We Set Sail are almost done with Something Bout The Moon a new seven track album. “It’s been long awaited, we have had some bad luck on our side, Trinity was in a hit and run car accident” says bassist Thee Patrick. “She is fully recovered now. That’s given us and the CoffeeStainedVinyl Studio crew more time to work on the finer details”. Produced by the band, Teejay Terblanche, and mastered by Troy Glessner from Spectre in Seattle USA, the album is set to be released this summer. “We are planning on adding a few extra sounds to the album, which may include some extra instruments” concluded Patrick. “I’m not going to say too much; let’s keep that a surprise.”
The recent Loerie’s EMI Battle Of The Bands, gave away a recording contract to the value of 40 000 – an elephantine amount unseen by musicians not in advertising (compare it to the Frown video budget below). Still, Johannesburg The Privates International Band who took the crown, are worth the cash.
Apart from The Loerie’s, there’s an ongoing interest in music from the advertising industry. Like Heuwels-and-Locnville-sounding sextet 140. Their first single Say it Better echoes the words of ad guru Luke Sullivan: “First say it great, then say it straight”. And their name itself implies the Twitter protocol but the band insists “it’s not just a cheap way of getting into the minds of the social network obsessed youth market.”
MK has awarded R 60,000 to The Frown to make a video for their track The National out before the end of the year. A-making-of, shot by Joburg party monster/photographer Justin McGee, will be posted online. The band also promise “remixes by SA’s finest underground DJ’s and musicians.” In addition, The Frown are doing a one night only Opera – set to be out in late November, in association with Hell Records and The Alexander Theatre. They’re keeping mum about details, but said: “it will be a collaborative multi-media dark arts monster.”
Reburn plan to release a double single. “We’re still busy recording but its gonna blow minds bruv” says front man Scottie. “It’s a fresh new rock sound, a lot more mature and not as frantic, it still sounds like us but more defined.” Also, bassist Jono Templer had a kid and has been replaced by Mancunian, Liam McDevitt. “He’s solid and brings a new energy to our live show.” Scottie concluded, “we also want to tour the country nonstop next year” The first single will likely be We Are Here.
The Plastics are working on a new album. There are rumoured to be leftover tracks from the Gordon Raphael produced Shark. Also, guitarist, Arjuna Kohlstock posted online: “I’m thinking of changing my name. Which is better, Ramazuki, Flamegrill or Jethro?” We reckon Arjuna Ranatunga – that’ll make for some fun during rehearsal cricket games.
The Great Apes have completed an eight track album or in their words: “agt fokken lank hondjags tracks!”. Recorded in 5 days at Bloo Room Studio in Ladismith. Producer Jo Ellis employed the most primitive methods in an effort to capture the Apes’ chest thump live sound. The whole concept and design is still being finalised but “it’s coming and it’s going to be huge”. When asked about a possible tour the band answered “Ja ,to the ends of the earth buddy.” The Apes are also planning the most “befokste” Halloween party featuring machineri, Basson Loubscher, Dead Lucky, their new favourite band, and the chairman of the board Sailor Jerry. If you want to know if the Great Apes will be appearing at HorrorFest, see the next page.
Terminatryx’s Remyx v 1.0 global remix album is being released in November (see review on Pg.35). Paul Blom has stated “we’ll do a live launch, being streamed globally on-line from Sound & Motion Studios, Cape Town.” Find dates and updated info at www.terminatryx.com/remix. The bonus track Maciste Descends accompanies a scene in HorrorFest where a lead character is tricked by demons and sent to hell. Of the 2011 HorrorFest Paul mused “we wanted to diversify as widely as possible to include all media.” The annual fest incorporates music by creating original soundtracks to silent horror movies. Performed live to the screen by Makabra Ensemble – the Terminatryx-driven collaborative project. This year will debut a new soundtrack to a 1920 version of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde. “All of these movies with their new soundtracks will be released on DVD in the future.” Paul concluded: “We’re looking into doing a HorrorFest after party, and will let you know if we’re able to slot The Great Apes in or not.”
HorrorFest happens 30 October 9pm at The Labia Theatre, Cape Town. For more info www.horrorfest.info
The Cape Music Industry’s latest research shows writing and recording film music in our own country, instead of exporting it, could be an opportunity for musicians and audio engineers in Cape Town to grow their space in the industry, greatly. The company is working on several ways to involve more local music in film. Most recently, they brought over Trevor Jones , award winning composer of Last of the Mohicans, GI Jane and Notting Hill fame.
MP Philip Dexter and Roscoe Palm are starting an NGO called The Indibano Foundation – aiming to give underprivileged musicians greater access and understanding to industry. They have some serious struggle credentials. Dexter’s band in the 80’s were accused of fraternizing with communists, during his 7 year exile he entered politics. And Palm’s band Retreats, wrote a protest song, Vote In Vain, before the 1999 elections. “There are plans to purchase land and build a studio. Our goal is to make it self-sustaining” said Palm. “At the launch we had several politicians to see what we were up to.”Arno Carstens and Beezy Bailey were also in attendance. “We’re at an embryonic phase. We’ve signed two promising hip-hop artists, and an amazing acoustic rock artists whose both Muslim and proudly gay” added Palm enthusiastically. “We have the specs. Our focus is on training artists with contracts, online, marketing and playing live – that’s how they make most of their money and how you get to know them personally. We don’t want to make products, we want to amplify their abilities, so they can stand on their own two feet.” Palm shows a real admiration for Motown, and Sub Pop as models, citing their sense of community. Rumour has it low-end estimates are R 350 000 – cabling alone is guessed at R 10 000. Palm concluded: “Musicians are more powerful politicians than they realise”.
Gauteng post-rockers The Makeovers are currently drawing animals on lapel buttons and t-shirts for the launch of their second album. There is quite a bit of talk in several savvy circles about them and rumour has them to be on Vice Magazine’s hit list.
Looking for new bands? Selections from musicians
Mapumba, DRC Afro pop guitarist:
“Simphiwe Dana: A soulful singer with a somewhat melancholic edge. It’s like taking a Bob Marley and the Wailers’ early recordings and smearing it on some South African deeply traditional sounds – so catchy you just want to hear it again.
Listen to: Mayine, Ndimi Nawe and, my personal favourite, Ndiredi.”
Kevin Rule, metal guru (rumoured to have bought the Devil’s soul):
“Devil Sold His Soul: Crushing, dark, atmospheric, poignant, and utterly enthralling. A combination of devastating force and haunting melody that’s hypnotic and moving. In six years, the band have inspired a devoted following in the UK underground, touring relentlessly and exercising an extreme level of quality control over their musical output, every release maintaining their signature sound while marking a profound leap forward from anything before.
Connect with Muse