Monday 29 April 2013

DANS DANS LISA Release Their Second Album, PYL & BOOG!





Monday, 8 April 2013 sees the release of the brand new album by Pretoria-based acoustic band, DANS DANS LISA (DDL). The album entitled PYL & BOOG, comes after the release of their debut album, Die Gids Vir Grootword, in 2010 and is released through EMI Music South AfricaDDL (consisting of Bouwer Bosch, frontman for Straatligkinders, and Deon Meiring, frontman forGlaskas) released the first single and music video from the new album for the track, Kom Ons Sing, in March and the video reached more than 12 000 views on YouTube within the first three days.




PYL & BOOG
 was recorded within five days in DDL’s living room and was produced by Francois de Klerk (from Lightstain Studios in Potchefstroom, who also co-produced the latest Straatligkinders and Glaskas albums) who moved his whole studio into DDL’s house. DDL wrote and recorded the album at the same time.

“The ‘bow and arrow’ is a very ancient weapon and it was revolutionary at its time. But the bow can not be as effective if not used by the arrow, and vice versa. We looked at our songwriting and realised that we compliment each other's writing and wanted to create a new fresh sound (weapon) that we can use to tell our stories with. So metaphorically speaking, we are the bow and the arrow.”



The new DDL sound is more up-tempo and they also changed some of their instruments. They decided to go the ‘less is more’ route and now only use one guitar, a kick drum, claps and a piano. This resulted in the album sounding like a full band, even though only a few instruments were used. PYL & BOOG offers a lot more dance tempo songs combined with folk anthems andDDL see it as their favourite work to date.

Fans can expect a lot of catchy chorus’ and stories they can relate to. DDL write and look for elements that fit a story and song best and their musical growth since their debut album is attributed to the fact that they now made sure every sound and note for every song belongs somewhere. They challenged themselves by writing more basic because of the basic instruments they use.

“We love telling stories; some are true some are fiction, and some might still happen one day. We basically just sing our stories that are too difficult to tell. The album is about love, finding your voice and singing your stories with your own voice.”

For the album art, DDL invited all their fans with design skills to participate in the creative process by pitching to design one of the pages in the album's booklet.  The ten best pitches were selected by the band. Each winning entrant was assigned to design a page for one of the songs on the album, after which Werner Botha from Plastiek packaged it all and created the cover art and overall album design. Plastiek also shot all photography and promo videos associated with the album.




PYL & BOOG Track Listing:

  1.  Sterskip
  2.  Ons teen die wereld
  3.  Weerlig
  4.  Ek weet jy weet
  5.  Kom ons sing
  6.  Aspris
  7.  Dwaas
  8.  Winde waai
  9.  Gimnastiek
  10.  Ses jaar later

Bonus snitte:
Die ouer ek
Eskimosies
PYL & BOOG Promo Videos:

Dans Dans Lisa chats about PYL & BOOG:

http://tinyurl.com/d2pf8ae

Dans Dans Lisa does ‘Aspris’ acoustic:

http://tinyurl.com/d2pf8ae

Dans Dans Lisa 'High 5' Challenge:

http://tinyurl.com/ckcpgr7


“You don’t get pop/folk acts in Afrikaans and we are very excited to see and hear the response from this album.”

PYL & BOOG will be available at all leading music retails outlets nationwide within the next two weeks.

DANS DANS LISA Press:
Read an interview with Dans Dans Lisa on SA Music Scene here: http://tinyurl.com/c4aw85g
And on EuroTrashMusic here: http://tinyurl.com/ckufx82
And on LW Mag here: http://tinyurl.com/cu9n2du
Also catch interviews with them later today on MK and Music Review!


Watch the video for their first single, KOM ONS SING, here:
http://tinyurl.com/cwe56qs



DANS DANS LISA Contact:

Website: http://www.dansdanslisa.co.za

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dansdanslisa

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dansdanslisa



*All photos and album art compilation by Werner Botha / Plastiek.

SHORTSTRAW Release Their Sophomore Album: GOOD MORNING, SUNSHINE




Today sees the official release of the second album from Johannesburg-based afro-indie pop rock band, SHORTSTRAW. After opening for The Kooks this past weekend, and winner of the MK Award 2013 for Best IndieSHORTSTRAW‘s new album is entitled GOOD MORNING, SUNSHINE.

“It's named after the track and second single from the album with the same name. We figured it would be a fun theme for the album. The chorus of the song goes, ‘You're such a bitch in the morning!’ It's ironic. Hip.”





The band started pre-production for the album in December 2012. They took a couple of weeks off in a town called Verkykerskop, where they were allowed to make as much noise as they wanted to for as long as they wanted to and thus wrote the bulk of the album during that time. The album was recorded at High Seas Records in Rosebank, Johannesburg and the band spent two weeks in studio, and another two weeks mixing the album.

“We've done the album really quickly, which has prevented us from sitting on anything for too long. It’s often when you have too much time, that you suddenly create problems with songs. With this, we were just like, ‘Fuck yeah, that sounds rad! Track that shit! Done.’”

The album has predominantly been produced by Jacques ‘Jambo’ du Plessis and Marc de la Querra from High Seas Records. Darryl Torr also had some production input on the track called ‘Gimme My Fix’ and Teejay Terreblanche was involved with ‘Bikini Weather’. All the songs on this album are from the new 5-piece line-up of the band. The new members all added their own flavour and it has resulted in a more mature, well-rounded sound for SHORTSTRAW.

“We developed the new sound over the past year and a half and we wanted people to hear how we've progressed. We're really proud of it! In terms of inspiration for the songs, it's pretty much girls and partying. We pride ourselves on our live show, and we wanted that to come through on the album.”
Lyrically, the band is telling more stories with the new album. Each song has a catchy hook that you can sing and dance along to. Not that that wasn't the case with the first album - fans can just expect it to be easier with this one. The guitar parts are more intricate with Tom on lead guitar, there are more detailed keys with a full time keyboardist and their growth as musicians since their last offering, is evident.


GOOD MORNING, SUNSHINE Track Listing:

1. Couch Potato
2. Gimme My Fix
3. Good Morning, Sunshine
4. Cold Shoulder
5. Bikini Weather
6. Mo Money (ft. Zubz)
7. lcbss
8. Say My Name
9. Boxing Day
10. Wedding Blues (ft. Shane Durrant)
11. Backbone
12. 127 Hours


GOOD MORNING, SUNSHINE will be available at all their shows and also for download on Band Camp - make a donation and download the new album for absolutely FREE:
http://shortstraw.bandcamp.com/

Be sure to watch SHORTSTRAW’s latest music video for Bikini Weather here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQh8wezotC8



Be sure to catch SHORTSTRAW on their nationwide GOOD MORNING, SUNSHINE Album Launch Tour:

25 April 2013 - Bohemia, Stellenbosch

26 April 2013 - Mercury Live, Cape Town

28 April 2013 - The Brass Bell, Kalk Bay

30 April 2013 - Surf Cafe, Plettenberg Bay

2 May 2013 - Barmuda, Port Alfred

3 May 2013 - Champs, Grahamstown

4 May 2013 - Live The Venue, Durban

10 May 2013 - Arcade Empire, Pretoria

11 May 2013 - Mystic Boer, Bloemfontein

31 May 2013 - Town Hall, Johannesburg


SHORTSTRAW Contact:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shortstrawband

Twitter: https://twitter.com/shortstrawband

BandCamp: http://shortstraw.bandcamp.com/

SoundCloud: http://soundcloud.com/shortstrawband


*Photos by Hanro Havenga.

ZINKPLAAT: DIE EINDE VAN N ERA.


ZINKPLAAT HOU LAASTE TWEE SHOWS OOIT.

"Ons kom al 'n lang pad saam."



Inline image 1
ZINKPLAAT se dekade vol bravade eindig op twee hoĆ« note met konserte op hulle tuisveld in die Boland.

26 April: Amptelike vrystelling van die splinternuwe album, Retrospekulasie.
Tyd: 20h00, 
Kaartjies: R140 (sluit pizza in)
Bespreek: Philip of Carien 072 384 1729 / 084 591 4155

11 Mei: Die Laaste Wegkomkans. 
Venue: Bridgehouse teater, R45 tussen Franschhoek en Paarl (Co-ordinates: 33° 52’ 44.43”S ; 19° 01’ 49.87”E)
Tyd: 20h00
Kaartjies: R120 (sluit glas wyn in)

"Die deur sal oopstaan totdat jy in isDie trein sal ry, selfs as ons min isMaak gou want more is dalk te laatEn dis dalk jou laaste wegkomkans"

MiNNAAR Releases A Remix of VOLCANO by YESTERDAY'S PUPIL






MiNNAAR, an explosive musical collaboration between brother and sister Louis and Magdalene Minnaar, has just released a remix of the title track of their EP, VOLCANO, done by YESTERDAY's PUPIL. Their first EP, VOLCANO, was released in November 2012 to critical acclaim. Not being governed by any specific genre, MiNNAAR's music weaves an electronic beat tapestry with various styles of vocals, creating an enchanting fusion of epic dance-inspired operatic ballads. VOLCANO is MiNNAAR andYESTERDAY'S PUPIL's favourite track from the EP, and it thus resulted in a remix version of the track as free release byMiNNAAR.


"Imagine your favourite leather jacket in a different colour."

MiNNAAR describes the remix version of VOLCANO as dirty and sublime - YESTERDAY's PUPIL managed to take their emotional ballad and produce something that kept the integrity of the track whilst streamlining it to be played in a dirty, underground club.


Download the remix of VOLCANO by Yesterday's Pupil for FREE here:
http://www.minnaar.net/



Be sure to watch the new version of the VOLCANO Music Video for the remix here!
MiNNAAR is currently working on their second EP, SAFE & SOUND, set for release in the near future. The EP will consist of 5 brand new tracks and will also be available for free download, similar to their first offering.




Sunday 28 April 2013

GLASKAS GEARS UP FOR EAST COAST TOUR.





Glaskas, in association with Southern Pulse are excited to present their upcoming East Coast Tour happening, this May. Taking off in Uitenhag the tour will continue around the coast to Queenstown, Port Elizabeth, Jeffrey’s Bay and East London.

Glaskas needs no introduction to the South African music scene. Since their emergence in the world of rock as winner of JIP’s Rockspaaider in the Eastern Cape in 2004, they have gained vast recognition as a name on the tips of the tongues of music insiders and the public alike. With four full-length albums to their name, Glaskas have already established themselves as one of the leading Afrikaans bands in the country. Glaskas band members are Deon Meiring (lead Vocals and Guitar), Lolke-Louis Claassen (backup Vocals and Drums) and Francois Kleynhans (backup Vocals and Bass).

In 2006, Glaskas released their debut album entitled Revolusie, Romantiek, Ruk en Rol. In 2008, they released their second album Engele Wat Skree, which was followed by their 2010 release, entitled Aan Die Ontmaskerde Heldin. Last year, the band released their much anticipated fourth album and latest album Verganklik en Afhanklik.



With the release of four albums, Glaskas have enjoyed the following accolades: nominations for a SAMA for Best Afrikaans Rock Album; VONK Music Award for Best Music Video, Best Rock Album, Album of the Year and Best Group; and most recently their 2013 Ghoema nomination for Best Rock Album. Their songs have been included on the soundtracks for the South African films Bakgat, Bakgat 2 andSuperhelde.

The Glaskas tour will be an enlightening music experience for fans around the East Coast.

Tour Dates and Information:
2 May: Barklystraat Teater, Uitenhage. Cover: R80.
3 May: Queens Casino, Queenstown. Cover: R80
4 May: The Music Kitchen, Port Elizabeth. Cover:  R70.
7 May: Potter’s Place, Jeffrey’s Bay. Cover: R80.
9 May: Boertroos Teater, East London. Cover:  R80.

Glaskas Website: http://www.glaskasband.co.za
Glaskas on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glaskas
Glaskas on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Glaskas

RED HUXLEY HITS JHB AND PTA THIS MAY.




Red Huxley are thrilled to announce their upcoming May tour in Johannesburg and Pretoria. The band have decided to do a short tour before they embark on their big adventure in California, America, recording their debut album with musician Dave Catching, of Eagles of Death Metal and Queens of the Stone Age fame.

Red Huxley is a band made up of raw guitars, raw vocals, loud crashing drums and high energy coupled with a bluesy soul. The trio from Cape Town; with Dylan Jones on guitar, Matthew Pullen on bass, and Murray Stephenson on drums, have been gigging around the city after the release of a 4 track EP in early 2010. With a lighter garage blues side similar to early Black Keys and late 60’s Stones records to a much heavier rock sound reminiscent of Led Zeppelin, Foo Fighters, and Queens of the Stone Age, Red Huxley’s sound is difficult to place within a single genre.


Starting out jamming in a squashed bedroom, the three discovered their sound and have since played some great gigs like Oppikoppi 2011 and alongside some of South Africa’s biggest acts including Taxi Violence, Van Coke Kartel and Shadowclub. With an expanding sound and an increasing fan base, Red Huxley will make their assault on every corner of the country and aim to play all the festivals and venues they can.

Their Gauteng tour kicks off at Rumours Lounge, Weltevreden Park on 16 May. The second leg of the tour is taking place on the 17 May at Arcade Empire in Pretoria. The tour will continue on the 18 May at Skyroom Live in Johannesburg.  On 19 May the tour will end off at Tings an’ Times in Pretoria. Be sure to not miss one of their live upcoming gigs in a city near you.

Red Huxley Album Campaign:
Recently having met Dave Catching at the Eagles of Death Metal concert in South Africa, Red Huxley was offered a once in a life time opportunity to produce their new album at Catching’s Rancho de le Luna studio, in Joshua Tree, California. In order for this to happen and to cover costs, Red Huxley had to raise $25 000, with the support of friends, family and fans. The band began a Kickstarter webpage and has successfully raised the funds to cover the recording.
If you wish to support Red Huxley further with the recording of their new album, in America, please visit:http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/redhuxley/red-huxley-road-to-rancho

Tour Dates and Information:

Thursday, 16 May: Rumours Lounge, Weltevreden Park (Johannesburg) - with Jet Black Camaro and David van Vuuren/Free the Animals

Friday, 17 May: Arcade Empire, Pretoria - with The Plastics, Fridge Poetry, & December Streets

Saturday, 18 May: Skyroom Live, Johannesburg CBD -

Sunday, 19 May: Tings an’ Times, Pretoria (acoustic) - with Jet Black Camaro

A BUSY TIME AHEAD FOR DIE HEUWELS FANTASTIES.


Die Heuwels Fantasties

Philip Erasmus, Hunter Kennedy, Fred den Hartog, Pierre Greeff
Photographer: Jaco S Venter

This year Die Heuwels Fantasties walked away with two Ghoema Music Awards for pop album of the year and group of the year. Not ones for letting the dust settle, Die Heuwels Fantasties will hit the road soon with the BlackBerry and MK SkoleJam Tour filling the bulk of the tour itinerary.  Fans can also look forward to the release of Live op Paul Cluver, a performance DVD that will be available from 10 May.

Die Heuwels Fantasties – Live op Paul Cluver DVD

 Release date:  10 May 2013

Surrounded by wine lands and sunshine, Die Heuwels Fantasties delivers a dazzling performance directly to their fans’ living rooms.  The performance was filmed at the Bloekombos Amphitheatre on the Paul Cluver estate in the magical Elgin Valley.

“We have wanted to perform there for a while and when the opportunity presented itself after the release of our third album, Alles Wat Mal Is, we jumped at the chance to record it. The wonderful thing about this DVD is that it covers tracks from across our whole discography all rolled into one. It was wonderful and the weather was great.  We’d like to thank everyone that made this possible,” says Pierre Greeff, lead singer of Die Heuwels Fantasties.

This DVD is definitely a must-have for each collection. Die Heuwels Fantasies will take old and young on a trip to a wonderful place where anything is possible.

Bonus material:Verraadplaas
Buitenste Ruim
Modus Operandi
Heel te Mal
Beloofde Land
Rofstoeigreep
Die Volkslied

BlackBerry and MK present: SkoleJam


Die Heuwels Fantasties giving Ellisras some gas


The SkoleJam Tour with BlackBerry and MK is already well on its way with the first two shows at Ellisras and Rustenburg packing out the halls. Die Heuwels Fantasties are excited to start with the second part of the tour and looking forward to visiting places where they have not been yet and where their fans have not experienced their live show.

“The Black Handed Kites will be playing with us at all the coming concerts in the SkoleJam tour and it’s wonderful that Blackberry and MK could make it possible for us to take our music to the fans, especially the ones that haven’t had the opportunity to see us perform,” says Pierre. “Some phones have been won and all sorts of goodie bags have been thrown into the crowds so you should be sure to attend one of the next shows!”


SKOLEJAM TOUR DATES:

30 April – Grey College, Bloemfontein
1 May – Merriespruit Primary School, Virginia
2 May – A.G Visser Primary School, Heidelberg
3 May – Kriel High School, Kriel
4 May –Delmas High School, Delmas
6 May – Vredendal High School, Vredendal
7 May  –Vredenburg High School, Vredenburg
8 May – Paul Roos Gimnasium, Stellenbosch
9 May – Parel Vallei High School, Somerset Wes
10 May –Punt High School, Mosselbaai

Other dates to look forward to:
25 April –Westvalia High School
27 April – Vredefest, Hatfield Square, Pretoria
28 April – Nelspruit Botanical Gardens

Have another look at Rofstoeigreep –it’s fantastic!

Pierre Greeff                                                                           Philip Erasmus
Hunter Kennedy                                                      Fred Den Hartog

Click here: Rofstoeigreep

For more upcoming gigs and information: www.dieheuwels.co.za
Twitter: @DieHeuwels

SOWING THE SEEDS ANNOUNCE THE FIRST INSTALLMENT OF THE WEEKEND’S LINE-UP



SOWING THE SEEDS ANNOUNCE THE FIRST INSTALLMENT OF THE WEEKEND’S LINE-UP




AND WHAT A LINE-UP IT IS ALREADY!

With less than a month to go to the Rocking The Daisies teaser, Sowing the Seeds, taking place in the beautiful and tranquil setting of the Welgelegen Manor Estate in the Mpumalanga province on the 24th and 25th of May, a musical line-up of epic proportions has emerged gearing up for the biggest festival up north before winter hits.

More announcements are on the way but so far a star-studded, riff-raging and folk-festive array of artists has been announced. Bringing an international vibe and eccentric take on how music should sound, Australia’s Dune Rats will be performing at Sowing the Seeds as part of their South African tour.  Afro pop group and international tourists, Hot Water, will bring their world music flavor to the bush and be doing all the great songs that have skyrocketed them to the top of their genre. The one-man band sensation, Jeremy Loops, will grace the stage with his infectious and unique take on folk music while your daily dose of Fruits & Veggies will also be on the table for the audience to enjoy. The godfather of blues rock, Albert Frost, will be axe-wielding and hacking through the insane guitaring that we all now and admire so much on stage. Sowing the Seeds hasn't forgotten the raw rock ‘n roll that we all love, so The Stella’s have been confirmed to bring their A-game to this year’s festival while chart-topping maestro’s of the stage, ISO, will be wowing audiences with their hit songs and entertaining showmanship. Bateleur, the six-piece post-rock instrumentalist band will bring their raw on-stage energy and experimental take on instrumental music alongside specialists in psychedelic-afro-disco-surf-punk, Beach Party. One of the most talked about bands in the country right now, Shortstraw, are prepared to give audiences a party to remember with their catchy tunes and infectious melodies. Beatenberg have been causing quite a lot of talk at the moment and are also confirmed for the festival just adding a bit of pop power into the mix.

Electro heads must not despair, there is a second stage where all the best DJ’s and producers around that will be blasting beats well into the night. First on this impressive list is the synth-pop duo, Gateway Drugs, who promise to kick the party in its behind ensuring a non-stop celebration at the Welegelegen Manor Estate. Keep an eye out for the rest of the line-up for this stage as you do not want to miss out on this one! Sowing the Seeds has loads of delectable DJ’s and producers ready to bring the most explosive and dynamic beats to the MpShortstawumalanga province.



So, after you have caught your breath after this announcement, be sure to keep an eye out for the remainder of the artists to be announced as there are loads more to come.  The Mpumalanga province will be prepped and ready for the most extraordinary and sensational camping festival to hit its doorstep this year. Just over an hour’s drive away from Johannesburg and Pretoria, Sowing the Seeds is guaranteed to leave audiences in awe of the amazing talent on show and the beautiful and eloquent setting of the five-star Welgelegen Manor Estate.

The line-up announced for Sowing the Seeds, so far, is:
·      Albert Frost
·      Bateleur
·      Beach Party
·      Beatenberg
·      Fruits & Veggies
·      Gateway Drugs
·      Hot Water
·      ISO
·      Jeremy Loops
·      Shortstraw
·      The Dune Rats (Australia)
·      The Stella’s

Tickets:
Full Weekend Pass: R250,00
At the Gate: R300,00

Event Information:
Twitter: @SowingTheSeedSA

Please note: No glass allowed into the festival. Stricty No U18’s. Kids under 12 permitted under adult supervision.

Issued on behalf of Seed Experiences by One-eyed Jack

About Seed Experiences
Seed Experiences is the award-winning agency behind South Africa’s top festivals such as Rocking the Daisies, Vodacom In The City and the We Are One Colour Festival.  The company also produces 5Gum’s exclusive events as well as the digital industry’s Bookmarks Awards.
Accolades include: Winner – Climate Change Leadership Award in the Small to Medium Business Category (2009 and 2010); Winner – Eco-Logic Award for Climate Change (2011); Finalist – Eco-Logic Award in Transport (2011); Finalist – Mail and Guardian Future Greening Awards (2012); Finalist in the Bookmarks Awards (2012); nominated in the ‘Best Music Festival’ category for the MK Awards (2012), and most recently, awarded the Highly Commended A Greener Festival Award (2012).

Keep in touch with Seed Experiences:
Twitter: @SeedExperiences