album reviews The April Edition

“The Red Blooded Years” -aKing

After looking at the packaging thoroughly and deciding that the artwork is astounding the inlay booklet offers an array of spectacular craftsmanship, really beautiful images and cutaway pages and intricate embossing. The album itself delivers melodic songs but yet there is a sense of reasonable logic as the lyrics cover the misfortune of everyday life, the relation between the band and listener easily building a connection. Laudo Liebenberg offers a range vox that compliments his fellow band mates Hennie Van Halen, Jaco ‘Snake’ Venter and newest member Andrew Davenport. It would be fair to comment that this album does show a fair amount of growth in their music and if this is the type of growth they are showcasing we can only expect the exceptional, “The Red Blooded Years” is a definitive portrayal of where aKing is headed in intellectual growth. The two songs that stuck out the most was ‘CUT-THROAT TONGUE & RAZOR’ which is just rock grit and roll, then “Weak man’s world’s” an invigorating song with lyrics that end with a thought of “so smile without a reason”.

Holiday Murray: Holiday Murray

Self titled Debut album from Capetonian band which has high a sense of pop-rock fused with folk rock yet a hint of ska. Deeply rooted in their ethnicity and vibrance throughout their single “Jirey” one must note that they are intense within their lyrical realm but ever near their musical realm following through to the notes that compliment the words. Holiday Murray is a band that has quite a set of instruments behind and the muso’s portraying those multiple talents are James Tuft – Vox, Guitar, Ellis Silvermann – Drums, Justin Davenport – Guitar, Vox and Chris Carter – Bass, Violin, Keys, Vox. So with such an eclectic array the fusion they bring forth is definitely something to look forward to. Find them here: http://www.facebook.com/holidaymurray

The Strokes: “Under the Cover Of Darkness”

The Strokes still seem comfortable in their old style that we have become accustomed to however there may be a tainted technical adherence to their advancement in the music itself. There seems almost an untimely progression yet an adulthood arising from their last album to this one. Can’t help but feel that this album was purely made for manufacturing reasons but on the plus side it’s still the Indie rock and Roll we learnt to love from The Strokes. If one is an avid follower of the Strokes then surely one will admire the tenacious loyalty to not copping from the originality they first introduced to us.

The Artist and Her Story...

If it Don't Make Sense... Reread.


It’s not an intention of mine to write about myself but people generally in some form or another unintentionally let slip some character traits. That’s why I have a passion for books, art, film, media and culture, in general there’s always character traits there no denying that,
So do you want to know a secret? Sure you do, we all do, nothing like conspiracy. I mean all conspiracies are built upon secrets, as are governments; that’s another novel; my secret is I’m not sure if these words/works are full of me. They could be, I guess? I merely suspect you getting an essence just an essence of me, why is that a secret? Well when people first meet one never knows their history, only with time. So behind each work there’s a story behind the story, a secret,

“I know that’s a secret, for its whispered everywhere”
William Congreve

Since I was a child I've for one, been me, I hope I achieved it but alas I carry the human flaw of insecurity, don’t we all. However I am me, a character of note; I have testimonials; but along the way I forgot to set goals, rather silly, vast knowledge in many a field. What do they say “jack of all trades, master of none”. I’ve studied a lot, many different qualifications, I’m one subject short of a degree (I do not agree to favoritism or authority, I voice my opinion yet another novel yet another secret). Often when I think of educational institutions George Orwell comes to mind. (However I would love to become a teacher, don’t ask). I think in a way I forgot to set goals because I was too busy being me. Then on the 27th of May 2000 I found out I was pregnant and it was no longer about me, on the 19th of September it was about me and her and now I am forced to set goals. And now it’s 2010 and now only am I ready to be me and accept me for who I am, what I've got and where I'm headed.

“I used to live in a room full of mirrors; all I could see was me.
I take my spirit my spirit and crash my mirrors,
Now the whole world is here for me to see”
Jimi Hendrix

My persona that you may see is merely an illusion, A few get past the illusion but not many do, it’s odd though, you may.

“Da mihi castitatem et contintiam, sed noli modo.”
‘Give me chastity and continence, but not yet’
St Agatha of Hippo


Tommorrow I may wake up with different view point.

Image taken by my daughter and also just my thought for the day.

If This is My "CULT" then let there be another.

I arrived tired, Like utterly tired I was about to grab some decor from the famed venue (CCHQ) and pass out on a couch but alas I had to jerk myself out of that mind frame and get with the programme as this programme was a rigorous one. Four Bands, Four Movies one stage and then a viewing room upstairs... I was in for the long haul.

I had to blink my eyes awake and start realising that this was a hybrid event with a whole new dementia to it. So yes I plead guilty to going to the bar and ordering a drink, how could one resist a half price Sailor Jerry Rum with cola? Yup up went my spirits the First movie was the one from the USA “Blood drips” tantalising and poetic yes this was yet to be more interesting than I thought. Then some random band came on and really dampened everyone spirits (at this point I wish to add a disclaimer that I don’t do hate mail well and I have not mentioned your band.) well anyway distress hit then along came a dancer... with a stunning performance and the venue was well alive again, Miss Cherry Thomas was exceptional entertainment for all who came early and were lusty for what the evening had in store or i.e. the long night ahead.

The turn events lead us to a brilliant screen of a visual delight of Kitty Kill by the guys of Blackmilk Productions hailing from Cape town... at this point I think I’m tangling up the Line up of the evening so I’m just going to spit it out and say the other movies screened on the evening by the guys from Blackmilk were astounding, twisted, bizarre, dark and some mind blowing beautiful works of motionary art... the kind of stuff we should be seeing more often. There was also the special screening of “kult without a name” by the Johannesburg film house “Flymachine Films” which left the audience with a gasp and some discrepancies about 2012 and the love of incest. I quite enjoyed watching the crowd more at that point.

Then those guys of Shots Fired ransacked the audience with a cover of the Misfits... when that happens, what is the term “a goody”. Yes RUCKUS!!! The evening, the hybrid event with all kinds of folks was now pivoting as the venue was starting to get the gist of ‘Rock ‘n Film’... This event was not aimed to genre specific and when the voodoo was put back by submachine it was A ok we knew the skeletal projection behind them were jamming just as hard as the spectators in front of them. Then it was the ever ready Slashdogs (it is rumoured that this was their last gig) there was emotion at this point but they played hard and steadfast. Ok so I’m not reviewing the bands as I should but heck I enjoyed these three bands thoroughly...

All in all I had an A Class Time at a stunning venue and some point I forgot I was even working my ass off on the event, needless to say this may be a bias review I have worked on many events and this has to be one of my most memorable events. ‘Film ‘n Rock’ makes a good affiliation and in my opinion I would do it again with minor errors aside but hell I noted some people having a good time and enjoying every aspect of the night.

Written for January 2011 Issue of Vixxen Magazine

iHid My Exhibition

I got the chance, that one phone call every artist waits for “would

you like to exhibit?”... Pause the heart skips a beat the answer
should be “well I’ll get back to you” but no I instantly said “YES”. I
needed this turning point in my life, Like those turning a new leaf in
your life scenarios. Much needed get your inner artist out and get
your trade to good use out there. I was grateful Clair Cantrell had
asked me to be the Launching Artist of her new venue the Supperclub
and I had a deadline to work towards and a new hidden me to
rediscover.

What I had discovered while making the artworks was sense of
disorientation and a perception that I was lonely and I was hidden
from myself for way to long... the thought process was one that had to
simulate the beauty of self mutilation without any mutilation or harm
done. The art was self photography at late night moments went my
thoughts could no longer bare the suppression of my mind and long gone
memories that could never become once more. I know that the presence
is within the art and the mediums I used, the viewer may relate in a
different voyeuristic interpretation and that is what is the
uncomfortable or comforting portrayal was meant for.

Also on the evening I did a performance in my wedding dress {note I am
happily divorced}. This “Ritual” is known as Play Piercing which was
safely and professionally done by Rheta of voodoo Ink. 5 hypodermic
needles were inserted in my shoulder. For me this was to illustrate
redemption for a new found freedom... the leaf not only has been
turned but has been blown away and may it whisper no more.

On the opening night many of my friends contributed towards a grand
affair, Fire dancing by inflamed and kind sponsorship by Sailor Jerry.
Subjects latex clothing sponsored clothing for the hostesses for the
evening. The band Sloppy Folk performed a song with my daughter and
then did a busking set which many enjoyed. The Supperclub did a superb
job by preparing the most decadent layout and preparation of Foods and
hosting, I am forever appreciative can’t mention that enough.
The evening turned out to be a celebration of a kindling of mixed
emotion and an enlighten that I can be the artist that I once was and
possible should be.


Once again I couldn’t have done it without all the factors, friends
and outside influences in my life.
And she hid until she hid no more.

They Scare Me

Submachine



Co-Written With Dylan Ellis

Before and After. They scare me. And if it be fear what draws me to their resonance then I say “HELL YES”. Crazy crowd before/after shock tactics. The percussionist put the voodoo back with the voodoo wielding skeleton shaman, when once asking this Percussionist what was it was like going into the audience and playing amongst the “pogo’ing” madness of what the band summon from the audience whilst playing, some other intruder answered on his behalf and replied with “it’s like being reborn” but the percussionist look wasn’t one of reincarnation It was more of an Adrenaline high initiation. Now tell me who’s got the voodoo.

What is this music, who ‘are’ these people why do they scare me. Oh sweet oblivion, they keep on coming like they are the soundtrack to the four horses of the apocalypse and a ‘set of pins’ to make the musical hoodoo that scars the mental sad sacks out there. “So where the Fuck are the stage crew” are the likeliest chants you will here at intervals in-between the heavy bass’d songs that are thee fastidious given from Mr Evil D and the oh so righteous percussion of Storm’s Skull dolly ensemble that accompanies Pat Riot’s sweet-sweet tappity tap don’t go back dexterity on the drums. Huey voodoo gruff-voice-man interaction with the audience man, Mr Flee jamming with what should be a banjoree-man. These two sure know how to arouse spectators using their “orator skills”, along with all their other-worldly guitar rhythms. Thus one can say steadfastly have Submachine gathered a following waitin’ and a wantin’ – yes I do admit I am one those.

So these guys have painted faces and dolls on stage while they play, yes dolls in living form and plastic. Enter the realm of “blue’s en vogue”. Are they invoking the performance art realm while ritualistically kicking it up and having a good time and nailing it six-love as they habitually cause pandemonium PsYkOVoOdOoBlAcKnOiSe style. They scare and scar me, the substance be the music, the eye may cut my thoughts but this is Submachine, one thought provoking “hell-of-a-good-time” cluster of musicians doing the voodoo.

So we got to shoot these real live wires for their fifth birthday and an amorous amount of voodoo sneaks out. We had cake and delight and a whole lot of disordered discordance which I do believe is prevalent in their music as well as in their core performance on and off stage. When listening to their recording this discordance of whatever genre they may be can be heard so here’s to submachine happy five years and may you guy’s helter skelter for ever more!
So now you know why they scare me,


~Gen Twoco







The Making of the Album :


While in Production Stages of their recording we spoke to their Producer Dylan Ellis who had this to say about “the whole get go” of how the recording went down:
When the guys first got in contact with me I was already neck deep in a lot of work and I was worried that I wouldn't be able to take on the project. I had seen them live a few times and I knew they were a band that I really would enjoy working with, so we had to make some tight plans to make all this magic happen. Huey Voodoo had already recorded a few tracks in his studio so we only had 6 new ones to lay down.

If you have seen SUBMACHINE live you know they are an explosion of raw, beautiful chaos, a band that tears the stage apart completely in a psychedelic fit of musical glory. It would be a challenge for anyone to take this amount of primal energy and do it justice on a recording. Let alone to do it in just four days.

It was obvious to all of us that recording it live in studio would be the best way to start capturing all this insanity on a recording, and then overdub vocals and any other production layers thereafter.

Day one: Set up, sound check Rock out!:

I knew that to get the best out of them as a band we had to make sure that everyone could see and hear each other clearly, which would be a challenge as each sound had to be separated to ensure an easy mixdown, so we started off by setting up specific environments for each element of the music. We put up partitions in the live room separating the drums from the percussion and the guitars, The sound of the bass was so huge we had to set Evil D in the control room with me, we were running 26 mics so they all had to be placed perfectly to avoid bleed or phasing issues. Once this was all set up I had to make sure that the drums and percussion were in tune with each, other which took roughly two and half hours to do before we even got levels, so time was going quickly, the heat was definitely on.

When we were finally good to go the tracking was pretty much easy going from there, the band was well rehearsed so it was just a matter of getting the rite vibe and feel in the performances. We occasional had to re-tune some toms and we took regular breaks to keep well hydrated and stamina up, We worked long and hard and. It was exceptionally tiring work, on a pretty hot day so by the end of it the guys were knackered... and because most of them play in more than one band they all had a gig to go to straight after. An early night was not in the cards for anyone.

Day two: more awesomeness and picking the best bits.

Day two ran quite smoothly. We laid down some fresh takes of each song and it was clear that we had a lot of good takes to choose from, so we all sat and went through everything we had so far and picked out the best bits

We then did a few extra layer of guitar to beef things up a bit and by 6 o’ clock we had everything we needed and called it a night.

Day 3 (split into two evenings) Guitar, Percussion and vocal.

We started the overdubbing process with every percussion toy you can imagine, if it shaked, rattled, hummed, rolled, cracked or pinged we used it. Storm, Pat Riot and Huey Voodoo brought the magic to the table until Storm’s hands were blue from the royal beating he inflicted on the tambourine.

We had some amazing moments of inspiration and brilliant performances a very good evening indeed.

The Following evening Mr Huey Voodoo was up first to put down his distinct flavour a couple of hours and good takes until we stopped so not to burn out his voice, and Evil D and Mr Flee took over with the backing vocals and chaotic rants.

Day 4 (Split into two evenings) more vocal, last bits of chaos.

We continued with Huey Voodoo’s vocals until everything was down and rocking, and did some reggae freestyles with Evil D, another good night of recording, and at the end Huey and Evil D enjoyed a good cold beer for work well done.

The last little bits that were left were capturing some of Mr Flee’s guitar scrapes and some of Storms signature tom throws. In a no time at all everything was down and we were all pretty chuffed that we got all the Voodoo awesomeness down onto a recording, all that was left was for me to move to a new country and start the mixing process.

~Dylan Ellis



Original Feature For Vixxen Magazine 2010 June.

Photography by Abel Scholtz.

Every One Should be Stoned. Strikes Immortal

I never knew terms and conditions applied when I was growing up but when I visited the private hospital which was incredibly busy due to the recent strike it stung me when my daughter said “mom the government hasn’t got much to do”. Yeah ponder on that one. So the phlebotomist arrive clearly over-worked takes my daughters blood with as much patience and caress as she could because she has been put on the prem-babies ward from the over flow from the natalspriut hospital where the nurses refuse to work for their own bid ~ yes gone are the days where “care-workers” actually work to care. So after she is done she asks me to bag my own daughters blood samples and mark them, now I know how scary and vast this strike is... It has gone into over-drive. I just bagged and tagged my own daughters blood samples for an over worked phlebotomist’s who actually in my own words does give a shit because as she walks out she smiles at my daughter and says “please pretty girl stay healthy during this time” we reply “stay safe”.

We take my daughter to the spur afterwards as she has no school due to the massive union strike and low and behold the spur of all places is packed why because the parents are on over-flow as well the kids are practically on holiday, kids going to school with skeleton staff are being told that teachers that are not there are, well for lack of better word “off sick” – sick my ass. My kid is suffering and for a really dumbass thing to say so are all the waiters at spur with the over abundance of patrons. So now we have no education but hey who the fuck cares, they do the strikers the fighters, what will they achieve? Or are the threats that hinder their progression. next encouraging topic ~ a school newsletter being sent out for fathers to come and be vigilante heroes in case the school where my daughter attends is ubder attack and there may be some harm or violent occurrence as they do not know whether or what will happen, yeah I love my country – Yeah I Love my people.

I sit here and wonder is it worth it to add the angle of the political addendum? I think no because I truly believe we are all being affected by this in the most non-chalance manner. The unions are now targeting the non strikers for being human so a round of applause to them, if they want a communist nation they should carry on – that’s my opinion – “to stop work is to create work”. There is gonna be junk on the street shortly we will look beautiful this country and over-flow with pride with dead bodies and trash when we bid for the Olympics – ‘they the us’, ‘they the we’, want everything so in the immortal words of bob Dylan “everybody must get stoned”

Death Valleys Blues Band – Bootleg Album Review

This Bootleg Album confirms that the realms of the “Blues Brothers” does in fact exist as do their clergy. Ever put in that disc without a cover and think what on earth did I just spend my 50 rands on... well ‘bang bang bang baby’ and then some. This is the kind of music that makes you want to not only sing along but act out the Lyrics at throttle so “START YOUR ENGINES” and if you lucky enough to get your hand on this rare bootleg that is well produced with an exceptional sound and 8 tracks that you just can’t break away from. Well all I can add to that other than five stars is DVBB deserves a round of tequila’s and Applause for shaking our tail feathers.

Written For Vixxen Magzine www.vixxen.co.za

Parklane - International

Breaking stereotypes on mainstream ideals.

So let’s start here. as far as interviews go, one normally sets a date time place etc etc etc I guess I got lucky, staying in an industrial apartment with a good friend of mine, I heard a band in rehearsal mode, cool. We hear them coming down the stairs after what sounded like dam good rehearsal and ask a question "can you guys play the concertina?” jokingly they all say "nah" so the question arises "hey what is your bands name" huh no way "Parklane" was indeed the answer. So here’s me thinking ;I got lucky yes I did... so let me introduce myself, “hi I’m gen I was sent to this scary cape town place to interview you ‘Parklane", Darren puts forward his hand and we meet and greet, great pleased at this factor Darren says "come up anytime". Confirmation of interview done and dusted in a dark stairwell on one those infamous rainy Cape Town days.


The next day, I’m checking my emails just to scratch/catch up on what my editor sent me about the doings of Parklane, ok, these guys are sussed, world tour and all. Here you are; Parklane who? Parklane my friends are an international band based in the mother city, Cape Town. While I do my homework I hear them start up another band rehearsal, yeah baby this is my chance. Let’s get ‘the cat by the tail’ and start the invasion. Phone Kobus, "um where are you, let’s do this!".... the reply "yeah for sure". I get my stuff together, camera, note pad, two flights up, we are at the door and hear the intensity of the rehearsal... will they hear the knocking of the front door? Set in the moment I kinda get a song in my head "you keep on knocking but you can’t come in" but just then the door opens, with a friendly welcome and a ‘hey come up upstairs’, all welcoming in tone from Darren. I mean we did after all just walk in during band rehearsal. These guys are free going, we get told to take a seat relax and enjoy the show. What a way to be introduced. I start taking photos of their amazing captivating energy. Parklane were definitely comfortable with ‘us’ these ‘unknown people’ while at the core of the doings of what bands normally keep to themselves…. the "practice sessions". Not once did they let me feel like an intruder, not once, they let us feel like guests….their audience…

The session, the songs being introduced, the comeradie within the band lets one know that this is the real deal these guys are serious and they have passion not just for music they produce but care for each other. They have “it”. “It” being called “stick together" ... "never break the circle". Listening to the songs and watching them, I’m thinking that they are playing for a live audience but then it brings me to think, if they are playing to each other and if not listening to each other then who is the audience? A song comes up and it's powerful, the riffs leading up to the vocals and the drums being just subtle until they need to no longer be so gentle, vocals kick in yet again....."Loving you is suicide and I’m not gonna be the one who is going to die tonight". Nicely done "Parklane".....and people may I introduce to you Parklane...?

Sitting in a avant-garde apartment with massive windows and a view of misty table mountain, what was an interview became more of a discussion and an interesting one at that many good laughs and then some serious faces and a couple of skits well if one could call it that, compliments of the Damien {das drummer}. Finally we get to meet and who is who in the band so on vox is yes Mr. Ryan, on bass Darren, guitarist are "?"..."?" then on drums Damien. Five piece band deluxe. So what’s the first question prey do tell, I ask them to ask me question, "huh aren’t you "interviewing us?" .... this fellow readers was a task and half and so the interview becomes an abundance of gifts for other bands advice and privileges for the eager "to get the know how” of what it is all about and yes the question did arrive from my side "how did you get to where you are now?"

Yup that was the beginning of an elusive conversation just streamed with seven of us five muso's and two artists {well trained in a sense} just talking and contemplating. Nicely done. Quotes abound. Information overload. "So how did you get to where you are now?" all convo leads to Ryan {vox}, determination, hard work, and here's the jewel..... Networking and yes and a proactive attitude. Marketing was a key element of Ryan’s many triumphant "doings" to get Parklane out there and yes it payed off, big time, proactively in these days does work because we do have the world at our fingertips but one must always keep in mind as Damien mentioned "positive input leads to a positive outcome" that’s a clinker.

Many mindsets of the occasional “band sets” seem too often think that one has to produce quantity over quality this is meant in terms of demo’s and albums to be heard, now Ryan feels strongly about this topic as a band has to represent themselves via many media channels and the only way to do so is well to be “heard”. If one has to save to record excellence then be it so. Then one can actually be established as an artist/band. More than often fame doesn’t happen overnight nor does it stem from just gigs alone but from yes…PROACTIVTY….that would be Parklane's key essence with musical Endeavour’s; now exceeding our shores dually to Pride within themselves and what they do and how they do it! One entity about these guys who will always base themselves within South Africa is that “their reality is opposed to the possibility”…Make it happen…believe…

After spending a good hour or two with Parklane I walked out with some thoughts and realized that there is so much within the industry that can improve if only maybe the industry could “band together”. All in all Parklane is a band to watched, inland or outland, PARKLANE INTERNATIONAL well-done lovely meeting you and we wish you well on your journey.



Don’t say MAYBE … say PARKLANE baby…

written for www.undergroundpress.co.za

Interviewing Ataris

Ataris was brought to South Africa for tour by Authentic Ideas I had the Pleasure of Interviewing them :

So why the name Ataris?
Well Kris really enjoyed playing video games when he was younger so when he was trying to come up with a name “The Ataris” came up. It was going to be a temporary name but it looks like it stuck.

What do you think the hi-light will be in South Africa?
We are all just really excited to experience something new. Playing shows is always amazing so that will be great. Just coming to South Africa will be awesome not to mention seeing penguins, sharks, dolphins and hopefully some other wildlife. We also can’t wait to make new friends we love meeting our fans and talking with them.

How did the whole South African Tour come about?
We were talking about how we would really love to play somewhere in Africa. Finally one day we decided we could probably make it happen so we started doing some searching on the internet. We hooked up with CrashCarBurn.

Have you spoken or been in contact with any of the bands you are to play with on the South African part of your world tour? And whom?
I personally haven’t but I think that Chris has. We have been trying to update the people of South Africa with video blogs every so often. Chris and I also helped pick the bands for the support shows.

Have any of the band members been here in the sunny land before…. ?
None of us have been to the Continent of Africa at all. But we are very excited to get there.

It’s noted that your influences are “The Replacements”, “Samiam”, “Jawbreaker”, “Archers Of Loaf”, “Superchunk”, “Sludgeworth”, “Ned's Atomic Dustbin”, “Kent”, “ALL”, “Descendents”,” Swervedriver”, “MBV”; yet there is an element of if one could call it “folk” or even “story telling” elements in your music so are there other influences that you could mention?
Kris listens to a lot of different music. He lyrics definitely have a real “Singer/Songwriter” feel to them. He listens to a lot of Lucero, Wilco, Drag the River and stuff in that vein.

There are so many genre’s within the music industry at current how would describe “pop punk” and where you fit in?
I really like to categorize everything as rock instead of punk, pop punk, hardcore, screamo, etc…But if a had to I would say we are a pretty straight forward rock band with punk feel. I don’t really know if there are any bands in the mainstream that I could refer to as pop punk.

How do you as a band feel about accidental “hit singles” and having to record in between spaces or rather when there is time? {Variable question two within one}
I think that every band that wants to make music their career wants a single so whether be accidental or intentional it doesn’t really matter. Sure you want the song that you pick as the single to become a hit but that doesn’t always happen. I don’t think having a hit single will really ever be a bad thing. As far as recording goes it is really nice to be able to block out the time and do it all at once. Sometimes you just can’t do that so you have to do the best you can to make everything as cohesive as possible when doing it at different times.

Here’s a question that many bands often wonder about, how does one keep a band going for so long, any secret key ingredient?
A band can only last as long as they can hold their fans attention. Writing strong songs that people can generally relate to helps a ton.

When on the road and you have time off what do you as a band do?
We spend a lot of time on the internet and watching tv. We enjoy each other’s company so we will sit and talk too. We aren’t one of those bands that don’t talk to each other when riding in the van. Sometimes we never stop. We enjoy eating dinner as a band it is kind of like our family time.

What is your favourite song to perform; ooh let me guess all of them ?
Mine would probably be So, Long Astoria or Takeoffs and Landings…But I don’t know maybe Your Boyfriend Sucks? I do like playing them all! I can’t help it. We really just love to play!
Right last question

Who was the best band thus far in your career that you have performed with?
Wow, there have been so many I just don’t know.

Conducted For www.undergroundpress.co.za

Art Fusion @ Art Fusion S.I.X 2009

Art Jamming (Wembley Square) 21st January 2009 ART FUSION.

ART FUSION @ ARTJAMMING

Southern Ink Exposure 2009

The term artist will be used loosely within the context of this article as tattooing is still yet to be seen as a fine art by some {debatable in every sense and essence}.

Firstly arriving after a turbulent flight from jo’burg to Cape Town, I didn’t know what to expect of this “happening”. Being a tattoo enthusiast and long time supporter of the concept of “art fusion”, I arrived at art jamming only to find an audience of splendor and Flesh in its abundance. That was the welcome I needed and a much needed eye opener I have read about for such a long time. This was blending at the core of many traditions on the ambiguously spread wide open spaces; the world, our being, our culture the culture of the world as a portrait pasted onto many outward appearances.

Let’s divulge a bit about the birth of the “art fusion” conception and recollect the opulence of why it was a grand occurrence to have had this event in South Africa as a part of the “Southern Ink Exposure”. Yes laying the words on thick in all due respect we are talking about the great artists and no not just tattooists, artists. So it started when Paul Booth and Filip Leu who in 2000 “experimented” on Ryan Martinie of MUDVAYNE at the “tattoo the earth festival”. Now what these two phenomenal artists did was “tag team” tattoo on Martinie’s chest, no preconceived ideas, continuously swapping and adding onto each other work hence “fusion”….. The concept was born and grew into many varied platforms.

Luckily enough at the art Jamming studio we got to see Paul Booth infuse Paint on canvas on the “varied platforms” which is now known as the “art fusion camp” around the world. So there they were, No guns, No needles, No ink… No Flesh all being swapped for palettes, paintbrushes and the stretched calico membranes. Mastery of skill many hands all artists {contextual artists being all part of the southern ink exposure… tattoo artists yes.}, stroke for stroke, switching from canvas to canvas interpreting each other’s images as one’s own and rendering each other’s thoughts into one’s own perception. It was like the Images had their roles that normally would depict thousands of different types of meanings and understandings but in this instance the body was not the soft target for debates. It was the intrepid journey each artist had to take; as their “artwork” took a step of change in a circular direction as they played a dancing game of transformation; at this camp, each canvas had two artist working on an image then the next two would come in and “un-ego” the image until completed by Paul Booth and Joe Johns.

So one would usually expect the usual “Yo ho ho pirate and skull” type paintings but no, not here, there was an “air of grace” in the paintings. Each painting had its own panache and feel but what could one expect. Artist’s and audience alike watched in suspense to wait for the final outcomes. While the space “ArtJamming” was used as a perfect foundation for this lofty affair. The studio “Artjamming” was the perfect setting. Litres upon litres of paint in plastic dispensers hung upon the wall by means of shelves the paint dispensers reminding one of the ink containers used for tattooing. Artjamming … Perfect setting, wide open clear space. Open clear voyeuristic windows for the exhibitionists to be watched. The audience could take in every drop even the dabs of paint that didn’t make the canvas but joined the previous splotches of paint on the floor. It was the Ideal playground for the seriousness of what was to follow. The “southern Ink Exposure” .

The event was surreal and finally we got to see “art Fusion”, local talent got to partake, local enthusiasts got to watch and we all held our breathe for the event to unfold….. S.I.X.

Originally Written for www.undergroundpress.co.za

Slashdogs Jhb “hunger” album Launch

Walking into Classic Corner Head Quarters at an unselected time other than the start time due to unforeseen circumstances I was met by a surreal bunch of Slashdogs fans and supporters. The attendees were tattoo clad with beautiful attitudes and one goal “let the good times roll” and they did. There were no boundaries of the band or fans, people were people, no one was more important than the other. That projects the Slashdogs aim within and without what they sing about, one day a person the next day another.

Opening the stage was Cortina Whiplash a band to watch out for, amazing stage presence enigmatic in a sense partially due to the vox; partially due to crazy lyrics and some heavy covers. Their last song they played was indeed a Slashdogs song which went down well with the rock-a-billy crowd. So the time came for the Slashdogs to come out and play and yes they played with mirrors behind them it was indeed a double creature feature. Playing on the Dance floor with the crowd on par with them gives a sense of intimacy and trust with band and fans alike. Intense communication, no break down. The crowd was the Slashdogs and the Slashdogs were the crowd. The surreal settings of the venue did play a part as the backing canvas as everything just was meant to be as it was.

There were just so many hi lights within their set that it would be impossible to mention all of them. The opening song Habitual got the crowd going with a bell kicker , well in all earnestly a bell wrecker. The set was a well induced almighty long haul “of never ending I don’t want it to end in my personal opinion”. They are technical musicians at their best doing what they love doing, music. Not many bands in S.A. music can get with saying 6 years of pay off and still get the thrill of coming off stage and knowing they did a superb and spectacular job , without having to get reassurance from anybody. Yes that is how good the stage presence of the Slashdogs ‘is’. (Note to Ed, I’m not putting “are” they gonna stick around)

So within omnipresence of the album launch I have one thing to say, as far as album launches go I’d say this one had to be in the top five, The vibe, the band, the fans, the no ones, the everyone’s… the selectiveness of the venue. All combined, all well thought of, all good, let the good time roll, this is Rock ‘n’ roll. The Slashdogs are the hunger.

“Hunger” is available at all Look n Listen stores .

written for www.undergroundpress.co.za

Tell me why I don’t like Mondays

In relevance with all this slipknot whoHA I’m gonna take this hella of a personally a kids gets slain by another kid donned in a slipknot mask in the ass end of Africa. So maybe the kid in question didn’t have his Manson/Metallica/Ramstein gear out for the day? But maybe kid in question had too much of that 7de laan jingle in his head? Anyone ever noted the violence in those oh so South African day time TV. Shows are pure? I’m seriously how did “dizzie” get blind….egoli….kid gets napped blue bliksemed eyes… best part I don’t watch the bloody shows so how do I know what happening in them? I drink coffee in coffee shops and the sorts and in comes people not donned in outfits but clothing and they seat themselves and start talking about the in and outs of day time “soapies” yup even the violence!! And in the background we have the lovely poptastic pop music playing most of it produced by east/west producer bigwigs who didn’t have nothing to do with that or this shooting incident three or four weeks before the hit single came out what coincidently is playing as the “tannies” are “non chalantly” talking about the “soap dish” daily drama as if it doesn’t exist out the box!!!

So lets blame the media and not the music? Erm music is part media think of the good ‘ol days when t.v wasn’t around and the folk singers had to propergate via song? Yeah thought so forgot that one, yup opionion via song….press darlings (we depress the press darlings)… but in all hinderance it is truth. So some people get creative (I don’t condone people hurting other people; in regards to this article). In our everyday lives we have become the media and the media have become us. Ghost in the shell and the where the machman meet. I get lost in the media because eeryday it’s yes from that side and a no from the other and it’s been around for ages. So lets lingua fracta then, so my media is my music so it inspires me at times to do things a little arb in the eyse of others so I write on my wall make my hair pretty and “unnatural colours” but the music didn’t make me do it quite frankly I think I did by meyself.

So they gonna blame the music they gonna blame the band? Um HEYA media? Yeah you media (yeah me typing as well) take a glance and note the kid in questions music collection (pc/tapes/8 track etc etc) you may just be surprised “Capitaan”. The kid in question may just have a cd that your daughter listens to. Oh dear god take your daughter to the slaughter. Shit was she harmed in the school shooting/stabbing that happened the day prior or the day after the slipknotted incident in a township nearby? Oh yes that’s right those kids don’t listen to music or have band emblems/logos drawn on their bags….. How could we forget….media only blames it on evilutionised music when the kids in question either dress up as band members or wear their shirts…crikey how can they forget.



Lets attempt the fact thing…Lets shoot to the first school killing (I’m not gonna academia this ( use Google it’s fun and exciting). A girl n the states doesn’t “get her request of a my little pony” or whatever she wanted but a rifle from her dad instead for x-mas. So AHA you guessed it…..she shoots the kids that are neatly arranged at the school opposite her house. Seeing the it’s a rifle she has, there’s no need to even leave her house, simple. If I remember correctly she only manages to kill one adult, the headmaster who was ushering the kindergarten kids to safety yes the toddlers her targets. When the police questioned her actions the only thing she would reply was “I don’t like Mondays”.

Luck Fish 2008

What a great element for any festival, all festivals need a little bit of weathering heights too add that extra bit of conversation when asked “hey how was the festival”. Well the festival was great, gale force wind and all. What’s a festival without a bit of elemental love? So the first Lucky Fish kicked off and bands galore, the three stages parked right next to each other with easy access for festival goers to walk from one stage to the next without having to ‘traps’ for miles and miss an awesome band in the process. Thanks to you guys at Authentic Ideas.

So the bands were spectacular couldn’t quite put my finger on which band stuck out the most because that would be favouritism but I suppose I’m allowed to. Two bands that took me by surprise merely by the fact that I have never heard of them were Vortex and Enakskind, phenonemal stage performances and presence. So then my personal favourites are allowed right, right? Um yeah it is cos I can and I will, oh please do keep in mind I have no reference to dates or times it was a festival after all and hence there was no time just a continuum. Until home struck.

Memorable moments not in any spectacular order I assure you. This includes random quotes {ahhh where is the scrap book}

“I perform my best when I don’t take my blood pressure tablets “
s) A crazy percussionist jumping into the audience and the audience “pogo’ing” around him surreal crazy utterly amazing!!!
Kl) deftones covers making the crowd go crazy like that was cool to watch.
5) “it’s not me, it’s not you, we just don’t get along, lets break up”
65) One too many black labels the end.
H7) crazy interviews with pizza.
88) a certain singer throwing his toys on stage then throwing the mic then a guy from the audience taking the mic over and singing and the band carrying on like storm troopers “bravo”, then a guitar got smashed, oh dear.
09k) panda bear head gear that was cool.
A3)”nooit dude you know what they painted on your face”
Io) Late night drinking’s at the rock bar castle tent with many a band members and 24 hour music oh yeah.
77) ok list of bands : submachine, slashdogs, enakskind, the one night stands, vortex, the death valley blues band, Seth, dean and the deadbeats, those nun guys yeah them and a couple of bands I can’t remember that I really should I sincerely apologize I do I do I do I do.
96) Brain numb
5o) making a call to England to find out what the most covered song in the world is …. Still in dispute.

Ok those are my thirteen hi-lites I hope they do. That is a (re)view from me to you hope it does the trick.

Written For www.undergroundpress.co.za