gives us goosebumps!

The crowd reaction was the best we’ve ever had, even one of our mom’s got dragged DS: Junkyard Lipstick has taken the stage into the mosh pit & saved again. At the

IMAGE BY SINFORME INDUSTRIES

JL: It would definitely be Nuclear Blast purely because all our favourite bands are on that label & they seem to have the biggest footprint globally.

DS: I would like to commend you ladies on the general theme of your lyrics.

Although metal is generally considered to promote violence, anarchism and various unhallowed activities, you address issues such as abortion and eating disorders, politics as well as free-thinking on other taboo topics i.e. religion. Would you say that you feel some sense of social responsibility?

JL: I think we do. As a band we have a platform to voice our opinions and to stand up for issues that does not necessarily get talked about due to its sensitive nature. Our lyrics are also inspired by our own lives, our frustrations and our anger towards the government and religious bias. We’ve written a new song called “Gaia” which is about mother earth striking back at us filthy humans. There’s so many important and interesting issues that need to be tackled & as an artist it’s really a way to express ourselves when we feel our hands are cut off or when we would like to inspire others to take action.

show we felt the real brother/sisterhood of metal. It was an absolute pleasure to have played that show with its top class production & stage management.

DS: Although the bandwas formed in 2011, you remain unsigned. Is this by choice?

JL: Unfortunately, not by choice. Of course it will be great to get that record deal but we’re all realists in the band. We’d have to sacrifice already made career to take the band that step further and it’s definitely an extremely hard decision for any person to make who has built up a career over years or have a family.

DS: If you could sign to any label, nationally or otherwise, which label would you choose and why?

DS: There aren’t many all-female rock or metal bands on the scene locally or internationally, yet I find it incredibly difficult to believe that the chicks aren’t out there strumming and drumming their fingers to the bone and growling their throats to oblivion. But when we look to the handful who are making it, such as yourselves and Jhb based Cortina Whiplash, it appears to be challenging to break into what remains a male-dominated industry as a group of talented and outspoken women.

Would you care to share your experience of the industry with us?

JL: There are two sides to the coin.

The fact that we are an all-female band does help with drawing attention, with it being a bit unusual in this country. It’s a marketable aspect.There’s awebsitewe’re featured on called metaladies.com which

generates quite a bit of traffic to our website.

And we are happy to receive the interest.

Locally, we’ve had some negative responses when we are afforded a great opportunity where we’ve been called a gimmick band.

At this point we’d like to think that our music speaks for itself. We’ve definitely upped our game since we started out. For us, it’s not a gimmick. It’s not about receiving the attention of being female. For us it’s about getting together with our friends and making music.

Shoutout to the beautiful musical ladies of Cortina Whiplash!

DS: Do you feel that you are treated differently both backstage and by audiences based on the fact that you are all women – and damn good looking as well?

JL: In most cases, we’ve been treated with respect. Fellow metalheads are usually easy going. With the few clubs that host metal in Cape Town, we’ve gotten to know the sound/ stage crew and they’ve gotten to know us. It can be quite entertaining to see the reaction of crowd members who have never seen

us before. A combination of confusion and excitement.

DS: Junkyard Lipstick is in association with Metalheads Against Xenophobia a movement which has been taken up by metalheads, not only in South Africa, but also in other African countries. Can you give us a little background on the movement and your involvement?

JL: Our lovely friend, Sam, is the foreign national leading the M.A.X. Campaign. The goal is to address the alternative music community to raise awareness and funds in aid for those affected by xenophobia. We were unable to perform at the Take A Stand concert last year, but we gathered as much as we could to donate to this cause. Some of our members were also involved in the video they shot for the campaign. To us, metal has no boundaries in terms of race, religion, sex or nationality & supporting this cause meant a lot to us on a personal level.

DS: Is Junkyard Lipstick a full-time project or do you have day-jobs?

JL: Unfortunately, we all have day jobs.

The band is a fun project for the 5 of us to get together and do something we love. Lucinda is in Finance, Louise is in Administration, Robyn is school teacher, Katinka in is sound & film, and Jo works on a tomato farm!

DS: Word around the fynbos is that there is an album launch in the near future… Info please?

JL: Yes, we will be releasing our second full length album - “Repulsive Judgement”.

This will follow our Debut album “Hellbent” (2013) and EP “The Butcher’s Delight” (2014).

We’ve written most of the material and hope to release this by the end of this year. We are extremely excited about this album. It DS: I couldn’t help but notice that Junkyard will be a huge leap of a difference in sound Lipstick has received some rave reviews from our previous releases. You can have on metal sites based in the States, UK and a taste of what’s to come by listening to elsewhere. Have you ladies toured abroad? our latest single, “Trafficked & Tortured”.

JL: We wish! Of course we’d love to. We just don’t have the funds. And with the state DS: Please bear with me for a second – I’d of our currency, it makes it even more of a like you to imagine that this interview is challenge. Perhaps one day we’ll manage to suddenly interrupted when a penguin walks find someone willing to sponsor a tour. We’ve into the room. He is wearing a sombrero. had a few European promoters contact us but What does he say and why is he here? funds are just too difficult to get together for a JL: He says: “Ola Amigos”. He is armed trip like this. We’re playing this year’s Wacken with refried beans and Tequila, or as he calls Battle and will give it our all at a chance to it - “Penquila”. He is here to get the party get to play at this massive festival. started motherfuckers.

IMAGES BY IMAGES

BY PRIDE CAPE TOWN CAPE TOWN PRIDE

WORDS BY CHRISTELLE SCHEEPERS

IMAGES BY CAPE TOWN PRIDE

B C A

A

n annual event on the social calendar since 2001, Cape Town Pride has become one of the signature events on the Cape Town scene. Pride has grown into a superlative celebration of the one thing that is central to the lives of everyone that has ever been impacted it: love. In light of how tumultuous the world is, I found myself in the bar marquee at Saturday 27 February 2016’s Pride parade after party, dancing on one of the tables ( 'cause that’s how I roll ), when I found really looking at everyone around me, I was well and truly surrounded by love.

Even though the Pride parade has become one the biggest and most happening parties in Cape Town, it has way more depth than fancy costumes and music booming from colourful floats. Pride is a platform for addressing the thorny social issues that affect the LBGTQI community here in our beautiful city. Discrimination in the workplace, acts of violence perpetrated against members of the community and rejection from friends and family

for being brave enough to be true to themselves are simply a few of the heart breaking challenges that face these extraordinary men and women in their daily lives. Yes, they could opt for the safety of the accepted societal norms, instead they are bold and brave enough to be faithful to ourselves. No, they are not any less scared, nor are they immune to the hurt and pain caused by things like corrective rape or hate speech ( personally I think homophobes are the

Born this way Cape Town Pride: A celebration of love

biggest closet cases under the sun, but that is just my 2c ) but thanks to their community they have something more precious than gold, a real family. Walking up to the starting point of the parade this year I remember the overwhelming sense of belonging that washed over me seeing everyone looking fabulous, it was more than parade, it was a homecoming. I have probably attended the Pride parade a handful of times and I have had always had a ball of a time, last year.

I even met a potential husband there, but alas that went balls up though. Over the past three years, however, the Pride parade has become even more of a family affair to me.

With my eldest sister being lesbian and the owner and founder of Tour le Gay, a LGBTQI events company, I have even been able to participate in the parade.

IMAGES BY CAPE TOWN PRIDE

IMAGES BY CAPE TOWN PRIDE

This year brought some welcomed changes to the parade. Yes, I know Cape Town Pride is not just about the parade and the after party admittedly I have yet to attend any of the events on the Pride week calendar so I will be blowing smoke if choose to comment on it. Back to the parade‌ the 2016 event saw a revised route being made use of, while it was sad to not go down Adderley and up Wale, the swing back past the pink strip and the restaurant strip of Green Point lead to everyone, especially the spectators

at the side of the road, having a whale of a time. In comparison with the pink strip after parties of the recent years, the organisers of the event took us back to the old format after party big open area and a stage with bands. DJs and diva-licious drag queen performances. The venue, however, had been upgraded to that of Green Point Park and it was a splendid idea to do so. Instead of impersonal and hard tar we could now plonk our fine asses down on lush grass while hanging out with our mates and meeting new ones all together. It could have used a larger variety of food stalls, but hey at least the booze marquee never ran dry and let’s face it, none of us were really there to eat food.

Of the performers on stage the selection was on point, even though I did not see them all ( thanks to an unexpected detour ). Those of whom I thought to be really exceptional were ShenFM and the incomparable Manila Von Teez. The two acts were a Yin Ying balance that I believe sums Pride up completely. While ShenFM, in manner similar to the of Fox Comet who graced the stage a few years prior, was a mellow rock act doing a few cool covers, Manila (in true Von Teez style) simply owned that stage. With her borderline insane energy set, which even included a costume change in the +/-20mins she spent on stage ( Rihanna, I hope that you are taking notes ) she was able to whip her

audience into a frenzy in no time. That being said, it doesn’t detract from the quality of the other acts at all since everyone was truly captivating.

With the memories of the parade 2016 still fresh in my heart I want to congratulate the organisers, festival director Matthew Van As and his team, for pulling off another monumental Cape Town Pride Festival. Even though our pre-Pride consensus was that it was starting to become stale and some of us weren’t really ecstatic about going, we had an indescribably incredible time. We will definitely be back next year for more bravery, ferocious feistiness and of course for more love.

A RANT BY MISS

S INFRMATION

After

a laughable encounter in the V&A Waterfront the other day, I got thinking... Hipsters what a bunch of hypocritical, unoriginal, narrow-minded sheep! But before I go off on my rant, let's assess the definition of "hipster" as per Google - "hipster1 h?pst?/ noun informal noun: hipster; plural noun: hipsters a person who follows the latest trends and fashions, especially those regarded as being outside the cultural mainstream. " Did you read the definition? Let's all take a moment to read it again. Carefully. "follows the latest trends and fashions, especially those regarded as being outside the cultural mainstream..." Really?

Hipsters in their sheer repugnance rebel

Fashion

Animals

against social norms by paying way more attention to them than anyone else, therefore they have tried so hard to be "different" and to oppose the mainstream, that they have become the mainstream! And they are simply too arrogant to admit it. Although, therein lies our next debacle, to quote the S tandard itself: ?as with psychos, if you admit to being a hipster, you? re not one.? Unlike its counter-culture predecessors, like the punks or goths, the hipster exists in a universe of utter denial. "I don't believe in labels". Yes you do. Yours is "hipster" But besides for the (fake) Bill Nye glasses, the mindless slang such as "deck", "totes", "awks", "cray cray" are you fucking serious? - and, my favourite - amazeballs; (Amazeballs? What is wrong with you people?) and the silent protest against the wearing of socks, let's shoot straight and get to the point. In actuality, most of the culture boils down to judging.

Judging items, activities, bands, companies, clothes, oneself and most importantly other people. If someone else is less savvy, cutting edge or knowledgeable than you, doesn't that mean you are a better person?

It saddens me as I scroll down my list of friends on facebook and I hardly recognise so many of them as their once beautiful faces are now hidden behind those goddamned glasses or a beard that you could take out for a beer. I see how my once, intelligent, original, stylish friends all conform to a standard by which it isn't only acceptable but a requirement to be a complete dickhead, who doesn't even bother to use proper grammar and abbreviates words to the point of sounding like a 4 year old!

Far from shuffling off this mortal coil, the hipster - or at least what is perceived as hipster culture - has permeated our cultural psyche. Like a zombie apocalypse slowly taking over the world, the hipsters walk among us.

n io t a m r o f n I s is M

W

hat an absolute pleasure it was returning to venue where it all started for me some 6 years ago. All the way out in Gouda, lies the venue synonymous with Jungala and Zone.

From the same production house, comes {psy.ology}, a joint effort between Psynopticz and Teknotribe, and may I state that all expectations were met and even exceeded.

John Vichos aka Prefix, opened the floor with the sexiest, grooviest minimal set I have had the pleasure of grooving to in what feels like a lifetime.

The energy for the duration of the event was just as I anticipated; beautiful with an unmistakable sense of community. I'd hate to subscribe to cliché, but the best possible description I can offer to describe this event is that it felt like the embodiment of P.L.U.R. Old-skool.... And I cannot lie, with headliners such as Faders and Kopel, how could an event be anything less than a major success? The Israeli's know psytrance!

I caught up with Calvin Pfaff and asked him a few quick questions regarding {psy.ology}.

DS: How many people “through the gate”?

CP: We had 600 attending.

DS: definitely felt that the event was a major success in terms of the energy, vibe and sense of community. Would you care to share your thoughts and feelings with regards to this?

CP: Yes, we were very happy about the energy of the event. This is what we have been promoting and what we want the future of the brand to be about. We are back to the roots, about respecting one another and the land that you are dancing on. We want people to dance together and at the same time as having an amazing party, also think about focusing positive energy back into the scene. This is what psychedelic trance is about.

IMAGE BY LUKE HERE PHOTOGRAPHY T

DS: There didn’t appear to be any problems in terms of trouble makers, did you receive any complaints or encounter any issues with/from attendees?

CP: No, everything went very smoothly.

DS: Can we expect {psy.ology} to become an annual festival on the Cape Town Psychedelic trance calendar?

CP: Yes, it has been an annual event, well we started the festival in 2014, then did JHB in 2015 and now back to CT. We will be back in CT again for sure.

DS: Any "teaser" info you'd like to share re Jungala?

CP: Well with Jungala we are not going bigger, jsut better, We are increasing the infrastructure to cater for people to have a smoother festival experience, such as 14 door shower units and exclusive toilets. We will be having a tee-pee camp for people to rent accommodation in a prime location, as well as amazing decor, music and our sound and lighting team will be putting an insane show on for you including mind-blowing video mapping. And that is just some of what we have to offer.

DS: Why have we not had the joy of ZONE Festival in such a long time?

CP: Well ZONE festival, we worked so hard on it for 4 years and we always had great events, but the brand wasn't growing. I also had partnered up with my {psy.ology} label partner from JHB and we decided to focus and grow a label. We are very passionate about the music and wanted to release what we love and then {psy.ology} festival was born.

I miss ZONE, but there is much ahead and PsynOpticz has some new things on the horizon that you don't wanna miss out on!

the

banjo WORDS BY BENJAMIN SHEPHERD

S

o seeing as I am writing about strange stringed instruments and even though I probably should mix shit up to stop you ADD kids from getting bored, I figured if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Besides, if you want me to feature specific instruments you can always contact us and ask.

It was a good couple of years ago, I have no concept of time whatsoever, that I was first introduced to the what the fuck is that sound of the banjo. I had just roached a J and was lying flat on my back in the garden staring at up at the stars, contemplating whether or not the admin of trying to score some tail would be worth it when I heard it for the first time: Matchbox Twenty’s “Unwell.” As someone who has never really fit the societal mould, not only did the song resonate with me, respect to Rob Thomas and the guys, but the sound of the banjo immediately struck a chord with me (I know, I’ll get out.) Another epic banjo featuring track is that of Travis’ “Sing” another resonating track Yoh! Goosebumps. Yes, I know the banjo is a little bit redneckish, but don’t you dare sit there and judge me, you probably have your own musical instrument vice.

For those of you who don’t know, the banjo is a four-, five- or six-string instrument with a cavity called the head over which a membrane is pulled. The more modern six-string version is played and tuned in a fashion that is remarkably similar to that of a guitar. The body of the banjo is predominantly made of wood, although older models of the modern banjo with metal bodies or pots are very much in existence. The pot is covered with a membrane called the head (LOL: pot + head = pothead) the head (yes, please) was previously made of animal skin, but like most things today it is made of synthetic materials. An addition to the modern banjo, is the metal tone ring. The tone ring is used to aide in the sound of the banjo by further projecting and clarifying the sound produced by the instrument.

Certain banjo models have a resonator plate that you’ll find at the back of the pot, as is the case with a guitar, the resonator helps to boost the instrument’s volume. This type of banjo is more typically used in bluegrass music, however, it is played by different players using varying styles. The resonator banjos are also used for making old-time music as it is a suitable substitute for electric amplification when used in large venue. In case, like my dumb ass, you didn’t know the banjo, unlike a guitar, has an open back.

While most modern banjos are strung with metal strings, on the six string banjo we are discussing the fourth string is wound with either a bronze-phosphor alloy or a steel string is used. To achieve a more mellow or old-time sound, some players opt to string their banjos with nylon or gut strings instead.

To tune a banjo (howzit, banjo?), as opposed to guitars that use the worm gear machine head to tune the instrument, banjos use a mechanism that is called planetary gear tuners or friction tuning pegs. While frets have been used on banjos since the 19th century, for the players wanting to play quarter tunes, achieve a feel and sound of earlier styles of play or to pull off glissando, there are still fretless banjos being produced to accommodate their needs too.

Like many other instruments available today, there are a plethora of derivatives of the banjo doing the rounds.

These include the four- (plectrum and tenor) and fivestring instruments earlier referred to, which come in different sizes for the creation of pitch variations. There are classical banjos, cello, bass (which can be played standing up like a double bass) and contrabass models too. Further variants and even hybrid models, where features of other instruments, e.g. banjo ukulele and banjo mandolin, were used to give players of those instruments an opportunity to join the very popular team banjo in the early 20th century.

As far as the history of the instrument is concerned, the banjo was (like so many other things) originally from Africa. It gained popularity after it was seen in use by the African American population back in the US. As is the case here in SA, the banjo was in fact used in minstrel shows in the US too. To be more specific, it was during the 19th century and oddly enough this is also where our now scathed Blackface was used by the performers, but we are not going there. I’ll leave the serious shit to Christelle.

This was by far my favourite feature thus far, not only ‘cause my eccentric ass loves me the sound of the banjo, but because I had no idea how popular the instrument was (yes, my address is 69 Under-A-Rock Ave) and that there were so many derivatives available.

Next month I might stay on hilly billy lane and feature the harmonica or keep stringing you along and feature another instrument I am besotted with: the violin. ‘Til then, play on and prosper!