Niva Magazine Edition # 18

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So I am back to be the editor of my own magazine once again, haha! I am sure the Niva Mag reader’s have noticed some drastic changes not only in the general appearance of the magazine, but in the content as well. I am steering Niva Magazine back on course as a free music magazine as well as working with some awesome new writers! I cannot begin to express how thankful I am for all the assistance that I have been getting from new advertisers. This month, I have put Niva’s b-day present on the cover - 7th Son. The band has been smashing the scene for years now, and it seemed like the perfect band to have at Niva’s b-day later this month. Enjoy your read!

Nic Owen - Editor

Writers: Nic Owen, Glennise Pretorious, Mischa Modgeson, Travis Stone, Ice Carstens, Franz JollyRoger, Jess Black & MusicJunkie Photographers: Jaco S Venter, Jade Bedford, Nic Owen, Tash Montlake & Pieter Vosloo, Cover Photography: Tash Montlake Printing: Spectrum Print Editor: Nic Owen Design and Layout: Nic Owen General Magazine Queries: nivamag@nivarecords.com Advertising Related Queries: nowen@nivarecords.com Send Your Contributions and Articles to: nivamag@nivarecords.com Disclaimer: The views expressed in Niva Magazine are not necessarily those of Niva Magazine, it’s editor, or it’s advertisers. No parts of this magazine may be edited or reproduced without consent from Niva Magazine.

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With their sophomore album having been released at the end on July, Dance, Youre On Fire have taken the step; put pen to paper and signed a record contract with Just Music! The band have also made additions to their lineup in the form of Jacques Du Plessis who used to be involved with Wrestlerish.

Well done to DYOF, they are really becoming one of SA’s favourite bands and are currently sitting at number 10 on the 5fm top 40! (Page 11)

The planning has started for the second Big Day Out! Back in February of this year, Niva and Ed Hardy Energy brought you the Big Day Out featuring Newtown Knife Gang, Dans Dans Lisa & Reburn, amongst many others. The plans for the 2013 event are starting to take form, Niva has got their eyes on some bands from up north, so this event will surely not disappoint! Keep in touch with Niva’s Big Day Out voting poll by visiting Niva Magazine on Facebook and leaving your options as to who you would like to see at the 2013 event. If you would like to be part of the 2013 event, please contact Niva Magazine on nivamag@nivarecords.com.

Artist submissions - nowen@nivarecords.com

Luna Paige will be releasing her live DVD and CD on a national level! Her tour kicks off at the Centurion Theatre on the 26th of October, after which she will be heading to Welkom, Bloemfontein, Nelspruit, Pietermaritzburg, Durban, East-London, Port Elizabeth, Jeffreys Bay, George and Mossel Bay. She will be concluding her tour back home in the Western Cape on 25 and 26 November. (Page 25)

Southern Gypsey Queen have recently embarked on a national tour which began at Oppikoppi Festival to celebrate the 10th year of rocking out for the trio! With the energy that SGQ is carrying at the moment, be sure to catch them near you! Here’s to the next 10!

Ramfest has gone a little crazy, and crazy is good when it involves Pendulum(Australia & England) and Rise Against(USA). Ramfest has pretty much gone insane, but insane is good when it involves Pendulum, Rise Against, Bring Me The Horizon (UK) & As I Lay Dying(USA)! Ramfest fans cannot ask for anything better than what we have been given! (More on page 11)

Winterstasie has been nominated for the Huisgenoot Tempo awards for best video for “Balk in jou oog”! How to vote: “Vote for Winterstasie for best video at the Huisgenoot Tempo awards for their video “Balk in jou oog” by sending an sms: TEM1 B + ( Your Name & Surname ) to 32113.

Keep up to date with Ramfest by following them on Facebook.

The legendary Synergy Live is back, and it's bigger and better and at a totally new venue! November 30th to December 2nd 2012.

Between the sun and the stars, between the city and the winelands, between live and electronic. Synergy Live, South Africa’s legendary music & lifestyle festival, returns from November 30th to December 2nd 2012!

Soak up the sun, mingle, relax, pitch a tent and rock out to a super-cool collection of more than 100 celebrated local and international bands, live acts, comedian and electro artists. It’s not just the Mother City’s premier outdoor music festival – it’s a three-day celebration of nature, summer, and life itself. Early Bird Tickets: R430, Full Weekend Pass: R520. Confirmed rock acts: The Narrow & Van Coke Kartel.

SRH South Africa was official launched at Niva’s event with Mr Cat and The Jackal, 7th Son and Reburn on Saturday 29 September at Zula Bar. The event was amazing, the venue was packed, and the bands definitely did a great job in keeping the crowd entertained. Keep your eyes on Fax Police, a young Cape Town band who opened for this powerful line up and turned more than just a few heads!

Dead Lucky, 7th Son, Four a Penny, De Wallen and The Man Motels will be performing at Niva’s 2nd birthday at Aandklas in Stellenbosch on Saturday 20th October. Pull in and come have a drink and support Niva on it’s second year in the music industry. Cover charge will be R30, no under 18’s! info - info@nivarecords.com

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By Nic Owen

7th Son have played numerous Festivals. Headlining at Splashy Fen, J-Bay Billabong Pro, Oppikoppi, Flux Festival, Up The Creek, Insanity festival, Synergy, Rocking the Daisies, Obs Fest, Long Street Festival, Stellies Rag Fest, Sowing the Seeds, Uprising Festival, Vortex, Ramfest, Rock the River and many more. To date, the band has been seen or heard on/in: MTV Australia, 5fm, SABC, MNET Super Sport, MK studio 1,East coast radio, ETV, FHM, SL magazine, Blunt magazine, Salt Water girl, BPM, LMG, RSG, Good Hope fm, Tuks fm, UCT radio, MFM, Bush Radio, KFM, Levi's Magazine, Stage magazine, Zig-Zag, as well as spreads in local newspapers around the country. Niva Magazine hooked the band up for both b-day events, and decided to bring you an interview to get to know the band a little...

Please introduce yourselves to the readers: Nic Gaud aka "The Dog" , vocals and guitar Myles McDonald aka "Slash Toe" , Trumpet Yannick Bathfield aka "Charlize" , Lead guitar Miggs Auer aka "Miggy Blue" , Bass Simon Ackermann aka "Psyman" , Saxaphone Nick Ornellas aka "Mello Nello" , Drums 7th Son has obviously paid their dues to the music industry, having performed at a healthy number of music festivals throughout the country, dropped a couple of albums which have been playlisted country wide, and created a big following through all of the hard work. Who assisted you guys to get off the ground to where you find yourselves at today? The core of 7th Son since 2005 has been Nic Gaud , Miggs Auer and Myles McDonald , we've been fortunate enough to have some really talented muso's in and out of the band since then , and owe a lot of credit to those guys who've added and continue to add to the 7th Son legacy . Another big credit would be to HeyPappaLegend studios and the McDonald family , who've always had our back and put in many hours into recordings and helping us out in tight spots . And thirdly a big thanks to all the 7th Son supporters ,new and old , who pull into shows and download our music and spread the Rude Rock message .

With the band having worked with Fuzi’s Jay Bones on the Rude Rock Shakedown that was released earlier this year, did he play a major influence in defining the vibe of the album? And, what is next on the cards for 7th Son, will we be seeing a Rude Rock Shakedown #2? With the Rude Rock Shakedown albums we wanted to do more on the ska side of things , We've always been big Fuzi fans, so hooking up with Jay Bones was really cool . We flew him down to Cape Town for our first recording sessions ,he got a feel for the tracks and shared some of his wisdom with us , the next time we were in Joburg we hung out at his place wrote some songs and played some shows together , So he definitely has his mark on the album. We've just released Rude Rock Shakedown Part 2 , You can download both Parts off our website for free .

I ask the same question in every interview, but here it goes: What are you views on the SA music industry. Do you guys feel that there is room and an infrastructure for 7th Son to carry this momentum into something much bigger?

Or are there obvious set backs, being a band from South Africa? The S.A industry has grown quite a lot in the last few years and our S.A bands can hold their own against some of the best internationals when it comes to production and performance. A lot of bands are venturing out to Europe and The States , and it's quite an eye opener to see how things run over in the 1st world. S.A just needs to build the scene, so for us it's about getting out there , having a good jam , making new friends and spreading our music and promoting the genre.

Where can people keep up to date with 7th Son? Where will you be performing in the near future? We recommend that you go visit our website at www.7thson.co.za , where you can download the Rude Rock Shakedown experience in it's entirety from there , there are links to our Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and Reverbnation pages, where you can keep up to date with our shows and general ramblings.

Our next show is October 20 at Aandklas in Stellies , for Niva's 2nd birthday party , join in for some ska jams .

Any big plans for 2013? We'll be keeping the Ska Rock Reggae flag flying high , we're bringing out some new music videos and got some more tours and festival shows lined -up - So keep an eye out for those .

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Freddie`s musical ability and sensitive songwriting has fans excited about his debut offering. He currently resides in the house of Van'Dango (a house filled with similar minded artists and musicians) in Melville and spends most of his time composing, writing and recording new and interesting, emotionally charged, rock and jazz influenced music.

Niva Magazine talks to Freddie about his album, when he is coming to Cape Town and which living artist he would sacrifice to bring back one who has already passed away.

For people that don’t know Freddie Van’Dango, how would you describe yourself and your music?

Where can we find you online?

I can be found in the twittersphere @F_Van_Dango and on the book of face. Busy setting up an awesome, all encompassing Van'Dango website which will include everything from gig info to merch. And anything else we might decide to share. With you. The awesome fans.

Where can we buy your album?

We changed the cover so the album will now be readily available from the 10th Of October at Musica, maybe even sooner.

What would you like to achieve in the music industry?

Somewhere in between being flamboyant and withdrawn. Mysterious and strange. Skinny and deranged. An eagle in a cage. And an ice cream sandwich...My music is an amalgamation, ranging from alternative, indie pop rock to some folk. It's melodic and groovy. My mom loves it.

I'd like to carry on making music for one. And I wish to one day collaborate and make cool tunes with all my heroes, maybe even leave a positive imprint on the minds and lives of people. I want my music to make people happy yo.

How did you find the process of making the album?

Are you planning on visiting us Capetonians anytime soon?

The process of making the album was kind of like having bi-polar. At times the world seemed abundant with colour and at other times it seemed only to consist of different shades of grey. As of yet it remains the greatest journey I have had the privilege to walk.

Yes of course I'll be venturing down to the Cape Town. I can't wait to hug the mountain and kiss the sea. I can't wait to come share some of my melody.

Are the songs on “Tonik” a collaborative effort or did you write them yourself?

All the songs excluding ‘Super Love’ and ‘Play’ are my babies. I wrote the ‘Devil's Charm’ with Andre Scheepers, keys extraordinaire, during a smoke break. So love or hate them...they're mine.

Explain the title of your debut, “Tonik”.

I wish for this album to be invigorating. To be, if anything, like a cool breeze on a summer's day. Good voodoo. I just want to make friends with your ears.

What do you consider accomplishment to date?

you

biggest

I make music for a living. And I guess well...I'm still alive. Also I learned to eat my veggies.

Do you have any favourite tracks on the album?

And if so, why?

‘White Noise’ is my favourite song on the album.

It's avant garde-gangster.

Which living artist would you sacrifice to bring back one who's already passed away?

Sacrifice Madonna, she's as old as Methuselah...bring back Amy Winehouse.

Last but not least, what is next for Freddie Van’Dango?

All kinds of things, but most importantly an exciting future filled with music and all that goes a long with it. Just check this space. Also Borderlands 2 just came out so a lot of PlayStation too. Peace and love people.

"TONIK" will be released on 10 October 2012. The album was produced by SAMA Award Winning producer Dan Roberts. By Ice Carstens

Don’t forget to keep up to date with Freddie on his Facebook page!

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10 South African singer-songwriter, solo artist, guitarist as well as the front man of the band Smash & Grab Hotspot. Justin has opened for the likes of Prime Circle, Parlotones, Wrestlerish, Short Straw, Naming James, Wickhead and Shawn Phillips just to name a few…

Justin Wayne Serrao, born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa is most comfortable when entertaining a crowd with his unique style of acoustic rock, adult contemporary and alternative rock. Justin’s talent is evident in the variety of musical instruments he uses in his performances from the guitar, bass guitar and African drums to his smooth vocals with a specific preference for the “Martin” acoustic guitar. Justin began his career in 2001 in a punk rock band "74%stupid" and then moved to a more mature sound as the bassist for "Grounded" who's single "Getting Tired" did well nationwide on Radio. Justin then moved to the acoustic guitar and wrote his own songs and formed the band Smash & Grab Hotspot, who have just recorded their album and will be releasing at the end of 2012. As a Solo independent artist, Justin sings with passion and emotion which comes through in his live performances, where the crowd can feel and experience his stories and moments. Be sure to catch Justin on his Cape Town tour this October. Find details on Justin’s Facebook page.

By MusicJunkie

en Ow c i yN

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In 2004, the South African metalscape was a baron looking affair.

For the lack of available metal entertainment at the time, four residents in Strand and Somerset West teamed up to amuse themselves with some metal riffs and before long, Mind Assault was formed. It took a little while to find a permanent drummer, but the band had stand-in help from a mutual friend, Stephan Lenhoff (currently playing bass for Joint State). Once Andries Smit filled the position, all was set for ‘go’ and the band has been rising from strength to strength ever since. Mind Assault has gone on to achieve many accomplishments in the South African metal scene, including co-headlining slots at various metal/alternative music festivals across the country. They have been complimented by critics as a highly entertaining live act, and this reputation has had Mind Assault appear at five consecutive RAMfest events; a feat rivaled only by Fokofpolisiekar. Other festival highlights include prime slots at the likes of Sun 2 Moon Festival 2006 (GAU), Windhoek Metal Festival 2008 (NAM), Witchfest 2008 (KZN), Oppikoppi 2010 (LIM), Thornfest 2011 (GAU) and numerous headline slots at high profile local events such as Whiplash and metal4africa. Releases to date include

two EPs and one full length album, with another full length album coming up in 2013.October of 2012 represents the eight-year milestone since Mind Assault first appeared in front of a public audience, and the band is celebrating by bringing it back home to the Helderberg with a show at The Nameless Pub on Saturday 27 October. Being part of a Halloween-themed party, the event features a diverse line-up ranging from acoustic-orientated rock through to the heaviest of metal. For more information, enquire at http://www.facebook.com/mindassault or at The Nameless Pub in Main Road, Somerset West. By Patrick Davidson, Pic courtesy Mind Assault.

12.1 Since their inception in 2008, Black Market Riots has gained admirable ground in the music industry with their eclectic rock style. Their timbre is a fine selection between Biffy Clyro and late Thrice. On their journey thus far they have shared the stages with some of South Africa's most talented musicians at some of our biggest festivals. With their hard working demeanour and powerful stage presence, Black Market Riots, creates an ambiance that relates to the crowd they perform in front of. They started out with a passion for music, each infused with different influences and combined them into one package to assemble an unique sound to appeal to a wider audience. In retrospect, they stay true to who they are and what they stand for, sending out those affirmations as they travel along. Some of their acclaimed accolades consist in winning Mystic Boer Battle of the Bands in 2008 which landed them recording slot with Franschoek studios where they recorded their 8 track EP titled, “Box of Dreams”. Their EP together with their debut music video “Machine” was released in 2009 at Aandklas, Stellenbosch. “Machine” also featured on a regular interval on MK. Through dedication and hard work they've gained sponsorship from Paul Bothners Music.

They constantly evolve and reinvent themselves with a fresh approach towards their music, creating a new born style with which they feel comfortable.

Formed in Sheffield in 2004, “Bring Me the Horizon” has had many highlights since the launch of their career. They have won 3 Kerrang Awards – One in 2007 for Best British Newcomer, the second in 2011 for Best Album for “There Is A Hell...”, and most recently the 2012 award for Best British Video for “Alligator Blood.” In 2011 they were officially the biggest band on MySpace UKin 2011; they have over 3.4 million fans on facebook and over 50 million UK & European views on youtube for their official videos. In late 2011 BMTH supported Machine Head in UK and Europe, including a return to UK arenas. For the first 6 months of 2012 the band has been in the studio working on their next album, to be released through Sony in 2013.

“As I Lay Dying”, one of USA`s top metal attractions, has celebrated their latest worldwide release only last week (25 September) with ‘Awakened.” This is the band`s sixth studio release to date and is already receiving excellent reviews from metal communities all across the globe. Their appearance at RAMfest will make up a part of a 2013 world tour to promote “Awakened.” The band has been described by many as a rough blend between thrash and melodic death, but more commonly described as a leader of the metalcore sound; which fuses extreme metal with elements of hardcore punk. What we can be certain of is that “As I Lay Dying” are world class metal entertainers. They have featured prominently at major international festivals such as Wacken Open Air, Soundwave Festival, and Bloodstream to name only a few.

Courtesy Liny Kruger

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Established in 2007, Dance, You’re on Fire has become an ever present force on the South African music landscape.

Described as a meeting point between rock ‘n roll and indie, the Johannesburg based quintet seeks to fuse imminently listenable pop hooks with a fondness for musical exploration and creativity.

Released in February 2010; Dance, You’re on Fire’s debut album ‘Secret Chiefs’ spawned six number one singles including ‘Boxes of Tigers’, ‘Michelle’ and ‘Infinity’. This led to frequent national tours and performances at several prominent South African music festivals.

The band also earned number one slots on DSTV’s MK channel for several music videos including ‘Michelle’ and ‘Infinity’ while securing attention from leading media publications such as Cosmopolitan, Heat, 5fm and Channel 24.

Additionally; Dance, You’re on Fire secured the ‘Best Indie’ title during the MK Awards 2012 ceremony.

Recently, the group concluded work on their second studio album, entitled ‘Light Repeating’, which has been released through South Africa’s largest independent record label, Just Music.

Signalling somewhat of a sonic departure for the group, this collection of eleven tracks offers a greater insight into Dance, You’re on Fire’s aspirations towards creating a varied body of work.

Still, the album remains true to the band’s roots by delivering radio friendly offerings such as lead single ‘Speak to Me’. Lyrically influenced by a two week period in lead singer Tom Manners’ life and complimented by unique album design work, courtesy of Jacques Kleynhans, ‘Light Repeating’ promises to illustrate artistic elements previously unseen on earlier efforts.

With long-time producer and former Wrestlerish pianist, Jacques Du Plessis, newly added to the fold, Dance, You’re on Fire is looking forward to taking their career forward with this new offering.

‘Light Repeating’ is has been released and is available in all good South African retail outlets.

Courtesy Tanya Anderson

13 Rocking the Daisies - One of SA’s favourite music and lifestyle festivals, will be back again from the 4th – 7th October 2012 at Kloof Wine Estate in Darling. This festival is on its 7th year of entertaining the masses and just gets better every year with more changes and new additions.

There will be 7 different stages this year where RTD has given us a variety of top class local and international artists. Bloc Party will be headlining this years event and will be performing on the main stage on the Saturday at 11:20pm.

This festival has made sure to have a playground so that you can bring your little ones with, whilst watching the rugby on large screens in the main bar area.

There will also be a green village, art fields, daisy den, wine tasting, swop shop, food village, banking, mainstay beach bar, lemon tree theatre, red bull electro stag, main stage, nu world beat barn and many, many more!

Ticket Prices: -Full weekend: Thursday OR Friday – Sunday: Online R520 / Gate R600 -Saturday & Sunday: Online R480 / Gate R550 -Sunday: Online R70 / Gate R70 There are many ways to get to daisies if you do not have your own car and a lot of privileges that can’t be find by all the festivals. To find out about it more go to http://www.rockingthedaisies.com.

By Mischa Modgeson

14.1 The South African music scene may appear to be booming with potential and bands that are finding their way through the cracks to become recognised and play listed on radio stations, as well as perform at well known festivals, and being part of powerful line ups at smaller, more regular events. But the real struggle comes in with bands that do not understand the basics, being allowed to set the terms of the music industry, basically slowly turning it into an unprofessional scene with too many ‘below average’ performances and shows, with bands still expecting to be charging ridiculous fees, which ends up being the downfall of far too many events if we take profit into consideration.

There are a lot of bands that I have come across that feel they know and understand more than what the scene has on offer, and that they are entitled to making the terms, even though they are newbies with very few industry connections, a low standard of professionalism and not being willing to struggle and persue their musical careers as they should be. Sure, cash is important, as it is in any industry, but as in any other industry or trade, everybody needs to start at the bottom and gain the necessary skills and connections to allow themselves to progress in their chosen fields.

People who are willing to do anything and everything to make their careers work, no matter what the career choice is, are always the people that appreciate their successes and understand how difficult it is to achieve a dream, especially because they have had the will power to pull through the days of low pay or even no pay and horrible working hours. This applies perfectly when we speak about South African rock bands, you will find the guys waiting for a hand out, charging ridiculous amounts for a performance, and really not being willing to put in the hard graft in order to really chase their dreams of turning the passion of playing music, into a sustainable income. On the other hand, I have also come across bands that have made it in the South African music scene due to sheer hard work, and for the love of their music.

I feel that bands should be paid according to their track record of past events. If a band cannot turn their example fee of R1000.00 into a profit at an event for the promoter or venue, they are obviously charging way too much, and don't understand common business. A lot of bands think they are worth way more than they actually are, especially bands who are: self represented and have little or no idea about how the music industry works, treat their band in an unprofessional manner, do not market events properly, do not have a healthy following, and/or bands that are in the illusion phase of their ‘careers’ where they seem to think that they can make a good amount of party cash out of their band, that they are the hottest thing on the block, and think that they can neglect their band and put it second best to things like girlfriends, studies and employment. Sure making cash is important, but if some of these bands would just put the necessary effort into their music, they would make it! The fact is simply that far too many bands in the scene are lazy. Being lazy is ok if you have people doing everything for your band, but if you don't, you should either consider handing your affairs over to an agency, or keep playing in a band as a hobby, where you do not expect to pay your bills from your performances. If you want to earn a salary from the South African music scene, treat your band like a job! By Travis Stone

14.2 It was a pretty cold and wet night in Stellenbosch on Wednesday 26 September, but luckily enough for any band who plays there, students don't seem to be bothered by bad weather when there’s beer and bands around.

Klein Libertas Theater is at the forefront of the Stellenbosch music scene, hosting some of the towns largest performances year after year. This was no different, as it was the Zebra & Giraffe ’The Wisest Ones’ launch tour, also featuring Tailor, who has also just dropped her first album through her record label Just Music. Special guests on the night were Capetonians, Ashtray Electric.

Tailor has one of the most captivating and emotional female vocals I have heard in a while, she reminds me of Alanis Morissette, in the way she expresses herself through her lyrics and vocal range. She will grab you with her stage presence, take you on a journey to the places and times where she felt pain, heartache, and even being in love. Tailor has been opening for Zebra & Giraffe on this tour, showing that she has what it takes to roll with the big dogs of the SA scene. She is defiantly worth a second listen!

A surprise act that followed Tailor was the crew of Ashtray Electric. This band were the winners of MK’s best Newcomer in 2009 and since then, with their amazing riffs and stage attitude, they have been leaving the South African music lovers wanting more! Their latest EP WTF can be downloaded from www.ashtrayelectric.co.za. In my opinion, the band had a performance lacking a bit of energy and enthusiasm. Nevertheless I enjoyed their set, but I was a little disappointed that they were not advertised for this gig - I’m sure a lot more people would have pulled through.

As always Zebra & Giraffe did not disappoint! 13 radio singles later, and these boys still have what it takes to give the crowd something spectacular, gig after gig! The band played some of their well known releases, but mixed their set up well with a fuse of the darker new album. If you are trying to sit and figure out who Z&G reminds you of, you are going to have difficulty, as this band is one of those bands that lead the way instead of following trends or sounds. They have come a long way since their first album (Collected Memories) having toured a lot and enjoyed successes that most bands could only ever dream of, lost and gained a few members, but the most important thing is that Z&G are on fire at the moment!

Overall, Libertas was amazing! The sound was top notch, and the bands were responsible for setting the mood for a very big night out in Stellenbosch!

By the way, get your hands on the latest releases from Zebra & Giraffe and Tailor, which are both available from Look and Listen stores countrywide.

By Glennise Pretorious

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Saturday 29 September saw The Nameless Pub in Somerset West being packed up nicely with rock fans coming out mainly to see Red Tape Riot and Love Glove Pyrotechnics. Opening band Alex Riley set a good mood for the night, using the power of a good unplugged set to get peoples ears tuned in. Front man Edrich Swart has got an amazing vocal range, and even though the unplugged set seemed to be a little out of place for this gig, it was definitely well delivered and enjoyed by the people who were already there.

Next up was another opening band from Stellenbosch Geheime Skaduwee. Now, this band has been trying to get into the swing of things after replacing the old drummer and re-modeling the overall band vibe and direction – They are passionate and energetic on stage, but are still very much in an amateur phase of their careers. I’m sure with more gigging and exposure, this young band will find their footing in the Cape Town scene.

Now for a band that I have been wanting to see for some time now - enter Red Tape Riot! The band will fit into any top class Indie line up without a hassle, as they were as tight as can be. The crowd seemed to let loose and start the party when these guys got on the stage. It was nice to see a band coming from Cape Town and

still being able to have a good following in the heart of Somerset West. Even though these guys haven't been around all that long, make a plan to catch them at an upcoming gig, you will not be disappointed!

Love Glove Pyrotechnics hit the stage as the feature band for the night, and that they were! They did everything right from the word go - the crowd at Nameless could see this, and had no option but to join into the sexual, rock and roll world of Love Glove Pyrotechnics.

The band is doing well for themselves at the moment; they have good management, they have their heads screwed on right (it seems), and they are really entertaining as f*ck!! One of my favorite bands on the local scene at the moment, hands down! Keep up the great work LGP, I know there is still more to come, we have just been given a taster!

By MusicJunkie

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Saturday 29 September was full of gigs around the city, but for most people hitting the Cape Town streets that night, there was only one place to be, and that was the SRH Launch party at Zula Bar featuring 7th Son, Mr Cat & The Jackal, Reburn, DBV Rap & Fax Police.

With the show starting 30 minutes late, I wasn't sure what to expect with the first 2 acts who were going to come on stage. I had never heard them live before, and had no idea of what to be expecting. DBV hit the stage in a style that should be called ‘back in the hood’, as they carried their rap/gangster image and vibe across to their small dedicated following, as well as onto some of the other supporters. They like to use words like nigger, bitches, weed and ho’s, so I’m pretty sure you can understand what sort of vibe these guys had. For only their second ever performance, thumbs up to the organizers who picked these guys up and offered them the gig. Really hope to see these boys gig again soon, and it was a blast watching their set! Keep it up guys!

Next up saw the youngsters from Fax Police hit the stage. The guys are still very fresh in the Cape Town scene, and have been getting great feedback from venues and promoters, show after show! Fax Police are a rock/pop outfit, who are young, but know how to rock your socks off! They were pretty tight when it came to their set, one or two slip up’s caught my attention, but that’s about it, other than that they were brilliant and entertaining! I think the band must have been pretty chuffed when Reburn commented on their performance during their own set. These boys have the confidence and attitudes to make something out of their music, I just hope we can see them joining some great line ups more often.

Mr Cat & The Jackal hit the stage 3rd. The band had recently won an award from MK for best animation, just dropped a video, and have just returned home to Cape Town from a national tour. Having never seen Mr Cat perform live in Cape Town before, I was not sure what to expect. However, as soon as the guys started their set, and 5 minutes later everybody was holding and waving their shoes in the air, I knew this was going to be awesome! It’s great to see a band with such an amazing vibe; they were very fresh, carrying a comedic vibe through their set in the form of their stage presence, comments, and vocal tone. It sort of reminded me of an entertaining Dracula voice, which was epic! There wasn't one person in the crowd at Zula who wasn't on the Mr Cat & The Jackal vibe.

Reburn were up second last and actually ended up stealing the night from both Mr Cat & The Jackal as well as 7th Son. The band is currently on fire to say the very least! The band has been playing a lot lately, and it is awesome to see how powerful Reburn are when it comes to their following of fans, as the venue swelled as soon as they hit the stage, and died down

as soon as they left it. Keep your ears open for the bands latest single which will be released soon I believe. I think the energy of this new single has pushed the band in a direction that can only be described as the exact place that they need to be to make sh*t happen!

Really stoked for the next Reburn gig!

Songrab.com is however, a fresh take on it, by making the reason to engage a far more meaningful one, with pure and measurable real world benefits for musicians. It’s a platform that will differentiate itself by offering 100% selfless support to local musicians by providing a platform for brands to let fans know they are willing to make a real difference by supporting Ending off the night with a pretty late slot were the boys local musicians directly. from 7th Son. I sort of expected a larger following for the band, as they have not performed in Cape Town for “Add Value & Seek No Profit! It’s not something many a while they said, but hey, maybe it was the fact that it business people would tell you to rally behind. Thankwas a very late slot, instead of people not wanting to fully this isn’t about business for us.” see the band. I think if they had performed at 11pm, they would have had a similar crowd to Reburn and Mr Downloading music these days invariably involves Cat. The band has huge energy in every aspect of the you, an artist of your choice and either an illegal platword; Sort of like Ska meets punk meets dance your form (like the pirate bay) or one taking a cut of what face off kind of vibe. This was my first experience of 7th you’re willing to pay (access models & DRM tomfoolSon live, the guys seem to have their sh*t together real- ery). There are a lot of these platforms out there now ly well! So would I go see them again? Uhm, duuh! They and musicians relying on paid for digital downloads as were f*cking amazing! a sustainable source of income, are as likely to succeed, as they are to benefit from spontaneous record Overall, what a gig at Zula! Thumbs up to Niva for host- label spending. The simple fact of the matter is that surviving as a full time musician is almost impossible. ing yet another amazing event!

Brands have an opportunity to support local musicians and benefit from a genuine introduction to appreciaBy MusicJunkie tive fans with the process also automatically generating positive social reach.

“We know we’ll be able to create a valuable moment for fans, musicians and brands to share. We know this because it’s as transparent and as obvious as it gets.

The only people who need to exchange money here is a sponsoring brand and a deserving artist. Nobody else needs the money to make music.”

Team Songrab is Ryno Van Niekerk, Matt Visser, Martijn van Maasakkers and Brendan Sterley.

17

How did we get here? That’s an interesting question.

Ryno Van Niekerk and Matt Visser both started spending time together thinking about the local music scene as an eco-system that needed real value to be contributed to it. Since Ryno had the original idea almost 3 years ago, the team has grown to include our very own ginger, Martijn van Maasakkers, who has developed Songrab.com, as well as Brendan Sterley whose experience in the music industry is invaluable to the team. All of us are now focused on adding value and making a difference.

We don’t want to add value via a proxy, we just after a direct injection mechanism. Something that would allow the fans to be involved in supporting their bands, without having to be tied into existing and blatantly Cape Town, South Africa, 12 September 2012: failing online music distribution models.

Songrab.com is launching soon with the aim of creating a place for fans to support their favourite musicians without having to dip into their own wallets, Is it necessary? Today, more than ever. The music but still generating income for them via their social industry throughout the world has always had a love/ actions. It’s widely accepted that our new attention hate relationship with technology. From the first aleconomy is the result of being bombarded by leged killing of the record label’s version of the induscountless propositions and the ‘share to download’ try with the humble cassette tape to the hugely exaggerated murder of the film industry by the recordable mechanic is not a new one amongst them.

VHS tape. The industry has fought technological innovation at every turn since before the turn-table and the simple reason is fear. Fear of the unknown and an undeniable fear of losing control of all the money this industry (musicians) generate.

Songrab is another thing they won’t like.

Digital Rights Management was the knee jerk reaction from the music industry to the fact that we can now freely copy music files on and off of CD’s and hard drives. DRM basically tries to be clever about what you can do with the music file you buy and has largely been abandoned on actual music CDs, but is still very much essential to many of the failed online music distribution models. Songrab downloads are complete files, but the rights of the owner are completely retained by the aforementioned owner. Songrab at no time lays claim to any profits from the transfer of files between Songrab.com (on behalf of various performers and artists) and user’s of the site.

Interesting in signing your band up with Songrab? Visit www.songrab.com to set up your bands profile!

Courtesy Ice Carstens

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Van Coke Kartel launched their first self-titled album in November 2007 and kicked off their first live performance at Mercury Live in Cape Town at the end of that month.

Today, 5 years, later Van Coke Kartel has won various awards, including 2 x SAMAS and has been voted by DSTV channel MK viewers the ''Best Live Act'' in 2010 and 2011. The band has 2 tours planned for October and November of this year, starting off with Symphonic Rocks. Van Coke Kartel will be the first Afrikaans band to be a part of this event, supported by a 65 piece orchestra. “We have always wanted to be part of Heineken Symphonic Rocks and this year it is happening. We are looking forward to the dynamics of performing with a 65 piece orchestra!” says Wynand from Van Coke Kartel & Fokofpolisiekar The band will continue to tour the country hitting up Potch, Bronkhorspruit, Bloem, Kimberly, Pretoria, Witbank, Centurion, Cape Town, Worcester, Richmond, and Illovo.

The band will also be celebrating their ''Half a Decade'' existence with a weeklong tour at the end of November 2012 and an extensive December 2012 Tour. For more information on the bands tour dates and details, keep up to date with them on Facebook.

Courtesy Louise Crouse, Pic courtesy Jaco Venter

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Early celebrations are in order as Fokofpolisiekar end 2012 with the Acoustic & Rock Tour: Let the good times roll… and besides playing great music, celebrating is what they do best!

The legendary 5-piece Rock outfit, originally from Bellville, made a massive impact on the local music scene since their first musical offering, As jy met vuur speel sal jy brand, in 2003. Since then Fokofpolisiekar has had a controversial, exciting and successful career to date.

Nine years later and a few months away from their ten year anniversary as one of South Africa’s most celebrated bands, Fokofpolisiekar still exudes that magnetic pulling power at their shows that makes grown men cry. The band’s show at OppiKoppi Sweet/ Thing drew one of the largest crowds at this festival.

“Later that night, Fokofpolisiekar attracted about 18 000 people to their performance. It was the biggest crowd I had ever seen for a band at the festival and it stretched all the way up the Koppi. People were perched on rocks just to catch a glimpse of the kings of SA rock.

They and Seether had the largest audiences at the fest and for good reason.” Therese Owen, Star Tonight Now, friends and fans can join them for a somewhat different kind of show. Acoustic & Rock: Let The Good Times Roll is a selection of the band’s most popular acoustic and rock musical offerings from over the past nine years, performed in true Fokofpolisiekar style.

Fan or not, these are the Fokofpolisiekar shows that promises to be truly unforgettable!

20 Over the past 6 years, The Nameless Pub in Somerset West has been a true supporter of South African rock and metal, and has up until now hosted some of South Africa’s largest acts such as CrashCarBurn, The Parlotones, Prime Circle, Perez & PH FAT, to just name a few.

The venue recently celebrated their 6th birthday, and used this an opportunity to bring a new look and feel into the venue. There’s a fresh coat of paint on the walls, comfy leather couches for you and your friends to chill out on, a new indoor stage sponsored by Niva Magazine, as well as the management at The Nameless Pub making plans for some very big rock gigs during 2013.

The Nameless Pub has introduced a different theme for each night of the week starting with; Metal Monday’s, Tequila Tuesday’s, Halfway Wednesday’s, The Rites Thursday’s, TGI Friday’s, Super Saturday’s and DadaFM Sunday’s.

Keep up to date on The Nameless Pub’s gig guide by visiting them on Facebook. If you are interested in getting your band to gig at The Nameless Pub, feel free to contact Nic on 072 536 0639.

“I had an idea about starting a magazine, my girlfriend at the time quit her job, and we got to work on the Niva Rock & Roll Gig Guide (as it used to be called). She was the editor, I was the designer - it worked perfectly until we broke up, haha! After that, I had to change my plan...again - I had to learn to do this by myself, and yes, sometimes it got frustrating, but it’s something I have never thought of quitting. One day my magazine will pay for all the hard work.”

Niva has been a fully self-funded project from the word go, and in an industry where newbies don’t usually last very long, credit must be given for still being around after 2 years. Show after show, & band after band, Niva has continued to remain prominent in the Cape Town music scene, aiming to make the 3rd year in business the best so far. Niva has already confirmed a position at Rock the River music festival as well as 'I never planned to work in the music industry, it just negotiating some larger acts for next year’s projects. happened, and I don’t regret it.’ Nic Owen “I am pretty stoked at where I find Niva at the moment.

It's hard to believe that it's already been two years It’s come a very long way from booking tiny bands at since Niva came out of nowhere and suddenly small events. It’s ready to explode in a good way! appeared on the doorstep of the Cape Town music There have been a lot of speed bumps over the last 2 scene. It's even harder to believe that within the past years, I have had a few too many people work for me 24 months, this young events company has hosted and mess things up, but the important thing is that over 100 events, booked a large majority of Cape they are gone and I’m still here. I had to understand Town based bands, represented 15 bands to date, this industry by making mistakes, it has been the jourand has managed to host some of SA’s most ney of my life, and exactly where I am meant to be!” established artists at Niva events.

Be sure to catch Niva at Zula Bar on 29 September for “I started Niva off with a friend and his mate. They the official SRH Clothing South Africa launch party th were really keen until they noticed that it’s hard work featuring MK Award Winners, Mr Cat & The Jackal, 7 Son, Reburn, DBV Rap & Fax Police.

Also be sure to to make a steady income in the music industry, and nd just like that, they had left the business, and I had to come support Niva for the 2 official birthday party at Aandklas in Stellenbosch on 20 October featuring make a new plan - one that involved only me” Dead Lucky, 7th Son, Four a Penny, The Man Motels & De Wallen.

Niva has since then gone on to create quite a name in the music industry, having hosted many events including The Niva Adorned Festival 2011, Ed Hardy “A lot of people have assisted me, and I have really Big Day Out 2012, The Hot Summer Orgy Tour 2011, appreciated it. The beginning was very difficult, but it Newtown Knife Gang (JHB) album launch, has levelled out into something that I want to spend CrashCarBurn, PH FAT, Southern Gypsey Queen, the rest of my life working on” Dance You’re on Fire Cape Town tour 2011, only to Information: name a few.

Niva has been sponsored by: SRH Clothing, Ed Hardy Niva released a local music gig guide back in April Energy Drink, 911 Energy Drink, LLK Clothing, Audi2011. Today, 17 editions later, the magazine is osure SA, Rock Tee’s, Paul Bothner Music, Spectrum starting to find its footing in the Cape Town scene, with Print, Point Blanc Sound Solutions & Endor Media. readership and advertisers steadily growing with each passing month.

Bands Niva has worked with: CrashCarBurn, Newtown Knife Gang, Dance You’re “I started planning the Ed Hardy Big Day Out, Dans on Fire, PH FAT, 7th Son, Mr Cat & The Jackal, ReDans Lisa, and Newtown Knife Gang tours months in burn, Obsessie Met Als, 3rd World Spectator, Dans advance of the shows. The heavens opened up in the Dans Lisa, The Plastics, Southern Gypsey Queen, Die middle of February, and both nights went down the Seisoen Na Somer, Liberty Attain, Pik Swart, Joint drain, even though the bands were awesome. It taught State, My Flawless Ending, Four a Penny, The Mysme that no matter how sure you are about something ticcs, My Friend’s Bread, Fax Police, Lyderkane, in the music industry, the unexpected and undesired When Karma Sleeps, Gravity Wins Again, 30 From Ace, Anton Syndrome, Ballistic Blues, Black Market can always happen.”

Riots, Black Moscow, Black Saffron, Blood of Blondes,

21

Brand New Colony, Bright Blue City, The Man Motels, Chaos, Chasing Friday, Jesus, Chasing Sanity, CY.STR, Die Gunstons, Diverge, Dutch Phobia, Kevin Bedford, Fingers in the Sky, Gee Oor, Jethro Tait, Johnny Feelgood, Junkyard Lipstick, LUMA, Monolith, Pre-Motief, Saintfearless, Red Carpet Murder, Samson, Silent Side, Slate, Still to Fall, Stonecollar, The Bone Collectors, The First Decent, The Impalement Theory, The Inside Job, The Rebel Train Surfers, The Rubberduckz, Very Ape, Playing with Reason, Woodstock Mafia, Your Lost Dog, Arc Reactor, 3rd Minute Effect, Someday Rush, Thought Police + others Past and present Niva bands: My Flawless Ending, The Mysticcs, Reburn, Dead Lucky, Obsessie Met Als, Fax Police, Arc Reactor, Pik Swart, Geheime Skaduwee, Liberty Attain, Die Seisoen Na Somer & My Friends Bread.

Niva’s main achievements: Niva launched in October 2010, Spectrum sponsorship 2010, Smart Signs sponsorship 2010, Ink Inc Tattoo sponsorship 2010, Audiosure SA sponsorship 2010, Niva hosted their first outdoor event (Adorned Fest) Feb 2011, 1st Niva Battle of the Bands (Winners: My Flawless Ending) March 2011, Niva launched Niva Rock & Roll Gig Guide (Now called Niva Magazine) April 2011, 1st King of the Stage competition ( Winners: The Mysticcs) April 2011, CrashCarBurn (Stellenbosch & Cape Town) May 2011, Dance Youre on Fire Cape Town tour (May 2011), 50th Niva Event at Mercury Live 2011, Niva’s 1st Birthday with The Plastics, Reburn and The Mysticcs (October 2011), Ed Hardy Energy Drink Sponsorship 2011, Named as Endor Media’s Client of 2011, The Band Wackoff Competition (Winners: Still to Fall) Dec 2011, Hot Summer Orgy Tour December 2011 (CT, PTA, JHB, Bloem), Stage management at Rock the River 2011/2012, Newtown Knife Gang (JHB) Official album launch (Feb 2012), Niva Ed Hardy Big Day Out Feb 2012, Dans Dans Lisa Cape tour (Feb 2012), 2nd Niva Battle of the Bands (Winners: LoveGlove Pyrotechnics), Niva Magazine’s 12th Edition party (April 2012), Nameless Pub’s 6th Bday month May 2012, Face of Niva – Model event – May 2012, SRH South Africa sponsorship July 2012, Tattoo sponsorship – Ricardo Da Silva (August 2012), Niva’s 2nd CT Bday & SRH Launch (29 Sep 2012), Niva’s official 2nd Bday at Aandklas (20 October).

What does Niva have on the cards for 2013?

“At the moment I am putting ideas together for the 2nd Hot Summer Orgy Tour which will take place in March, as well as the 2nd Big Day Out. Other than that, I can’t drop too much information, but I can say this: Keep your eyes and ears wide open, the next 2 years are going to be the best yet, and I am personally over excited for my plans for 2013!” Nic Owen “Thanks to everybody who has supported Niva over the past 2 years, and this is where I say ‘here’s to the next 2’, right?” Article and interview by Jess Black

24 Last month I featured ING at The Right to Rock 2: Metal Rising in Worcester and had the time to talk to the boys a bit about their up-coming second full length album release and I could not pass by the opportunity to write about ING’s Ingquisition and get some insight on what its all about. A few days later I rushed to my PC and sent them a message with a few question about the album.

It is always a monumental occasion for any band to release a full-length album, a mile stone in their music career and as we know in the South African

metal scene, it happens only ever so often. The manner of how some of these bands get their albums out to fans is not only time and money consuming with a hell of a lot of hard work, but also more importantly, the bands pour their heart and soul into their album to create art and ING can surely testify to that. ING recorded the album in a true ING fashion, at their very own home studio “Jihad Record’s”. Bryan Villan the bands vocalist and guitar player, also the terrorist who mixed and mastered the album filled me in a bit on what went on behind the scene of recording Ingquisition and the concept. ING felt that the only way they could get the sound that they were looking for was to record and produce the album themselves, in Bryan's words “The idea was to create something that doesn't sound like a machine but is far more human”. For a natural and not overly processed sound the band recorded the guitars directly lined in and re-amped and drums mic’d up with slight triggering. Leads and vocals were tracked after some time as the band had to deal with every day work and life, like most good quality albums Ingquisition took a great deal amount of time to get to the final product.

ING’s music has always stuck rooted with their message since forming in 1999, carrying a rebellious flag of metal camaraderie. Ingquistion has a vast look into social and political turmoil with the usual ING theme; that is when it comes to hate, ING does not discriminate. Bryan Villain explained the album covers art work, an important weapon in the ING arsenal of

Ingquisition; “The album artwork and title track lends itself to one specific theme, the idea of the youth taking back the control of their lives from outdated government and religious groups and bringing these groups to stand trial before society, and people that they use in their personal games of power”. A powerful message that hits home fast, this may scare some, or offend others and maybe even make a few people think about things and I am sure this is exactly what ING is looking for.

“We write about everything and this album sees some songs take on Cape Flats gang violence, the silent genocide of the Afrikaaners in certain parts of the country along with more fictional songs such as the construction of an enhanced human sub species and an overall uprising by youth against religious, political and cultural leaders. The point I’m trying to make is basically that our songs will certainly piss people off but not because its slander or right wing views, but because it forces you to acknowledge certain uncomfortable truths about society which you may prefer to ignore” ING have taken the elements of old school thrash and death metal blended with fresh metal influence remastered to a Frankenstein of death metal. The band is consisted of Bryan Villain on guitar and vocals, Henk Kruger on guitars, Marius Theron on Drums and Darren Web on bass. ING would like to send a thank you to their friends, family, bands keen to spread hate with ING, Lucinda Villain for all the hard work on promotions etc, Jacques for the design work, Adam for breaching enemy lines with ING for the photos, Madelein for the many hours on the cover art, Chelsy Ruthenberg, all the online radio stations, everyone involved in the making of the album, and most of all the INGfidels all over the world who have joined the revolution.

ING’s Album launches are set in three events. The main album launch took place on the 29th of September at ROAR in Observatory. The supporting bands on the bill include Junkyard Lipstick, Beeldenstorm and Bulletscript. The second chapter takes place on 6th of October at the Jolly Roger in Plumstead with The Warinsane and Suiderbees and serves as the Southern Suburbs launch of the album. Third and finally on the 13th of October ING will be doing a show at Buckleys in Bellville with Sindulgence and The Impalement Theory.

By Ryno De Lange

25 3rd of November 2012 will mark the launch of an exploration of South African heavy metal; The Underground In, set out to host over twenty-seven metal bands on two stages over three separate shows, which will all be hosted at Cape Towns renown metal and alternative venue Gandalf’s/ R.O.A.R. The first line up includes female thrash outfit Junkyard Lipstick, Nu-metal messiahs Arc Reactor, the spectrum of WITH DAWN, the full metal—jacket off All Guns Full Ammo, the calm before the storm Sonnet 30, alternative primitives Very Ape, death metal kings ING, the infected sickness Zombies Ate My Girlfriend and melodic thrashers Infanteria. Doors to Gandalf’s will be open to the public at 18:00pm with the first band set to perform at 19:00pm and the doors to R.O.A.R. will open at 19:30pm and the first band will perform at 20:00pm. All the bands were carefully selected for each stage to ensure a steady build up to all out apocalypse. Some of the genres include; thrash, death, Goth, punk, alternative and core. Both stages will be well co-ordinated for an intense and brutal show from start to finish.

An action packed media storm has been planned for each event filled with radio and magazine interviews through the Western Cape for each band performing at The Underground In. A short documentary will be filmed during the events, with a behind the scene look into the local metal scene along with interviews with the bands and organizers involved in The Underground In and a few live performances, the documentary will be available mid 2013 for free online and for those who prefer the old school cover and disc, a selected amount of pre-orders will be available for purchase.

Event Horizons hopes to spread awareness about the South African metal scene and open new doors for many un-tainted metal music fans in South Africa.

The Underground In will explore the metal scene in every aspect, within the documentary and the events themselves.

“The Underground In is for the die hard metal fans, we do not discriminate against any form of metal, we hope this endeavour encourages metal bands who play different styles to play and work along side each other more often, we hope that this exploration will help strengthen the South African metal scene in every positive way possible” – Ryno de Lange, Event Horizons Founder.

By Ryno De Lange

26.1

personal achievement for Luna. Her fans were treated to a spectacular show as never seen before by Luna Paige. Director and actor Albert Maritz was involved behind the scenes. He directed the production and was actively involved in the editing of the DVD. As an addition to the actual concert, Luna visited some of the writers personally and interviewed them to find out where the inspiration for their novels or short stories came from. These honest conversations are presented as bonus material in the DVD. Luna Paige will be releasing this live DVD and CD on a national level. Her tour kicks off at the Centurion Theatre on the 26th of October, after which she will be heading to Welkom, Bloemfontein, Nelspruit, Pietermaritzburg, Durban, East-London, PE, Jeffreysbay, George and Mosselbay. She will be concluding her tour in her home province – the Western Cape (on the 25th and 26th of November 2012).

Alongside the DVD/CD release, Luna will also be launching her new website. Fans will have access to all kinds of interesting reading-, watching- and listening material. www.lunapaige.com will be launched after the 10th of October.

Courtesy Ice Carstens

“Luna Paige deserves standing ovations. More so –she deserves full houses… Up till now she mainly sang in English and her first full length Afrikaans production has been much anticipated. It was all and more than expected… This journey with Paige comes to an end way too fast. It is one of those productions one wants to experience twice, even a third time”.

Review by Mariana Malan (Krit 2012, KKNK) (translated)

Storielied is a must for bookworms and music lovers! Storielied is Luna’s 4th music release and a first in Afrikaans. It is a unique concept album and promises to blow the minds of all literary and music lovers.

Luna’s first Storielied tour (June 2011) generated good publicity and raised a substantial amount of awareness regarding her first Afrikaans project. This tour ensured her a profile interview on Kwêla (Kyknet) which subsequently led to numerous invites to perform at private functions and theatres across the country. Luna travelled with this production and performed at festivals such as Woordfees, KKNK, the Cederberg festival, the National Arts festival as well as the Gariep festival in Kimberley (2012). This production has already been accepted for the Suidoosterfees in 2013, where her DVD will also be for sale. Luna received standing ovations at KKNK as well as a great review in the festival newspaper, Krit. Her production was also listed as one of the festival highlights in Die Burger.

Luna recorded this unique production with her phenomenal 13 piece band as well as a contemporary dancer. It was recorded at the Durbanville Auditorium in June 2012. This concert and recording was a great

26.2 Bushball/Milsim Tactics

101:

Part II

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Anti-Sniper

Last issue I spoke about how to play a paintball ‘sniper’ role. This month I’m turning the table a bit and gonna show you a couple of tactics on how to sniff out and kill a ghillie. The advantage here is that if you’re working with a team (as you should be, else these tactics wont work), you’ll always outnumber the sniper. So here’s how to get those ghillie suit bastards:

Counter-Sniper Tactics: First of all, you need to have some basic things down.

Communication is essential when dealing with a sniper, mainly cuz you’re gonna want to have a general idea of where the shot came from. Most of the time you won’t know exactly where that shot came from until another one of your guys gets shot out, which is not ideal, so the moment someone gets hit by a sniper you and your team need to bunker down and talk to each other, try to determine the general direction from where the shot came from.

Having a definite chain of command in the team is also a bonus, in case that first guy to get hit is your team captain, but that’s something for a future issue.

A useful exercise for training is to split your team into two groups, have the one group hit the woods and wait for your mark while the other group lines up, blind folded. The first group then randomly fires off shots, and you have your blindfolded group try to determine where the shot came from and how far judging only by the sound signature. Rotate the teams after every 15 to 20 minutes. What this does is it trains you to estimate fairly accurately from the very first shot approximately where the sniper is and how far away from you he is. A half hour of this at every training session and I can guarantee good results.

Now, upon being engaged by a sniper, the idea is to create the illusion that your team is dropping back, thus forcing the sniper out of his hiding spot in order to continue to attack your team.

By sending one of your players back say 10-15m to hide while the rest of the team drops back and pushes toward the other side of the field, the sniper thinks he can run up behind them and snipe them out, not realizing your counter-sniper is hiding waiting for him. Your buddy can then shoot the sniper as he attempts to sneak up on your team. Here are a few illustrated examples: The Flush Out: As illustrated, the sniper (marked by G) is hiding while the rest of the team is pushing up toward him, unaware that he’s there. Now, front player one (F1) pushes up, and the sniper opens fire and gets him, so he’s out.

Front player two (F2) now realizes there’s a sniper and communicates it to the rest of the team. No one knows where the shot came from. So here’s what you do: Mid player one (M1) falls back a bit and hides, digging in deep in the prone position and waits. Everyone else makes it very clear that they’re falling back, and they drop back to the opposite direction taken by mid player one. The sniper now has no one to shoot at, and seeing all these fleeing players figures he can sneak up behind them and take them out. So he starts inching up care

fully, not realizing the counter-sniper (M1) is waiting for him, who takes him out. Once the snipers out, the rest of the team moves up past him and continues forward.

So basically what you do is you give the sniper the illusion that your whole team has dropped back the other side of the field, who then thinks he has a clear route to sneak up behind them, not realizing there’s a counter-sniper waiting for him.

That’s it for now, next month I’ll be reporting back on the very first South African Region Paintball League even held in the Western Cape.

By Franz JollyRoger

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