GUTTA ISSUE ZERO

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The

that got us to

LISTEN

TO

#1 April 2012

MUSIC

spoek

&

va n c o k e kartel sa’s first music rebel

arthur

also

vortex

+

diaries

“the only thing that’s changed is our age.

Great music is great music at the end of the day” slik

dj hypnosis

parow the plastics much more!

n o i t a N w o b n i The Ra

e g a f o c omes ...but

ed the young remain dissatisfied divid

A ND u n h e a r d

also

100

photos

that

defined

a

time

price r0.00

gutta.com

HELLO

you like music as much as we do?

6

And as we all know: when a song is on, it’s damn irresistable.

Going on 8 10 12 14

H

eard any good songs lately?

We have. We feel good because of that. Do you like what you’re seeing? We recommend you should put on some tunes before reading at all times. Magazines don’t come with speakers, or moving pictures for that matter. And that’s why they’re good.

You get to experience music without listening.

NATIONALLY EKASI suburbs according to bands

26

van coke kartel the sunrise over bellville rock city

There are many things we can say, that you’ll find bound in the following pages.

It goes without saying, it was made with love. But, it’s nothing that didn’t exist before.

We just put it all together. GUTTA didn’t start with a complaint about anything.

It started with a yearning. A desire that came with experiencing music; at the best of times, at the worst and just whenever.

This is our band. Every issue an album.

And there’s one every month.

18 IN DEMAND

SPOEK MATHAMBO IS

the rainbow nation

comes of age 1994 - 2012

Is the Post-Apartheid Party over?

43

Page 29

NEW MUSIC

WHAT YOUR FAVOURITES ARE RELEASING THESE DAYS 44 46 57 57

Our intentions are obvious: to help and enjoy South African music. Not to breakdown, joke or compete. But we don’t mind the latter.

Because, regardless of anything, each and every band, DJ and musician wins more from here on out - because we’re here.

We encourage you to start you’re own music magazine. Trust us, it’s the best alternative to starting a band. And your parents won’t be dissappointed, like they usually are when you tell them you’re starting a band.

However we should mention, some of us do make music. We know, it’s a sweet deal. And it’s not all sex, drugs and rock and roll.It rarely is.

Music is what music is. It just so happens that some of its best moments existed when personal pleasures of that nature were present.

JIVE JOL RELEASE DATES OLD FAVOURITES

There’s nothing quite like listening to a song when you’re bored time or going on a road trip. But no one punk, MC or DJ ever shouted: “Boredom, Travelling and Rock & Roll!”

54 MUSIC IS MY GIRLFRIEND

But you can. Because its true.

There are few moments that can go without music.

HEY, tHere’s more Find 5 hidden passwords and access our backstage online.

This month’s theme: Hit songs from yesteryear.

4

GUTTA APRIL 2012

21

PEOPLE LIKE US A phsycedelic weekend in heaven and hell

Like right now.

Smith ‘12

Johann M. Smith founder and editor

GOING ON AROUND THE WORLD IN MUSIC

vancouver canada

fokofpolisiekar Along with movies like Taqwacore: The Birth of Punk Islam, Working Men’s Blues and Beijing Punk, Fokofpolisiekar: Forgive Them For They know Not What They Do has been listed in SPIN Earth’s Top 10 Music Documentaries of 2012. While this can’t be taken as an absolute gauge of the movie’s standing in the wider world movie context, Fly On The Wall can feel justifiably proud of the continued attention and accolades their movies is accumulating.

northern europe

boulevard blues

b

Boulevard Blues are going international with a fully sponsored 3-week tour to The Netherlands and Belgium. They will be rocking out at some very high profile international music festivals and live music venues from the 14th of July to the 2nd of August 2012. Planned tour stops include De Witte Hemel live music pub (16 July), Big Rivers Festival (17 July), the Tulip Times Music festival (18 July), Amsterdam red light district tour (21 July), Krabbenfoor Festival (22 July), Eindhoven Blues festival (26 July), Yacht Club Kamperland Open Air Concert (29 July).

b COLAB NOW 14 OCT

jhb sa / nyc usa

HENNESEY ARTISTRY

b

The colab project under their Hennessy Artistry banner is intended as an expression of the brand’s ‘Art of Blending’ ethos.

This event forms part of the global Hennessy Artistry campaign, culminating in an ultra exclusive VIP concert on 14 October in New York City. henneseysa.com

lilongwe malawi

blk jks

Legend musician rumoured to help with new album

T

he only black band white folks care to hear and see, Blk Jks, might be heading to Mali. Not that interesting, we know.

However word on the internet speaks of a possible collaboration with with jazz marvel trumpeter, flugelhornist, cornetist, composer and singer Hugh Masekela. Now say oooh and aaah. tour

?

national sa

bloc party

Could it be true?

Nobody knows, it’s on few dozen lips.

Keep your eyes on this space.

6

GUTTA APRIL 2012

b

abu dhabi dubai / malogane mozambique

joshua grierson

Shakes off his boots and jets off to Mozambique

C

ape Town’s über-awesomely talented folk rock star Joshua Grierson has scant an empty page in his diary in May as he packs his bags, strings and acoustic guitars for a 3-date mini-tour of Dubai with Simon van Gend that includes opening for reggae rock superstar Finely Quaye on the 11th.

He would’ve scarcely shaken the sand from his boots before hitting the studio, this time in Johannesburg with the goddess-like Laurie Levine for what appears to be a fab colab in the making, one which will hopefully result in a new album from both stars before June. He then joins some of South Africa’s top singer/ songwriters in Malongane, Mozambique from 26 to 28 June for the first FORR (Fellowship of Rock & Roll) acoustic festival. (www.forr.co.za) Follow the unfolding adventures of Joshua Grierson on his Facebook fan page.

b durban

ramfest

Of course festivals can go on tour. Ever heard of the circus?

It would seem that there is no stopping Cape Town’s proudly “alternative music” festival as it now announces plans to head into Durban in 2013! Not content with just dominating the local Cape Town festival scene, RAMfest wasted no time in setting up an annual event in Johannesburg and will be completing their national domination by rocking Durbanites like they never been rocked before. Oh yes, that is how Capetonians roll. Quick, go tell your Durban friends!

CAPE TOWN

gemmA RAY

The Essex born-and-bred beauty will be delivering velvety vocals of intensity and twisted humour at only one date in Cape Town 14 at The Purple Turtle), but will be touring the country with support act Rambling Bones. She will also host a free workshop for local aspiring singer/songerwriters and record tracks with local talent for her next album.

Tickets are R90.

GUTTA APRIl 2012

7

g oin g on nationally

grandwest casino cape town

SYMPHONIC ROCKS 2012 Yesteryear’s one-night-only rock orchestra plan to do it all over again

F

21 aug lineup watershed/ just jinger/loiuse carver/ gang of instrumentals Ft. cape pops orchestra

tickets R300@ computicket Doors open 19:00 audience are kindly asked to take seats promptly symphonicrocks.co.za

8

GUTTA APRIL 2012

or as long as he can remember, Flat Stanley’s famed front man Andy Mac has entertained a fairy tale. It’s one that features his band playing in front of a full orchestra (before the clock strikes twelve and the orchestra members dissolve into mice).

Hearing and watching other bands live out the same dream – the Collective Soul / Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra recording and the Metallica / San Francisco Symphony album, has helped whittle down the waiting period. On the 21st of August 2012, he and his band members alongside those of aKING, Watershed, Just Jinjer, Louise Carver and Gang of Instrumentals will perform live sets backed by the power of no fewer than sixty five of the country’s finest classically trained musicians.

“This isn’t just a bunch of musos getting together on stage and having a little jam!” Mac exalts. “We’re talking a shit-hot group of classically trained eople here, playing with a bunch of rock cats who will really have to bring their A-game in order to keep up,” he grins, broadly.

He’s amped. Put another way, (in translation for those more classically refined): The Symphonic Rocks concert looks to marry the power and prestige of the Cape Town Pops Orchestra with the energy of some of the nation’s headlining young artists.

“I think what I’m trying to do here is to convince people to come and watch some of their favourite artists, presented in a way and in an environment that they’ve never seen before,” furthers Andy.One prerequisite of Mac’s is that

the show must remain true to its rock roots.

Those that may associate “classical music” with images of moustachioed maestros, solemn-faced audiences and a setting as stoic as Stonehenge will be relieved to hear that a shockwave of AV and all the usual schizophrenia of amplifiers, disjointed lighting and smoke effects will be wholly present. A key aspect of the show however is that the orchestra will be co-headlining and very much on-stage with the bands, not confined to the “orchestra pit” or some rotted out recess beneath. “I want everyone to see everything!” asserts Andy. Like all good dreams made real, the amount of behind the scenes legwork was immense. Just the orchestration alone involved the conduction of 65 instruments, 65 charts for each song, of which at least 20 songs will be played, taking five months to score, with only four days of rehearsal. Importantly, Mac’s dream child is pushing the musical appreciation envelope of the mother city’s mainstream/rock audience.

Limited exposure begets limited perspective, and chances are most of the mainstream rock fans in the country have never been privy to a sweeping violin solo or the emotional barrage of 65 instruments giving it shtick in perfect synchronicity.

On another level, an orchestral addition looks to elevate the bands’ material to an even higher place in the minds of an audience.And as Mac so dutifully points out - dimples and all - orchestras were the rock stars of old. Composers could monopolise the musical resources of an entire city to put on a single performance.

Words

naomi van zyl

Photo

liam lynch

Please

call me George Harris Symphonic Rocks Orchestrator

How do you make rock orchestral?

The Cape Pops Orchestra have written special scores for each song. The songs we chose, are what amalgamates best with a symphony.

So there won’t be full sets?

Unfortunately it doesn’t work that way.

Any new rock favourites you’ve learned to love during this experience?

Oh lots. Especially aKing’s Safe as Houses.

Please tell us there will be a recording of this time ‘round.

We’re considering.

Can we give your contact details to other musicians?

Please do. I am very busy, but I always love hearing new music.

There you go kids: george_harris@ ctpops.co.za

coming soon festivals 1-3 jun

seidelberg ct

vortex

trance weekend tickets R120 - R350 vortextrance.com

auckland jhb

23 jun

sifiso sudan

This year, African unity has really been put to a test. The song ‘Time for Change’ by South African MC Sifiso Sudan celebrates our resilliance and spirit of never giving up. This single by Sifiso off the album Made In Africa allows you to record, mix and upload your own message of unity on the site. You can also save it as an mp3 and share it with your friends. It’s your remix.

Songs that receive the most ‘likes’ on this page may be played on national radio on December 16, Reconciliation Day. Also stay tuned for information of prize giveaways. Send your mp3 track to: sifiso@ proudlyafrikan.org

city bowl ct

shanty star

Shanty Star has launched Shanty Star Records on Myspace. Celebrating this event Shanty Star is offering free voice samples and music tracks from some of the township musicians they have recorded. If you are a musician, part of a band or a DJ. You can collect your sa mples at myspace.com/shantystarrecords and create your own original tracks for Shanty Star. Email your MP3 to: shantystarrecords@gmail.com.

zeplins jbh

noisefest 2012 metal! satan! Arson! tickets R150 fb/noisefest

brakpan johannesburg

heuwels fantasties After some down time the band returns as a new ensemble

W

hen any band strikes gold and bags a coveted SAMA award with their first album, you best believe that the noose poised above their follow-up offering is a reality. Die Heuwels Fantasties are a group not fazed by critical truths. After making a few (questionable) detours within the direction of their live show line-up, DHF is now standing at the same cross road of change that their proverbial rock brothers Van Coke Kartel were at just a few months ago – go big or go back home via your 12 Mile Stone.But there are questions: how do you better an album that spawned 7 (out of 11) hit singles? Will that poignant lyricism so beloved by fans remain, or can we expect some innovative lyrical departure courtesy of the band’s new group dynamic?

Finding answers isn’t easy. I track the band down to renowned producer Cedric Samson’s Treehouse Studios in Hout Bay, a setting that’s a far cry from the band’s usual album-making haunt of Boksburg. “It’s chilled here, very laid back – different from Boksburg where I’ve recorded every other album,” grins guitarist, vocalist and lyricist Hunter Hunter, kicking back on patio furniture, dragging on a Styvie blue. I’m here to talk expectations. “We’re keen to, I dun-

no… shake it up!” lights ever-enthusiastic DHF frontman Pierre Greef.

Shaking it up is one way to get people talking.

As far as talking points go, those surrounding Heuwels have lately been less about their music and more about the transformation of their starting line-up. With guitarist Johnny de Ridder hanging up his live performance boots for a more focussed role in production, the ante of the Heuwels shows has been questionably upped by the hiring of Fred den Hartog and Philip Erasmus, bassist and drummer respectively of other popular Bellville-based threesome Thieve. “They joined as session musos and now it’s come full circle,” Pierre winks, casting a sly eye over the passive duo seated nervous in the corner. It appears that the verdict is still out on whether Fred and Phil will serve to provide the band with that extra “edge” that some would consider lacking in the live department. “On our first record none of the shit was actually played,” lets Pierre. “It was all programmed with synthesisers, so this time around it’ll be more of a marriage between organic instruments and the electronic stuff,” he says, ever A-grade band salesman.

Words

ruan scott

Photo

tbc july

bloemendal ct

balkanology tribal party in hills tickets R200 fb/balkanology

events 25 may obz ct

durex battle of the bands

rock acts fight it out tickets R100 durexsa.com/bandbattle

1 jun

woodlands pta

’riddems

dub and beat party tickets R80

fb/riddems

8 jun

boksburg jhb

joburg day

3 stages 3 days tickets R50

fb/joburg

ian smuts

Get a sneak peek of the track at: gutta.com

GUTTA APRIl 2012

9

g oin g on ekasi

happy

birthday from us

jukebox

trompies

Trompies celebrates an extremely impressive 15 years in the game and they showing no signs of slowing down.

The band has recently signed a new distribution deal (we weren’t allowed to know who...) for their latest musical offering, album number 6: Methodizi whilst taking no time off for a post-party rest. They’ve already been seen spreading their party vibe invenues across the nation. They’ll also be taking part in the new season of the collaboration show, Jam Sandwich, to be broadcast on SABC 2 later this year. “Trompies are an enigma, they are phenomenon, they are an institution and they are here to stay,” says Tkzee Slik.

auckland jhb

hhp

The 2010 BET award nominee now has own his spray available. Axe website claim “notes of musk, leather and wild fig,” Yeah. Nice job if you can get it.

kuilsriver ct

falkostarr

A video for the hit Melody is in the making. Shot in a forest, it sees Tukz dressed up as a rabbit. Despite rain hindering the schedule, we were told it’s been nothing but fun. See them live on the December 10th at Up-North-Down South Party taking place at Menlyn Piazza. The entrance fee is tinned food or a toy that will go to charity.

Jamming with are RelapZ, L Skillz, Nakai and Bishop Lamont. See you there.

10

Julius

bryanston jhb

GUTTA APRIL 2012

phillip dexter COPE , ex-vice

sandton johannesburg

President, musician &

dj hypnosis

future mother theresa-malcom

Making ankles shake since ninety-six. Pashesh

Who is DJ Hypnosis?

I am an enthusiastic young guy who believes in quality music. Been making tunes since 1996 and commercially since 2001. I have worked with all the major labels in the country and contributed to projects from all genres for many artists along the way. I am not just about house music, I am very diverse. Ideally I would like to take South Africa to another level and work with international artists. I make beats for all genres, except rock (haha).

Describe your sound?

I have a diverse soulful sound. I give the world what it demands at a particular time. Music in a beat makes a track a song.

Hmmm, explain further…

You have to have musical elements when making a track, not just churning monotonous stuff for the sake of it. Music has to be at the essence of what you are making, not just beats.

What impact has the digital age had on you as a producer?

Well it has saved me a lot and given me the opportunity to expose myself to the international market. As an artist I have grown spontaneously and worked with some of the best in the world like Stephanie Cooke, Amera Light and Chris Idh. In terms of growth and exposure it’s been

good.

You DJ too… Describe your perfect set?

Well the set has to be very melodic with feminine vocals to add that sensual touch. I mean I do work with male vocalists but there is nothing like a female vocalist. Jazz and vocals make the set complete for me.

What tracks should we look out for?

Well there is Soulfiction which is a national anthem among DJ’s. There is the Adella remix, Roots of Asia and Now I Love.

So I guess you must have some cool future projects on the go too?

There are a couple; ElectroCandi, DJ China, DJ Choice’s Casanova album and we’ve just finished shooting a video.

Wow thanks for the invite…

Ha, ha no man nothing like that; we were wrapping up some scenes just yesterday, next time maybe yeah? My album Music and Legacy is also coming out. I am also really excited about a project that I am doing with a guy called Decency.

It’s something that has never been done before.

It’s a combination of love songs and acapellas; a triple disc banger. Lookout for Candi Roots in stores now and make a note of the name DJ Words

charles white

Photo

jackie zim

hillbrow jhb

l-tido

Hip-hop’s gifted newcomer

H

e’s a Hip-Hop artist part of the surging growth of aspiring performers out to getit-to-go themselves. Free and independent of a binding and often crippling record deal contract.

He released, marketed and distributed his own first mix tape City of Gold, sold over four thousand, and scooped ‘Most Gifted Newcomer Channel O Award 2011’.With just a few weeks ahead of his All or Nothing album launch series tour, the L-Tido camp have been on a grind inspired by the promise he has made to bring fireworks to the performance. His album includes collaborations with K.O. from Teargas, Nigerian superstar Banky W, Tumi from Tumi and The Volume and Da L. E. S of Jozi. A great deal of his commercial market

appeal is that he chooses to rap in English instead of Zulu and Tswana.

“I’ve received flack from a few people, it doesn’t bother me. I wanna be heard everywhere by all nationalities. English just happens to be the understood by most people.”

His hit track We Rollin’ reached number 1 on Channel O’s Weekly Charts, MTV Base African Chart, ETV’s Club 808 Chart and French music channel Trace TV’s Africa Top 10 Chart and stayed for five straight weeks. ‘Nuff said!

Words

steve brand

Photo

loyiso mtembhu

mclaren of sa music

What do you like listening to?

I have a real admiration for Motown, and Sub Pop. I love their sense of community.

Anything local?

Of course.

Ever been in a band? My band in the 80’s were accused of fraternizing with communists , during my 7 year exile I entered politics. Palm’s band Retreats, wrote a protest song, Vote In Vain, before ‘99 elections.

Doing anything music related nowadays?

Currently purchasing land and building a studio.

Our goal is to make it self-sustaining; the focus is on training artists with contracts, online, marketing and playing live – that’s how they make money, and how you get to know them personally.

We want to amplify their abilities, so they can stand on their own two feet.

At our recent launch we had several politicians to see what we were up to.

Arno Caarstens and Beezy Bailey were also there.

Done that and bought the t-shirt.

How far from done?

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.

Impressive. Give us the technical lowdown.

We have all the specs...

Low-end estimates are R350 000 – cabling alone is guessed at R10 000.

Ever pick up a GUTTA? Not exactly. My secretary’s son reads it. She forgot one in the office.

g oin g on suburbs

Julius

AUCKLAND JHB

jukebox

WRESTLERISH

Fans of popular SA soapie 7de Laan will get to experience the band Wrestlerish live on set. Both cast and crew report being “hugely impressed” and declaring themselves converted fans after seeing the band perform on the set of the soap opera.

Laan production manager Mari Nieuwoudt predicts a “stampede” to music retailers once the episode is aired. We predict life will go on as usual.

mr sakitumi ct beats maker gives us his worsts and favourites

bellville ct

jax panik

Enigmatic creative musical force Jax Panik returns to our lives with a sophomore album. Entitled Just Dance, sneak previews of the new album have been garnering significant interest internationally which is understandably exciting for the former “one-man bedroom outfit” who has since evolved into a fullblown studio project with key creative partnerships and synergies in place, combining web promotional strategies and viral concepts on a global level in every direction they wander. In the meantime while you wait, preview some of the new tracks on his MySpace.

boksburg jhb

noisefest

It’s back! Three nights, featuring 27 of your favourite noise-capable bands, such as Enmity, Straatlig Kinders, Revenge

By Dawn, Sabretooth, with the much anticipated debut gigs by Lord Have Mercy and Imperium Of Man. All areas and levels of Zeplin’s will be incorporating DJs, an alternative indoor market, skateboard demo, fire breathing, guitar giveaways and predictably much, much more, not forgetting to mention regular drink specials and free jugs throughout the duration of the fest. Free jugs!

Tickets can be got through Computicket for a mere R80 for a 3-day pass.

Check FB for more.

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GUTTA APRIL 2012

new

5 PIECE GARAGE NO REC.

woodstock cape town

the great apes

Garage addicts explain love of destruction, mayhem and noise

W

e try and make our music climax” says Antonie. “Structure is very important in our music but it’s the complete opposite of planned rehearsal” adds Jacques. The Apes start with Jacques met Antonie. “I knew Antonie from highschool in Oudsthoorn. One day I was sitting in a bar and watching him falling off his scooter backwards,” several times “I knew this guy had to be a punk and someone told me he played guitar.” Antonie and Jacques started jamming on acoustic and soon after Pienaar joined. The three got a house together in Woodstock and joined forces with Yusif Sayigh, who use to be in a band called Yossarian with Jaekan . Rehearsal started at Valkenberg mental institute, where Jaekan rented a room.

“We made a list of what we liked, and what we didn’t, the latter was longer.” Says Jaekan.

“The most important thing to us was that we should be like a gang.” After nine months of rehearsal, getting toasted and chased out of The Shack bar. They applied guerrilla marketing. “We went around town spray painting and shouting Ape.” says Jacques. After a few shows they

mailed Fokof. Antonie knows Snakehead, from the early nineties, and Antonie’s sister dated the bassist, Wynand Myburgh. Fokof was curious, and without asking for a sample track, said yes. Despite Yusif ending up with bloody teeth after diving into the concrete floor, the gig was a success. Two weeks later they supported Van Coke. More recently, they have been included on Sailor Jerry’s annually released album, featuring a bunch of acts from all over the world. One of those, The Bronx, is a band The Apes have always admired and used as inspiration. Sweet.

It only takes charcoal, potassium and sulphur to make gunpowder. Like rock and roll it’s more than the sum of its parts. It’s enough to make the world burn. “It’s easy to break something” says Jacques. “But can you build it? There is no use in tearing something down and then it’s destroyed. Where do we go from there? We don’t like the way things are done” adds Jaekan.

“But for us to say that we have to have an answer. And we don’t have that answer yet. We’re still trying to refine ourselves, to the point where we can say this is the future.

Words

johann m smith

Photo

niklas zimmerman

gauteng jhb

horse the band (usa)

Nintendo speed metal act on national tour

T

o understand Horse The Band better, let me paint a picture of their recent gig at Cellardoor. As badly smoke passes through the bad light, as Day Turns Night takes the stage to give us a taste of what the night promises. Tall and lanky Dom is filling in for the usual vocalist, having just learned all the songs in a week. His vocal abilities still manages to support the bone-shattering double bass of the music, as his pig-squeals leaves my ears ringing.

Energy fills the air as Horse takes stage. Cellardoor had the honour of being first on the list of this LA band’s Reigns in Africa Tour. I doubt their abilities or the quality, as blood gushes out

of my ears. Their “we are here to play songs, so let us put our seed in you” attitude has made them one of the most entertaining metal acts around.

They have a connection with the crowd that leaves you feeling touched inappropriately; and wanting more.The combination of hardcore guitars and growls, together with a new wave keyboard sound, generated a moshpit that was the mutant spawn creature from planet Horse. They make no excuses for who they are or their music; spurring on violent fist-punching and fly-kicking, leaving you with black eyes and a bloody nose.

Words

naomi du plessis

Photo

matthew schnetler

What do you like listening to?

I love old-skool dance albums like Leftfield and Orbital. Love early Underworld a lot.

Anything local?

Paralax, Markus Wormstorm and The Wild Eyes second album.

Desert Island disc?

My Flying Lizards LP. Guilty pleasures?

Euro trash mostly.

Scatman, Culture Beat [briefly sings Mr. Vain], Wigfield and Dr. Albam Mood killers?

Death metal, Sonique, mid-eighties punk bands who made songs like it was still 1979 and amatuer dub step DJ’s.

Worst line a journalists has described you as?

A post-modern Samurai after being put in a time machine to the year 2095 and filtered through a pink milkshake.

Dude, that’s weird. Worst moment stage?

Yes, sad but true. This one time at Fiction [CT] I was eyeing a girl who was loving my tunes. I ended up spilling my beer over my turntables. Suffice to say, she didn’t take any interest. Luckily my equipment didn’t take any damage, like I did.

Worst fashion crime inspired by music, that you can confess to?

Yeah... unfortunately. I got frosty tips in 2003.

If you can bring anything or person from the dead?

Black Jack pants. Those were really something.

g oin g on according to bands

Five

things

band on band

The Plastics take on Zebra & Giraffe

jack parow learned the hard way

1.

The first time we saw them

We were practicing in the room next door. Believe it or not. We heard this song come through the wall, it was ‘Aim’ - we sat in silence for ten minutes trying to hear in.

we stole some of their chords It’s true. We couldn’t resist. We’re not saying which. However, for a local a band to steal from a local band, doesn’t happen everyday.

how cool are they

It’s a fine a line to draw between talent and cool.

The balance both well.

they’re way underated

Bands of their ilk are huge overseas. They deserve more, locally and internationally.

greg is the coolest frontman

In real life Gregg is a guiet fella (we dare say boring), each to his own. That aside, live he whips up the crowd.

our favourite song and moments

Everything from the first album. No, we don’t dislike the second, we just really love the first. We went to the launch of it, and lady luck was not present that night. The sound enigineer was clearly not experienced. But The band pulled it together and for a moment we experienced a 90’s lo-fi moment.

what we expect next

Who really knows. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs went electronic last year. If we were them we would. And maybe dable with a DADFAD tuning. Oh, that really would be something.

14

GUTTA APRIL 2012

soweto jhb

siyabonga mthembu

T

A public service announcement to all sound engineers?

here are two self-evident facts about sound engineers. Firstly, that I undoubtedly lack the ability to be one (yes, I do appreciate the skill required); and secondly, that the evaluation of live sound quality is, generally speaking, a subjective perception that few seem qualified to make. However, betwixt these obvious shortcomings of the writer and the unwashed masses, there is a definitive malaise that besets the industry – a shortage of decent live sound engineers! I say this because the frequency of complaints from patrons about the quality of the sound at a given event, is rivaled only by those made about the cleanliness of the relevant ablutions. And where there’s smoke there’s inevitably fire. Granted, there are too many venues with less than adequate sound systems and equipment; venues that suffer from unfortunate acoustics; bands that butcher the best systems and the sometimes Herculean efforts of even good engineers - but those in the know can tell when these factors are present. No, I speak not of these, but of the little gems that take hundreds of thousands of rands worth of equipment and make it sound like grand dad’s gramophone. The technically challenged little darling who stares in

blank confusion towards the stage while a microphone squeals in tortured feedback, objecting to a frequency that should have been identified and compensated for AT SOUND CHECK. The abject ignoramus who twiddles knobs ineffectually and punches buttons in a flustered panic, while the lead guitarist pirouettes maniacally through his solo IN COMPLETE SILENCE. The smug little twit who smiles in auditory myopic, selfsatisfied bliss at the great job they’re doing while the rest of us struggle to hear the/any vocals.

Don’t get me wrong – there are a few very good engineers out there, guys whom I’ve heard mix different genres of music with equal sensitivity, power and finesse; those gifted few who make a band sound as good as it can possibly be and consequently enhance the listening pleasure of us all. Unfortunately, these shining examples seem to be few and far between. Given these facts, I feel completely justified in saying that, were I in the position of needing to hire an engineer, you can be damn sure they would shape up bloody fast, or get the hell out!

Siya is fronts enigmatic JHB “brown band” The Brother Moves on. thebrothermoveson.com

top five in my collection Armin van Buuren tells us what he loves in his CD tray the prodigy

fat of the land

tkzee tkzee

Liam Howlett is a god. In a time when everything was either all guitar or all synthetic beat, he introduced something of both and made me realise don’t be ideologically stuck.

They greatly made use of real instruments like Leftfield. Everything is just too synthetic these days.

leftfield

What’s there to say? You’ve heard it we all have. Heard of anybody who ever hated them? Neither have I.

leftism

A duo who ODed on punk, rode the rave and ecstasy wave, and ended up influencing everyone, but remained underground. If dance music was discovered Hacienda, Leftfield mastered the art, and they can’t be duplicated. Pure genius.

faithless insomnia

orbital orbital

Slow, but not to slow. Kinda always stuck in third gear. Lounge music made it kitch. A sign of anything great.

Don’t be anyone but yourself I like music when it’s real.

Real shit lasts.Everyone knows my lyrics are real, and tell me that now I’ve fokkin’ blown up, I’m not.

But the car I drive is still pretty damn kak. The place I live is pretty kak, and me and my friends still puff pretty swak twak.

I rap Afrikaans cause that’s how I fuckin’ grew up and if you don’t like it you can fuckin’ fok off. They have 20 fans. I have like, 27 000.

So fuck ’em all.

2..

DO NOT GET INK DRUNK Do I need to explain? Just don’t. Fokin’ never.

3.

DATE OUt SIDE OF THE music INDUSTRY In it – or not – don’t.

Unless it’s me.

4.

LAUGH A BIT Find a reason to laugh. Always. It’s important. I want to give people something to laugh about. SA has so much kak for people to worry about, so when they listen to me, they can laugh a bit.

5.

YOU GOTTA SERVE SOMEBOY Don’t be a p****. We all had day jobs. Your boss worked for where he is.

Respect them and you’ll walk out a better person holding no grudges.

Everyone feels exactly the same. Get used to it, or die trying.

Drop a message on Jack’s wall telling him how wise you are now thanks to him. fb/jackparow

oppikoppie 2011

bed on bricks Festivals are a dime a dozen these days.

No one’s complaining, and no one will. Every year sees great improvements.

Seeing that this is our first issue, and the Rainbow Nation just turned eighteen, it’s only fair we take a bow, for one of the greatest shows on earth.

For no specific reason, just because its Oppikoppie.

This picture was taken the moment the show ended.

In the bottom left corner is We Set Sail’s Marne lighting a sound engineers cigarette. Good times.

Enter this code: “BOB” online and gain access to the exclusive gallery. *ONLY the first 25 readers get in.

Spoek mathambo Currently traveling the world making music, he’s been hailed better than zef, the next cool and first black dude all the white kids want to around words brandon edmonds photo andre vosloo

R

emember Ninja’s dick in slow motion in the Dark Side of the Moon shorts?

That worked because it was something we haven’t seen before. “Something we haven’t seen before” is a cutlass hanging over the head of any artist pushing novelty. And that’s all artists ever push (novelty or nostalgia): hey even JohnnyCash was doing U2 covers on his death bed.

What we have here is The Terrible Law of Piero Manzoni. The guy who canned his own shit.

Merda d’astista. 90 tins were made (actually filled with plaster) in 1961 to be sold for their weight in gold. Manzoni’s Law is basically yeah so what’s next, Piero? You can’t go on shitting forever.

Many artists do of course. They go on canning their shit and sending it out into the world long after it stops, well, mattering. But there’s a way out of the novelty trap – substance. Artists long for it. Anne Hathaway got naked in Love and Other Drugs because of it. Fela Kuti reeked of it.

Substance is the universal stuff that reaches you no matter what. Shakespeare works in Nepal as readily as Beirut. Van Gogh can put anyone with eyes to see under the spell of that starry night.

Chaplin still cracks up 6 year olds. Universally relatable substance – the opposite of shit.So no surprise then that Ninja and Yo-landi hanker for substance in Harmony Korine’s new short-film collaboration Umshini-Wam. Spoek is a far more substantive and exciting artist. The Die Antwoord crib offers us rare insight into the pressure they must be under to outrun the “novelty act” noose. “It’s time to step up our game my blaar. It’s time to get the respect we deserve,” is the first thing out of Yo-Landi’s mouth.

Whatever narrative drive the film ever achieves is out of this desire for credibility.

But Korine – who directed staunchly indie flicks like Gummo and Trash Humpers – has been feeding at the trough of the post-modern “decline of symbolic efficiency” for too many years to bother making films that actually “mean”

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something; so the premise never gets interesting. Ninja and Yo-landi play Beckettian wastrels rolling around in wheelchairs in Pikachu and Gloomy bear pajamas firing uzi’s in a depopulated American Nowhere. Nothing registers or works.

No image, aspect or moment stays with you. The film is vapid, indulgent and dreadful.

Visser simulates an excruciating crying jag at one point. You get to see how wildly misguided David Fincher was considering her for the Dragon Tattoo re-make. She has the range of an unplugged radar. Ninja plays dead a lot which was the smart move here. At one point they risibly murder an incongruous Afrikaans patriarch, straight of Bitterkomix central casting, who tells them, “you’re a waste of white skin.” This kind of puerile race baiting finally reveals the emptiness of

no strain reaching for shock effect

Die Antwoord. They have nothing to offer beyond raucous live shows and ‘meme-friendly visuals’.

There’s nothing like an analysis of contemporary South Africa going on. No substance.

As Ninja puts it, “We’re basically just exporting our South African experience. South Africa is like undiscovered real estate.” Clearly South African experience is what guarantees the duo substance.

It’s what lifts them free of the novelty trap and differentiates them from the other acts on their mega label Interscope. But “undiscovered real estate” sounds suspiciously like the Empty Land fallacy in SA history. The lie that Van Riebeeck landed here in 16 whatever only to discover an empty Eden ripe for the taking. Indigenous social life was conveniently left out of the narrative. Die Antwoord perform a similar kind of silencing act by fetishizing indigenous extremes, swallowing local aspects of culture whole and converting them

into the amped up currency of their international brand – zef.

Hence the Tokoloshe. “He’s really terrifying and comes out at night and he’s got a penis as big as a horse’s. And African ladies explained to us that if they’re having a wet dream, it actually means the Tokoloshe is boning them in their sleep.” This is the shit Ninja’s telling Pitchfork. There’s all that purloined gangsta imagery. A Xhosa teen’s personal defiance of circumcision rituals becomes a WTF “dark continent” penis-frenzy in the NSFW Evil Boy video. “We like to absorb all the different elements of South Africa… we’re like sponges.”

In international interviews, Ninja never stops detailing the outré excesses of Mzansi. “South Africa’s like the wild west.

The PC-version people try and promote is this image of South Africa as a rainbow nation and make it all pretty and stuff. But it’s actually like this fokked-up, kind of broken fruit salad.” Die Antwoord re-packages local culture for a bemused international audience. It’s Saartjie Baartman with Diplo beats. And they’re the first to admit it. “We are constantly trying to look at different ways of how we can create and recreate South African music to be consumed abroad, so we always combine what the international market likes with the local sound.” Good luck to them.

Vote for

burning

2012

gutta.co.za

F Jck Off i’m r aving *

There are a couple of places that stand out for their magic, their people and music.

With each of those categories in mind, Cape Town has always been rated as the coolest. words heather mennel photo cheyne reeves

GUTTA APRIl 2012

21

Heather’s DAY SCHEDULE

(Heather being the writer of this article)

FRIDAY, DAY 1 SETLIST SENCITY feat. EJ VON LYRIK + RUDIMENTALS + DJ READY + INFECTED MUSHROOM + MK1 + BISCUITS (NAM) + PAUL VAN DYK NOTES

LEAVE CBD AT 14:00 Call a man a about a dog. :) Call James, Get car, food, camping gear, medikit. Have to go sleep around three or risk missing Mk1.

(AND PLEASE do not waste this carefull typed up plan!)

SATURDAY, DAY 2 sETLIST SENCITY feat. EJ VON LYRIK + RUDIMENTALS + DJ READY + INFECTED MUSHROOM + MK1 + UDIMENTALS + DJ READY + INFECTED MUSHROOM MK1 + BISCUITS (NAM) + PAUL VAN DYK + SENCITY+ J VON LYRIK + RUDIMENTALS + DJ READY + INFECTED MUSHROOM + MK1 + BISCUITS (NAM) + PAUL VAN DYK Notes

Go to sleep - remember when you wrote this? Hello? Are you reading this? Go to sleep!

SUNDAY, DAY 3 sETLIST

SENCITY feat. EJ VON LYRIK + RUDIMENTALS + DJ READY + INFECTED MUSHROOM + MK1 + UDIMENTALS + DJ READY + INFECTED MUSHROOM MK1 + BISCUITS (NAM) + PAUL VAN DYK + SENCITY+ J VON LYRIK + RUDIMENTALS + DJ READY + INFECTED MUSHROOM + MK1 + BISCUITS (NAM) + PAUL VAN DYK

NOTES

Wake up Time 11:00. Stay awake till SUNDAY MIDNIGHT. Resuplly Red Bull - have to see MK1

MONDAY

(HOPEFULLY AROUND

4:00) FINAL NOTE TO SELF: GO HOME. SLEEP. Write article and hope I make deadline - or

atleast remember

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everything.

I

n a large part this is thanks to its cuttingedge cultural scene, delectable cuisine and the fact that the city boasts beautiful beaches just a stone’s throw away from the city. Most metropolises look pale in comparison to bright and bold Barcelona, so it hardly seems fair that every year in June Barcelona becomes a Mecca for the world’s electronic music aficionados during Sónar festival.

Now in its 18th year, Sónar showcases some of the most cutting-edge and innovative acts in electronic and dance genres. This year was no exception with artists including Dizee Rascal, M.I.A, Magnetic Man, Underworld and Die Antwoord all heading the bill between the 16th and 18th of June. Trentemoller gutta was there to soak up the sunshine and basslines. Here’s what went down...

b

day one

W

hat struck me first was the eclectic mix of people— the tattooed Spaniards in their shorts and designer shades; the painfully pale British kids; the electronica geeks whose pretention was perfectly offset by the hoards of gorgeous woman in their bohemian-chic festival outfits. Whoever you talked to had one thing in common: they wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else in the world except Sónar.

Walking into ónar By Day is one of those festi-

val experiences which has few rivals. Becoming familiarised with the clean, austere architecture of the MACBA and CCCB (two galleries) and each of the 5 distinctive stages really makes you feel like a kid in a candy store. The next step is to rush around trying to see all the acts you’ve highlighted on your programme – and then realising that you’d need to split into at least two people to see all the acts you want to see! The plethora of music, the infectious excitement of the crowd and the excellent venue makes Sónar

by Day a truly extra-sensory experience.

When we arrived Floating Points was spinning a cocktail of sexy disco and downtempo house.

Then on to SonarDome where beat scientist Kidkanevil was dropping a bad-ass blend of dubstep and instrumental hip hop. Later, Little Dragon’s lead singer Yukimi Nagono redefined the term ‘stage presence’ with her soul-wrenching vocals and percussion. We then ventured into the cavernous SonarHall where obscurity hunters stared wide-eyed at Open Reel Ensemble (Japan), a group who constructs their music by playing sounds, melodies recorded on magnetic tape reels. South African wonder-kid Jullian Gomes made us beam with pride as he closed the jampacked Red Bull Music Academy floor with his South African flavoured deep house. We see big things ahead for Mr.Gomes.

That night the official opening concert featured the works of world-renowned composer; ‘godfather of minimalism’ Steve Reich – who wasn’t there in person due to bad health, so we decided to give that a skip and save ourselves for the next two days of mayhem.

g

day two

O

n the second day, the festival shifts into gear and the venue is noticeably busier; the beats a touch heavier.

Sónar by Day We started at SonarDôme where we caught a wicked set from cool-as-ice DJ Zinc who made his name in Drum ‘n Bass but has since shifted to his own style of dubstep/house beats (which he describes as ‘crack house’). Next England’s new diva of dubstep and pop, Katy B seduced the crowd with her angelic voice and the support of a full live band. To my surprise, a huge crowd had filled the open-air floor SonarVillage to see Fourtet, one the artists on my must-see list. His live set blew me away: familiar Fourtet melodies over crunchy tech beats, gradually building up to a manically fast finale. Discodeine, a duo from France played some dirty and deep tech house in the SonarDome and they join my “must-google” list. We then ventured into the subterranean SonarHall which was well-suited to Ghostpoet’s melancholy rhymes. He performed with his laptop— recording vocals, creating loops and manipulating them live during his set. This was, in my opinion, the top Hip Hop act of Sonar.

Check him out.

Sónar by night

T

he Sonar by Night venue is constantly described as an aeroplane hangar and when we arrived we understood why. The exhibition venue Fira Gran Via space is immense. Again, the night time’s festivities are divided by the 5 stages each with a unique look and outstanding lighting and sound.

Trentemøller’s live set was the night’s top act for me. The Danish producer performed with a live ensemble and vocalist amidst eerie stage props. On the main stage, over-hyped headliner M.I.A gave a lack-lustre performance but this was counteracted on the SonarPub stage by Dizzee Rascal who blew the roof off. At one point, the thumping sound managed to bump the DJ’s table right off the raised platform, leaving the CDJs and mixer dangling from the table! But Dizzee took it in his stride and simply shouted “Quick!

Make a video! YOU TUBE, YOU TUBE!”. Next up Die Antwoord on the outdoor stage. I asked the guy standing next to me what he thought and he replied “they have really cool music videos but their music is crap”. Waddy and Yolandi didn’t impress me much either. The final act for the night was A-Trak (5 time World DMC champ now collaborating with Armand van Helden). He had all the gimmicks: a tuxedo and a massive 3D stage set-up in the shape of an A, but the nature of his performance – a turntablism and house combo didn’t quite convince me.

At half past 3 in the morning you really want to dance rather than concentrate on technical cuts,

Meet

Armin van Buuren 4 Times DJ MAG Top 100 winner, considered one of the world’s most prolific DJs/Producers.

What is your take on the Progressive Trance music culture in South Africa?

The scene here is small but healthy and seems to be growing. I really like the talents of Protoculture; he is doing big internationally and I had featured him on my show before I knew he was from here. He is definitely one to look out for!

What three things does a DJ need to do in order to prepare for a nine hour long set like you have done before?

Well, change your clothes, eat something and most importantly go to the toilet! Mine is actually a funny story. You see in the two minutes I get to change and go to the toilet I’m always backstage and this is right before I come on. At this point the announcer goes “Ladies and gentlemen welcome Armin van Buuren…” the crowd’s going crazy and I’m peeing, it’s really funny but that’s what happens.

You revealed on Twitter that you and your wife are expecting your first child. How would you feel about your son or daughter taking on a DJ-ing career such as you have?

Just as I have I will encourage my child to follow his or her passion and work hard. I believe that this is important, but hey it’s my first kid so ask me again in ten years!

Check his stuff at: armintrance.com

GUTTA APRIl 2012

23

t “A State of Trance is not about me, it is about the music.” armin van buuren

trance

the figures The world’s oldest trance festival is the World Electronic Music Festival (WEMF) held annually in Canada - and has been going since 1990.

The Love Parade A popular one day festival and parade that originated in 1989 Berlin Germany. Predominantly, trance, house and techno Schranz music is played.

In 1997 the number of participants crossed 1, 000, 000! kaZantip (the hidden paradise) kaZantip rebublic, or simply Z, is the name of the biggest longest, longest craziest, liveliest and most unusual techno and house music in the world! It takes place for 5-6 weeks in summer in Ukraine and over 150 000 “paradiZer’s” attend each year. “The Woodstock of the East.”

scratches and beat juggling. Just as the crowd was beginning to enjoy a track, A-trak was cutting and juggling and breaking its flow. Technically, the man is a genius but I felt as though his set would’ve worked better earlier in the evening.

k

day three

W

e rolled into the last day at Sonar with shades on and heads a little heavy from two previous days of madness. We arrived at Sonar by day quite late and only caught the tail end of the day’s festivities, sadly missing the third and final South African act ‘Shangaan Electro’. From there we caught some tapas in the Gothic quarter, a famous section of Barcelona just outside the venue and then hopped on the Sonar bus to Sonar by Night. As we approached, the whole bus erupted into cheering and applause – everyone shouting ‘Sonar, Sonar, Sonar!!’.

Despite mass exhaustion after two solid days of partying, the enthusiasm hadn’t faded. Little moments like these add a lot to your experience.

Luckily we discovered Austrian DJ Clara Moth on the Sonarcar floor who delivered the goods.

Magnetic Man (dubstep “supergroup” made up of Benga, Skream and Artwork) was up next on the main floor. I’d also been very excited about seeing them but found them very boring and subdued. Their emcee kept bellowing into the mic and there were long uncomfortable silences between the tracks. Their set lacked the energy required to rock a 35,000 strong crowd at two in the morning.

Despite my scepticism, Underworld were very good live and stirred up a lot of buried memories

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with their nostalgic anthems. The Gaslamp Killer, who I’d been dying to see (and who’d been hyped-up a lot by the media) was set to play at 2.15am, but his manically energetic and eclectic performance didn’t manage to excite the crowd.

Obscure Japanese rock from the 60’s wasn’t quite cutting it. Luckily we discovered Austrian DJ Clara Moth on the Sonarcar floor who delivered the goods. Magnetic Man (dubstep “supergroup” made up of Benga, Skream and Artwork) was up next on the main floor. I’d also been very excited about seeing them but found them very boring and subdued. Their emcee kept bellowing into the mic and there were long uncomfortable silences between the tracks. Their set lacked the energy required to rock a 35,000 strong crowd at two in the morning. Most of the crowd streamed off the main floor in favour of a crisp techno set from Paul Kalkenbrenner who rocked a packed outside floor. The final night seemed to be plagued by line-up oversights, but this didn’t detract from an excellent collection of acts overall.

l

monday morning

T

he faultless organisation and attention to detail makes Sónar a pleasure to attend, but perhaps Sonar’s greatest strength is the diversity and quality of its line-up. By placing of the more experimental and ‘out-there’ acts alongside well-established artists and presenting this cross section of global electronica as one event— it creates the sense that all electronica is connected; as are all it’s followers. In my mind this is the point of music festivals and I felt truly enriched by the days and nights I spent with Sónar as my host.

San Francisco Love Evolution An international spin-off of the German love paradise, this is the largest single-day electronic dance music event in America that draws people from accross the globe. It occurs only annually in San Francisco in late September an early October. An all ages event. 120 000 people attend it yearly.

Trance music is a brain child of the early 90’s and Germany. Generally characterised by a tempo of between 125 and 150 BPM. The origin of name is uncertian, some suggest Klause Schulze’s album Trancefer (1981).

The first music genre to be stricly associated with drug use, was not trance. It was psychedelic expiremental slow core that developed around the late 70’s. A colourful outfit that went by the name of Spaceman 3 coined the term: taking drugs to make music to take drugs to.

There are more major (please note, we say ‘major) trance and dance festivals in South Africa than any other music genre type festival.

Trance music is one of the rare genres - and perhaps not the only one - that does not cultivate a celebrity-like culture.

Certian genres of trance can incomporate 9 different genres and styles of music.

Electronic music festivals in South Africa generate more than 25 million profit a year.

The New Sunrise of

Bellville Rock City “not anybody can write a great song. It just comes.

When it does, you go fuck, we wrote a great song.” words johann m smith photo andrew byers

F

rancois Van Coke is dead – if that was the reality in 2007, Christians would say because God was angry, and some would draw a comparison to Kurt Kobain. Whatever belief, myth or legend anyone accepts, there would only be one truth: we would mourn the loss of an icon who spoke for a generation.

Forever and fondly, we’ll recall the history of Fokofpolisiekar, and to their own spite, certain critics will always note that Francois was the intoxicated teenager who couldn’t sing, and the one who never wrote the words.

2009 saw the formation of Van Coke Kartel, his own personal outlet. In the first song he didn’t sing, he screamed. The critics sat up, fans said hell yes, and everyone moshed. But, the second album’s sales indicated not everyone cared as much. The third received mixed reviews, and ultimately caused confusion. And for the first time, the future seemed uncertain.

18:48, 2 Nov 2011, VCK exclusive listening party, Sgt Pepper Long Street. The media is enjoying pizza courtesy VCK tab. The Vanfokoftasties family are on the balcony. Francois sits next to an open chair, I ask if I can join, very brotherly he nods, but I get a feeling he’s treating me indifferent. Eventually he breaks the ice: “Why did you tune me in Muse?”

“I am just a fan boy who had the power to remind where you come from. That’s all.” He places his arm around me. We agree an interview is long overdue.

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“I just hope I can release my one great work.

Listen, I have to go, Wynand is getting married tomorrow, I spend the whole day at Canal Walk looking for shoes, and I want to spend time with my fiancé. Sorry bra.”

“We played a show in support of the D.A, it was a cheese-fest.”

12:08, 3 Nov, Dave Mac calls. “Would you like to do a story about Van Coke?” I confirm time and date with Francois.

10:00, 4 Nov, Francois calls. “You’re up early, aren’t rock stars suppose to wake up at eleven?”

“Nee bra” he says matter of a fact, “everyday up at six. Can you come around Shack at four, I want to give you the new album.”

16:00, Shack. Francois sits at a wooden bench.

I laugh, “finally, it’s happened, rock stars wait for me.” He smiles and hands me a disc. “Look after it. I worked hard on that.”

“How do you feel about the start of a new decade and that we’re undoubtedly going into something new?”

5 – 9 Nov, research and first listen of unmastered album. My notes read: VCK seems like the doubtful brother in Vanfokkingtaskies family; during interviews, journalists can never nail ‘it’, when compared to bassist Wynand, Francois always says the least; and unlike most rock stars, he cares what the media says. I scribble in capitals: the album is fucking good (if you’re reading Francois, I hope you’re smiling, knowing, honesty is what I always loved about VCK).

19:00, 9 Nov, Aandklas, post sound check, the interview starts.

T

onight, is the start of an untitled mini-acoustic tour – a momentary occupation of Francios and guitarist Jedd Kessow, while Wynand is on honeymoon and drummer Jason Oosthuizen is busy. They buy the first round, conversation starts with Rugby.

“What did you think of the season?”

“I’ve been too busy, I even missed the last game.”

“We lost.”

He smiles, “I know.”

“Didn’t you once say that you wanted to join a team?”

“Yeah, I was serious for awhile about being ‘n Scrum-back.” He looks down and wipes his forehead, “but that’s all blown over for me.”

“How do you feel about the new album?”

“Proud. Yeah, proud...”

“So, how did you write the songs?” Music journalism’s most irritating question, has never seemed more applicable.

“Generally the music comes first. We sit at my home around a computer, record and I’ll scribble lyrics. And we’ll go: that’s cool that’s kak. The way it comes about is pretty random.”

Jedd chuckles, “just don’t leave your coffee cup lying around.” Francois smiles, “yeah I’ve become quite a neat freak, I don’t know how, all these years I’ve never been able to. Anyway, I scheme, this album has a theme. A kind of piss take on ‘drink this and take that’. But in the world, there is this general fear. A feeling that an end is coming. The world was suppose to end twice in the last three years. People fuck off, and people are scared.”

Francois doubts that the essence of VCK is the frustration in his lyrics, but agrees that VCK lives in the shadow of Fokof.

“Yeah... I don’t know. Having been in a band with a fucking phenomenal lyricist it was difficult writing lyrics. They’re always going to be compared. The first VCK albums were a struggle and test.”

I add my twenty cents: “Whereas aKing is kinda academic, and Heuwels poppy, it leaves you with few options of subject matter. And it’s the frustration that makes it what it is. Even, on the second album, if I can refer to it, knowing, to you it’s a naughty swear word” he laughs, “you apologise in ‘Wat Het Van Ons Geword?’ and explain you have something to say, but can’t put your finger on it.”

He laughs, “fuck, you know better than me” and doesn’t elaborate further.

“Why do you feel you have to release a great album?”

“Ag, fuck dude. I don’t know. I speak for everyone, and Jedd would agree, you just want to make good songs, it satisfies you. I’m happy and proud of this album. Maybe I’ll feel more worthy now. I feel proud of Fokof. But VCK is my own.

And unlike before, we didn’t make it for ourselves. We definitely thought about it and didn’t just kak it out.”

Jedd adds, “not anybody can write a great song.

It just comes. When it does, you go fuck, we

“in the world, there is general fear. that an end is coming.” wrote a great song.”

Francois apologises that he’s a bit tired to fully engage me.

“Why is it, that you never make yourself vulnerable in interviews?”

“That’s why a song is there, for me.”

“And do you feel heard by the people that matter? Those who have the power to change things?”

“No. I don’t think my opinion is important enough.”

“I think it is.”

“I think it’s more important for me to make the people around me think about shit. We once played a show in support of the DA, it was a cheese-fest. Afterwards, these budding young politicians came up, I don’t even know how the fuck you get into that shit.”

Jedd interjects with a quote from The Godfather: “Politics and crime are the same thing. Finance the gun, politics the trigger.”

“First and foremost, music is for us and our friends,” explains Francois. “I refuse to take responsibility. I am interested in making something and the way someone accepts it, is up to them.”

“And what will prove to you that this album is a great album?”

“I don’t know. Maybe album sales. But ripping means those days are over.” he concludes solemnly and enigmatically. Perhaps momentarily forgetting, he makes music for friends and family.

Earlier this year. Somewhere remote, the sun is setting. Francois, and future fiancé Lauren, are putting luggage down in their suite. Francois, tired and unable to conjure affectionate words, gets down on his knees.

“Will you marry me?”

“Yes.” During the days that follow. Francois writes, track 6, Tot Die Son Opkom:

As die wereld om ons vergaan / En niemand verstaan my naam... Ek het net nou vir jou oor / Om die gedagtes uit te hou / Kom ons wag tot die son opkom...as dit klank is waarna jy soek / Dink ek jy’s op die regte plek.

Whatever importance Francois assumes as symbol, or anything, two things are certain: he defines himself in song, and never tries to be anyone but himself. In the new album he does both best. Wie’s Bang? might just be VCK’s finest moment, yet.

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1994 -2012

only once upon

e m i t e f i l a ____

____

____

The youth is a loan to the future, and the 20th century rewarded the most amount of credit.

When the youth set a precedent. A blueprint, a veritable heaven defined as the golden age of love, liberty and music. But for the most part, for us it was a time to shut up and obey. words johann m smith photo liam lynch & the museum of SA

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country Today we’re entering a new era for our he victory of a party, and its people. Today we celebrate not t h Africa. but a victory or all the people of Sout

NELSON M ANDELA 1 9 9 4 ____

____

____

There was a time when music was holy, when the drugs were special

And you knew your friends...

What happened to us?

Van Coke Kartel, 2010

looking back 1994

This might not look like much, but Arthur was South Africa’s first punk.He said the notorious K word in a time between the borders of change. Although oh-so-very un-PC today, Arthur remains a cult figure, and the first musician to have the balls to speak his mind.

In 1994, the year K***** was released, was a special time in the history of music, it was the first time we could speak openly, publicly and party together. Infamous ex-punkers and underground DJ’s Leftfield made an appearance, headlining along orbital. To make this special time even more special, the Dutch brought over a surplus of MDMA. Imagine that.

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Inertia: if Syd moved to do something, he would he word: NOTHING Nothquantify his universe to one activity, but so long ing – as in “nothing” – the state, the feeling, as Syd stayed inert, possibilities would remain the stance - remains a self-elected past time in popular culture. Like a well deserved sigh, “noth- endless. Syd eventually painted his floor yellow.

Oh rash loss of alternatives! ing” is a the will to start over fresh. From zero.

By the eighties ‘nothing’ was already feeling Aaah. The everyday fact of doing nothing, feeling the pinch of necessity (after the wild years of nothing, being nothing, knowing nothing, caring about nothing are swear words for a world full of Paris 1968 & London Jubilee 1976) and the soft plans. “Nothing” comes down like a ton of bricks prison of lifestyle imperatives: maximise profit, earn more, eat less. Yuppie shit. Markets opened to crush the precious certainties of a conservative world view. But it’s getting harder. The daily up, manufacturing got flexible, people got fit and drank better wine. Everything was permitted ‘anxiety of influence’ keeps getting more intense. except ‘nothing’. The poor were streets. GovernDoing nothing isn’t allowed in a culture all ment spending serviced elites through ‘trickle about expression and success, logging in and down’ tax cuts. The rich really began to accelergetting hits. The nihilism that fueled so much youth culture (drag races, punk, black tar heroin, ate away from the rest of us under Thatcher and Reagan. Abundance without substance: Japanese teen suicide clubs) has given way to best symbolised by big 80s hair. Everything for the insistence of technology and social media: express yourself, plug in, YouTube can make you everyone in eternal abundance. Drugs finest to seediest; porn bred an a star, online life wants industry out of an old your soul. Kids are frog- there we were, seeing the marched into consumer world change, not knowing uncomfortable truth and both presented lifetsyles earlier and what it meant the fact: you can never earlier. The underlying run out of options. Consumer utopia. Taste message is Shop and Play and Join Us, the corgoes. Conformity through individuality begins porate teet squirms for your mouth. to reign. Then structural adjustment, the fall of Hard work pays. ‘Nothing’ doesn’t. But that shouldn’t stop kids from doing and being it, long the Wall and junk bonds. AIDS was the newest he word: NOTHING Nothing – as in “nothafter their kids have left for university and death ing” – the state, the feeling, the stance - remains is the next stop after retirement.

The patron Saint of Nothing is notorious Pink a self-elected past time in popular culture. Like a well deserved sigh, “nothing” is a the will to start Floyd basket case Syd Barrett. (Most definitely not the first to be possessed by the divine listless- over fresh. From zero. Aaah. The everyday fact of doing nothing, feeling nothing, being nothing, ness – millions of hermits from the Druids to Dadaists have tread the same path – but none of knowing nothing, caring about nothing are swear them made ever made it into the pop charts). He words for a world full of plans. “Nothing” comes down like a ton of bricks to crush the precious could barely leave the house let alone conquer certainties of a conservative world view. But it’s new markets with brand strategies. Syd would getting harder. The daily ‘anxiety of influence’ accomplish ‘nothing’ for endless hours, laying keeps getting more intense. completely still. A guru of sweet fuck all. Le Doing nothing isn’t allowed in a culture all grand layabout. His roommate even had A Speabout expression and success, cial Theory of Sydian

GUTTA APRIl 2012

33

ted except ‘nothing’. The poor were demonised.

Black single mothers painted as freeloaders. Mental wards rationalised so the mad literally walked the streets. Government spending serviced elites through ‘trickle down’ tax cuts. The rich really began to accelerate away from the rest of us under Thatcher and Reagan. Abundance without substance: best symbolised by big 80s hair. Everything for everyone in eternal abundance. Drugs finest to seediest; porn bred an industry out of an old uncomfortable truth and both presented the fact: you can never run out of options. Consumer utopia. Taste goes. Conformity through individuality begins to reign. Then structural adjustment, the fall of the Wall and junk bonds. AIDS was the newest expression and success, logging in and getting hits. The nihilism that fueled so much youth culture (drag races, punk, black tar heroin, Japanese teen suicide clubs) has given way to the insistence of technology and social media: express yourself, plug in, YouTube can make you a star, he patron Saint of Nothing is notori- online life wants your soul. Kids are frogmarched into consumer lifetsyles earlier and earlier. The ous Pink Floyd basket case Syd Barrett. (Most underlying message definitely not the first to be possessed by the genres like rock and kwaito is Shop and Play and Join Us, the corporate divine listlessness – milplays a vital role in teet squirms for your lions of hermits from social cohesion mouth. the Druids to Dadaists Hard work pays. ‘Nothing’ doesn’t. But that have tread the same path – but none of them shouldn’t stop kids from doing and being it, long made ever made it into the pop charts). He after their kids have left for university and death could barely leave the house let alone conquer is the next stop after retirement. new markets with brand strategies. Syd would The patron Saint of Nothing is notorious Pink accomplish ‘nothing’ for endless hours, laying Floyd basket case Syd Barrett. (Most definitely completely still. A guru of sweet fuck all. Le not the first to be possessed by the divine listlessgrand layabout. His roommate even had A Special Theory of Sydian Inertia: if Syd moved to do ness – millions of hermits from the Druids to something, he would quantify his universe to one Dadaists have tread the same path – but none of activity, but so long as Syd stayed inert, possibili- them made ever made it into the pop charts). He ties would remain endless. Syd eventually painted could barely leave the house let alone conquer his floor yellow. Oh rash loss of alternatives! new markets with brand strategies. Syd would accomplish ‘nothing’ for endless hours, laying By the eighties ‘nothing’ was completely still. A guru of sweet fuck all. Le already feeling the pinch of grand layabout. His roommate even had A Spenecessity (after the wild years cial Theory of Sydian Inertia: if Syd moved to do of Paris 1968 & London Jubilee something, he would quantify his universe to one 1976) and the soft prison of lifeactivity, but so long as Syd stayed inert, possibilistyle imperatives: maximise profit, ties would remain endless. Syd eventually painted earn more, eat less. Yuppie shit. his floor yellow. Oh rash loss of alternatives!

Markets opened up, manufacturing Hard work pays. ‘Nothing’ doesn’t. But that got flexible, people got fit and drank shouldn’t stop kids from doing it. better wine. Everything was permitlogging in and getting hits. The nihilism that fueled so much youth culture (drag races, punk, black tar heroin, Japanese teen suicide clubs) has given way to the insistence of technology and social media: express yourself, plug in, YouTube can make you a star, online life wants your soul. Kids are frogmarched into consumer lifetsyles earlier and earlier. The underlying message is Shop and Play and Join Us, the corporate teet squirms for your mouth.

Hard work pays. ‘Nothing’ doesn’t. But that shouldn’t stop kids from doing and being it, long after their kids have left for university and death is the next stop after retirement.

1997 Skateboarding blows up, punk rock gets sold at mr.price

Skateboarding and music function hand in hand. Many believe it is the physical manifestation of Rock & Roll, and as any skater will tell you being in a band doesn’t hurt. 1997 saw the first real established youth sub-culture and music institution: BLUNT MAGAZINEIt was the main stream media to not only mention local bands, but also popularise them. New World Inside - the bandFokof were before becoming the rebelious “fok God” fivepiece. Skate parks were one of the first venues to formally host punk rock gigs, which meant the kids could enjoy it, and that was essential.

PRICELE S S BUT , MI S UNDER S TOOD

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a

life

twisted to fit

“but i don’t wan’t comfort. I want real danger, poetry, freedom and sin”

aldous huxley

PINK TOP Levi’s R 350 BIKINI BOTTOM Diesel R 200 BRACELETS Seventies 80’s R 80 BOOTS Milk R 2000

GUTTA APRIl 2012

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TOP Levi’s R 450 BOOTS Milk R 2000 BIKINI BOTTOM Diesel R 200 BRACELETS Seventies 80’s R 80

38

GUTTA APRIL 2012

a

life

twisted to fit

“to find a new lover is not to find love, but to find a new way to live �

elizabeth taylor

GUTTA APRIl 2012

39

a

life

twisted to fit

“imagine getting to the end of life and all you have is money. what an empty hollow existence”

henry rollins

PINK TOP Levi’s R 350 BIKINI BOTTOM Diesel R 200 BRACELETS Seventies 80’s R 80 BOOTS Milk R 2000

40

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stockists levi’s

levis.com 088 231 3431

milk

fb/milklongstreet 021 424 4442

seventies 80’s fb/seventieseighties 021 427 3478 diesel

diesel.co.za 088 410 8643

a very special thanks to Gutta, Kylie, & Petri, our photographer GUTTA APRIl 2012

41

NEW MUSIC JIVE, JOL AND EVErything you’re into

mr cat and the jackal sins and siren songs mrcatandthejackal.co.za

ventilator Blues

J

isses bra, maar jy rook baie,” says Gertjie Besselsen to me over his black label pint at Oxford Inn, Durbanville.

“By the way is it okay if I speak Afrikaans?

You can translate it can’t you?” I’ll translate, Gertjie. Also at the table is fellow band member and co-founder, Jacques du Plessis. The others are busy with their day jobs. But everyone’s simultaneously pleased and sick of interviews. This is their 9th in the last two weeks regarding their second album Sins & Siren Songs.

The reason for the popularity isn’t the fact that the album took 37 instruments, 13 months or that the album packaging is top drawer. No, they finally employed a good publicist.

“Fuck, I’m happy we decided to get Rachelle Crous involved” admits Gertjie, “she’s really pulled her weight.”

Black on white, Rachelle has a good product she’s pushing. Open up the Victorian CD box and you’ll be presented with cork holding the CD together and a lyric booklet inspired from a children’s Bible (with real thin Bible page feel and pen illustration). The recording was done in Fresh Meat studio, Jacques’ own little practice in Durbanville, so the usual time spent on doubt was spent on being intoxicated.

“In between sober and drunk you release all that inhibition and you just want to jam. But it’s not like we fucked around. We worked hard.” recalls Jacques.

And unlike the first album, S&SS was mixed and mastered by Darryl Torr, Zebra and Giraffe’s producer, an interesting choice that came with a recommendation from Jon Savage. So it should be good. But is it? Blending sinister pirate noise with sadness and truth, yielding blues that are at times sweet or an avalanche of boulders, depending in what state they were in, this release shows precocious ambition. Despite being an acquired taste, it doesn’t deviate from classic rock theory, and it’s definitely not stick-in-your-headpop. Starting off with a fairy tale instrumental intro ‘Avarice’ that could be mistaken for something off a Tim Burton movie soundtrack

with Chucky’s slow “I hate bands who only put on Django Rienhardt inspired guitar pickapproaching steam train drum fills. The second a certain amount of tracks” ing and images of an old woman drinking track and single, ‘The Gertjie, frontman Devil Always Wants To Dance’, is a veritable bal- on her own, crying for the man who walked out lad of a doomed world. Barging in with plodding the door this morning, is a fine example that percussion swinging accordion, as-a-matter-of-fact the band are not singing about that token exgirlfriend anymore. They’ve gotten more accuslyrics and advice: “We all know life is like this/ tomed to using unconventional instruments; the You expect a handshake /You receive a fist/Everyday is a kick in the face/But life in the mud is novelty has worn off, and they understand more.

Beyond the tenth track the album does become life at least.” a bit samey, perhaps it’s only snag. When asked Rolling is R’s the about 16 tracks on the album, why not save Gertjie and Jacques attack with acceptance some for later, Gertjie answered: “I hate bands and disgust bordering that think they should only put on a certain amount of tracks. These are all our little children. on anger and everyWe couldn’t do away with any of them.” thing else with blues These are red-letter days for local music. Bands’ sentimentality. But struggle in a small saturated market is ultimately throughout there is to our gain. It either translates into them not always loss. giving a fuck or trying a harder for our attention.

The band has And Mr Cat and The Jackal have clearly done matured and are the latter. The band personally recommends that constantly reaching S&SS should be enjoyed while under the influfor that invulnerable ence of earth-grown substances. Perhaps this can wise statement that also be enjoyed in-sync with a movie, like Dark will make us all go Side of The Moon and The Wizard of Oz. yes, it’s bad and it’s over. Old Port Joan’s’ Words johann m smith GUTTA APRIl 2012

43

new m u si c jive

pascal & pierce passport pandp.co.za

for the love of the beat

M

ay and in a few short years have catapulted into the limelight, filling up their résumé with remixes of artists such as Flash Republic, Locnville, Goldfish, Zebra & Giraffe and Roger Sanchez. I caught up with them a few short weeks before the release date of their very first and highly anticipated double disc studio album titled, Passport. Arriving at Dave Pearce’s home (and home-studio) I turn left from the entrance and into a room where… an ‘Irie Beanie’ man hangs from the door knob sporting an easy-happy grin, giving off a warm and welcome vibe. I smirk right back as I turn the handle. We sit down in their cosy Sea Point studio that is totally ‘P&P’d’ out. A graphic of their laughing faces hangs aboard a framed poster sitting on the front wall. Tilting my head I see in the background a picture of none other than The Beatles in their glory days. The aura of the room strikes me as somewhat eclectic as I poise myself on their comfy pink couch, settling down for what turns out to be a fun hour…

Their sound has been described since their early days in ’07 as fresh, filthy and wobbly influenced by Brazilian rhythms and percussion. They have in fact grown since then and now describe their sound as…

“Uplifting Progressive Driving Electro Filth…

We have changed completely but for the better. ej von lyrik The Human condtion africandope.co.za/ ejvonlyric

It’s no small feat creating an album that spans a large demographic but EJ von Lyrik seems to do so with ease on this, her second studio album. There is a little something for almost everyone to appreciate in this album, from the very strong Hip-Hop sound of track “Such a Load Off ”, reminiscent of early 90’s Funk-soaked street-style Hip-Hop, to the reggae-styled beats of “They Go Crazy”, where EJ is joined by fellow local legend/ muso/DJ Dubmasta China. There is even a touch of rock to be heard in track “Idiot Box” – a rather unexpected surprise.

Lyrically, The Human Condition sends out a message of substance: be self-aware and wise of the South Africa we currently live in, but it also sends out a message of encouragement a defiant cry to “never kill the fire inside!” Tired of Hip-Hop being about nothing more than sex, cars and booze? Put this magazine down and buy this album, now. P.S Thank you for reading this magazine. We appreciate it.

Words

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naomi du plessis

GUTTA APRIL 2012

Our understanding of the use of the tools we work on have improved. Technically our quality is so much better,” explains Pascal [Ellinas].

Dave [Pearce] studied contemporary music and this experience he says laid a foundation for the appreciation of genre differentiation.

He elaborates, “to say we are Fusion doesn’t even come close to describing what it is we do when we make music. I got tastes early on of different genres such as Hip Hop, Jazz, Rock and Country and with that my thinking just broadened on what great production can entail. And that’s what I bring when producing and so does Pascal.”

“Some people come up to us and will say… ‘I could tell that was your track it sounds just like you,’ and we will be like okay we didn’t realize that our sound was that specific because we keep mixing it up. But it’s great if someone can listen to our music like that. It proves people perceive music differently,” adds Pascal. So, what fans can we expect from the upcoming album ‘Passport’?

“It’s a double disc CD set with the first being

Words

heather mennel

Jack parow eksie ou

Blk Sonshine good life

Black noise stone garden soldiers

jackparow.co.za

ms/blksonshine

ms/blacknoise

Jack Parow is back with an album that will make you laugh, think, cry and get down. Produced by the same Justin de Nobrega (Die Antwoord’s beat guy), and featuring the same dysfunctional kiefest friends who joined him on his his previous self-titled debut album; this second attempt is all the more better. The novelty has worn off. Parow brings in new colab heavyweights Heuwels Fantasties, Gazelle, Haezer, PH Fat, Sibot and, believe it, David Kramer complete with monster bass lines.

The so-called zef-styled messiah, is moving away from what we can expect from his kind... Eksie ou has extra an “edge” with a South African hue. It’s not merely Hip-Hop in Afrikaans with naughty words to upset the public. It’s a melting pot of music, moving from hard beats to Boeremusiek to Dub Step to Adult Contemporary music. It’s sommer net lekker. Or, in the man’s own words: “the beats and lyrics are shmaarter.”

So, you gonna go out and buy it, yeah?

Words

all of our own original tracks and the second disc will be all of our remixes of other artist tracks.

From what we know this is the first SA release of its kind with all the work being original and then a remix disc too,” they tell me.

Pascal adds “It‘s going to be a showcase of what we are capable of.” He pauses, considering his statement, “Because we make a lot more stuff than we actually put out. When you listen to it you will find that each song is a little different from the other, proving once again our take on diversity in production. Everyone always takes away what they interpret from music, whether that was the intended message or not. The idea is to make an impact and you make that impact when putting real soul and passion into your music.”

“We have a genuine love for what we do. We also make music because of the appreciation we have for it and the feeling that goes into our production. Aside from that; nothing else separates us from other Cape Town DJs”

liouse crous

Perhaps it’s the daunting task of producing a follow up to their 2000 album and hit single ‘Born In A Taxi’ that’s kept BLK Sonshine off the scene for almost a decade, but now they are back with a new album ‘Good Life’. They say that good things shouldn’t be rushed – and thankfully Masauko Chipembere and Neo Muyanga took their sweet time in blending their melodic and acoustic guitar sounds with elements of jazz, folk, reggae and hip-hop. ‘Good Life’ brings us warm acoustic melodies intertwined with intelligent lyrics in a modern yet ancestral, thoughtful and intoxicating combination that lets us connect with its infectious grooves and soulful lyrics from the very first note until the last. MXO, Tumi and award-winning bassist Concord Nkabinde team up with the boys of BLK Sonshine to deliver an album that is beautiful as it is inspiring and impressive. Something you’d wish was an LP bought at second hand record store.

Words

steve brand

Hip-hop is less of a distinct a genre these days than it is a mix of all music styles that mankind has ever created. After 20 years of making a conscious rap racket in the mother city, Black Noise are a local institution and their new album is a testament to hip-hop’s genre-mashing principle. On this joint you will find reggae chants, live instruments, samples and a song sung in four languages. Funk and rock feature prominently too. (Think Tom Morello gets high with Eezi-E).

The lyrical content spans a range of the usual hip-hop topics: from the plight of the ghetto youth; to global warming; to the VIP sections at da club. Lekka ne?

The production is remarkable, especially since you won’t see any major label logo printed on the back. These brasse are all about the DIY. In summary – here is an album that everyone should be able to find something to appreciate on a record that you can take your hips as well as your brain to.

Words

adrian davies

new m u si c jol

RYNo VELVET bULLETIN rynovelvet.co.za

predictably predictable

W

hat Hunter Kennedy said poetically and beautifully Ryno Velvet sings in plain Afrikaans. Ryno’s melodies are free of any metaphysical mediation. But with Bulletin he’s just pissed off. Which may come as a bit of a shock to those who know him from the happy-go-lucky-stylings of his singles.

But this is unpredictability, the so-called hallmark of a true artist, staying one step ahead of the market. So Bulletin is a Simba Suprise. The record company definitely wasn’t expecting. On delivery of the final master, they showed him the door, despite having given the project a green light from the earlier demos he produced.

Essentially this independent release is a hard rock album that checks all the totalitarian tick boxes and it’s got fuck you written all over it.

The guitars are up front and centre, left and right, but kept under on a leash by some smooth production work. It sounds like Ryno might be budding for a career as a stadium rocker. So it seems a little strange that the record company would refuse it. It’s loud angry and proudly Afrikaans. It fits right on the shelf between Van Coke and Taxi Violence. Maybe that was it, there’s a surplus in the market. Maybe not.

Amsterdam, the opening track, has no fore-play, guitars smash in and drums tumble afterward.

The riff bears an uncanny resemblance to Hystevan coke kartel wie’s bang?

evolver one evolver one

luna page a wonderful life

vancokekartel.co.za

evolveroneband.com

lunapaige.com

I assume you’ve read my article on VCK and expect only praise. In 2009, I said the second, and unsuccessful album, was the best release that year. Wie’s Bang comes in two phases of enjoyment: the first, is a f*ck you noise experience. The second, when you’ve resist the first and listen to the lyrics. Unlike any VCK or Fokof album, it’s got balance. The sound comes is a whole. Production smooth. Levels nicely invert between vocals and guitar, escpecially when Jedd slips in sweep picking – producer Theo Crous’ metal guitar roots clearly came handy. Several guitars were used, we can safely assume Jedd rummaged through Theo’s collection. But, it’s not a guitar album. Jason ‘flavourised’ the token ka-doef beat, through various accents and soul – during a Jack Parow’s collaboration, he exchanges 4-to-the-floor for an irregular trip-hop beat, suggestive of Wu-Tang Clan but still very much VCK. Any flaws? Yeah, Wynand’s chewy bass twang is missing.

Words

46

staan Verkeerd and Heelwaarskynlik are offset by ria by Muse, executed with Van Halen bombast. some showy guitar playing. And that is a shame.

Ryno voice is distorted, angry, lyrics are violent On this, his third album, Ryno has chosen to it all ends as it began with a bang. Next up, back himself up with some first-rate Durbanville Holga offers reprieve with catchier melody and musos, in retrospect he finishes what Amsterdam started, the mood It’s a simba suprise the record would’ve been better with a couple of amabecomes optimistic. company definetely wasn’t teurs. The band seems Moeilikheid derails expecting to rock out on autothe vibe with funk pilot and predictably a bit of the soul is lost. complete with Wah Wah reminiscent of Isaac No doubt, Ryno worked hard, and it’s not a Hayes. But then in the middle we are reminded bad album all and all. It’s just strictly for fans. of his melodic capabilities. His greatest asset.

Listen to it, if only for the good moments.

Why he chooses to be a stomping hard-rock buffalo instead of graceful pop gazelle is beyond Words johann m smith comprehension. The bitter sweet melodies Jy Ver-

johann m smith

GUTTA APRIL 2012

They’ve added a ‘One’ to their name, gotten into oversized My Chemical Romance jackets and ditched their humour. The sound is bigger, layered with synth flying over vast spaces with gliding guitars. Lyrics suggest they’ve grown up and moved on to tackle worldly issues rather than going on one of Rock & Roll’s self-indulgent, nihilistic adventures. This self-titled album wears it’s optimism on its sleeve, showing concern for a better society and a greener future: “And the things that make you laugh / will one day make you cry”.

Peter Pote’s vocals shine through with conviction and clarity, strangly however, they went through the trouble of explaining their motivation on the CD sleeve. Tulsa Pittaway still pounds those drums with intent to wreak destruction. The new approach is more commercial and accessible approach, but don’t think they’ve abandoned their token pop-and-jump sound, rather just buy it.

Words

martin j smit

A few songs into Luna Paige’s third album and you’re convinced she’s serious about being an experimental Tracy Chapman.

Overflowing with blues-heavy, end-ofthe-world choruses and ghostly chants (courtesy of Chris Chameleon) reminiscent of the opera by the blue antler alien in the sci-fi film The Fifth Element. Stick around a bitlonger and the album becomes a blooming pop, country-esque crooner tugging at the heart strings. Coloured with melodic rhymes about the relationship of darkness versus light – a bit cliché maybe, but not completely without function. Paige is a social worker and track seven, New Love, is the theme song of a foundation she started of the same name against the abuse of women and children.

Fortunately, it all fits well and it’s a long album with enough to go around for everybody. It took over a year and a half to make, and that is evident. Wonderful Life is crushing, sweet, honest. A dark tunnel with many shiny exits.

Words

gutta ed

willem welsyn maan plaas willemendie toffies.co.za Willem Welsyn is the Rock & Roll rebirth of Koos Du Plessis – he matches the dead legend in vocal and writing ability. This is he’s fourth album, and the first his first solo attempt, and a Dedication to his mother. The reason being his father passed away while the previous album was being written. Unlike his previous work, there are no naked girls, rude jokes, swear words or orange. The cover is covered in black. Die son in sonskyn-rock het gaan sak. His mishmash guitaring is replaced with long howls and blues.

Drums are no longer double bass insane.

His voice is louder. The lyrics ponderous.

Everything soaked with blood from the heart. The songs are stories, word don’t merely grab random emotions that sound poetic and nice. This album is special but not a classic. Made for mourning and time best spent alone. But like its predecessors, it fits perfectly in a niche - somewhere between camp Afrikaans mielie tunes, and cool rock. His mother will love it.

Words

jon smythe

new m u si c dates

All the albums, singles and videos coming your way very soon. albums 23 may

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.”

29 june

terminatryx.com

26 may the dirty skirts lost in the fall thedirtyskirts.com According to Skirt’s guitarist David Moffatt “the sonic has changed on this album.

“We are closer to the experience that we’ve envisaged. We have deliberately preserved the grittiness of our pre-studio recordings. Some of the material is dark and hard, but there is loads of beauty and heart too.” Co-produced by the Skirts and Neal Snyman and engineered by Brendan Rossouw. The band are launching the album live at Mercury. Go support. The bassist just had his third child yo.

2 june WE SET SAIL

we set sail something about the moon fb/wesetsail

They’re almost done with their debut seven track album. “It’ 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. Thats given us and the CoffeeStainedVinyl Studio crew more time to work on the finer details”. Produced by the band, Teejay Terblanche, and

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GUTTA APRIL 2012

available now albums fbk/lisa

THE WILD EYES SWASTIQUE thewildeyes.com

ms/jaxpanik

Terminatryx launches their anticipated Remyx v1.0 on 23 May, at the Sound On Screen music festival The album, that features remixers from the UK, Austria, Greece, USA and locally, will be launched live and over the internet.

Paul adds, “there will be an on-line video streaming event from the White Room at Sound and Motion Studios [CT], reaching the entire world. The intimate setting will have selected guests and press, with everyone else able to watch it on-line, no matter where they are.” Also included will be “a special guitar give-away” courtesy Paul Bothner Music and to celebrate the launch even more, all Terminatryx releases will be available at a special reduced price at oneworld.co.za. For more updates, and on time-zones for the on-line broadcast, check terminatryx.com

TBC homegrownrecords.co.za/isaacmutant

DANS DANS LISA POST-EMO jax panik i am jax panik

terminatryx remyx v.10

WAT’S DIE VRAAG?

Smith inspired enigmatic creative musical force Jax Panik returns to our lives with a sophomore album. Previews of the new album have been garnering significant interest internationally which is understandably exciting for the former “one-man bedroom outfit” who has since evolved into a full-blown studio project with key creative partnerships and synergies in place, combining web promotional strategies and viral concepts on a global level in every direction they wander. In the meantime while you wait, preview some of the new tracks on his MySpace.

Jax Panik are Jax Van Heerden and Johnny De Ridder

29 june

BRUCE WILLIS??

QUESTION BEAT rubadub.com/brucewillis

van coke kartel wie’s bang? vancokekartel.co.za

jack parow ek’s die ou jackparowismosdieou.co.za

Johann M smith gutta gutta.com

skwatta kamp BACK IN THE KAMP skwattakamp.co.za

tumi and the volume tune it harder ms/tumiandthevolume

obsessie met als antidotes fb/obsessieisalles It seems the band with the catchy name have been hard at work winning new fans and getting their name well and truly out there in all sorts of ways. They’ve just released their second video for ‘Oggend Visie’ and they tell us that they will be shooting the third one sometime later this month. Their long-awaited album ‘Antidotes’ will hit shelfs in every Look & Listen store but the band are giving fans the opportunity to claim ownership a week before. All you have to do is attend one of these venues on nationwide their respective dates: Catch them at these upcoming shows 8 Sep Roxy’s JHB (tbc) 11 Sep - Aandklas, Stellenbosch 18 Sept – The Assembly CT

dj fresh vars uit die oond freshaszef.co.za

cashless society very poh homegrownrecords.co.za/csociety

TROMPIES DIS MOS ONS TBC, end May globalschack.co.za

CLOSET SNARE SKELETONS 1 June closetsnare.com

the brother moves on dozen gifts TBC end June thebrothermoveson.com

Singles THE PLASTICS stereo kids

witchboy H*O*l*L*Y

Enigma Nikhil Singh just released the first song for his internet meme side-project. check youtube.com

Shadow club tbc

We don’t what song yet, but we know they’re recording... fb/shadowclub.com

fb/fatjoe

In Studio 7th son

They’ve announced a new 9-track album being recorded at Kill City Studios CT. fb/theseventhson

goldfish

chris aiden darkow

thegreatapes.com

retro vinyls SKELETONS

frankie fire

1 June suprafamilias.com

ISAAC MUTANT

fbk/zakesbantwane

replikaz the downside ms/replicate

CLOSET SNARE SKELETONS closetsnare.com

the brother moves a dozen gifts thebrothermoves.com

THE OTHERWISE PRO-RETRO theotherwiseotherside.com

NEW GUY INSIDE GERALD postbluntbandanagrams.co.za

HHP EK RUIK LEKKA axefragrances.co.za

now showing spoek mathambo control fb/spoek

ben nevis die gevoel verduidelik fb/bennevis

machineri bellville industria macheriband.com

dans dans lisa hartseer TROMPIES DIS MOS ONS globalschack.co.za

Don’t

spend you’re life trudging on the internet

New numbers for summer, apparently. goldfish.co.za

Apparently sitting inside a dark room right now making dark beats. fb/darkow

vanfokkintasties best of

zakes bantwane german dollas

As you read, a reprised version of the original is being recorded. theplasticsband.com

The great apes TBC

1 June fb/retrovinyls

in the making

fb/lisadans

fat joe vet pret

coming soon

Videos

frankieisonfiya.co.za

die antwoord

You cannot insult the absurdly ridiculious more than it already insults itself. interscoperecords.com

get it all on

g u tta . C o m

new m u si c from the past

the strokes is this it? thestrokes.com

albums that changed our lives

T

he year 2000 was probably one of the worst in Rock ‘n Roll history, it was a great year for nu – metal, neo –grunge, Coldplay and terminal childishness with Blink 182 , but for lovers of real thing it was nowhere to be found. Ten years after Nirvana kicked the sex that we’re so accustomed to in music videos last breath out of eighties with Nevermind the and promotion, but rather something mysterious rock ‘n roll spirit seemed to have moved on, and genuinely sexy much like music itself. leaving in it’s wake a thousand crimes against I’ll be the first person to admit that there is it’s ghost. Many gave up on guitars all together nothing overwhelmingly original or inventive and sales of turntables and mixers skyrocketed. about Is This It, the whole thing could have been The world was ruled by men in baggy pants and made in 1965 so simple is it’s production. But backward turned caps screaming in stadiums like the Ramones in about how angry they every song is a killer the 70’s they stripped were and how much life in general just it all happens so immediately Rock music down to it’s blood and bones sucked. and gets to the point and showed just how Enter 2001 and The easy it was underneath all the hype and posStrokes. Now even if you’ve never heard them ing, kinking the millionare rock musos off their or until this paragraph we’re unaware of their pedastals and bringing it all back home for the existence I can guarantee that your life has been affected in some way. I know that mine definitely kids. It is this remarkable show of restraint that is simply genius. Rather then get carried away, was, and many I know suffered the same fate and throw in everthing but the kitchen sink the too. Take Converse hi – tops for instance: in Strokes restricted themselves to 2 guitars drums 2000 very few people besides tsotsis and couple and bass, no overdubs and all in less then 4 of hardcore punks owned a pair, and now everyminutes (Barley Legal the longest clocks in at one does. It might be difficult to prove but I’m 3min 54). The album may be short at over a half almost certain that Converse has the Strokes and an hour, but every the bands that copied them to song is a killer, thank for their resurgence in the because they all takkie trade. Unkempt unwashed happens so immehair, blazers worn with t-shirts diately and get to and jeans, the list of innovations the point without re-introduced by this New York wasting a second quintet reads like a list of fashion on superfluous trends for the last eight years. dramatics. Not that This influence is of course is not it lacked any of restricted to sartorial matters, that (just feel the because along with White Stripes adrenellin spike as and The Libertines, the Strokes the guitars cut out became the daddies of an entire in the middle of Someday or as the riff smashes music movement. So you have “Is This It” to back in after the 5 second drum solo in New thank or blame, depending on what side of the York City Cops), it’s just that they didn’t have indie rock fence happen to be. try that hard to make you care.

The band all hailed from New York City and efore hearing a note of music you knew the album was written and recorded there, it you were in for something different, couldn’t have been made anywhere else, it has because like so many great albums the a cocky attitude and frenetic pace that couldn’t cover was as important as the music on the have originated from let’s say Coventry. In inside. Is this It is no expection, if you saw it on Guitarists Nick Valensi and Albert Hammond Jr the shelf of your local music store in late 2001, we had the first guitar heroes for a new century, you really had to stop and have a look and maybee even a listen. It wasn’t a the gratuitous use of who rediscovered the art of the guitar solo after

B 50

GUTTA APRIL 2012

it had been banished to the wilderness during the reign of grunge.

Their guitars are overamped and buzz with life, constant chatting to one another. Sometimes in dishord; sometimes in harmony, but constantly pushing the songs forward. It makes me think of what it might have been like to hear Chuck Berry discover electricity 45 years earlier.

W

hats more is just how good it makes you feel, the same swagger and energy rushing through every chord and note, in an album which always seems to say that yes life may suck at times, but a couple of beers with friends reminiscing about the good times can heal all wounds. So what if you’re girlfriend doesn’t understand, no one ever will, and that’s what being a man is all about. The most sacreligous part about the Strokes however is the fact that they looked like so much fun, even if they didn’t jump around and act like escaped lunatics on stage. There’s something very cool about them, not in the way that others strike a pose, but rather like they’d mastered the Zen or something. Whatever the case these 11 songs really make you feel like you’re on your way somewhere, especially the stomp – along rock of the Modern Age. With the kind of drunken croon that recalled the Rat pack rather than nu –metal throat shredders of the time singer Julian Casablancas gave the impression of man wise and weary beyond his years (only 23 at the time).

People who had never paid attention to music, went out and formed bands because it reminded them music’s power to arouse and excite and while it may have been a shock to ears conditioned by smooth, well proportioned and note perfect sound of the late nineties to hear something so crude and honest, but it was impossible not to be swept up and carried away by their skuzzy charms.

It sounded like the band was right in the room with you and not locked away in a studio, playing take after take and then mixing the life out of the whole thing.

Words

steve brand

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gutta published & distributed by

coalition founding editor johann m smith

senior editors dave mckinley thomas whitebread

production editor monique brune

art editor martin j smit

assistant editor ruan scott

new music editor

music is my girlfriend And we love her, the good and the bad, very much

davey j williams

sales director thomas whitebread

assiting editors fahiem stellenboom / swain valencia ferris / rob scher

words davey j williams photo johann m smith / steve brand

M

usic. t’s a form of innate human expression which sees no exclusion. It’s a philosophy that enlightens and makes people aspire to something. It can tell something. It can accompany anything, from a memory that evokes an emotion. It can be a religion if you want.

Everyone shares a similar story to how it bit them. From a personal experience, it started from parent to child, right back in the days of listening to the parent’s favourites on tape in the old car on a drive through the highway or on the radio on a late night. It’s giving the parents a laugh and miming to The Troggs ‘Wild Thing’.

It’s hearing ‘Yellow Submarine’ for the first time and the colours that come with it. Any colour you like… It’s your siblings giving you what teen spirit smells like and showing you how to head bang till you smash pumpkins. It’s in the high school corridors before lessons when a friend gives you the ‘100 Greatest Guitar Solos’, he says ‘Listen to this...” You think you’ve heard it before, but it sounds awesome. No matter where you grew up and what you listened to, each story is unique.

Artist to artist, song to song, genre to genre it just doesn’t stop. You find out that your history teacher listens to that stuff too and you chat about it. Even during class. You go the library just to check the books that have pics and the story behind it all. But it never ends. It grabs you; you eventually sell your playstation for your first guitar. Try going for a lesson or two but screw that… You just want to jam. You want a part time job, you speak to the boss. You eventually find out he digged that stuff too and he also jams. You become friends with your boss, you share it all. You end up having lunch with him and jamming in his garden.

You try and get educated at a higher institution, but you meet friends that dig that same 54

GUTTA APRIL 2012

stuff. You share more. “Let’s form a band” he says. “Yeah for sure” you go. Set it up in a room, play the bass line and let everyone chip in. Get a gig, get your first flash from a cougar and hey, you got memories.

After a hectic day or when your chic dumps you, you grab your instrument and you have a cathartic moment...You let it out and let in… It’s in the call and response. It’s in the sharing, the opinions, the appreciation and the memories. It’s the moment in time it had. But it’s like milk, it has an expiry date. Some appreciate it for what it is. Some appreciate it just coz others do and the concept around it.

However, it’s becoming warped and losing its authenticity. It’s trying to be resurrected. But it’s being collaborated with the money makers, the mainstream, and the overdone. It becomes remixed, placed in the mundane 4/4 timing on a dance floor, spectacled and pressed enter until the next hit comes in. All for those that see the superficial with the short attention span. Nice twist, but really?

With this twist, there’s no virtuosity, key change or flow. Everything is becoming ubiquitous and all over the place. The lovers get lost.

So much so, that the gems become swamped left in the garage or in the basement. In this day in age, it’s wearing and it’s dying. The only place where it’s happening is where it’s thought of, where it’s made, in the circle of friends, in the mosh pit. Not at the priced seats, that all you see is the artist’s as micro machines magnified by a screen, amplified with lights and the booming of the P.A’s that it is proudly brought to you by a household product and filmed if you missed it.

And if you missed it, well then tough…

But it’s that role model, that idol that stands the test of time. It’s the constructed sound, the rose that grew from the concrete…its music…

contributing writers

sergio pereira / james rose matthew / jezebel / yusuf laher / eliza day naomi williams / steve brand / paul blom / adrian davies

contributing photographers timmy henny / niklas zimmerman / cheyne reeves / andrew byers / andre vosloo / matthew schnetler / deborah rossouw

contact us sales Thomas Whitebread thomas@gutta.com / 082 889 2047

readers ilovemusic@gutta.com

bands & musicians Johann M Smith imakemusic@gutta.com / 084 7951105

publisher Coalition T (021) 913 8423 / F 086 544 1361

© 2012 gutta magazine no part of this magazine may be imitated or reproduced in whole or in part physically or other wise without the permission of gutta magazine. any views, opinions and visual material expressed in gutta magazine or by its contributors and staff are not necessarily shared by gutta magazine or it staff.

We do not accept responsibility fo any omissions or mistakes as we do everything possible to ensure all information pulbished is accurate.

special thanks to

Everyone who assisted with the creation of Gutta.

Especially Monique and Fahiem.

Ma, ek’s lief vir jou, dankie dat jy in my altyd glo. from the Gutta

with love

GREY 124984

Clearly superior.

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