Muse Magazine - Apr/May '11 Edition

L A T E S T

A L B U M

R E V I E W S

w w w. m u s e o n l i n e . c o . z a

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Y ’11

FREE

CHRoMiUM Street Sweepers Social Club

GReeN DaY PANic! AT THE DiSCO Mr. Cat & THE JAcKaL LA VI | RAMFEST | MUSIC & ACTIVISM | jezebel’s VPL Photo Feature by One Small Change

CONTENTS Proud Supporters of SA Music!

lifestyle 4 6 8 9 12 13 14 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 30 32 34 35 36 38 39

From The Editor Green Day Chromium Chromium Street Sweepers Social Club Street Sweepers Social Club Ramfest Cape Town Review jezebel's VPL: LA.VI - Chantel Photo-Feature: Hot Water Mr. Cat & The Jackal Mr. Cat & The Jackal Feature: Rock 'n Roll Photographer: Deborah Rossouw Photo-Feature: Mr. Cat & The Jackal Panic! At The Disco Panic! At The Disco Music News: Inside the Machine with Johann Smith Music News: Inside the Machine with Johann Smith Music & Activism: Interview with Dave Randall Classic Albums: Radiohead - OK Computer New Albums New Albums Game Reviews Venue Guide & Live Events Venue Guide & Live Events

Published & Distributed by: Coalition : Tel: (021) 913 8423 | Fax: 086 544 1361 info@museonline.co.za | www.museonline.co.za Magazine Publishers: David McKinley, Thomas Whitebread Managing Editor: David McKinley - dave@museonline.co.za Music Editor: Dave Mac - dave@museonline.co.za Sales Director: Thomas Whitebread - thomas@museonline.co.za Contributors: Dave Mac, Thomas Whitebread, Terri Love, Mickdotcom, Paul Blom, Alan Ratcliffe, Alistair Andrews, Kurt Slabbert, Damien Albetto, jezebel, James Rose-Mathew, Jonathan Pike, Timo Kriel, Chantall Nortjé, Deborah Rossouw, Stefan Wyeth, Sergio Pereira, Nicolai Roos, David Adamson, Craig Wilson, Stefan Wyeth, Johann Smith, Duwayne Smith & Philippa Glazer

SALES & ADVERTISING ENQUIRES: Thomas Whitebread - (021) 913 9443 | 082 889 2047 Dave McKinley - (021) 557 1549 | 084 209 0168 SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE: subscribe@museonline.co.za Never miss a copy! Receive your personal copy SA’s only FREE magazine dedicated in promoting Live Music, FIRST! Magazine enquiries: info@museonline.co.za MUSE is published six times per annum in SA only DISTRIBUTION: info@museonline.co.za MUSE is nationally distributed to over 300 carefully selected outlets ranging from: Retailers of Musical Instruments Gear & Equipment, Studios, Colleges & Varsities, selected live music venues and more...

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MUSE Magazine 2011

muse | three

EDITION 14 APR/MAY ‘11

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Simply nline.co.za s@museo ‘join’ to new

EDITOR’S NOTE

T

his period between December and April is so weird for us here at Muse Magazine. You see our last edition hit the streets in December so it’s been quite some time since the magazine has been in circulation. Hopefully we’ll step straight back into your consciousness with this new edition, one of five issues that come out each year. We’ve had many, many enquiries about the frequency of the magazine, most of course coming over the past month or two since there’s been zip from our side.

Here’s how it works; we publish five Muse Magazines a year – Apr/May (the one you’re holding right now), June/July, Aug/Sept, Oct/Nov and a Dec/Jan/Feb issue – but it’s that December one that causes the long break. It’s impossible to get a Feb edition out due to the holiday season and, well... simply because we like to take a break too and mid December to mid January is time for the team to forget deadlines and recharge those batteries.

So I guess it’s a bit pointless wishing you a fantastic 2011... in April... but, well, have a good one anyway. You deserve it. We all do.

Whilst our last issue was heavy on SA talent this April edition seems to have become quite saturated with international material. There’s no master plan behind this by the way. We work reasonably organically so as stuff comes to us it just sort of falls into place on its own.

Kind of a mix of what’s current and some personal favourites too. The joys of being the Editor... I do get to push stuff I like occasionally although I am acutely aware that my first responsibility is to you our readers. But you can trust me... I don’t have a half bad taste in music, or so I’ve been told. At the bare minimum my taste is at least varied and eclectic. I’m open to anything as long it moves me in some way as it should you.

And so it is to this Apr/May edition of Muse featuring some cooler than cool content. Our cover feature is Chromium, a band well worth following if you’re into the heavier side of rock. They are building up one helluva following at the moment and seem to gig relentlessly.

Their new album is rock solid (reviewed on Pg 34) and their professional approach is a good example of how to give it your all. Mr. Cat & The Jackal have become a Cape Town favourite in a cultish, eclectic sort of way. When I put out feelers to all our writers as to what bands they recommend we cover, every single one of them came back with these guys on their list. Must mean something? Either way I love them and have had their new album (also reviewed in this edition) on regular rotation for several weeks now.

On the international front the Street Sweepers Social Club (Tom Morello and Boots Riley) are certainly cooking up a storm and a new Panic! At The Disco album is always worth talking about. Green Day have also released a brand new CD/DVD aptly called Awesome as F**K and it actually is. I’ve really been digging it – what’s interesting is realising when listening to the album just how many hits these punk rockers have had.

So we’re back kids, with more high quality editorial for your reading pleasure. Enjoy it and support music by buying, not copying. Piracy sucks so don’t be that sucker!

Dave Mac

ve t me... I don't ha “...you can tr us in music, or so a half bad taste I've been told.”

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: Feature Writers and Columnists Mickdotcom – Features Writer Strange he may be at times but that’s why we love him so. Mick has an extraordinary talent with words and an even more extraordinary taste in music. He brings a much needed eccentric edge to MUSE. jezebel Wordsmith and worldwide wanderer, jezebel now makes her home between the lines, writing for print and pixel. She enjoys dissecting the arts and their contribution to (sub)culture(s) as well as encouraging critical inquiry into everyday existence. www.wwwordup.blogspot.com / www.facebook.com/jezebellll

jezebel © Jonx Pillemer

muse | four

James Rose-Mathew Forever roving around UK and Europe, the restless James has an eye for a good story and an ear for good music. Whether he attends a massive electronic outdoor festival, or the heaviest of heavy metal shows, you can be sure James manages to somehow balance his mind between having the party of his life and actually getting the story.

Hugely passionate and equally adept we always look forward to his next venture abroad as he give us the lows and highs of some of world’s best indie artists around today.

Kurt Slabbert – Play Better Guitar Kurt completed his studies at the Guitar Institute in London in 2003, and moved back to SA to take up a teaching post at COPA. He also runs his own production company called Bluenoise productions that writes for radio and television. He currently plays for Sama nominated band, Jam, on Tuesdays and does various live sessions and studio work.

Kurt endorses line 6 gear. Check out www.bluenoise.co.za and www.realguitar.co.za Alistair Andrews - Play Better Bass Alistair is a professional bass player, music technologist and producer. He specialises in 6 and 12 string bass (preferably fretless). He has performed with international greats such as Phil Driscol, Efrain Toro, Alvin Dyers, Winston Mankunku, Merton Barrow, Errol Dyers, Robbie Jansen, Harold Jephta and many more. He also lectures music technology with one of Africa's top Jazz and African music programs at The University of Cape Town. Alistair endorses WARWICK Basses and strings, MEC pickups, SWR amplification and DIGITECH effects. He also runs the high-tech & digital section at Paul Bothner Music. Http://www.alistair.co.za Jonathan Pike - Your Private Universe Jonathan currently works as an Audio engineer and instructor at Cape Audio College. He has also in the past managed a theatre and worked as a Lighting and Sound engineer at the University of Kwazulu Natal Pietermaritzburg.

Alan Ratcliffe - Software Reviews & Tutorials Alan is the author of the Electric Guitar Handbook and is busy writing a book entitled Hotrod Your Electric Guitar. Find out more about him at www.ratcliffe.co.za or discuss all things guitar with him at www.guitarforum.co.za

muse | six

By James Rose-Mathew

FEATURE

Awesome as F**k

I

remember being 14 years old and sneaking into some club somehow back when the Randburg Waterfront still had fish and actual water. It was the first time I'd been into an over18s joint and seen shit like that in the flesh - people crammed together sphincter-tight, heaving and jumping and screaming and making out to these crazy tunes that were playing out at absurd volumes.

Now, remember, this was around the time when 'classics' such as Short Dick Man and Don't Stop (Wiggle Wiggle) - look it up if you don't know what I'm referring to! - were doing the rounds, so to hear guitars, brash-ass drums and manic, shouty vocals was pretty frikkin’ novel. I lapped it up that night. The next day I sourced those songs, without Google, nor Last.fm, nor iTunes nor whatever-the-tech peeps have at their disposal today. I had to record them to cassette but, by God, I had 'em and I played 'em till they went all slow and warpy and weird. One of the songs was Self Esteem by the Offspring, the other was Basket Case by Green Day. I'd been given a single night's course in some of the most classic punk rock to emerge from the 90’s.

Fast forward many years, the Offspring fell off the horse somewhere

along the way, got old and irrelevant but Green Day are still here, still whipping ass. Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tre Cool are all pushing 40 but they've managed to surf atop the flotsam of the music industry and keep pushing out material that grabs the attention of millions around the globe. In a career spanning almost 25 years, they've put out 8 albums, won 5 Grammys from a staggering 19 nominations and have performed what Kerrang magazine has entitled 'The Best Show on Earth' at the Milton Keyes National Bowl in the UK. These are not insignificant claims to fame and, for a punk rock band, can easily be considered genre-defining. The band is also one of the only mainstream alternative acts that can boast having a friggin’ Broadway musical and a computer game based solely on their successes. The musical is a supposedly searing show based on the album American Idiot, which itself was an acclaimed outing that debuted at number 1 on the Billboard charts. The computer game, Rock Band: Green Day, is only the second Rock Band game to specifically focus on a single act, the other one being based on the Beatles catalogue!

And now Green Day have bestowed upon us their latest offering – a packedto-the-brim Live recording – that seeks to

document their last world tour down to its minutiae. On the back of their Grammy award-winning album 21st Century Breakdown, they spent a large part of 2009 through 2010 touring the globe, recording every single show both visually and sonically so that the package could be compiled into a veritable tome, documenting the powerhouse that Green Day live has proved to be time and again. The band don't mince their words and they certainly understand the impact they have had on popular culture, hence, Green Day decided to call this release Awesome as F**k. None too subtle, sure, but it’s good to know that they are still living the punk rock ethos that condones and even encourages that kind of self-aggrandisement.

So we have a CD, wall to wall Green Day goodness, 17 tracks large, culled from what must be hundreds of hours of performances, showcasing the band at their finest. Accompanying it is a DVD of live video, which is a single show in its entirety, recorded in Tokyo, Japan. One reviewer, who was fortunate enough to catch the band live said this, "Anyone doubting that the band's jump to arenarock superstars might've compromised its ability to deliver the pure adrenalinelaced goods would've been pleasantly surprised. These guys have only gotten better."

muse | eight

COVER FEATURE

I

’ve known the boys from Chromium for a few years now. We’ve shared a couple of beers, laughed at music which makes our dogs bark and discussed the disadvantages of sniffing shampoo and calling up old hookers in London.

But over the past 12 months things have gotten a helluva lot more serious for the metal band originally from Port Elizabeth. First off, they parted ways with founding member Matt Engelbrecht (guitar/harsh vocals) and hired Justin du Preez to take over. Secondly, out of the blue, their original bassist, Adrian Basson, made a surprising and triumphant return to the band’s ranks. Thirdly, they embarked on a mini-tour of the UK. Fourthly, they fired their manager. And finally, perhaps most importantly, they were holed up in the studio, recording their eponymous third album, which was eventually released in March.

Undeniably, these make-or-break events have put the band under the microscope and had critics and fans posing numerous questions about their sustainability. One of the biggest (and loudest) questions floating around in the Jozi circle right now is: should Chromium be further than what they are? Sitting on the roof with me, Jared Gunston, frontman and producer of Chromosexuality, puffs away on his cigarette, takes a sip of his vodka, before saying, “Ah man, how do I answer that properly? It would be nice [to be further] (laughs), but I think we’ve worked hard. We’ve done a lot of what we can do, in terms of the resources of our country, but I’m happy with where we are.

Every year is getting better; the gigs are getting better…”

Rise Of The Beast Much like a dormant volcano, the 8-legged-beast known as Chromium has always been rumbling, threatening to awaken and create havoc…

muse | nine

COVER FEATURE

By Sergio Pereira

It’s a fairly diplomatic answer, so I decide to point out that Chromium’s sound hasn’t really changed much and bring up the notion of reinvention to further accelerate success. “That’s what I feel the new album is. The first two albums had a certain drum, guitar and mic sound.

On this album, for example, we used the Switchblade, which gives you a much harder guitar sound. We got a better bass for a bigger sound. For drums, we used the kick from Austrian Death Machine. This time around, the sound is more modern and bigger. It’s like a whole new band; it’s heavier, faster with much more thought behind it. This is my proudest work.” But re-invention isn’t only just about sound, Jared; it has also got to do with member changes. Matt was unquestionably a major player in the band’s primary sound and his departure left some fans upset, who in turn took to the message boards to air their gripes. The backlash wasn’t pretty and quickly turned into a “Team Matt vs. Team Jared” bitch fight.

“At the end of the day, any publicity is good publicity. It hurt - for me as a person, not even for the band - because people were attacking me on a personal level. Meanwhile, all I’ve ever done is try help people,” Jared shakes his head, laughing. “It was like, “Guys, you just don’t get it.

You’re not looking hard enough”. I think everyone thought it was Matt vs.

Jared and that I was just being a dick – but the funny thing is that Matt and I are better friends now than we’ve ever been before. We just couldn’t work together anymore. About a week after the whole incident, Matt actually sent me an email saying he thought about it and he realised he

would’ve eventually left, because things weren’t working for him, either.

It just wasn’t working, musically.”

Probably the person who has suffered the most from these keyboard scuffles is Matt’s replacement, Justin. No matter what he does, the people will always compare him to his predecessor.

“They do. I’ve heard lots of people say “Oh, Justin is not the same” – that’s not the point. We didn’t try find another Matt,” Jared affirms. “The reason I called Justin is because he’s good at what he does his way, and that’s the kind of guy I always wanted in my band. I don’t want someone trying to be someone else.”

Another sip of vodka and we move on to the next issue. In the natural order of progression, bands generally require managers to push up a level. However, going against the grain, Chromium said adios to their manager and decided to self-manage themselves. Has this allowed for the band to regain control of the reigns?

“Definitely. We’re a lot more hands on now. We know exactly where we stand in every possible way – be it financial, gig-wise, everything. When we had the management, it was great for what it was; we learnt a lot working with the guy and the experiences we had, but…it’s just a lot more focused now. It’s motivated the guys and brought the band closer together.”

Sensing there was more information, I bring up the fact that when Chromium were being managed, they pretty much played the same venues with the same bands every weekend, yet now they’re playing new cities and venues – surely it’s something they should’ve

been doing a long time ago?

“I guess it was just a case of ‘Hey dude, let’s do this’, then it’ll be ‘Okay, I’ll make it happen’. I’ll give it to the guy, because I’m doing most of the management now, and I’ve learnt that it’s not that easy. He had four or five bands; I understand why he got sidetracked at times. Obviously the ideas came and got sifted through what’s important for now. With us running it now, it’s like ‘Let’s do this’, ‘Okay, sweet, let’s make it happen’ and it happens that week. The goal this year is to literally play every single small town or place we can.”

A jam-packed tour itinerary hasn’t been the only highlight of 2011, because Chromium have also gotten their track World of Lies selected as the title track for the local horror film Night Drive, roped in Killswitch Engage bassist Mike D to design their l a t e s t a l b u m’ s a r t w o r k a n d subsequently released it, lined up 3 music videos, and received some hush-hush international record label attention. The future is looking bright for South Africa’s metal sons and Jared offers some valuable advice for his peers, “If bands take a little bit of time, choose routes that are obscure to the norm, it might make people stand back and say, ‘That’s cool’.”

Much like a dormant volcano, the 8legged-beast known as Chromium has always been rumbling, threatening to awaken and create havoc. The way things are going, I wouldn’t be surprised if this is the year they finally explode and melt your face.

For more information on Chromium, visit www.chromium.co.za.

www.audiosure.co.za

www.audiosure.co.za

muse | twelve

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

By James Rose-Mathew

I

'We're taking

t was tough at first to reconcile the laconic, almost-too-easygoing voice on the end of the line with the picture of Boots Riley that my research had sketched out. This is a man who, for the last two decades at least, has been a fiercely outspoken political and social activist, rapper and public persona. First with the hip-hop crew The Coup and now with the fearsome funk-rock wizardry of Street Sweeper Social Club. The latter is the outfit that Riley formed a few years ago with the equally outspoken renegade guitarist Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine fame. It doesn't take much more than a few minutes of shooting the shit to acknowledge the full extent of the intensity that lurks behind this man's calm demeanour.

The germ of what would become the Street Sweeper Social Club started when Morello would frequently appear onstage with Riley to perform acoustic versions of The Coup tracks. The synergy between the artists, both musically and ideologically, led to Morello effectively telling Riley that they were starting a new band and were going to be writing 'anthems for the revolution.' The band officially became Street Sweeper Social Club after landing a premiere debut slot on the NINJA tour with Nine Inch Nails and a freshly reformed Jane's Addiction in 2009. The group released their eponymous first album and haven't looked back. When pressed about the meaning behind the name, Boots explains that a ‘street sweeper’ is a “machine gun that, instead of regular bullets, shoots shotgun shells, a really brutal weapon that can clear a whole street.

Our music is our weapon and it’s a powerful weapon, hence Street Sweeper Social Club.” The artwork on their debut album encapsulates this idea wonderfully and depicts an old-school boombox with enormous Gatling guns emerging from the speaker cones. Boots then goes further to relate how he feels the act and its message is “about trying to create a new scene, but it’s not some small closed thing; anyone who's down with the music and what we're saying is welcome to join,” hence the addition of Social Club to round out the rather peculiar band name.

Everythang!'

muse | thirteen

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

“I've heard first-hand how people have listened to my music while readying themselves for a protest, while they were leading a workshop, or to influence them to get up for that 8 am meeting.”

It was fascinating to learn how these two guys go about creating their incendiary music. Boots explains that “Tom is a genre of Rock unto himself and a pleasure to work with. He will send riffs, acoustic riffs, recorded to cassette – which I don't even know how to listen to these days and it generally takes a couple days before I get to hearing the riffs – and I then decide which ones I want to write to.” On their latest release, called The Ghetto Blaster EP, Riley says the approach to recording was a little different to the first album in that they were seeking a more immediate sound, something rawer than the conventionally produced debut. So in essence, this EP is a live disc - five guys in a room busting out rocking tunes. On the disc there is the recorded version of a cover of MIA's Paper Planes that Street Sweeper Social Club has been playing out live since the beginning. Boots says the reason for its appearance in their catalogue was “realising that we were a new band on a huge tour and nobody knew who we were so we threw in the curveball of a cover of a well-known tune. I've changed the lyrics somewhat to make it a more radical song. The response was huge and people were requesting it constantly so we thought why not throw it on the EP as well.” It’s very refreshing to hear how two stalwarts of the

music scene are still humble enough to imagine themselves as unknowns when they started to tour the Street Sweeper Social Club.

The subject of music as a revolutionary tool comes up and Boots has witnessed explicitly how vital a component of radical thought music can in fact become. He says, “I've heard firsthand how people have listened to my music while readying themselves for a protest, while they were leading a workshop, or to influence them to get up for that 8am meeting. People have chanted the lyrics to my songs as they were taking over and occupying a building. I've heard of people being arrested after taking a direct action and being in jail and rapping the lyrics to my music as a way to encourage themselves.

Music can absolutely be utilised as a tool to keep one going in hard times. With the Street Sweeper Social Club, the intent is to encourage our listeners to engage actively with their surroundings, to take part, and to party.”

Boots clearly lives his philosophies wholeheartedly. So much so that he has the honour of being the only person in a few decades to be arrested for public profanity. The case was rightfully thrown out later but the story he tells is woefully enlightening in terms of how necessary it is to stand up to the powers that be. He explains how in 2008 while performing with the all-white funk band Galatic, the police stopped the concert to arrest him on this dubious charge.

However, by the time they were ready to take action Boots had already left the stage and they proceeded to storm the stage and attempted to arrest the wrong guy – another black muso named Trombone Shorty. Riley says that this slip-up clearly indicates that the only instruction the police knew to carry out was to arrest 'the black guy.'

Its situations such as this that fuels the Street Sweeper Social Club's acerbic discourse and compels them to take their outspoken and indeed revolutionary sound to the masses. And as such, Riley's penetrating lyrics and deft delivery laid over Morello's juggernaut riffage makes for compelling sonic inspiration to rise up and take the power back. As Boots lays it down on one epic tune from The Ghetto Blaster EP – 'Everybody throw your lighters up. Tell me, ya'll wanna fight or what?' He finishes each verse with a direct threat to the Man – 'And when we come, we're taking Everythang!'

muse | fourteen

REVIEW

By James Rose-Mathew Photos: Saskia Swanepoel

I

was at the inaugural Ramfest back in 2007. It was a tiny party, hardly able to qualify for the 'Fest' aspect of its moniker but one could feel that something was taking root. Fast-forward to its fifth incarnation and we have a world-class production in our very own backyard. Ramfest V was a huge success. I believe over 8000 revellers turned up to thrash their heads, stamp their feet, shake their asses and damage their ears with wanton abandonment.

Everyone just got stuck right into the vibe and pounded away the weekend at fullthrottle. It was indeed almost heartwarming to witness the savage way the crowd, all smiles, descended into chaos.

At the first edition there was only one stage. Now Ramfest sports three main arenas and a couple of small supporting stages. None of them superfluous. The main stage saw a kaleidoscope of musical tastes mingle with the wind over the course of the event, some great, some regretfully forgettable.

Then there's the Metal4Africa stage, pretty self-explanatory stuff and certainly living up to its name, delivering set after set of ferocious guitar theatrics and snarling demon-howling. Rounding up the main entertainment was the Electro Pyramid hosted by Griet – this was the place to be if you dig on synthetic dirt and headcrushing bass. Serving up mostly Dubstep and filthy electro beats and backed by the most impressive visual setup I've ever seen at a local festival, the Pyramid was consistently packed out with a gyrating throng.

Finally, there was a small tent hosted

by Mercury Live – here, all manner of shenanigans played out to the thumping of classic rock tunes, its proximity to the main bar probably the primary influence in the debauched behaviour loosed by most of its inhabitants – and the Beach Party tent alongside the river which intermittently massaged, with soothing grooves, those seeking respite from the heat and the carnage. The site was well considered, everything was close at hand but yet none of the stages bled their noise enough to be fighting one another. The organisers clearly threw money at the sound and some class engineers – in fact, the mixes were simply stellar and props must be given to those involved as there is nothing quite as aggravating as a music festival where all that emerges from the 1000 000 watt system is mud and thud.

The calibre of bands was overall very impressive. Standout acts were Mr. Cat and the Jackal, Mind Assault, Juggernaut, Mr. Sakitumi, Ree-Burth and a woefully misplaced BLK JKS, whom I felt deserved a higher billing on the line-up and whose incredible set was seen by far too few at

“At this rate, Ramfest is soon going to have to seek a new home...” sunset on the Friday. Not My Dog, craftily sandwiched between the two internationals, also showed up the imports for the flaccid old-hat acts they've clearly become by bashing out a monster set.

I was devastated to learn that the Deftones were originally secured as headline act but had to be replaced due to cost. I was personally unmoved by Alkaline Trio and Funeral for a Friend, but they nevertheless drew a capacity crowd.

As for the DJs – blistering aural assaults were handed out by Tom Deluxx from France, Haezer and P.H.Fat. Dubstep has clearly taken over as the go-to electronic genre to get booty a-shakin'.

Finally, there's Die Antwoord – even though I'm certainly not one of their darling Zeflings, I must admit they put on a mesmerizing show. It had that same unnerving pull that fatal car crashes have over a passer-by. The crowd lapped up every sif manoeuvre perpetrated by that strangeling Yo-Landi. Ninja never missed a beat; his rapping, despite its rather lowrent content, is master class.

At this rate, Ramfest is soon going to have to seek a new home as the festival site at Nekkies Resort, especially the campsite, is starting to look pressed for space.

Last thing - 'Dear organisers – Deftones for next year?’

Ramfest V

muse | sixteen

COLUMNIST Remember Madiba's invocation in his inaugural speech, about not being afraid to let your light shine? Chantel is light.

Sit with her for six minutes and you'll shine, too.

By jezebel Tell us about the December 2010 tour with Holiday Murray, sans drummer.

Elis [Silverman, drummer Holiday Murray] was kind enough to step in and help with a few songs. Accommodation and friends came along by luck, we met some amazing people, played at some funny venues. We got on really well, and it made it like a real holiday.

The stress of not having a drummer made things on stage a bit uneasy, even though we always have fun. Like, we went on a radio station once, - MFM. We sang a song and had to choose a song to play. And it was Kesha, and I got everyone to sing along. In studio.

What, even Kenan (Tatt, guitarist)?

Ja! I made him sing; I was dancing in the chair.

I heard he sings quite well.

I think that he’s still got a lot to give to our band. Now we have a bassist, Johnny Uckerman. Johnny also sings.

So you’re going to have two BOYS as your backing vocalists?

Mm. I think that there’s so much that people don’t take in from the world in SA, if you’re able to incorporate all aspects of music into one group, that’s a better way to approach the music industry now. I have many a theory, but they change; there’s too many ideas out there to be fixed on one.

I have a theory that you’re going to be famous. Are you also going to turn into a man-eating drama queen?

I think I have too much of an awareness of my reality, and what I actually am, to get ahead of myself.

What’s that?

I enjoy taking criticism, the more you can take, the more you can improve. If you’re told the whole time that you’re amazing, it’s cool to acknowledge it, but not let it go to your head. People who’ve managed are the ones that are always learning and always creative.

Chantel and jezebel, luvvie!

A

h, 2010. What balls it had, and what fun we had, dribbling past the borders of gender to score a few seconds with a girl who looks like a boy (Eve), a boy who looks like a girl (not saying). I was going to introduce you to a girl who sounds like a boy next. But the clock struck twelve and now it’s twenty eleven, the year of the semicolon; so how about a girl who looks like a lady and sings like a mistress?

It has to be LA.VI’s Chantel - a sweet, busty, blustery singer who is inspired, tireless, and way over the legal limits of good looks. She groans, we sigh. She sighs, we groan. She belts out bent blues bop like it’s nobody’s business and makes it her business to gently pop the bubble on preconceptions.

Let’s test your creativity. What does ‘jezebel’s VPL’ stand for?

Um. Venturing into Peoples’ Lives.

I’ll say.

Vast Personality Learning.

Same thing! Your favourite mantra at the moment?

I have many. It depends who I’m with.

Ok, so let’s say you’re with me.

“You would measure time the measureless and the immeasurable.”

That’s Gibran. Quantum. And you’re a bit of a mathemagician?

I did Ad Math at 14. Uni math at 16. I enjoy math. It completely contradicts the whole artist cliché. I’m not oblivious to the factual world; I enjoy knowledge. But being on stage is the closest I get to being me. I get to show the world a little bit of what I experience of being me.

Protect that, my precious. * Catch her coos and calls as LA.V1 or find them on the everchanging Face.

muse | seventeen Lu Chase & Infrared

PHOTOFEATURE

by Duwayne Smith

Turbo Sounds

muse | eighteen

SPECIAL FEATURE

Muse Report

“Emerging Sounds is the oldest running battle of the bands in the country”

A

rich musical history has been created as thousands of m u s o s a n d hundreds of bands across the country over the past 14 y e a r s h a v e performed at the Emerging Sounds challenge. Some of those that rose to the challenge include Seether (Saron Gas), Freshly Ground, the Parlotones, 340ml, Prime Circle, Evolver, Taxi Violence, the Blk Jks, the Finkelsteins, Cutting Jade and Plush to name a few.

Conceptualised in the studios of the SABC during the 5FM TDK Radio Sessions 15 years ago the essence of the event remains the same – creating platforms for bands to further their musical careers. This year the Turbo Sounds Emerging Challenge brought to you by Music Mate has some fantastic prizes on offer worth over R 200,000-00.

What makes this year’s event significantly different to the past 14 years is that everybody entering will have the opportunity of being paid for their performance.

Participating bands will also be eligible for discounts from Music Mate when purchasing musical equipment as well as discounts from Get Phat Studios in Johannesburg when booking studio time. Bands also receive constructive feedback after each performance from the judges in the form of their score sheets. Muse Magazine have also joined in as media partners and will profile the winners of each leg.

Prizes on offer this year for bands include a TurboSound Milan M15 PA system for the winning band as well as a range of musical gear including Pearl Vision VBX 5piece Drum Kit and Boss Single Effects Pedals. Plus studio time

from Get Phat Studios with a sound engineer and a television quality EPK filmed by Orange Orbit Productions. Again Muse Magazine will come onboard and feature the winning band in a double-spread exclusive interview.

At the same time the Music Mate Acoustic Competition 2011 for soloists and duos is also taking place with the following prizes on offer from this leading music retailer – namely a Cort CJ5X NAT Jumbo acoustic guitar and a full Wharfedale PA system. Plus studio time from Get Phat Studios with a sound engineer and a television quality EPK filmed by Orange Orbit Productions.

For the first time in its history the finals in December will also be filmed courtesy of Orange Orbit Productions.

Creating platforms for bands and groups to further their musical careers Between April and November this year monthly legs will take place in Johannesburg and Pretoria choosing the best bands at each event to proceed to the semi finals and then the final in December.

During this time there will also be one-off events taking place in the Vaal, Nelspruit, Potchefstroom, Klerksdorp, Bloemfontein, Cape Town and Pietermaritzburg.

From these events the best bands on the day will be chosen to proceed to the final in Gauteng at the beginning of December. This applies to both the band and acoustic guitar competition.

The Event Emerging Sounds is the oldest running battle of the bands in the country and it has never just been about bands playing their songs for prizes. Bands receive constructive criticism from the judges and

receive the judge’s scores sheet after each event – the aim is to improve a bands performance and ensure that each band leaves better for the experience.

The event has never been about finding the freshest latest sound either – it has always judged bands on their performance on that specific day at that specific time.

After all you are only as good as your last gig and it is our belief that every time a band plays on stage that performance must be the best one they have ever played.

Music workshops have also taken place for bands and musicians competing in the event as we believe in empowering artists and musicians from a grass roots level.

This event offers all participating bands and musicians the opportunity of taking so much more from the event, which they can implement immediately in furthering their own musical career.

The Turbo Sounds Emerging Challenge is about creating platforms for bands and musicians to further their musical careers.

Legacy The legacy of the Emerging Sounds Challenge over the years has produced platforms for a wealth of musical talent so hurry and enter your band today.

Muse Magazine supports this initiative and is proud to be associated with the event as media partner.

Emerging Challenge

Chromium

Holly & the Woods Da Radicals

Sonsteek

Music Mate

PREVIOUS FINALISTS

brought to you by

muse | nineteen

SPECIAL FEATURE

Haggis & Bong

DATES

REGIONS

GAUTENG Barrels in Alberton April 10 / May 1 / June 5 / July 3 / Aug 7/ Sept 4 / Oct 2 / Nov 6 Café Barcelona in Pta April 27 / May 29 / June 26 / July 31 / Aug 28 / Sept 25 / Oct 30 / Nov 27 Tanz!

Sun, May 15 / June 12 / July 10 / Aug 14 / Sept 11 / Oct 9 Black Dahlia (for Metal bands) Sat, June 11 / Sat, July 9 / Sat, Aug 13 / Sat, Sept 10 / Sat, Oct 8

JULY Fri 01 / Sat 02 - Bloem Fri 29 / Sat 30 - Pochefstroom - Bourbon Street

For further information or to book your band or acoustic act, contact the Squire on 0827707524 or emergingsounds@mweb.co.za.

AUGUST Sat 06 - Pietermaritzburg at the Red Door Sat 27 - Cape Town SEPTEMBER Fri 02 / Sat 03 – Nelspruit at the Barnyard Theatre Fri 30 / Sat 1 - The Vaal bands OCTOBER Sat 08 / Sun 09 - The Vaal acoustic

Finals Band – December 4 Acoustic – December 11

muse | twenty

FEATURE

by Johann M Smith Photo: Bruce Geils

M

r. Cat and The Jackal’s studio is not a rustic farm house on the outskirts of Malmesbury – its post modern chic.

An electro-indie band would be more fitting in these surroundings.

Wide open spaces, floating stairs with no handrails and dark grey walls festooned with abstract art.

Front man Gertjie is leaning on the marble kitchen counter. I ask if I can take the unmixed album home and have a listen. He looks at Pierre, who plays percussion, and asks, with irony: “Is hy legit? (Is he legit?)”. No doubt, after working on an album for 13 months you aren’t about to just hand it over.

The reasons for the lengthy process for Mr Cat and The Jackal’s second studio album, Sins and Siren Songs, are many, but then again, the studio is right next to Jacques’ room. S&SS was done Exile on Main Street vibes. According to the band, “we never wanted to be dictated by space or time. So we took the long way.” Sometimes they would just be in the studio enjoying ‘whatever’ was to be enjoyed, someone would play something and it would turn into something. This has turned listening to the S&SS album into a game: Guess what the band was doing when they recorded this track.

By the way who is the Cat and who is the Jackal in the band? Because it’s not Mr. Cat and The Jackals. So which one has four legs, the Cat or the Jackal? Or am I taking things a little too literally?

Everything in this project is metaphorical – including the name. And sometimes so are its members…

Sins and Siren Songs? Elaborate.

Sins and Siren Songs is a double-entendre. The album relates to old tales of classic sin and ancient sailors (and modern day) “Siren Calls”, but also the literal sirens in terms of warning. Sometimes its love, sometimes its war.

The last time I checked all of you hailed from Bellville.

Why does the album sound like a drunken night in Belfast?

We are based in Durbanville, but who knows; maybe the next album sounds like Shanghai or Machu Pichu or Niquaragwa in the future or Eqypt of the past.

Are you looking for a sound or is there one already in your head trying to get out?

We try to keep things as acoustic as possible, to capture the raw old instrument sound, with each its own unique timbre. But the music itself comes from another dimension altogether. Sometimes unexplainable to even ourselves and other times very academic.

What is your obsession with experimenting and building new instruments? How did you end up using Black Label bottles?

Digging for tone… or drinking for tone...

“Sins and Siren Songs is a doubleentendre. The album relates to old tales of classic sin and ancient sailors...”

muse | twenty one

FEATURE Darryl Torr, known for his work with Zebra and Giraffe mixed your album.

Strange choice. Are you fans or just friends?

Darryl was recommended with extremely high regard by Jon Savage.

So we sent him our toughest challenge – and he sent it back like an onion – it brought beautiful tears to our eyes. We do a lot of the mixing ourselves, though.

It’s hard to explain our master plan and personal sound to a man 1500 km away via email. It’s like leaving your baby with someone else… a baby with a strange look and a weird brain.

How has it been working with him?

He’s very professional.

Would you say that Sins & Siren Songs is an album best enjoyed under the influence? And if so, what influences do you recommend?

Emotional disturbance, life experience and agents earth grown. I’m not sure whether chemicals will cut it. Let us know, please. Oh! And whiskey! Lots and lots of whiskey! (Or rum…)

love to play with. It doesn’t need to be strange! Are we strange? We really dig Josh Grierson, Vana and the oh-so serious folk collective, and of course the Bone Collectors, and the Nomadic Orchestra…there’s lots, man!

Do you guys have anything planned after the launch or are you planning to do a stealth bomber mission and fly under the radar?

If you have internet and you Google us or Facebook or whatever, you’ll know about it. We’re definitely not exclusive!

Tell us about the new music video?

One shot. One burning electric house organ and other inflame instruments raining. On a tango.

Most bands when they become successful have dreams of spending their money on big American cars. But you guys are different. Are there any plans on buying a boat and heading for the coast of Somalia and engaging in a bit of plundering on the horizon? (It’s not just my over-active imagination; I’ve listened to the album).

Nope

What transcendental experiences did you have with an Orb? There were two separate incidents. In the end our publicist decided to mute us over it. It was beautiful. We’re not the metaphysical types, so we comforted ourselves in a mathematical explanation. It was simply... (add favourite adjective here)!

Gibson or Fender?

Fender… if it’s the fender on Gertjie’s car.

And you lost a brother to God? Yes, there was a life lost very, very close to us.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Quetzalcoatl

What’s your take on the electro scene?

Electronic music is as wide as the horizon. We’ve dabbled in it a little bit – it’s great because of all the possibilities.

The most interesting electronic music

by FAR is never played in a club. We’re hoping the equivalent of Paganini or Beerhoven in this area must still be born.

What’s your favourite colour? Not black please. (It’s been a while since anybody has asked this question).

Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and well, black.

When last did you guys pop in at Fiction?

Is that a coffee shop?

Um, no…There aren’t enough strange bands around. Do you find it hard getting supporting acts?

There are fucking amazing acts that we

Lastly: What’s the height of misery for you?

Um… what? Tough one. Depends.

What’s the last album you bought not downloaded?

Small Change, Tom Waits Ford or Chev?

Ford, Harrison Mr. Cat and the Jackal’s brand new album, Sins and Siren Songs is now available. For more info find them on Facebook.

Durban Road

muse | twenty two

FEATURE

By Dave Mac

ROCK 'N ROLL PHOTOGRAPHER:

Deborah Rossouw

M

usic. Art. Photography.

Film. Writing.

These are intrinsically intertwined creative outlets for the human soul. To be explored, experienced, applied and appreciated.

Whether you’ve done it for 5 minutes, 5 hours, 5 days or for what seems like a lifetime, we’ve all dabbled in one of the aforementioned at some point in our lives. Picked up a guitar and learnt to strum Smoke on the Water or kept a diary for a while. Bought a half decent camera and took snapshots at parties or at the beach. Maybe you’ve tried ceramics, pottery... or maybe not.

Deep down though we’ve all harboured a small desire to work creatively and be recognised for it. Most of us, sadly, end up suppressing those desires as we chase down the corporate dollar entrenched in a societal system that sucks a little bit of your soul each year.

Then there are the ‘lucky ones.’ Lucky because they have the desire, drive and courage to stick it to the man and follow their dreams.

Deborah Rossouw is one such individual. After six successful years as an Art Director at Ogilvy, Rossouw decided to pack it in and follow her dreams to become a professional photographer. The fact that she’d only bought her first camera a year previously on a whim to try something different did not faze her. “How’d you know once you started taking photos that

“I grew up with hippy parents and music around me all the time so I guess I was always going to find a way to combine my love for music and art.” this was for you?” I ask. “You just know. It’s a feeling inside. It just felt right. You can’t explain it but you know.”

When I met Deborah some 3 odd years ago at an intimate Valentines dress up party her camera was literally affixed to her face throughout. She was also still working at Ogilvy and the camera in her hand was brand new. I would never have guessed. The photos from that little gathering and the others that would ensue were eye-catching and had their own unique signature.

“How long after you’d started taking photos did we first publish your stuff in our magazine?” I enquire. “A couple of months I think. I was still at Ogilvy although I think I left 6 months later.” So how does one go from buying a camera on a whim to suddenly becoming a professional fulltime photographer? I can answer that question without even asking her; desire, commitment, dedication and being savvy when it comes to social networking and media exposure. “Being an insomniac helps too,” she laughs. Deborah has excelled at all of these, carving out a niche for herself firstly by photographing outdoor parties and live band gigs and then by diversifying. Of course none of this would have mattered if her photos were shite, which they are not. In fact Rossouw first impressed us with her ability to deliver action shots. There is nothing worse than

inanimate music photos of an event.

Somehow she always seems to bring the best out of the occasion capturing the vibe and the action. She’s been commissioned to take the official photographs at several leading music festivals and has done work for Prime Circle, Just Jinjer and Taxi Violence to name a few. Heck she even accompanied the Springbok Nude Girls to their show at the U2 concert.

Seemingly, she hasn’t looked back since her days as Art Director and clearly her skills in this have stood her in good stead for post production. “I grew up with hippy parents and music around me all the time so I guess I was always going to find a way to combine my love for music and art.

Photography allows me to do this.”

Indeed... chatting to her it seems clear, she’s probably been preparing for this all her life. As a knowledgeable protagonist of art in music, Rossouw has this uncanny knack of making anybody she shoots look rock ‘n roll. Whether it’s an actual gig, a wedding, portraits [check out her rad Mweb – Be Bold photo shoot] , album covers or fashion, one thing you can be sure of... you’ll always look good in a Deborah Rossouw photo.

Check out her online gallery @ http://picasaweb.google.com/onesmall change.sa Find her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/onesmallchange

muse | twenty three Robin Wytchvox - Jinx

PHOTOFEATURE

by Duwayne Smith

muse | twenty four

FEATURE

By Sergio Pereira

Don't Pan i c Just Yet…

A

fter the commercial success of 2005’s A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out and 2008’s Pretty. Odd., soldout tours across the globe (including an appearance at 2009’s Coke Zero Fest), frequent accolades and two Grammy nominations, July 2009 proved to be a rather interesting month for Panic! At The Disco, as it signaled the departures of guitarist Ryan Ross and bassist Jon Walker, thus leaving the rock outfit with only two remaining members.

An event such as this one would’ve broken up many a band, especially considering that PATD were smack-bang in the middle of preparing their third album – yet frontman Brendon Urie and drummer Spencer Smith decided to do the Batman & Robin thing and soldier on as a dynamic duo. “There was a month or two where we didn’t have any material or direction, and that was scary,” Brendon describes. “It took a lot of work to get up every day and just try to make the best record we could – especially because we hadn’t written in so long – but once we found our groove, it

seemed like nothing could slow us down.”

After getting their material in order, the Las Vegas boys headed out of Bat Country and entered the studio with producer John Feldmann (The Used, Saosin), where they soon realised they had more songs left in the tank than they’d initially thought. Brendon explains, “It just felt right to keep at it, so we wrote 15 more songs in the studio with John as we were recording.” After their time with Feldmann, Brendon and Spencer made what was meant to be a quick stop with another acclaimed producer Butch Walker (Pink, Weezer) to brush up on a few things.

However, it seemed like PATD weren’t quite done with the writing process, and ended up replacing their older material with newer songs during these sessions.

“We never expected to record more songs with another producer [after the work with Feldmann], so it was a surprise, but equally awesome,” Brendon says.

“Once we found our groove, it seemed like nothing could slow us down…”

The end product of this manic period is Vices & Virtues, PATD’s third studio album, which is billed as a whole new monster and different from anything they’ve done prior. “It’s always been important for us not to copy what we’ve done in the past,” Brendon affirms. “The songs on Vices & Virtues are very stylistically diverse and that happened naturally. There are songs that have a jazz feel and then rock songs with strings and hyper-energetic moments, too. It’s really all over the place.”

Aside from their unconventional s o u n d , PAT D ’ s o t h e r d e f i n i n g characteristic has always been their quirky and metaphorical lyrics. Fans are undoubtedly wondering if Vices & Virtues will be a continuation of this trend – but I’ll let Brendon answer that. “A lot of the songs are very straight-forward about what we’re going through, but there are a few that have a little more of a fantastical presentation. It was important that we were excited with the words on this record and that they touched us in some way. A lot of the albums we were listening to, while we were making this record, have a verse about one thing and a chorus about something else, but it doesn’t matter as long as the song is good and I think that discovery gave us carte blanche for chaos… so we went nuts.”

PATD’s music video for The Ballad of Mona Lisa, their first single off the album, has already found regular rotation on MTV and snuck its way onto radio. Filled with more hooks than a pirate ship, this anthemic track is on its way to becoming a fan favourite and another commercial success for the band. “I think that song signified a fresh start for us in a lot of ways.

It’s similar in the vibe and energy of the first record and it really proved that we could just have a good time and not care what other people think,” Brendon declares.

Undoubtedly, 28 March 2011 will have marked the beginning of a new era for Panic! At The Disco, as Vices & Virtues becomes the next chapter in their musical journey. Hopefully, they’ll continue to write sins, not tragedies…

For more info on the band, visit www.panicatthedisco.com.

muse | twenty six

MUSIC NEWS

F

irst, there was the teaser trailer: Francois van Coke scavenges like a Cape Town central bergie with his back to the audience.

S w i f t l y, p u l l i n g a sudden 180 leap, he bares his bloody fangs as if attacking the viewer. And that was all... Coming soon it proclaimed.

Then, finally on 2 March Sarie Magazine broke the news: An Afrikaans vampire movie,

Bloedsuiers. Starring alongside van Coke is Inge Beckmann, of Lark fame, Rob van Vuuren, better known as Twakkie as well as Andre Roothman the star of Known Gods.

Despite promising intense gory action, the producers guarantee laughs and it won’t be anything like Twilight – a memory that was better left undisturbed. Makes you worry that it might actually be a rip off of the aforementioned. But if you’ve seen the trailer you’d have no such fears. It really looks like one to put the blood

Inside sucking back into Vampire flicks. So hold thumbs they keep it real and don’t trip. http://www.bloedsuiersmovie.com/ pages/home Fans of Francois van Coke and die res van sy bende can also look forward to the first authorised biography of Fokofpolisiekar, Die Storie van ‘n Bende, launching this month.

In an exclusive. The Bugle has been blown. War is about to be declared in Johannesburg. And reinforcements have been mobilised from across the sea to join the big push.

By WAR we mean WE ARE RADAR: a collective conglomerate cartel of sorts. Part label and part concert promoter combining the forces with the likes of Wild Eyes. They are rumoured to be in talks with several acts including Jedi Mind Tricks, The Pogues, The Strokes and The Mars Volta to perform in ZA over the 2011/2012 season. Launching in May WAR will combine acts with cinema, light shows and intimate venues that can support up to 3000 strong crowds. The attack starts with My Black Little Heart by Claire Angelique. A controversial, and rarely seen, feature film.

Details from the unfinished press release reads: “WE ARE RADAR are not in the business of entertaining U2 or faffing over Celine Dion's smoked salmon oats only muffin recipe rider details. WE ARE RADAR works with artists they would kill for, who are part of their philosophy and interested in driving music, film and art outwards.”

Something wicked this way comes, we think.

Claire Angelique Despite a pending lawsuit from Pegazus, a metal act from Australia, The Magic of Pegasus return with more fabulous cupcake-electronic-synth-pop to make your ears bleed. Front man and former Mugg and Bean waiter, Graeme Newlove says: “We’re getting a new member Jack FromdaBack, a donkey.” This surprising turn of events will have animal rights activists up in arms. After calling Mugg and Bean and enquiring about Graeme’s extracurricular activities, they responded with: “If we knew this, we would never have hired him.” www.myspace.com/themagicofpegasus

The Magic of Pegasus William Tempest Bishop, from Fuzigish, G.O.D and Architecture of Aggression, is starting the first official musician’s Guild. Its primary purpose is to protect artists from organisers who don’t deliver. It’s about time we think. Watch this space.

aKing are planning to release a new clothing range to coincide with the release of their new album, The Red Blooded Years.

More than that we cannot say. Other than its being designed by a certain Dominique Sarah Benton, also responsible for Jack Parow’s clothing label Parowphenalia. After e-mailing aKing’s media management I was told everything is hush-hush for now but that “girls are going to love this – and the guys off course!" So keep your eyes peeled for it, guys and girls... www.aking.co.za

the machine

muse | twenty seven

MUSIC NEWS

with Johann Smith

Hope Haven Records are proud to announce the arrival of US Hardcore Heavies THE GHOST INSIDE, live in South Africa this 18 May 2011. THE GHOST INSIDE available on Mediaskare Records (SONY) will be burning up local freeways on a 6 date nationwide tour to Johannesburg, Durban, PE and Cape Town. Sharing the stage are native cousins; TRUTH AND ITS BURDEN, FACING THE GALLOWS and THE DEAD WILL TELL. This Circus is sure to pour paraffin on the flames of the metal and hardcore scene with nights of fury and volume. Intense... www.myspace.com/theghostinside

The Ghost Inside In Sad News from the US. Legendary west coast soul singer Nate Dogg, the smoothest voice in gangstar rap, passed away on 15 March. He was 41. A sad day for the world of hip-hop and old skool lovers in general. The man who taught us the meaning of the word Regulate, will be sorely missed. R.I.P. Dogg.

The Game, never ones to miss a chance to represent, have released a tribute to late Nate available for download. Called ‘All Doggs Go To Heaven (R.I.P. Nate Dogg)’, it features a Sample from The Next Episode, the Dr. Dre classic on which Nate starred. So If you don’t know, now you know.

Four years ago Damon Albarn, ever the dilettante, premiered his first voyage into opera: Monkey: Journey to the West with sometime collaborator Jaime Hewlett.

According to the BBC he’s now got a second in the making.

Premiering this summer as part of the Manchester International Festival, the same fest that Björk will be debuting new songs from her forthcoming LP Biophilia.

Called Doctor Dee; the plot concerns John Dee, medical and scientific advisor to Queen Elizabeth I who according to legend was an Alchemist, Astrologer and spy. Damon will be coming out from behind the scenes and performing in the opera. After the premiere the musical is scheduled to be staged with the English National Opera, in London.

Nate Dogg

Looking for new bands?

Albums in the pipeline

A Skyline on Fire - a two piece dark-synth band. Honestly just give it a listen.

Fuzigish will be officially releasing their new album on 13 May and are planning to tour the country. Albert Frost is planning a new solo album. All instruments are played by him. Inge Beckmann is in the process of recording “a long distance” album. With several musos, various locations – we don’t know who or where. Probably some big name producer involved. So the story goes.

The coolest thing to come out of Pretoria since Joost van der Westhuizen last pulled on a Blue Bulls jersey. http://askylineonfire.blogspot.com

The Brother Moves On. A friend from Joburg sent us some pics and one of these guys shows. It’s not often that pictures get you excited. But it looks like a party. If you’re anywhere near Main Street Life, they were the resident band for the month of March. Check Facebook for more info.

The Stranglers, a name more familiar to an earlier generation. 70’s and 80’s, hard men on the new wave scene. Still touring today. And have just released a new book Seven Days In Nice written by bassist Jet Black.

Telling the story of his band’s infamous 1980 visit to the France. Essential listening: Rattus Norvegicus album. www.stranglers.net

www.audiosure.co.za

www.audiosure.co.za

muse | thirty

GUEST COLUMNIST

by Philippa Glazer

M

y friend David Randall is a guitarist, producer a n d c o m p o s e r.

Amongst other big names, he has worked with Grammy Award winning artist Dido, Iceland’s Emiliana Torrini, the One Giant Leap project, and is guitarist for UK dance act Faithless.

Politics and internationalism are themes that run through much of Randall's work. I caught up with him shortly after he performed in Cape Town earlier this year, with Faithless, to discuss Music & Activism which feels so relevant to me right now.

Dave says that the first time he heard the name Nelson Mandela was in the lyrics of a song. “As a child growing up in Britain, the monumental struggle against apartheid in South Africa could seem a long way away. But it felt closer when the song Free Nelson Mandela by The Special AKA rose up the UK chart in 1984. The song instilled in me a desire to join the struggle against apartheid and the belief that music and politics are natural partners. It set me on my own journey which took me to Durban to record their wonderful gospel choir for a political song of my own – one in solidarity with the people of Palestine.”

Music – the spoken word plus energy in motion – how powerful! But not all music plays a progressive role in society. I actively promote a conscious lifestyle, w h i c h b r o a d l y s p e a k i n g, m e a n s heightening awareness, questioning everything, and taking total personal responsibility for the reality which we individually and collectively create. This includes choosing which information (music) we allow into ourselves. Randall agrees “Every time we watch an episode of American Idol, a music video on MTV or listen to the music which accompanies a TV advert or Hollywood film, we are being encouraged to internalise a set of ideas about the world. Ideas about what is normal; what is desirable; what is cool.

We need to critically examine these ideas, or values, and ask whose interests they serve.”

Dave continues, “South Africa, like Britain, now has some democracy – one person one vote – a victory in which songs like Free Nelson Mandela played their small part. But those with the most money still have disproportionate power in both countries, and across the world. Too often governments bow to the demands of the rich allowing them to shape our lives in ways beneficial to them. Culture becomes

“Make music, make art, make noise - make history!”

Music & Activism:

Dave Randall

something passively consumed through our TVs and the internet. It can be a world of dull celebrity, soft porn and brash consumerism intended to keep us distracted and them rich. We need to take the power back, and with it the power of music.”

Freedom of choice is our birthright.

Dave says that earning a living as a musician can be hard “We don't always get to make the music we choose. But as often as possible we should make music which boldly challenges the values peddled in the mainstream media. Our music can encourage people to think critically about the world and can give a voice to those whose stories too often go unheard. It should speak with honesty and should give strength to ordinary people.

Such music was so feared by the old apartheid regime that the musicians

making it faced prison - or worse, for doing so. In these more liberated times we have no excuse for not speaking out against racism, against oppression, in support of popular movements for a world that meets the needs of the many, not the greed of the few.”

Dave reckons that music on it’s own cannot change the world. “Making it and listening to it should never be a substitute for taking to the streets, going on strike and becoming politically organised. But music can help to create the conditions where progressive change is more likely.”

So whatever your walk of life, get involved. Stand up and sing out – whether or not you sing in tune. Make music, make art, make noise – make history!

muse | thirty two

CLASSIC ALBUMS

by Mickdotcom

Y

JANE SEYMOUR AND THE LATE-CENTURY MASTERPIECE: OK COMPUTER

our cellphone was still too heavy and bulky and pointless to bother carrying out of the house. Grunge was blissfully unaware of its pending demise. Starryeyed nerds were whispering about pornography that you can get on your dad’s computer. Life as everyone knew it was about to change, but no-one was privy – everything was still too Nineties to notice.

Tarantino was the king of the world and the Titanic was about to sink everyone and their tannie in snot en trane. Oasis still thought they were the Beatles only cooler.

Raves, with their auspiciously apt vowels, were the dangerous new In-thing; and The Springbok Nude Girls were still singing ‘Bubblegum on my boots today’, oh wait… erm, whatever.

1997. It was the time of Brit-pop and Oppikoppi. Radiohead had something quantum up its sleeves and was about to give birth to its new self.

Several potent, unrelated elements were drawing into alignment to render the magnificent gloom and sprawl of Radiohead’s third album.

According to vocalist Thom Yorke Miles Davis’ Bitches Brew had something to whisper; Morricone was sitting on one shoulder, as was avant-classical composer Krzysztof Penderecki. Big Brother (the notion, not the yet-to-be-conceived TV show) had something to say; as did something still tentatively and awkwardly termed Intelligent Dance Music.

Ditto millennial malaise and sinisterly burgeoning consumerism and general urban self-alienation. Oh and Kafka, of course. And decaying PC’s.

The Cold Womb.

By the time OK Computer arrived Radiohead was transforming.

Perfectly self-contained, the album nevertheless reads as a watershed between what the band was and would become. They were beginning to manifest their name (which earlier had no connection to their music,) with its connotations of internalized sonic frequencies, a human mind connected to transmissions; buzzing with sound. Man

meets electron. No more Brit-Grunge here boy.

Their sophomore release, The Bends, had revealed Yorke’s sensitive ability to capture the loneliness of being human, and the fragile beauty of not-quiteconnecting, finally hushing critics who’d tagged them an Alternative One Hit Wonder, off the back of their British contribution to Grunge, the song Creep.

But the group was itching for more; for something beyond the reach of the traditional band set-up. With OK Computer, they were beginning to tap into it.

Not - according to band members - a concept album, it was nevertheless the first of their releases designed to be consumed whole, an approach that remained in place for subsequent releases.

Beginning with OK Computer, Radiohead were creating albums as sonic locations - unique haunting grounds with their own atmospheres and i n f r a s t r u c t u r e s . ‘O K Computer’s was vaguely eerie, all semi-human and lost somewhere between carbon-based and binary, its atmospherics an unlikely marriage between majestic romance and abject, post-modernity laced loneliness. It was also, of course, their last guitar-driven album – and what a wallop! Jonny Greenwood seemingly attempting to exorcise the very spirit of traditional guitar with his epically contorting and stuttering missives, prompting many to cite the album’s early centrepiece Paranoid Android as the new Bohemian Rhapsody.

In truth it acts as a viable AntiBohemian Rhapsody - a perverse twin replacing the latter's glorious, soaring silliness with utter, gorgeous desolation.

Brilliance.

Initiated after a soul-depleting tour for The Bends, forced upon them by thenrecord company EMI, said company

“Beginning with OK Computer, Radiohead were creating albums as sonic locations” decided to give them a deadline-free contract for what would become OK Computer.

This freedom worked wonders, and ironically amplified the band’s now welldocumented disdain for and suspicion of record companies and the music industry at large. Their last two albums were initially published ‘free’ online, with fans asked to pay what they felt like.

More than merely changing the musical landscape with OK Computer and it ’s increasingly abstract-yet-lush offspring, they are now threatening the Industry itself, or at least making it sweat some!

What Radiohead had channelled out there in the English countryside, where most of OK Computer was ironically recorded, no-one knows, but from there on in they seemed to anticipate the future – Musically, politically, technologically.

Three years later, with mindbender ‘Kid A’, they simply became IT.

muse | thirty four

ALBUM REVIEWS

DM – Dave Mac | JS – Johann Smith | PP – Pablo Priest | JM - James Rose-Mathew | SP - Sergio Pereira | DA.d – David Adamson | PB – Paul Blom 1 = Weak | 2 = Okay | 3 = Pretty Cool | 4 = Rocking | 5 = Demi-God!

1. STREET SWEEPERS SOCIAL CLUB THE GHETTO BLASTER E.P. <<<Editors Choice>>> Any outfit that has Tom Morello involved has my vote. The guy does things to a guitar that might make you wanna look away respectfully and give the two of them a bit of privacy, if it weren't so goddamned transfixing and utterly compelling. Here, atop Morello's sonic pornography (the tasteful variety, naturally, not your garden variety YouPorn vid), stands loud ‘n proud the vocal theatrics of one Boots Riley – a consummate spokesperson for a desperately necessary revolution of the status quo. Together these gentlemen offer a worldview of cutting satire, humorous digs and some chilling observations of the way things are, all riding wild on the back of monstrous funk chops and space-age guitar tones. The Ghetto Blaster EP jettisons out your speakers like a feral dog sporting a Harvard education and a no-holds-barred attitude. Shit like this has you thoughtfully contemplating the future while you head-bang shamelessly at the mirror/passing pedestrian/corrupt police officer.

Included is a most tasteful rendition of MIA's Paper Planes and the callto-arms Boots has aptly titled The New Fuck You. Highly recommended.

5/5|JM

3. ABSINTHE' - A RENDEZVOUS AT NIRVANA Two of the most celebrated and unique voices of the 90's SA rock explosion, Paul E. Flynn and Cito from Sugardrive and Wonderboom respectively, got together in September 2009 in an intimate venue which judging by the cover, looked almost like someone's living-room, to record an unplugged performance of a choice selection of cover versions. With just two guitars, no bass and a brush kit, it is the vocal harmonies of these two heavyweights that immediately stood out for me. Their voices complement each other so well that it makes total sense that the stripped down accompaniment was intended to keep the focus on their vocal performance. What makes this idea so appealing is the eclectic mix of artists covered which include Kings of Leon, Pixies, Chris Isaak, Placebo, Gomez, and then their mutual PostPunk admiration showcased with renditions of Echo & The Bunnymen, The Mission, Joy Division, Depeche Mode and Public Image Limited classics. Nice dollup of nostalgia and would love to have witnessed this live performance.

3/5|DA.d

5. MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE - DANGER DAYS

2. CHROMIUM Chromium hail from the friendly city, Port Elizabeth having since relocated to the more bustling Johannesburg area. But there’s nothing friendly about Chromium’s brand of Metal music, even though it’s relentless attack and screaming vocals (on this, their third studio effort) leaves space for melody and often pulls back for (equally passionate but) harmonic vocals. As I have experienced myself, when you play Metal (of whatever variant) in South Africa, sitting and waiting for that record deal to slide under your door will result in a long wait. Going the DIY route will save you many headaches and help in propelling you forward as opposed to stagnating or giving up. Without the help of a record label, and taking the reigns when it comes to both engineering and producing, frontman Jared Gunston has done a good job of capturing the band’s energy and tight execution. Set to please listeners with a keen ear for quality, the songs are well put together and have a broad appeal, with Metal variants from Thrash to Metalcore.

4/5|PB

4. YOAV - A FOOLPROOF ESCAPE PLAN Yoav is a Capetonian singersongwriter who has recently burst onto the South African and global music scene thanks mostly due to the Peter Luts club remix of his track We Are All Dancing. Contrary to the style of the aforementioned song, his music is more of an organic/acoustic sounding nature. His songs do incorporate programmed elements, but not of the four-to-the-floor dance type featured on his breakout single and more like a cleverly programmed Tom Waits percussion section – if you catch my drift. The songs in general are not easy to familiarize yourself with and I find it difficult to explain in words exactly what emotion this music conveys. I myself was impressed with his vocal register, effortlessly gliding between falsetto and lower register and also his heavily delayed almost virtuoso-like arpeggio guitar picking. You will notice this guitar effect on the “Dancing” track. The vocal melodies are very well written and I honestly feel if he had applied these to a more conventional arrangement, he would have had a much broader appeal – hence the remix of We Are All Dancing tearing up the charts. This album ships as a double package with the bonus disc featuring the remix that we all love plus other bits and interestingly a cover of Rodriguez' Rich Folks Hoax.

3/5|DA.d

Grandiose, ambitious, dare I say rock opera... The concept type album seems to be a central theme for these reluctant emo kids. After 2006's mega-successful The Black Parade, they return with tales of protagonists battling an evil corporation in a desert like post-apocalyptic setting. I'm sure you will agree that “Grandiose” is not an exaggeration and although I could be missing the underlying metaphor here, I myself could not decipher it. But then again how credible would a moody Pop-Punk band be if they weren't rising up against something?

Musically the band have fully embraced the electronic elements that currently seem to accompany the modern rock genre of today, in fact to pull off an album of this nature, a massive production with plenty digital elements is rightly justified. They do not stray from their classic “shout to the rafters” style of choruses and stick to the proven pop chord structures that they are known for. My only major irritation with this album is 1. the ridiculously unimaginative title (and chorus) of their first single “Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na)”, I mean come on! - just reading that let alone hearing it, is enough to irritate anyone and 2. the dialogue interludes that randomly pop up on the album. I enjoyed this album because I can appreciate pop music and these guys manage to cleverly marry pop with a harder edge that won't scare off the kids that would hate to admit that they are fans of a band that are essentially using the same songwriting formulas that ABBA used - except through a BOSS Metal Zone distortion pedal of course.

3/5|DA.d

muse | thirty five

6. JUROJIN - THE LIVING MEASURE OF TIME The debut release of this refreshing new Metal band from London combine the hard, melodic and gritty elements of the genre with a precise experimental edge and World influences that opens up the appeal. This may polarize those on the opposite ends who want hard & heavy and nothing else, and those who want it mild without the aggression. It's that middle ground of open-minded listeners who will find this a fascinating and rich listening experience. Fans of bands in the vein of Tool, Incubus and The Mars Volta will instantly click with Jurojin. The blend of hard and catchy tunes with its clean melodic vocals also get acoustic, technical and even jazzy passages, while the Eastern influences come in the shape of Tabla percussion and the exotic string sounds of the Santoor. Most of the tracks were mixed and mastered by Drew Mazurek, who has worked on high profile rock projects like Linkin Park and HIM.

4/5|PB

8. MR. CAT & THE JACKAL - SINS AND SIREN SONGS 37 instruments and 15 tracks in total with packaging designed to look like a children’s Bible, Mr. Cat and The Jackal loosens the collar even more with their second album and reaches for more rum. Melodies still swathe around Gertjie Besselsen’s pirate R’s and vocals and the drums still stumble drunkenly.

But this time it’s a little more thought out.

They’re a proper band now. According to Jacques du Plessis “there are no mistakes.”

But lessons have been learned, clearly. Sins and Siren Songs has an age old theme. Bad women, debauchery and life’s ups and downs. All of which has been exhausted ad nauseam. But when an album sounds like a bunch of Afrikaans pirates who decided to gooi ‘n lang arm sokkie on a boat, got drunk and a fight broke out, it’s a little different. MCATJ are certainly turning and changing the cogs of ‘indie music.' Ultimately an odd ball affair; a little bit blues, a little bit country and rock and roll, that pushes all the right buttons while having a rummage. Clearly this is best enjoyed with an activity, and rum, of your choice.

4/5|JS

10. DANCE YOU'RE ON FIRE - SECRET CHIEFS For me, an unadulterated music lover, the best part of doing album reviews is hopefully discovering a new band that will give me that indescribable feeling that I'm sure most music lovers can relate to when they hear something instantly likeable. Well that was the case when I popped this disc in for the first time. Smatterings of Panic At The Disco / Fall Out Boy fused with cleverly syncopated guitars and inventive drumming signatures, these Joburg boys are testament to the advancement of local talent and prove how a growing scene and competition amongst bands made sure that when Dance You're On Fire released this album they were on top of their game. A proper production is now becoming the norm with independent releases, which without major label support, you could not have said just a few years back. Consequently the engineers and mixers at Wrestlerish's Anti-Motion studios made sure they sounded world class. The band's individual performances are also truly brilliant. For me the drummer’s skills particularly stood out and vocalist Tom Manners has one of the best voices I have heard in a while.

Dance You're On Fire have raised the bar for songwriting, arrangement and performance in South Africa's already well established Indie Rock scene and won't be surprised that when they become household names the likes of aKing etc, (which I hope they will), a new benchmark will be set for all aspiring musicians of this genre.

4/5|DA.d

ALBUM REVIEWS 7. MIND ASSAULT - METAL RITES Mind Assault appeared on the South African Metal radar late-2004 from the Helderberg area in Cape Town.

Across the last half a decade they've built up their reputation with dedicated live performances, a demo EP, their debut album Stigma, a DVD and this their latest EP illustrating the band's maturing into a cohesive group, all of the lessons learned on display. The 7 tracks deliver a thunderous wall-to-wall dose of Metal, two of which sport the band's customary inclusion of Afrikaans lyrics. Not shy to let rip with lead breaks, the classic Metal character is fully ingrained in Mind Assault's audio attacks. The EP was co-produced by Mind Assault and Theunis Cilliers (of Day Turns Night fame), and was sent to Tampa Florida where it was mixed and mastered by Brian Eliott in Eric Rutan's Mana Studios (Rutan of course being Morbid Angel's former guitarist). For a good example of how local extreme acts have risen to an equal footing as that of international imports, do yourself a favour and check out Mind Assault's Metal Rites. For more info and to get your copy of the EP, check out www.mindassault.com

4/5|PP

9. BLACK MOUNTAIN - WILDERNESS HEART Black Mountain is a Canadian rock band from Vancouver. Wilderness Heart is their third full length album and since forming in 2004 they have picked up a number of accolades such as Top 100 Editor's Picks of 2005 on Amazon.com as well as "Best Alternative Album" in the 2009 Juno Awards. Heck they even featured on the Spiderman 3 soundtrack. Combining the male/female vocal combo of frontman Stephen McBean and one Amber Webber, Wilderness Heart is an accomplished mix of accessible rock paying homage to 70’s hard-rock, 80’s metal and new-millennia grunge but with complete originality. In fact you will need to pay close attention to actually notice these influences such is the quality of the songs and delivery. Whilst not lacking pop sensibility in any way Wilderness Heart is a weighty album that should prove accessible enough to breach the mainstream whilst satisfying the more serious rock listener too. If you dig Band of Skulls then check these guys out. ‘Nuff said.

4/5|DM

SHORT SHOTS Fire Through the Window – All These People are Golden A flawlessly executed album that suffers, unfortunately, from songs that seem a bit too replicated and unoriginal. Could easily be the soundtrack to an American College or High School movie.

Kid Rock - Born Free Our favourite Country-Rock rapper is back with this, his 9th album, Born Free. The Kid once again ditches the hybrid Rock-Rap style he became famous for in favour of the Southern Rock flavour of his last album, Rock N' Roll Jesus with a stellar guest line-up.

Get Cape.Wear Cape.Fly The one man musical project of Brit, Sam Duckworth, together with a laptop creates a melting pot of musical styles. An album that suffers from a lack of musical direction with some highlights and some low.

The Jim Jones Review - Burning your house down Jim Jones Revue will have you duck walking all night long with their ballsto-the-wall garage band sound.

Burning Down Your House features a dominant boogie woogie piano which is reminiscent of bona-fide 50's rock n' roll a-la-Jerry Lee Lewis.

Small Black - New Chain New York based synth pop/rock band Small Chain deliver a nod to the post punk New Romantic era of the eighties on their album New Chain. Think Gary Numan meets The Shins.

The Jolly Boys - Great Expectation A mento band from Jamaica formed in 1955 serves up 12 acoustically based cover versions including a stellar rendition of Amy Winehouse’s Rehab, as well as covers of Lou Reed, Grace Jones, New Order, the Stranglers, Johnny Cash & more.

muse | thirty six

For more gaming reviews, check out www.flamedrop.com

GAME REVIEWS

by Paul Blom

MINDJACK (PlayStation 3)

2.5/5

It is a technologically advanced future (around 2031). As Jim, a member of a team of rogue agents (assisted

by Rebecca), you have to crack a high profile conspiracy (with corporate nasties at its core). The undercover world of action adventure with a tech-angle remains popular, and what this third-person shooter offers the gamer is to literally step out of their shell and hack into other characters, bystanders, vehicles, even weakened enemies, to control them in the task of accomplishing your mission objectives, steering their actions or turning them to fight on your side. Your enemies expand from mere human soldiers to killer drones and hybrid attackers. But, your hacking abilities can get a dose of its own medicine when on-line, where other gamers can “hack” into your game (and vice versa) for multi-player showdowns as enemies or compatriots.

Gamers annoyed by controls with a bit of a learning curve to perfect (and responsiveness flaws) could get fazed. But this should please you if you’re happy with some visual flash enabling you to let rip with some virtual shooting (wrapped around a plot of little consequence in the greater scheme of having a blast), its cover-based system unfortunately not always delivering as expected.

DC UNIVERSE Online (PC/PlayStation 3) 4/5 Your favourite DC comic book characters come to life in this Massive Multi-player Online action gaming experience. But it goes beyond legendary heroes like Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash and the Green Lantern, or villains like Lex Luthor, The Joker, Cat Woman, Mr Freeze and Brainiac - you also get to create your own unique character to fight alongside or against these stalwarts. You choose whether to take the role as hero or villain and you’re in charge of designing all physical aspects, from body composition to a killer costume. Progress through this vast role-playing game earns you skill points enhancing your abilities to become a formidable hero / villain. From Metropolis to Gotham City, DC Universe Online takes the fan of these well-set mythologies into the thick of the action, drama and narrative. Online subscribers will also have the advantage of new content and missions being added in an ongoing gaming experience. If you're not yet keen to venture into cyberspace and take on gamers outside of your home (where eventually there is additional cost involved once your 30 day free subscription is depleted), this may not be for you. If you hate comic book characters, then you probably haven't read this far (!).

HALO Reach (XBOX360) 4.5/5 The Halo Nation has been screaming for this prequel. The super-popular sci-fi first person shooter series takes you to 2552 with humanity stuck in a vicious war with the Covenant, an alien conglomerate force that knows no mercy. With the planet Reach as the war zone, you and your elite UNSC squad (known as Noble Team) is in for a long and bloody tour of duty with all of your special armour and firepower put to the test. On investigating a communications relay which has gone off-line; from there the action erupts along an involved storyline (which will not detract from the high powered action). When it comes to the wide range of weaponry, you get to use both your UNSC issue hardware of just under a dozen blasters, as well as utilize the firepower of the Covenant when you blow them away. You can access seven of your vehicles and nine of theirs. With loads of in-game and character nuances, upgrades and alterations, the various single and multi-player game modes to spice things up. And of course the amazing graphics and sound is a given. Prepare yourself for many hours in front of the screen.

MARIO vs. DONKEY KONG - Mini-Land Mayhem (Nintendo DS) 3/5 Mario has opened his new Mini-Land fun fair. There is a free Pauline doll for each of the first 100 visitors.

Donkey Kong arrives to claim his, but he's number 101! So, naturally he kidnaps the real Pauline! With the villain almost always snatching the damsel in distress (usually Princess Peach) to kick-start the Super Mario action, why break tradition? But here it isn't Mario venturing after Donkey Kong escaping into his Mini-Land, but rather a troop of mini wind-up Marios (activated by you once you've co-ordinated your plan of action).

Kong has set obstacle courses with traps and you need to build girders & ramps, and activate springs to navigate the non-stop minis along the various platforms in order to collect coins and special items, avoiding the dangers, and get to the exit door within seconds of one another. Sounds much easier than it is (!) With around 200 varied levels across many themed chapters, boss end-levels get more challenging each time, but it leads to the unlocking of new material like abilities in the Construction Zone where you can create your levels which can also be shared with fellow DS gamers via Wi-Fi.

avant 12A

avant 15A

avant 118A

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avant 12A R 11 242.00 | avant 118A R 17 500.00 avant 15A R 12 584.00 | avant 215A R 15 184.00 Prices are recommended Retail, Incl. 14% VAT D.A.S Audio Products exclusively available through

The challenge The objective

The answer

Design a series of portable systems using the most advanced audio technologies available.

The

Provide the systems users with awesome power, exceptional performance and unprecedented simplicity.

For trade enquiries or to find your closest retailer call

Tel: 011 2503280 | www.hybrid.co.za luis@hybrid.co.za | marco@hybrid.co.za | bernard@hybrid.co.za

muse | thirty eight

GIG GUIDE NATIONAL EVENTS.....

www.theblackdahlia.co.za

Every Sunday | Rock The House Sundays | DBN @ Vacca Matta Suncoast | Catch the Catlike Thieves and supporting bands perform live & acoustic every Sunday | 12h00 | Free Entrance till 18h00 | 031 368 6535, suncoast@vaccamatta.com or www.vaccamatta.com

Sat 16 Apr | Forbidden Fruit Music Festival | Bloemfontein @ ABSA Oval University Of Free State | University Free State, Nelson Mandela Rylaan, Brandwag, Bloemfontein | Elvis Blue, Adeline Mocke, DJ Ossewa, Ballyhoo and Monique Foxx, Zebra and Giraffe, The 80`s Kidz | Gates open @ 10h00, Show starts @ 11h00 | R75-R250 | www.computicket.com

Thurs 7 Apr | Prime Circle | PTA @ Barnyard Menlyn | Shop UF57 Menlyn Park Shopping Centre | Prime Circle | 20h00 | R135 | 012 368 1555, menlyn1@barnyardtheatres.co.za or www.barnyardtheatres.co.za

Sat 16 Apr | Mean MR Mustard | George @ Kalahari Restaurant & Theatre | Redefine Boulevard (Old Game Centre), George | Mean MR Mustard | 21h00 | R150 | www.computicket.com

Thurs 7 Apr | Rock Nights | PTA @ SA State Theatre | Pestroy, Facing The Gallows and Death by Ninja | 20h00 | R60 Presold & R80 @ the Door | (012) 392 4000, www.computicket.com or www.statetheatre.co.za

Sat 16 Apr | Wonderboom | CPT @ The Assembly | Harrington Street, District Six | Wonderboom | 20h00 | 021 465 7286, info@theassembly.co.za or www.theassembly.co.za

Thurs 7 Apr | Smokie | Bloemfontein @ Sand Du Plessis Theatre | 12 First Avenue, Westdene, Bloemfontein | Smokie | 20h00 | R350-R590 | www.computicket.com Fri 8-9 Apr | Smokie | JHB @ Carnival City, Big Top Arena | Carnival City Casino and Entertainment World | Smokie | 20h00 | R150R490 | www.computicket.com Fri 8 Apr | Heinz Winckler | JHB @ Silverstar Centre | Silverstar Casino - Muldersdrift | Heinz Winckler | 20h00 | R130 | www.computicket.com Fri 8 Apr | Neil Diamond | P.E @ Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium| Corner Prince Alfred and Milner Avenue, North End, Port Elizabeth | Neil Diamond | 20h00 | R200-R575 | www.computicket.com Sat 9 Apr | Sowing the Seeds 2011 | CPT @ Cape Farmhouse, Scarborough | 7ft Soundsystem, Jeremy Loops, Hot Water, aKING acoustic, James Copeland and Mix n Blend!| Features: Top SA musical acts, craft market, art gallery, kids play area and so much more! | 12h00 | R100 | www.webtickets.co.za Sat 9 Apr | The Otherwise & many more Live | JHB @ The Black Dahlia | Cnr Trichardts & Ravenswood Road, Boksburg | Submachine, The Cavalier, Gross Misconduct, The Otherwise | 071 351 6790, info@theblackdahlia.co.za or www.theblackdahlia.co.za Sat 9 Apr | Ultragig! | CPT @ Gandalfs / R.O.A.R | 299 Lower Main Rd, Observatory | Wings of Aggression, Sindulgence, Imperium Of Man, Reverse The Sands, Suiderbees, The Impalement Theory, Genocidal Holocaust, Red Carpet Murder, Era of Hierarchy & The Plague | 20h00 | R30 | www.gandalfs.co.za or 083 330 0700

Sat 16 Apr | Wrestlerish and friends | JHB @ Cool Runnings - Fourways | Shop 30 Riverbend Junction River bend Rd (off Witkoppen) | We Shall Embrace, Broadway Screamer, The Monroes & Wrestlerish | Doors open @ 19h00 | R50/R60 | 011 704 0987 or www.coolrunnings.co.za Thurs 21-25 Apr | Splashy Fen 2011 | KZN @ Splashy Fen Farm, Underberg, KZN | Boo!, City Bowl Mizers, Dan Patlansky, Good Luck, Hairy Legged Lentil Eaters, Holiday Murray, Isochronous, Jack Mantis Band, Karen Zoid, The Rudimentals, Valiant Swart, Wrestlerish and many more | Features: Arts & Crafts Market, Beer Garden with satellite TV, Children's Entertainment Centre, Crèche, Colin’s pay showers, Family Campsite, Food stalls catering for all tastes, Top-class sound and lighting, Hot showers, Lots of clean toilets and many more | Gates open @ 07h00 & Show starts @ 09h00 | R500 | www.computicket.com or www.splashyfen.co.za Thurs 21 April | Classic Rock Tribute | JHB @ Cool Runnings - Fourways | Shop 30, Riverbend Junction, River bend Rd (off Witkoppen) | Moonshine | 21h00 | R50 | 011 7040987 or www.coolrunnings.co.za Thurs 21 Apr | Rock Nights | PTA @ SA State Theatre | Chromium, Warthane and All Forlorn | 20h00 | R60 Presold & R80 @ the Door | (012) 392 4000, www.computicket.com or www.statetheatre.co.za

Mon 11 Apr | Neil Diamond | CPT @ Grand Arena - Grandwest Casino & Entertainment World | 1 Vanguard Drive, Goodwood | Neil Diamond | 20h00 | R250-R900 | www.computicket.com

Fri 22-24 Apr | Rock the River Easter Festival | CPT @ Buffallo Drift resort | Ruigtervlei Farm, just outside of Gouda along the R44 | Taxi Violence, Hog Hoggidy Hog, The Dirty Skirts, 7th Son, Reburn, Chromium, The Plastics, When Karma Sleeps, Thought Ploice, 11th Hour, Alive at Midnight and many more | Features: Camping, hot showers, clean toilets, food and crafts markets, including 3 fully stocked bars | Gates open @ 11h00 on Friday 22 April | R200-R300 | bookings@rocktheriversa.co.za, www.rocktheriversa.co.za or www.computicket.com

Sat 16 Apr | Dea Matrona, Mazaru, 40 Day Journey and more | JHB @ The Black Dahlia | Cnr Trichardts & Ravenswood Road, Boksburg | Dea Matrona, Mazaru, 40 Day Journey and more | 071 351 6790, info@theblackdahlia.co.za or

Sat 23-24 Apr | Oyster and Champagne Festival | CPT @ Bloemendal Wine Estate, Durbanville | Jesse Jordan Band, Boulevard Blues, Ryno Velvet, The Studerbakers, Gian Groen, The Stremes & lots more | Features: Festival goers

will be entertained by fourteen live bands, kid’s entertainment, celebrity chefs, food stalls and bar facilities.Guest host for the weekend will be Elize Kruger (Binnelanders) | 10h00 each day | R70 per day | www.webtickets.co.za Sun 24 Apr | Just Jinjer | George @ Fancourt | Montagu Street, Blanco, George | Just Jinjer | 15h00 | R50/R100 | www.computicket.com Fri 29-30 Apr | Freshly Ground | JHB @ The Lyric | Gold Reef City Casino complex, Northern Parkway, Ormonde | Freshly Ground | 20h30 | R105-R165 | www.computicket.com Fri 29 Apr | Son of a 1000 Blues | JHB @ Tanz Cafe | The Buzz Shopping Centre, Cnr Douglas and Witkoppen Road Fourways | Son of a 1000 | Features: The new band will be presenting their new album as well as showcasing the material from the 'Son of a Thousand Blues' Album | 20h30 | R50 | 082 855 5445, grant@tanzcafe.co.za or www.tanzcafe.co.za Sat 30 Apr | The Parlotones Carbon Free Concerts | JHB @ Big Top Arena | Carnival City Casino and Entertainment World | The Parlotones | Features: The Arrows & The Black Hotels as supporting acts | 20h00 | R175-R250 | www.computicket.com Sun 1 May | Freshly Ground | JHB @ Silverstar Centre | Silverstar Casino Muldersdrift | Freshly Ground | 18h00 | R140 | www.computicket.com Sun 1 May | Seasons Wither Festival 5 | JHB @ Truth Nightclub | Old Pretoria Road, Midrand | Pestroy, Chromium, Knave, Facing The Gallows, The Dead will Tell, Voodoo Child, Death By Ninja, Candi Black, Fragmented Children and 11th Hour | Features: 10 bands that will be rocking it out on 1 of 3 stages at Truth Nightclub in Midrand | R100 online (www.ticketspace.co.za) or R150 @ the door | bianca@seasonswither.co.za or www.seasonswither.co.za Sat 7 May | Stark Raving Sane | CPT @ Cape Farmhouse | Bottom of Red Hill Junction M66 & M65, Simonstown | Stark Raving Sane | 021-780 1246, info@capefarmhouse.co.za, www.capefarmhouse.co.za Sun 8-11 May | Roxette | CPT @ Grand Arena - Grandwest Casino & Entertainment World | 1 Vanguard Drive, Goodwood | Roxette | 20h00 | R272-R399 | www.computicket.com Mon 9 May | Andra | PTA @ Barnyard Theatre / Menlyn | Shop UF57 Menlyn Park Shopping Centre | Andra | Doors open @ 18h30 & Show starts @ 20h00 | R80 | 012 368 1555, menlyn1@barnyardtheatres.co.za or www.barnyardtheatres.co.za Fri 13-15 May | Roxette | JHB @ Sun City Superbowl | Sun City Resort, Northwest Province | Roxette | 13 May @ 21h00/ 14 May @ 20h00/ 15 May @ 18h30 | R275-R475 | www.computicket.com

muse | thirty nine

Sun 15 May | Taxi Violence – Winter Concert Series 2011 | CPT @ The Silver Tree Restaurant | Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, | Taxi Violence | 19h00 | R110 (Incls welcome drink & starter) |021762 9585 info@kirstenboschrestaurant.com Thurs 19 May | The Ghost Inside SA Tour | JHB @ Cool Runnings Cafe | Shop 30, Riverbend Junction, River bend Rd, Bloubosrand | The Ghost Inside featuring special guests Truth & It's Burden, Facing the Gallows and The Death Will Tell | (011) 704 0987 or www.hopehavenrecords.com Sat 21 May | The Ghost Inside SA Tour| P.E @ Jesters Alternative Club | 92 Westbourne Road, Mount Croix Port Elizabeth | The Ghost Inside featuring special guests Truth & It's Burden, Facing the Gallows and The Death Will Tell | 076 985 7911, jesterspe@hotmail.com or www.hopehavenrecords.com Sat 21 May | Unplugged 62 Music Concert | Barrydale @ Joubert-Tradauw Private Cellar Barrydale | Karen Zoid, Tidal Waves, Tony Cox | Features: Cash bar with cooldrinks, water, Joubert-Tradauw wines, coffee truck with latte`s and cuppucino`s | Doors open @ 17h00 & Show starts @ 19h30 | R120 | www.computicket.com Sun 22 May | James Stewart Winter Concert | CPT @ Silver Tree Restaurant, Kirstenbosch Gardens | Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Rhodes Drive, Newlands, Cape Town | James Stewart | Doors open @ 18h00 | R110 (Includes a welcome drink & starter) | 021 762 9585, marketing@kirstenboschrestaurant.com or www.kirstenboschrestaurant.com Sun 22 May | James Stewart | CPT @ Silver Tree Restaurant, Kirstenbosch Gardens | Rhodes Drive, Newlands | Live : James Stewart | Doors open @ 18h00 | R110 (includes a welcome drink & starter) | 021 762 9585, marketing@kirstenboschrestaurant.com or www.kirstenboschrestaurant.com Mon 23 May | Bed on Bricks – Winter Concert Series 2011 | CPT @ The Silver Tree Restaurant | Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Wynberg NU (2), Cape Town | Bed on Bricks | info@redfoxevents.co.za Wed 25 May | The Ghost Inside SA Tour | CPT @ Mercury Live Lounge | 43 De Villiers Street, Zonnebloem, Cape Town | The Ghost Inside featuring special guests Truth & It's Burden, Facing the Gallows and The Death Will Tell | www.mercuryl.co.za or www.hopehavenrecords.com Tues 31 May | Girls Wanna Rock | DBN @ Barnyard Gateway | Shop F222, Gateway Umhlanga Ridge | Girls Wanna Rock is the ultimate in rock and roll sexiness | Features: 5 front singers and the all girl 6-piece band | 20h00 | R90-R125 | 031 566 3045, gateway@barnyardtheatre.co.za or www.barnyardtheatres.co.za Café Barcelona: Elardus Park Shopping Centre, Cnr of Delmas & Bernard Street, PTA, 012 345 3602, info@cafebarcelona.co.za or www.cafebarcelona.co.za Fri 1 Apr | BOO! Sat 2 Apr | Chronium Wed 6 Apr | Hoot n Anny+Vana

Thurs 7 Apr | Paint The Seconds Fri 8 Apr | Jan Blohm Tues 12 Apr | Glaskas+Centrefolds Wed 13 Apr | Die See Thurs 14 Apr | Allen John+Chiba Fly Fri 15 Apr | Tuindwergies Sat 16 Apr | Ether Sun 17 Apr | Valiant Swart+Ollie Viljoen Tues 19 Apr | Autumn Lights Wed 20 Apr | Float Parade Thurs 21 Apr | Klopjag Thurs 28 Apr | Universal Translator Fri 29 Apr | Deep Blue C Sat 30 Apr | Jackhammer Thurs 5 May | Farryl Purkiss Fri 6 May | Black Cat Bone Fri 13 May | Lise Chris Sat 14 May | Black Era+This is Goodbye Fri 20 May | Jan Blohm Fri 27 May | Ekstra Dik Sat 28 May | Deep Blue C Die Boer Restaurant Theatre: 6 Chenoweth Street Durbanville, 021 979 1911/ 083 406 0111, www.dieboer.com Fri 1-2 Apr | Dan Patlansky Band & Guests | R90 Wed 27 Apr | Spontaneous Combustion Blues Band | R80 Thurs 28 Apr | Ryno Velvet & Band | R70 Fri 67 Mei | Die Valiant Swart Band | R110 Tues 17 Mei | Rooies | R60 Sat 21 Mei | Jesse Jordan Band | R70 Die Mystic Boer: Bloemfontein, (051) 430 2206, www.diemysticboer.co.za Wed 6 Apr | Ryno Velvet & Oros in n lang glas Sat 9 Apr | Die see & Gill Hockman Wed 23 Apr | Bittereinder & Yesterdays People Mercury Live Lounge: 43 De Villiers Street, Zonnebloem, CPT, 021 465 2106 or www.mercuryl.co.za Fri 1 Apr | 12th Avenue album luanch with guests The Undefind Thurs 7 Apr | Durex Ultimate Battle Semi Finals Fri 8 Apr |The Rudimentals & No Ones Arc Sat 9 Apr | Madame Zingara's feat Wolftown & The Bone Collectors Fri 15 Apr | Stepdog & The New Mustangs Tues 26 Apr | Black Moscow Fri 29 Apr | Hog Hoggidy Hog Video Launch Sat 30 Apr | The Sleepers Fri 6 May | Durex Ultimate Battle Finals Fri 13 May | BOO! Fri 20 May | Sailor Jerry Party Sat 21 May | Heathens & Suiderbees & A Walk With The Wicked Fri 27 May | Dirty Skirts

GIG GUIDE

Runs Red (DBN) & All Forlorn Sat 23 Apr | Mesadoth (final show), Loathed, Nerve Zero, Juggernaught & Meimera Deiyi Fri 29 Apr | Chix with Stix, The Monroes, Outside the New, Four Sticks & Hokum Sat 30 Apr | Of One design, Meimera Deiyi, We Shall Embrace & Guns Go Bang Villa Pascal: 28 van der Westhuizen Street, Valmary Park, Durbanville, 021 9752566, 082 569 4147, info@villapascal.co.za or www.villapascal.co.za Sun 10 Apr | Frankie Sawyer | 19h00 | R80 Fri 20 Apr | Shannon Hope | 19h00 | R65 Fri 6 May | Luna Paige & Gerald Clark | Country & Blues | 19h00 | R80 Sun 8 May | James Bhemgee & The Cape Flats Tenors | Mother’s Day Concert | 19h00 | R85-R100 Fri 20 May | Pop Idol - Anke | 19h00 | R80 Sat 21 May | Bill Knight | Bob Dylan & Me | 19h00 | R80 Sun 22 May | Viva! Popopera | 19h00 | R120 Fri 27-28 May | Anteros | 19h00 | R95

Zula Sound Bar: 194 Long Street Cape Town, 021 424 2442, 082 703 8876, vusa@zulabar.co.za or www.zulabar.co.za Every Monday | C.O.M.E (comedy on Monday evenings) | R40 Every Tuesday | Acoustic sessions | 20h30 22h00 Every Sunday | Reggae Nights Fri 1 Apr | When Karma Sleeps Wed 6 Apr | Black South Easter & Chity and the Mystics Fri 8 Apr | The Plastics Sat 9 Apr | Ras Kass, Raiko, Mingus Thurs 14 Apr | Asher Selektor Fri 15 Apr | Sedge Warbler, Niskerone and friends...

Sat 16 Apr | The Jack Mantis Band & Hotwater Thurs 21 Apr | Heroes wear red Wed 27 Apr | Fulka & Isochronous Thurs 28 Apr | Box Office Fri 29 Apr | Party People Sat 30 Apr | The Rudimentals

The Black Dahlia: 192 Trichardts Rd Boksburg, info@theblackdahlia.co.za Doors open @ 7pm / Entrance varies from R30–R50 / Secure parking!

Fri 1 Apr | Warthane, Deane Crescent, Cimeries & Empery Sat 2 Apr | Legions Ablaze, Ardent Ashes, Loathed, Spectral Realm & Cimeries Fri 8 Apr | Chromium, Red Light Effect, Aiming at Shadows & The Frail Sat 9 Apr | Submachine, The Cavalier, Gross Misconduct & The Otherwise Fri 15 Apr | Guns Go Bang, Choking Heartbeat, Die the Betrayer and more…

Sat 16 Apr | Sacrifist, Dea Matrona, Mazaru, 40 day journey + more Fri 22 Apr | Contrast the Water (DBN), Theatre

TO GET LISTED FOR FREE EMAIL admin@museonline.co.za

PHOTOFEATURE

Andre Geldenhuys MACHINERI Photo and concept by

Taxi Voilence

info@onesmallchange.co.za