During lockdown guitarist Michael Currin often sent drummer Stephen Timm and lyricist Toast Coetzer some guitar tracks he had come up with. These were sent via their WhatsApp group and after a while conversation drifted in the direction of ‘Why don’t we make a little album out of this?’ “Satelliet” is a 6-track EP built around Michael’s guitar compositions, with Toast writing lyrics for some of them (“Ice Pyramid” is Michael’s epic solo instrumental!), and Stephen adding the finishing touches during production. It’s lo-fi as an old fence-post, but we think you’ll like it! Download it for free on our Bandcamp page.
Unique multilingual song, recorded with the South African Blues-Rock legends Piet Botha, Akkedis and the German Freygang Band during their Black Sheep Rockonspiracy tour from Mozambique to Cape Town in June 2013 at the Peace of Eden Studio in South Africa.
South African music is entering an exciting era of opportunity and progress as new markets open up for homegrown sounds. This was one of the key messages emerging from the 2013 Music Exchange Conference, which saw industry moguls and musicians congregating at the iconic Cape Town City Hall to talk about the serious business of music.
Music Exchange 2013
Music Exchange 2013
Trevor Jones, Randall Abrahams
For three days, from 21 to 23 March 2013, the City Hall was abuzz with the sound of music – with a full programme of workshops and panel discussions on making it, marketing it, getting it heard on various platforms and ensuring that it moves with the times.
This independent music conference, now in its third year, attracted hundreds of experts and delegates from across the music spectrum – from composers and publishers to record company executives and media – to share knowledge and ideas, network, perform live showcases and identify opportunities to boost South African music locally, regionally and abroad.
Among the high-profile music creators spotted at the conference were Vicky Sampson, Mynie Grové, Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, RJ Benjamin, Chad Saaiman, Jimmy Nevis, Mark Haze, Dub Masta China and Arno Carstens, as well as industry heavyweights such as Universal Music A&R consultant Benjy Mudie, Cape Town Jazz festival founder Rashid Lombard and Rolling Stone SA editor-in-chief Miles Keylock.
The international speakers on the programme included acclaimed house music producer and remixer Charles Webster (UK), music promoter Doug Davenport (USA) and Africori CEO Yoel Kenan (France).
One of the conference’s undisputed highlights was the keynote address by Trevor Jones, moderated by Universal Records managing director Randall Abrahams. Now based in the UK, Jones was born in District Six and is considered one of the top five film score composers in the world, with several Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations as well two ASCAP Awards in the bag.
Jones has made an indelible mark on the global entertainment industry, scoring international blockbusters such as Notting Hill, The Last of the Mohicans, Mississippi Burning and The Mighty and working with the likes of U2, Sting, David Bowie, Sinead O’Connor, Britney Spears, Elvis Costello and Charlotte Church.
Jones became overcome with emotion after being given a standing ovation by delegates, who warmly welcomed him back home.
During his inspirational talk, he spoke about the importance of music education and his desire to give something back to South African music industry: “Key to South Africa’s success is hard work and building a positive perception of our country and us a nation,” he said.
Award-winning local singer, songwriter and guitarist Arno Carstens, who spoke at the conference about the song that made him famous, said it was an honour to be part of Music Exchange and it was encouraging and inspiring to see so many enthusiastic people attend and share their experiences and knowledge.
Joining Carstens on the stellar line-up of artists speaking about the song that made them famous, Vicky Sampson acknowledged songwriter Alan Lazar (formerly of Mango Groove, and now a successful composer based in Los Angeles), who wrote African Dream. “I am grateful that Alan gave me the song and did not pass me up for Mango Groove’s Claire Johnston,” Sampson quipped. She spent every minute of the conference absorbing and learning, as well as reconnecting with her mentor Benjy Mudie and her old friend RJ Benjamin.
Versatile singer, composer and teacher Benjamin, who has been invited to be a vocal coach for the upcoming season of Idols and will be composing SABC2’s new signature tune, continuously urged delegates to make use of social media platforms to reach new audiences. Benjamin stood out as one of the speakers to whom delegates were drawn and his presentations proved to be extremely popular.
After the weekend’s proceedings wrapped up, local music legend Hotstix tweeted: “What a conference; what great speakers and delegates – wow!”
Added a delighted Music Exchange founder and board member, Martin Myers: “We have been completely overwhelmed by the positive feedback we’ve received, and the animated conversations on social media platforms about the success of Music Exchange.
“Recording and performing artists, as well as composers and other industry players, have complimented the conference for being relevant, engaging and thought-provoking. There was a strong focus on the business side of music, which elevated this event above a mere talk shop: they left with useful, practical information that will undoubtedly be of immense value in their various professional ventures.”
Visit www.musicexchange.co.za to find out more about next year’s Music Exchange conference, or follow @musicexchange on Twitter.
In 1997, Stephen “Sugar” Segerman set up a website, called ‘The Great Rodriguez Hunt’, with the intention of finding any information about the mysterious US musician of ‘Cold Fact’ fame. In the same year Brian Currin established ‘Climb Up On My Music’, a tribute site to the life and works of Rodriguez.
Brian Currin
In 1998, when Rodriguez was discovered, alive and well and living in Detroit, the search was over and those two websites were combined into one central online repository for all information about Rodriguez.
Brian Currin will be holding a one-hour workshop on the various cost effective tools and platforms that musicians and music-related businesses can and should be embracing for online marketing and sales.
Brian loves the internet. He is a freelance Web Marketer and Music Consultant who lives, works and plays in Cape Town, South Africa.He has been involved in the sales and marketing of technology products since the early 80′s, holding various sales, marketing and management positions with Panasonic, Hicor and Sony.
Since 1997, Brian has been helping many South African brands, bands and businesses establish a presence on the internet.
He is a sought-after speaker and has spoken at many conferences and workshops. Included among these are Music Exchange, Moshito Music Conference, Locksmith Association Of South Africa, Campus Of Performing Arts, Varsity Newspaper Conference (UCT) and The Academy Of Sound Engineering. His well-received presentations cover topics such as Cost Effective Web Marketing, Getting Your Brand Online, and How To Be Self-Employed.
He has two adult sons with whom he is well-pleased. He enjoys laughing, cooking, eating, music, reading, dragons, science fiction, watching TV and can usually be found on the internet.
Apple expanded its ultra-successful online store iTunes to South Africa on Tuesday, giving music fans access to a library of local and international hits.
A fantastic new single from this popular Johannesburg band, known for their ferocious songs with killer hooks and lyrics that swiftly snag you in all the right places.
The Muffinz have unleashed their mysteriously beautiful world of eclectic soul to the South African public and they are set for world domination. Listen to the debut eleven track aural adventure called Have You Heard?
Still one of the finest live acts in South Africa, this crazy gang and their music are always entertaining – here with a song off Sins And Siren Songs .
A track from this new South African Afrosoul singer whose songs are fuelled by sensuality, motivating content and creativity and a strong desire to incorporate Afro African elements.
Gage is a hot new three-piece rock band from Kimberley who are about to blast SA rock fans with their upcoming new second album called Break The Silence.
As a writer, composer and musician, Les Javan’s work is dedicated to the fostering of an environment where cultural and musical differences are respectfully appreciated. Off his new album, Ek Is Lief Vir Jou.
First single off this debut solo album Drink In Everything featuring nine gritty songs written and composed by this old school SA music legend, who plays acoustic guitar on the CD, backed by some seriously talented musician friends.
Ramblin’ Bones is the alter ego of Jay Bones, former front man for the popular South African ska band Fuzigish, here with his latest musical incarnation off Ramblin’ Bones & His Bloody Agents .
A track off Shifty compilation Shotdown which illustrates the label’s role in capturing and preserving a vibrant and important part of South Africa’s history of cultural resistance.
World Among The Clouds is Summer Shade’s latest EP. The band (previously known as Nungarin) has remolded their already unique and refreshing sound to produce a mixture of rock, tribal, African and folk.
A track off Zillion Miles from this classically trained vocalist, composer and lyricist who is highly respected by fellow musicians in her home city of Cape Town and who has enjoyed international success as a freelance singer.
Title track off the brilliant album Goema, from this Cape Town group who stars in the recent documentary on this indigenous Cape Music style, called Mama Goema.
This 5 piece Khayelitsha band fuses Marimba, Mbira, acoustic guitar, bass, drums and vocals on their debut album, Afamba Apota (The Journey Beyond The Horizon).
A track off this writer/muscian’s Alien Inboorling album, whose songs Koos Kombuis said were likely to force Afrikaners to “question everything we thought we knew about ourselves”.
Following the African Soul Rebels tour (12 cities across the UK with 2 other West African bands) Warrick Sony unleashes his latest Kalahari Surfers album One Party State featuring heavy dubstep style bass-groove tracks.
New single off The Mystery of the Seven Stars , Pretoria-based, but Poland-inspired, Fulka’s first album whose draw-card lies in its clever merging of electronica and folk.
The newly-released Durban Kings album by this hip hop artist, songwriter, singer, and record producer from KZN, rocks the house with pumping sounds and great beats.
Rock out with Seether, Enter Shikari, Bullet For My Valentine, Eagles of Death Metal and KONGOS at the Grand West Casino’s Grand Arena on 9 August.Doors open at 14h00 (2pm)
The South African power trio of vocalist and guitarist Shaun Morgan, bassist Dale Stewart and drummer John Humphrey that is collectively known as Seether makes a welcome return to South Africa since their last visit in June 2008.
9th Aug – Seether and friends live in concert in Cape Town
Seether has sold millions of albums to date worldwide and are mainstays in the touring circuit averaging more than 275 performances per year.
Seether have had 11 #1 singles and 17 Top 5 hits across multiple formats at radio.
Seether
The South African trio’s latest single “No Resolution” from their Wind-Up Records release, Holding Onto Stings Better Left To Fray, hit #1 at Active Rock marking the first time the band has had 3 consecutive chart topping tracks from the same album. “No Resolution” follows in the footsteps of previous #1 singles, “Country Song” and “Tonight,” and continues the band’s undeniable dominance at the format. “Country Song” spent an amazing 11 weeks at #1 over the course of the year, achieved Gold status for sales of over 500,000 units digitally by the RIAA and was named Active Rock Song of the Year by Billboard. “Here and Now” will be the next single to make waves at radio around the world including the US and South Africa.
Originally founded in Johannesburg, South Africa by Shaun Morgan and Dale Stewart, Seether made its initial impact on U.S. hearts and eardrums with 2002’s Disclaimer. Seether’s hit “Broken” featuring Evanescence vocalist Amy Lee became a massive international hit for the group. In 2004, Seether remixed and remastered Disclaimer, adding eight new songs and new cover art to create the two-disc set Disclaimer II, which went Platinum.
In 2005, Seether released Karma & Effect, which is certified gold and followed that release up in 2007 with the now Platinum Finding Beauty In Negative Spaces, which went Gold in South Africa and is well on its way to being certified Platinum. Finding Beauty also went on to win Best Rock album at the SAMA’s 2008 and Seether was also awarded Best Alternative Act at the 2010 MTV African Music Awards. Holding Onto Strings Better Left To Fray, was released in May 2011 and debuted at #2 on Billboard Top 200. The album has sold over 300,000 copies to date.
Kerrang! magazine presented Enter Shikari with the Best Live Band award on 7 June 2012 and in August we get to see just why – live! Enter Shikari (the name comes from a boat belonging to Rou’s uncle), made their debut in 2003 with a unique mesh of hard-core punk and break-beat techno; determined to do things their own way, the DIY way, the right way. A Flash Flood Of Colour is their third full-length studio album; the follow-up to 2009’s acclaimed Common Dreads. An incandescent snapshot of the modern age – of globalisation and recession, repression and protest, commerce and control, activism and engagement – it’s music for a newly jolted generation, a soundtrack for the mosh-pit, the dance floor and the front lines. This is your only opportunity to see and hear them – adrenalised, beats-heavy punkrockdubstephardcoremetalambienttechnonoisecore, custom-built to shake Grand Arena foundations.
“We are the generation that are going to change the world,” says vocalist Rou Reynolds. “We have more power than any generation that has come before us. We have the power to choose whether we continue as a species and prosper or just literally ruin everything. We’re already seeing the signs of the collapse of our world and it’s got to that point now where we absolutely have to start changing. Or it’s game over.”
Bullet for My Valentine comprises lead singer & rhythm guitarist Matthew Tuck, drummer Michael ‘Moose’ Thomas, lead guitarist & backing vocalist Michael ‘Padge’ Paget and bassist & backing vocalist Jason ‘Jay’ James. The group, named Best British Band in 2008, 2009 and 2010 by metal magazine Kerrang!, formed 10 years ago in their hometown of Bridgend as Jeff Killed John, covering Metallica and Nirvana songs. Citing Metallica, Iron Maiden and Slayer as influence they found their niche in 2002 on signing a five album deal with Sony BMG dropping The Poison in 2005, Scream Aim Fire in 2007 and Fever in 2010. With over one million albums in the United States and exceeding 2 500 000 worldwide sales, Bullet For My Valentine’s debut for their South African fans has been a long time coming.
Just when you thought it was safe to take your lady-friends out again, Eagles of Death Metal are perched and ready to swoop in. Unlike their name, the Californian cult heroes Eagles Of Death Metal however do not play death metal but rather a combination of “bluegrass slide guitar mixed with stripper drum beats and Canned Heat vocals.” Capetonians will get to see why Jesse Hughes is known for his enthusiastic interaction with audiences at live performances
KONGOS is a rock band of four brothers – Johnny, Jesse, Dylan and Danny Kongos. Sons of multi-million-seller British singer-songwriter John Kongos, they grew up in London and South Africa, and are now based in Phoenix, AZ. They return to South Africa, hot off the heels of their stellar 2011/2012 SA tour and sold-out performance at Hatfield Carnival. No relation to Cheick Kongo, the conga drum, the Congo people of Africa, Donkey Kong, Kongos Norman, Kongos pizza, Kongos Club in Oklahoma, twitter.com/kongos, Kat Kongos, Lasse Kongos, the Japanese class of battleship or Kevin Bacon.
Gates open at 14:00 and tickets will be available from Computicket and are priced as follows:
Golden Circle – R450 excluding Computicket service and credit card fees
General Standing – R400 excluding Computicket service and credit card fees
Seated – R380 excluding Computicket service and credit card fees
Disabled – R400 excluding Computicket service and credit card fees
Searching for Sugar Man (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN is a film about hope, inspiration and the resonating power of music. In the late ’60s, two celebrated producers who were struck by his soulful melodies and prophetic lyrics discovered a musician in a Detroit bar. They recorded an album that they believed was going to secure his reputation as one of the greatest recording artists of his generation. In fact, the album bombed and the singer disappeared into obscurity amid rumors of a gruesome on-stage suicide. But a bootleg recording found its way into apartheid South Africa and, over the next two decades, it became a phenomenon. Two South African fans then set out to find out what really happened to their hero. Their investigation led them to a story more extraordinary than any of the existing myths about the artist known as Rodriguez. This soundtrack consists of a selection of songs featured in the film but originally found on Rodriguez’s records COLD FACT and COMING FROM REALITY. – Amazon.com
Tracks
1. Sugar Man
2. Crucify Your Mind
3. Cause
4. I Wonder
5. Like Janis
6. This Is Not A Song, It’s An Outburst: Or, The Establishment Blues
A track off the album, Grootste Treffers by Radio Kalahari Orkes, a group that established themselves as favourites in the SA musical landscape through a series of hits and top selling albums starring actor and TV personality Ian Roberts as lead singer and world renowned writer Rian Malan as co-composer and lyricist.
More intelligent nu-pop off the album You’re Underfed, I’m Wonderful from this new band currently getting a lot of attention on the Johannesburg scene.
When Port Elizabeth-based TV host (Strictly Come Dancing), reality TV series judge (SA’s Got Talent) and multi-award winning performer and theatrical creator, Ian von Memerty embarks on a new project, he does it big – like on his first commercial CD, titled U R Fantastic .
Gary Thomas produced and engineered his Contraption Distoria album himself with only one special guest in the form of guitar hero Guy Buttery on this particularly eerie track.
Afrikaans Rap and Hip Hop is bursting onto the scene with names like Jack Parow, Brasse Van Die Kaap and Die Antwoord and now Pretoria band Bittereinder, here with a track off their album, ‘n Ware Verhaal .
This Pretoria based outfit ruled the country’s rock stages for almost a decade with their progressive nu-metal and tight live performances. Here’s a song from their latest self-titled album .
Born in Cape Town, International Model, ELBE VAN, combined with her amazing achievements to date, is now ready to enter the world of music as a talented recording artist, fulfilling her passion.
She has graced the pages of fashion magazines and catwalks around the globe and has appeared in advertising campaigns for Revlon, Elle perfume, Sports illustrated, Jean Paul Gaultier, Speedo, and is currently the face of Wonderbra. Her established modeling career, dedication and professional work ethic will most certainly contribute to her success as a recording artist.
These days, Elbe is juggling between her chosen paths of modeling and music, which intertwine with ease. She is mid-way through her debut solo album “PAPILION”, which falls loosely under the genre of main stream POP. The first single “PLAN B”, produced by Graham Ward and written by L.A. based songwriter, Pam Sheyne, who penned “Genie in a Bottle”, is now available to download at Rhythm Music Store.
Blog.SugarMan.org 