Mickdotcom chats to SAMA Award winner, Yesterday’s Pupil .
What was your first thought waking up today?
It is Monday
Nature certainly is talking these days. What do you make of her increasingly whimsical, if not outright schizophrenic moods?
I think perhaps the end is nigh.
Does Nature, that is to say, the world beyond explicitly human interactions, have an effect on your composing, and if so, in what way?
It does indeed,nature can be very inspirational. Especially when she gets a little bit moody. Nature is, to me, what reminds us that we are in fact not of this world.
Your personal responses on Youtube videos, and direct-to-camera Youtube announcements of ‘Singularity’s availability for download, suggest someone more concerned with connecting to listeners than fame or raking in the bucks. What is your musical ambition – what do you want your songs/albums to do?
I want the songs to be heard, by as many ears as possible. I want people to love- or hate the songs, that doesn’t bother me as long as they have the opportunity to have an opinion.
What was the key musical experience that triggered your decision to become a muso?
I started playing live shows in Grade 10 with my band at the time. We won some battle of the bands later that year and I think the rush of achieving something with music and having a good show and causing people to have a good time, even though it was on a small scale awoke something in me, something that has perhaps been there all along, I just love music man!
What have been some of the highlights and catastrophes of your career – whether on-stage or in the private act of composing/recording?
Highlights include, winning two SAMA Awards, one for Bittereinder, one for Van Coke Kartel. Touring overseas and performing at Lowlands Festival and Paradiso in Amsterdam. Working with some of our country’s top acts and artists. Playing a rocking show at Oppikoppi… super grateful for all these things! Lows include: there will always be kak shows now and then, but I think I try to forget all the low points, so I am going to say none. That is a lie though.
Aside from honing your craft, how would you describe the differences between ‘Errors of Enthusiasm’ and ‘Singularity’?
It is hugely different in terms of production value and song writing. The albums were released three years apart, so I have grown a lot since errors of enthusiasm. Singularity is just more me right now.
‘Yesterday’s Pupil’ is an interesting name – Simultaneously implying being fresh-round- the-ears; studying the musical past; and being emancipated to do your own thing. How did the name come about?
“Today is Yesterday’s Pupil” – Thomas Fuller. I love it and so I chose that name,
Snor City, aside from now-dusty references in Koos Kombuis and Johannes Kerkorrel songbooks, only recently became a hub of musical interest. Having lived there most your life, what does the Jakaranda city mean to you musically?
Watch “A tale of three cities” by Bittereinder on youtube. The first verse describes exactly what this city means to me.
How much did the Hotbox and Dogbox happenings impact on you?
Hotbox in a big way! It was my favorite venue to play at back when they were still going, I have done countless shows there with various artists. I think Hotbox says a lot a PTA and the should here. People here really love music.
We live in a musical world that is post-Genre. You seem to embrace this with your fusion of styles. Looking back, how would you distinguish between the affects of Rock, Pop and Electronica on ‘Yesterday’s Pupil’?
I like a lot of different genres. But I don’t think of music in Genres really. I just enjoy good music and I also don’t create music according to any one specific genre.
What are your very favouritest songs?
There are too many to mention. Some Artists I like include: ELO, Jeff Buckley, Sufjan Stevens and Depeche Mode.
Any parting words?
Download my music for free at www.yesterdayspupil.com
Peace out dogsters!
