C o n t e n t Issue 19 — August 2012
♦ Editors Note ♦ Team Profile ♦ The Writing is on the Wall ♦ Featured Bands * Prime Circle
Prime Circle
* John Ellis * Leave the Living
♦ and in other news ♦ Danni’s Punk Pit ♦ Togger of the Month
John Ellis
♦ Contact Page
Leave the Living
I
‘m finally making one of my dreams come true with this issue of Fanbase Music Mag. I’ve had the
privilege of featuring some big names in the past issues and this month I feature another big name, nonother than Prime Circle. The band took time out of their hectic schedule to let us interview them so go read all about this exciting interview with one of South Africa’s biggest bands ever.
Editors Note
Just when you think the big names stop there, I get to interview another big name in South African music the very talented singer John Ellis. You might remember John from South African band Tree 63, well he is now a solo artist and has just released a new album called Rural. Go check out that interview where he talks about Tree 63 and his new album. It’s really a good read!!! In “Danni’s Punk Pit” she has also been very busy interviewing a band by the name of Leave the Living!!! This band is a hard heavy metal band so excited that we get to feature some of heavy music again. The cool thing about featuring “Leave the Living” is that they are from Canada so it’s nice to be able to feature some of the up and coming overseas bands in the mag! Last month Danni interviewed her first photographer. She was so excited about doing that, that she has decided to feature another photographer who goes by the name of Teagan Cunniffe. Go check out this dudes work, real cool. Speaking of Toggers, our regular Togger of the Month goes by the name of Kristina Meyer. This lady’s work is insane so check her out under our Togger of the Month section. In our “And in other news” section, we have an article on Ard Matthews (from just Jinjer) who has just brought out his solo album called” First offerings”, awesome. We’re currently in talks with Ard to do an interview in the near future. So look out for this which will feature in one of our issue very soon. Also in “and in other news” we are proud to announce that Esjay Jones is returning back to South Africa for a tour. See the dates where you can catch her in a city near you. Now something that I’m very proud of. Zone Radio is making its debut in Fanbase Music Mag. We have teamed up with Zone Radio and have decided to interview the Zone Radio DJ’s over the next few issues. This month we feature the breakfast zone that's presented by “The Unicorn and Pumpkin”. Go check out their interviews. It was so much fun and we can’t wait to interview the rest of the DJ’s. You can listen to Zone Radio via streaming audio by going to www.zoneradio.co.za Speaking of teaming up with Zone Radio, we are planning a special event in the months to come. A few weeks ago Zone Radio interviewed the chairman of the board from Nazareth House Les Ruhrmund. Where they spoke about this awesome organisation and how much they need the funding of the public to help them out. After hearing that we at Fanbase Music Mag decided we needed to help such a worthy cause. So after getting in contact with Zone Radio we’ve decided to team up and organise a day festival where bands will play the whole day and all proceeds will go the Nazareth House. So keep a look out for this future event and please give it your support. Firstly I was able to attend an awesome gig by Zebra and Giraffe as they did their Malibu winter acoustic tour. Check out my gig review on them. It was such a cool intimate gig and I am so excited about this band, they are set do big things in the music industry. Well that is it for now folks. I hope you enjoy this issue and please check us on Facebook and Twitter. Before I sign off I want to say thank you to my awesome team who is the real reason why the mag goes out every month. To my awesome friend Daniela who is my right hand lady - You rock!!! There are some silent helpers who don’t show their face in the mag but yet they do sooo much for the mag. I would like to thank Marissa Horn who helps out a lot in terms of research, punting the mag and its events. Thank you my friend. Then I would like to thank the two people who do the designing of the mag that is my awesome Mom Emily Clayton, thanx Mom love you and also my girlfriend who helps with the design work - love you lots babe. Keep rocking and big hobo hugs Duwyne
WRITING IS ON THE WALL
Dear Editor of Fanbase Wow ! Another great issue—keep up the good “music” news…...yours in music x Hi there Fanbase
Duzzy replies
Can’t wait to see your August issue—your mag is becoming one of my favorite pastime reading !!!!!! A big fan x
Thanks for the email—hope you enjoy this issue. Don’t miss out on the other issues on it’s way, we have some awesome articles lined up.
Duzzy replies
Keep rocking Duzz
Hi there “big fan” Thanks for taking the time to give us some positive feedback, always welcome, and thanks for reading our mag. Hope we keep you hook for a long time to come. Keep rocking Duzz
Hey everyone out there—don’t be shy, drop us a note for “The Wall”. Would luv to hear from you all ! The Fanbase Team
Wow my life is complete. Ever since I’ve started Fanbase Music Mag, I’ve always wanted to feature Prime Circle in the mag and now I have finally made that dream come true. Okay but enough about my groupie outburst, let’s talk about what you can expect in the interview. Prime Circle have been in and out of the studio for the last few months as well as touring all over the world. They took time out of their busy schedule to let me interview them and talk about the new album and touring amongst other things. Check out the interview and thanks to Ross, Marko, Dirk, Neil and Dale for the interview!!!
Interviewed by : Duwyne Clayton
For those that don’t know, where did it all start for Prime Circle ? It all started in a small town called Witbank in our parents garages.
How did you come up with the name Prime Circle? Prime Circle is a circle of friends, circle of musicians.
What is the craziest thing that’s happened on stage? Nothing too crazy, just getting smacked in the face with a couple of bra's and panties.
Do you still get nervous onstage? Not nervous, just amped.
Do you have any rituals before going on stage? Yes we crack jokes, be really sarcastic with each other and then say a little prayer.
You have currently been waving the South African flag high and touring the world, how has the response been outside South Africa? Our international fan base is growing steadily and quickly, especially in Europe.
You’ve had some of your songs played on various TV adverts for e.g Castle Lager, how has that been for you, have people thought you have sold out or has it brought on new opportunities for the band? We didn't do the commercial to SELL OUT but instead the song really suited the story board of the advert and the message they were trying to get across, and our fans do realize that and appreciate it for what it is.
“Prime Circle is a circle of friends, circle of musicians”
Ross, you are currently involved in the “Save the Rhino” campaign, just how important is this cause and what is your message to the fans on this matter? It's a fantastic cause to be involved in and it really touches home for us. We need to safeguard our heritage and our animals. S.A is a very special country in the world. Fans please support the Save the Rhino campaign.
How do you feel about groupies? Groupies are part of this industry, it will never change. You just have to appreciate them for who they are and carry on with your lives.
Lastly, what does the future hold for Prime Circle after the new album? We will be releasing our new album in South Africa as well as Europe which will allow us to take the album further and deeper into the world – educating people around the world about Prime Circle.
You are currently in and out of the studio working on a new album, what can we expect from the new album? Expect a cool rock and roll experience and a growing and evolving musical movement for the band.
When is the new album set to be released? We hoping for end of the year or early next year, no dates have been confirmed as yet.
Where did you find your inspiration for this album and what was the writing process like? Inspiration has come from touring all over and learning from international bands, and of course from our personal lives.
Where is your most favourite place to play a gig? Put us on stage and that will be our favourite gig.
“put us on a stage and that will be our favourite gig”
By: Duwyne Clayton / Photography by : Crystal Rees-Gibbs
I was recently lucky enough to attend a gig from one of South Africa’s most influential bands, Zebra & Giraffe who held a tour called “The Malibu Acoustic Winter Tour” where they played some of their well-known tracks and also got to play some new songs from their newly released album “The Wisest Ones” . Wow what a great gig it was. The venue was held at P.O.P. ART, a small venue in the heart of Johannesburg city. This venue allowed for a very intimate gig experience as the stage was right on top of the sold out audience on the night. A small bar helped to keep the cold out as the band played one of the best gigs I have attended in a long time. Each member interacted with the crowd, with lead singer, Greg Carlin and keyboardist/drummer, Michael Wright popping jokes between songs which really made the gig intimate and fun.
Songs included were : All I gave, Bleed me out, Long way down, Little black book, Undo these lies, Inside Arm yourself, Fight fight fight, In my eyes, Have I got no soul, Final countdown, End of the road, Terrified, Wicked game (Chris Isaak cover)The knife, It's not what it seems and Pariahs. So it was a mixture of old and some great new ones and some few covers thrown in. A set list which is destined to make any gig successful. If this gig is anything to go by then the new album is defo something to get your hands on, which has just been released and can be found at most leading music stores. We will be featuring Zebra & Giraffe in the next issue where we interview the band and talk about the new album amongst other things— so look out for that !!!
Full name: Richard Griggs Nick name: The Unicorn Occupation: Radio Presenter Your show name and time/ day: The Breakfast Zone - 9am to 12pm
What you like about Zone Radio: The fact that it opens doors to new presenter talent; it promotes South African music by providing South African musicians with airplay without making them “jump through hoops like a circus poodle”, it is interactive and listener driven and plays the music people want to hear and finally, it provides small and medium businesses with low cost advertising opportunities.
What made you get into radio? At the age of five I watched Eric Eagan presenting a Springbok Radio Christmas show in the window of the old Plain Street OK Bazaars in Cape Town. With my nose pressed up against a display window, I was captivated by what was going on. Then, out of the blue, Eric Eagan called me into the studio and “showed me the ropes”, and treated me like a “special guest”. It was right there that my lifelong love affair with radio started. Years later, I found myself producing shows for “Big Steve” Wood on KFM, presenting and training young presenters on FMR, and launching Zone Radio where people can hear the music they want to hear. I believe that, through Eric Eagan’s inspiration and example, Zone Radio will become somewhere no one will ever have a door slammed in their face, especially a child, we will always them in to show them around and hopefully ignite a passion for radio that sees them become a presenter.
What’s your fave genre of music? Anything with notes! It’s very difficult for me to pick one genre. My taste extends from deep classical right through to the head banging metal and just about everything in between.
What would be your dream play list if you had to play your top 10 songs of all time? Oh boy, this is an ever changing list but the top four will never change Dire Straits - Going Home, Simon & Garfunkel – Bridge Over Troubled Water, Handel’s “Messiah”, Elvis Presley – “If I can Dream”. This would be followed by Deep Purple “Perfect Strangers”, “Axel Rudi Pell – “The Temple of the King”, Magna Carta – “Lord of the Ages”, Moody Blues – “Nights in White Satin”, Pink Floyd – “Shine on Crazy Diamond”, Suzi Quatro – “Devil Gate Drive”, Starship - We Built this City”, Queen Latifah – “I Know Where I’m Going” … thereafter it’s anyone’s guess. But right now though, I’m really into the new South African music we are receiving at Zone Radio songs like, Mike and Michea Taylor – “Together”, K Ray and the Bird - “Coffee in the Rain”, Absinthé -“Hallejula”, Holly and the Wood - “Wake Me Up”, Pierre Opperman - “Slow Train”, Sharna Fysh – “Can You Wanna”, The Ratrod Cats – “Ratrod Boogie”, Louise Carver – “How you gonna do it”, Daniel Baron and Lizé – See Thru”, “Dixen Cuzzin Itt - “Silver Lining”, Krystal T – “Closer to the Fire”, Beverley Jayne – “Morning Light”, The Rescu – “Did it for You”, BarreCode – “Tighter Bite Her Fighter” …. I could go on and on but no list of mine would be complete without Boulevard Blues - “Big Boss Man”
If you weren’t in radio, what would you be doing? Wishing that I was in radio.
Now is your chance to sell your show for Zone Radio. Tell us why we should tune into your time slot...123 go!!!? To hear “The Pumpkin” laugh! Also the music variety, the new SA Music and the fact that anything can happen and usually does. Most times it’s more chaotic that a taxi in peak hour traffic. We really never know what will happen next but above all we try and make it a fun way to start your day!
Why do you thin Zone Radio is the best radio station? Without a doubt it’s our team (on air and behind the scenes). It’s a team that is passionate about radio and dedicated to making the entire Zone Radio experience personal and interactive and who believe that the play list should be driven by the listener. They play the music you want to hear.
Any last words for the readers and your listeners? Share Zone Radio with everyone you know. And please support our sponsors because without them, we would not be doing this.
“the Unicorn”
Full name:
Naledi Lucia Tlailane
Nick name:
The Pumpkin, Nallypie, Nal the Pal
Occupation:
Presenter
Your show name and time/day: The Breakfast Zone 9am -12pm What you like about Zone Radio?
What made you get into radio?
It’s my favourite place to be...in the Zone!! Zone is the one thing for me that takes away all the bad!!! I also have the BEST Mentor anybody can ask for in Richard Griggs (The Unicorn), I’m SUPER LUCKY!!! :D
I fell in love with radio when I went to the Grahamstown Festival in 2006. I got the opportunity to visit the on-campus studios at Rhodes University, and the DJ at the time was DJ Wigga....his real name was Mike, I think…heehee. He went on air and worked the technicals and was so smooth and funny in his links, sharing the love of music with people on campus and I was in amazement ,
thought to myself, this is what I want to do. Have a chat about awesome music and share it!!! You can actually do that as a job?? Woweeeeee!!! Best Job in the world right!!...
What’s your fave genre of music? Hmmmm I’m eclectic!!! But I can say I love Bulkan, Rockabilly, Psychobilly, Folk, Blues, Freak Folk, Rock, Dupstep, Funky house, Minimal House I just love to have a good time!! J
What would be your dream play list if you had to play your top 10 songs of all time?
Etta James—Somethings got a hold of me.
Jimi Hendrix—Purple Haze
New Academics—Snakewoman
Regina Spektor—Love Affair
CocoRosie—Jesus loves me
Israel Kamakawiwo’ole—Somewhere over the rainbow
Bob Marley—Three little birds
Radiohead—15 steps
Jeff Buckley—Grace
Ritchie Valens—Come on, lets go
If you weren’t in radio, what would you be doing? I think I would either be a musician or an actress. Something I still see for my future!!
Tell us why you think Zone Radio is the best radio station? We care about every listener equally, we interact with our listeners and truly understand that this Radio Station is for them. We play the music most radio stations wish they could, Zone gives everybody a chance!!
Now is your chance to sell your show for Zone Radio. Tell us why we should tune into your time slot …….. 123 go!!!? With myself and The Unicorn we try and give you the best valued entertainment. We don’t prepare for the show, so it’s honest as it comes!! The show is never the same, inprov shows are the best!! Also about 60% (give or take) of our show is local music, we love introducing you to the talent we have right here in South Africa.
Any last words for the readers and your listeners ? Being a radio presenter on Zone Radio has been the best thing that has ever happened to me!!! Without you the listeners, giving myself and new presenters a chance, I would not be here!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m very grateful and appreciative of the support and love that you guys have extended to us here at Zone Radio. “Zoniacs” are the BEST!!!!!
“we care about every listener equally”
The other day as I was listening to Adrian Larger’s show on Zone Radio, it was interrupted by the Unicorn to do an interview with a very good organisation. I thought it was weird that he is doing this interview now in Adrian’s show but now I know why. The guy he interviewed was Les Ruhrmund the Chairman of the board of Nazareth House!!! So you can understand why they had to slot the interview in this time as Les is so busy that it was hard to find time do this interview. I’m so glad that they got to do the interview because what they spoke about really touched my heart and I’m sure many other listeners’ hearts. Nazareth House is an organisation who takes care of disadvantaged, vulnerable people who have no close family or anyone else able to provide the care they require. These people fall into three main groups:
Frail aged Nazareth House is open to all frail elderly people, regardless of race, religion or culture. However, as demand far outstrips capacity, priority is given to those in the most desperate circumstances – elderly people who are also mentally or physically challenged, those who need full time nursing care and those who are destitute with no family able to care for them. Terminally ill adults St Michaels Hospice in the grounds of Nazareth House, Vredehoek, provides short term palliative nursing care for the poorest members of society – those in the final stages of AIDS who are homeless after being abandoned by their families, and refugees with nowhere else to go. Many arrive with nothing but the hospital gown in which they have been transferred, and remain at St Michaels Hospice until their death.
Children's Home Most of the babies and children cared for at Nazareth House have been abandoned, orphaned or abused. Many are infected with HIV and/or have special needs, problems or disabilities such as Down Syndrome, Cerebral palsy, Foetal Alcohol Syndrome, Epilepsy, Deafness and Blindness. They also function as an emergency after-hours place of safety for children who have to be urgently removed from dangerous or abusive situations, new-born babies found abandoned in toilets or on railway lines, and those whose parents die suddenly in the night.
Community Cottage The healthier HIV+ boys and girls live together as a family unit in a house in the community, under the care of a Housemother and an Assistant. The children attend local schools and interact with their peers in the community at the local football and gymnastics clubs.
Family reunification programme We all know that institutional care for children should be the last resort; wherever possible we try to help families to cope long-term, or place children in the care of their extended families.
FANBASE MUSIC MAG ALONG WITH ZONE RADIO WANT TO HELP, AND WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!!! So as you can see the organisation is in great need of help as it is not easy to support such cases without the help of financial support from the public, and this is where Fanbase along with Zone Radio wants to help. We are organising a Charity event for The Nazareth House in Cape Town. In the few months to come we will have a day festival where bands will perform and all proceeds from the door takings will go to this awesome organisation. We are still in the process of organising this event so dates have not been set but what we can tell you are that it will be held at The Zulu Bar in Cape Town. We have already managed to secure 5 confirmed bands but we are keeping the names of the bands a surprise to create excitement. This event will be a good way to not only support your local bands, but also to support this awesome organisation that desperately needs your help. If you would like to help sponsor this event or would like to place your band on a short list to play at this event then please email Duwyne Clayton at fanbasemusicmag@gmail.com There are tons of ways to help, money is just one important factor to help but donations of nappies, blankets food etc is also welcome. We are planning on having a donation basket at the door where you can maybe drop of any of the items to help out. So keep watching this space and listen to Zone Radio via www.zoneradio.com to find out more info on when worthy cause event will take place.
Can’t wait for the gig but still want to help? You can check out the Nazareth House Cape Town website by logging on to http://www.nazhouse.org.za Or email them at: http://www.nazhouse.org.za You can contact them on 021 461 1635
And ask them how you can help? It really is a good organisation to support!!!
“and in other news! “ Ard Matthews Ard Matthews: Debut solo album “First Offerings” available online and in stores in July 2012. Ard Matthews` debut solo album “First Offerings” will be released in stores on the 30th July 2012. For fans that cannot wait, the album can be streamed and is available for download in any format on Ard`s web store at www.ardmatthews.com/store Ard Matthews is known as one of South Africa`s most prolific singer/ songwriters. His heartfelt music and dynamic stage performances have inspired people both locally and internationally. As the front man of South African band Just Jinjer, his indelible lyrics and melodic arrangements led the way to the success of their debut album title ‘All Comes Round’, which became one of the biggest selling albums of all time in South African in their genre. The album achieved double platinum status in its first year, with the follow up album “Something for now” reaching the same status a year later. In 2010 a decision was made to pursue a solo album, and so began an extensive writing process which took Ard all over the world and around South Africa – from sailing around the Mafia Islands, to visiting India on an extended trip in February 2012. The album draws on many themes and thoughts and was recorded over a period of many months, with the last few penned at his beach house in Durban where he now lives with his canine companion Jeff. With brand new tracks and some formidable life experience behind him, the new album is set to introduce an exciting solo path for Ard Matthews. “This album has been a diary of my life in a way. It is a musical depiction of where I've been over the last couple of years, and I'm really excited to share it with you all. I hope that the public are ready to listen to raw, unpretentious, brutally honest music, because that is what his is about " says Ard of the album. "It also turns out that the general theme is love again, I guess that's just me - no point in changing that now, right? While trends and fashions come and go, love always prevails.” “First Offerings” is an independent release and will be distributed by MESH (Music & Entertainment Solutions Hub.) All tracks were written, produced, recorded and performed by Ard Matthews. Guest artists such as Tumi (and the Volume), John Ellis, Pau lHepker, Theo Crous, rugby great Alistair Hargreaves and big wave surfers Ryan Butcher and Greg Bertish are credited where they appear. The album was mixed in Los Angeles by Bryan Cook (Train, Five for Fighting) and mastered by Hans DeKline. The live band that will represent this album is called The Ard Matthews Affair and features Ard on vocals and bass guitar accompanied by an all-star line-up that currently consists of John Ellis (Tree 63) on guitar and Josh Klynsmith (Gangs of Ballet)on drums.
Upcoming shows: 13th July - 5FM / Billabong Pro Music Festival -Jeffrey's Bay - http://www.5fm.co.za/events/the-5fm-music-festival-the-billabong-pro 22nd July - Moyo - Kirstenbosch Gardens - Cape Town - (Acoustic/Solo)- http://www.moyo.co.za/contact-us.aspx 6th August - Gateway Barnyard Theatre - Durban - http://www.barnyardtheatre.co.za/findus.aspx?vid=4 29th September - Symphonic Rocks - Cape Town - http://symphonicrocks.co.za/ 6th October - Symphonic Rocks - Johannesburg - http://symphonicrocks.co.za/
Esjay Jones We are proud to announce the wonderful talented Esjay Jones from Stealing Love Jones fame will be touring South Africa in November 2012. Please note venues will still be confirmed. So watch this space. We at Fanbase music mag cannot wait and you can bet your bottom dollar we will be at some of these gigs. Catch Esjay Jones in South Africa on the following dates:
JHB 1ST, 2ND AND 14TH NOVEMBER 2012 KOKSTAD 3RD NOVEMBER 2012 DURBAN 4TH NOVEMBER 2012 CAPE TOWN 9TH, 10TH, 11TH NOVEMBER 2012
Got to love this job. I get to interview great legends in music and I am very proud of this interview with the great talented John Ellis. You would remember John from the awesome S.A band Tree63. Although Tree 63 is no longer, John Ellis is still very much alive and kicking and making awesome music as a solo artist. He has just released an album called Rural and wow I’ve heard some very impressive tracks on the album. John is an awesome songwriter/ singer. Well done John Ellis and thank you so much for doing this interview!!!
Interviewed by : Duwyne Clayton
Where did it all start as a musician? Did you come from a musical background? I just started playing guitar at age 11, when I became obsessed with Elvis and The Beatles. My Mom is musical, and apparently I had a very well-known banjo-playing greatgrandfather.
What was it like playing for such an awesome successful band such Tree 63, you guys took the Christian rock music by storm? Well first of all, Tree63 hasn’t been together since 2007, and secondly, we had a great time in Tree63, but we never intended to be part of the ‘Christian rock scene’. We got pushed into that genre in America.
What is the latest with Tree 63, will you guys ever get to tour again, or are you concentrating on your solo stuff only? I’m a solo artist now.
You have currently just finished your solo album Rural. What can people expect from this album compared to what you have done with Tree 63 This is a singer-songwriter album: an acoustic guitar and a voice, with percussion from Barry van Zyl, Johnny Clegg’s drummer. It’s totally different to anything else I’ve done. It focusses on the old-fashioned craft of song writing, crafting a lyric around a melody (as opposed to what’s going on in music these days).
As a musician do you still get nervous on stage? Yes, of course! If you don’t, you’re not really alive.
Do you have any rituals before going on stage? Frantically writing out the set list and trying to remember song lyrics.
Name some of your musical influences? Bands like The Beatles, The Police, Creedence, Midnight Oil, singer-songwriters like Ron Sex Smith, Bruce Cockburn, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Neil Young.
Who would be your dream collaboration? Robin Auld! He’s an SA music legend! And Johnny Clegg, of course.
You play guitar and have an awesome voice, what other instruments can you play? The usual suspects: piano, drums etc…
If you could have written any song from any other musician. Who and what would it be? Anything by Brian Wilson. He’s one of the true geniuses of modern music.
How can people get hold of the new album Rural? You can get it from my website www.johnellis.co.za
Finally what does the future hold for John Ellis? Hopefully more opportunities to perform live!
Thanks so much for doing this interview? It’s a pleasure!
Hello Monkeys!!! I trust that you had a fabulous month and are looking forward to August’s new challenges. I must send a big love to Leave the Living and Teagan for the amazing interviews! Be sure to check out the poem of the month and let me know what you think, don’t be shy!! Keep it Punk. Danni x
Leave the Living” is a five piece band with a blue-collar work ethic, heavily influenced by the new wave of American metal. Ben Carter, Sean Higgins, Steve McGillivray, Jose Dyck and Justin Shadows formed the band in 2010 in Red Deer, AB. With a heavy focus on live performance, the band plays its own brand of blues influenced death core metal. It’s music to smash someone's jaw to. With punishing riffs and incredible breakdowns backed by wrenching screams, be prepared to have your face melted. And remember kids; somebody is leaving with a broken nose.” I flipping love this band, kids be sure to go check them out at www.reverbnation.com/leavetheliving . “
Happy reading;) x
Interviewed by : Daniela de Almeida
Leave the Living is a unique name, how did you decide on it? We started playing together in 2010. Once we had a few songs, we started talking about names. We got drunk, when we woke up, we found a piece of paper with 'Leave the Living' on it. We really enjoyed the alliteration and the multiple interpretations of the name and decided it was perfect for us.
Tell us about each member of the band.
What is the music scene like in Canada? Really vibrant, supportive & friendly. There are a lot of people working very hard to support their local scenes in a variety of ways and we have had the pleasure of working with quite a few. The quality of the bands we've had the honour of playing with is amazing. People need to get out and support their local scenes, they might be pleasantly surprised.
-Jose Dyck (Guitar) -
Any Weird Fan Moments?
For such a sweet guy he sure plays like he's angry. Out of all of us, Jose is the one a girl would take home to meet her parents.
Out at the bar for Justin's birthday and got recognized as a band for the first time...surreal.
-Sean Higgins (Drums) -
How do you think you guys will know when you
Crazy polyrhythmic drum beast, close cousin to Animal from the Muppets. We waited for 8 months for Sean to turn legal age just because we love this guy.
Jose - Eat & Live from music
Steve - Be recognized by the music we play.
-Steve McGillivray (Bass) No words to describe his drive & ability. He learned bass to join the band and has done nothing but impress since. A fairly thirsty fellow. -Ben Bushido (Guitar) The backbone of the group. Quiet in words, loud in presence, always a steady influence. Also a very thirsty fellow.
Sean - Tour the World
Ben - Live from music
“really vibrant, supportive & friendly�
-Justin Shadows (Vocals) A hateful & spiteful inner core covered by a thin veneer of good cheer. Loves political awareness, circle pits, screaming at people & alcohol.
Justin - Hear my lyrics screamed back at me.
Does music make the world go round? No, celestial mechanics, gravity & electromagnetic energy do. But it sure does help.
Have you guys any rituals that you do before you hit the stage?
Ben, Steve, Sean, Justin - Whiskey & Whiskey Jose - Impartial witness
Who are your inspirations as a band?
What are the songs about?
Propagandhi, Gojira, As Blood Runs Black, Black Sabbath, As I Lay Dying. We are all fairly eclectic in our musical tastes, it kind of crosses the spectrum.
The mechanics of protest, addiction & the futility of a mercenary existence. Socio-political awareness, the systemic methods of governmental control and girls.
Who has what CD in their cars at the moment? Steve - Obscura (Cosmogenesis) Justin - Propagandhi (Supporting Caste) Jose - In Flames (Soundtrack to your Escape) Ben - Born of Osiris (the New Reign) Sean - Day One - Day One
Coffee Shop Poetry…. So I take it you don’t love me? So I take it you don’t care? Am I not pretty enough? Do I not dress well enough? Are my nails not up to your standards? Is my job beneath you? Am I beneath you? Is my age really that much of a problem? Are my dreams a bit too far out for your approval? Are the places I go to inferior to your liking? Is my future yours? Am I yours? Who are you beneath your arrogance? Is time against us, or are you? Is my personality almost too similar to yours? Is she really who you want? Am I what you want in your future? Could your promises be based on intoxication? Do I believe them or do I really want to believe them? Could you Love me? All I can ask is if you could please try to just see ME? Is my innocence the issue? Or are you the issue really? Perhaps you are the issue.
Teagan Cunniffe PHOTOGRAPHY
You all are definitely in for a treat now my lovelies. I had the pleasure of featuring a very special photographer in my section this month, Miss Teagan Cunniffe. She is talented and beautiful so I know you will love admiring her work. Happy reading. Xx Interviewed by : Daniela de Almeida
Is a picture worth a thousand words?
How do you become inspired?
In a way! Images are incredibly powerful and manage to capture your attention in a way that text often doesn't. For example, your eye is drawn immediately towards the image in a newspaper or magazine rather than the words, and your brain instantly tries to make meaning of the colours, composition and subject matter of that photograph. Interpreting photographs is quite subjective, and often your opinion of what the photograph means can differ quite drastically from what someone else might be, or even of that the photographer intended. So many stories can be read from one single image that a simple collection of shapes can sometimes mean more than an entire passage of writing to the viewer.
I find the best way to keep myself inspired is to have my camera nearby at all times. Then when I come across something that appeals to me; a lighting condition or shape, a person or scene, I can just take a photograph. So in a sense I get inspired by my surroundings. That explains my interest in travel photography, as you are continually being face with new and interesting situations which translate into images you wouldn't get if you hadn't gone to that exact location.
When did you first become interested in photography? I started getting properly interested in photography during matric. I'd often need reference photos for art projects and assignments, and instead of trying to find existing photographs I would go out and take my own images. After a while, I found that I actually quite enjoyed it! Traditional art seemed to take so long in comparison and I found myself moving more and more into the field of photography, although I still hold a lot of respect for painting and other mediums.
Tell us a bit about yourself in
general!
I'm a little bit of everything. I have so many interests and plans that often I find myself in the middle of gigantic mental crossroads as to which path I should follow. What I do know is that I love traveling, writing, art and photography. I enjoy seeing and creating beautiful things, and I'll pursue these interests for as long as I can and see where I end up.
What camera do you use? Does it matter what kind you use? I bought myself a Canon 5d (full frame!) Mark 1 at the beginning of this year and have an Lseries 24-105mm lens whish I use on it. My first camera was a Sony A200. From this point of view I can say that equipment really does matter; you need the best equipment you can possibly get for what you are doing to be able to get the best results. But that being said, even though I was often laughed at as the slowest runner in the Canon/Nikon wars, most of my best images come from my Sony days. I think that it's what you do with your equipment that matters more than what equipment you have.
Do you prefer natural settings or staged settings? Both. Natural has a fantastic magical quality to it, when things just work and the light flares just so etc, but staged also allows you to get that one image where everything comes out as you wanted. It really depends what you are shooting.
What does it take to capture the perfect moment in time? You have to read where the situation is going and anticipate what is going to happen next. But most importantly, make sure your exposure is correct!
What is your favorite picture that you have taken? Or are they all mostly special to you? I definitely have a few favorite photographs. Some people might feel they aren't my best, but for some reason those images just stick with me and always remain some of my best captures.
Quote of the Month ‌.. It's amazing how much you can learn if your intentions are truly earnest.
Chuck Berry
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How did you get into photography?
What do you like about photography?
My interest and devotion for photography started when I was 8yrs old. My Dad gave me one of his old brownies (box camera). Talk about vintage!!! He taught me how to use it by taking snaps of the family, holidays & interesting paraphernalia. I often took photos of my Mom playing piano & members our band in the mid 70’s.
I have travelled extensively, locally & globally. My camera is packed before my toothbrush or anything else. I carry my camera 24/7 capturing the ‘once in a life-time shots of incredible things.
My Dad & I set up an old fashioned darkroom, spending many hours experimenting with exposure time and filters. We would buy books & magazines of photography, and go to exhibitions.
What camera are you currently using? I always wanted a camera like my Dads, so when I started working in the art field, I saved to buy a Pentax. I then got an Olympus, Minolta, Kodak, Fuji, Nikon & eventually the one I use now, which is a Canon EOS 450 with an extra 150 - 500 lens.
What style of photography do you like? I love taking artistic shots of people capturing their expressions; most especially dancers, theatres, musicians & bands, venues, stages, fashion models, shows, events & festivals. I prefer this to the gruesome photos of accidents, tragedy, mutilation, poverty, perversion & cruelty to animals. I have revolutionized with the ever changing technology of computer programs for graphics and editing of photos over the past 20yrs. I enter my photos in competitions and donate them to be auctioned to raise funds for charities. I also write music reviews for various publications & send photos of musicians & bands, events & festivals to online publications on an international level. I am commissioned to do photo-shoots for companies, celebs, weddings, events, functions, parties, web-sites, catalogues, etc.
In terms of your photography, where do you see yourself in five years? In 5 years time, I will have established my dream. Exhibiting my photo’s in galleries globally. I am also going to publish a photographic journal of SA musicians and bands which I am preparing.
Who is your favorite photographer and why? My mentor is Ken Weingart from Los Angeles who specializes in rock music and famous celebrity photography for rap, rock, blues, opera, country, pop, dance, funk, acoustic, electric for publicity.
Describe a day in the life of a photographer? Being a photo-journalist is not easy. It’s a very lonely life, because you are working when everyone else is having fun. You expose yourself to many risks traveling late at night like robbery, hi-jackings, accidents, abusive drunk men harassing you & trying to take liberty and being followed, attacked or even murdered. After a night of taking photos, your body aches. It’s like having 3hrs intensive training at the gym. You get home at unearthly hours hungry, dehydrated and totally exhausted from being stoked by brilliant performances. When you wake, it’s editing photos and preparing albums, writing reviews, answering mail, catching up with Facebook, invites, Twitter, calls, meetings, and family in between. There is no time to have a relationship or social life. Your photos are your life!!!
What advice do you have for upcoming photographers? My advice to upcoming band photographers is that you must have a good camera & a reliable car. Be prepared to work long, hard and unusual hours. Be focused on the dangers you are exposing yourself to, protecting yourself as you are vulnerable to crime. My Olympus was stolen off a table at a gig & my cell phone was pick-pocketed. Avoid seedy venues and bad locations. Be focused & dedicated to your work, anticipating which angle will give you the best shot. This is not a profession for lazy people. You have to have as much passion as the musicians, moving with the energy the performers are burning with, anticipating lighting effects & poses seconds ahead.
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