Die Antwoord Enters UK Top 40

Since Die Antwoord shot to international fame in March this year, this global zef rap rave music phenomenon has captured the imagination of millions.  By November's end (having set out only in July), Die Antwoord would have played over 80 gigs, among them, America, England, Canada, Poland, Serbia, Japan, Holland, Belgium and Germany.

Die Antwoord has since signed internationally to Interscope Records, arguably the world's most prolific and successful label  (boasting artists the likes of Lady Gaga, Black Eyed Peas, Eminem, Dr. Dre and 50 Cent) in a deal which is understood to be the most significant global recording contract ever signed by a resident South African artist.

Die Antwoord’s first international hit, Enter The Ninja, which entered the UK’s Top Forty Chart in the week of 13 September, is again understood to be a South African first - certainly in recent times. Significantly, the chart is the only official UK chart and is based entirely on actual sales.  Recently, Die Antwoord also completed a number of videos, including filmed skits and documentaries, and more videos are currently in pre-production.  Die Antwoord is also presently liaising with a Japanese toy giant on a range of Die Antwoord Toys.

On the local front, Die Antwoord are releasing their debut album, $O$, with Bellville-based indie record label Rhythm Records.  

Catch Die Antwoord at The Bassline in JHB on 2 October, where they will perform a once-off show before jetting off abroad to continue touring and taking Zef to the rest of the world.

Tickets on sale from 22 September at www.thebassline.co.za

Kiff!
xxx

Gigs! Gigs! Gigs!

(Not-so-)Happy Monday, people!

I've been up since 4 am and not even a steaming cuppacino could get me out of my miserable Monday mood... Anyway, here's hoping one of the following gigs will be able to do the job during the week ahead!

Zinkplaat
When: Monday, September 27
Where: Bourbon's, Potchefstroom

Isochronous
When: Tuesday, September 28
Where: Tings 'n Times, Hatfield, Pretoria
Tickets: R40 from (012) 430-3176/7

Saving Silence
When: Wednesday, September 29
Where: Firkin's, Centurion

Dan Patlansky
When: Thursday, September 30
Where: Steak 'n Ale, Centurion
Tickets: R80 from (012) 664-5155

Warthane, Ingram, Maximum Carnage, Where Martyrs Dare, All Of Eternity and Emperium
When: Friday, October 1
Where: The Black Dahlia, Boksburg
Tickets: R40 at the door

Van Coke Kartel, Ashtray Electric and aKING
When: Saturday, October 2
Where: Forbidden Fruit Festival, D'Aria Winery, Durbanville
Tickets: R130 from http://www.computicket.com/

Ashtray Electric

Keep Rocking!

Izzy

xxx

Artist Q&A: Stefan Ludik

Namibian born actor/singer Stefan Ludik first made waves (particularly in the female population) when he competed in the first series of Big Brother Africa and later he joined the talented cast of Egoli.

Today a successful model, singer and actor, Stefan is one of the nicest guys in the industry. Having worked with him a few times, I know I can be a nag anytime and Stefan will happily answer a question or two. I caught up with him recently to find out what he's been keeping busy with.

What are you currently working on?
I've just launched my new full English album called Burn This Town, which is in a Hip pop/rock/electro style and I perform under the name Ludik. The first music video, Keep It Real, is due for release end of this month. I've also started my own YouTube page where I upload all my personal and behind-the-scenes video footage, music videos and so on. www.youtube.com/ludiktv

If you weren't singing, what would you be doing?
I would be acting, which is also a big passion of mine.

What girly movie do you secretly love?
Any girly movie with Jessica Alba and Scarlett Johansson...

What is on your nightstand?
Red furry handcuffs...

Last CD you bought?
Ludik, Burn This Town... my stock ran out for shows so I had to buy more!

Till next time!

Izzy
xxx

Artist Q&A: Axene

She's young, she's beautiful and she's highly talented. Axene became the youngest winner ever at the 2010 MTN SAMAs in April this year, walking away with the Best Pop Album: English award for her debut album 16.

A small town girl from Vredenburg in the Western Cape, Axene - currently busy with her matric year at the National School Of The Arts - is a vibrant performer who seems to have it all going for her. She's shared the stage with the cream of SA's entertainers including Judith Sephuma, Louise Carver and Karen Zoid, and within a short while Axene has managed to make her mark in the local music industry.

Highlights of the year so far?
I've been lucky enough to do amazing things in a short period of time - being involved in the World Cup concerts, winning a SAMA, meeting Madiba, singing with The Parlotones AND the KwaZulu Natal Orchestra... it's been an awesome year!

What are you currently busy working on?
I'm going to be singing at the Miss SA Teen ceremony in Sun City and I'm also planning to go into studio and record a few tracks. Then, of course, comes my matric final exam!

What's your take on Idols?
I think Idols is a brilliant platform for musicians who want to break into the industry. I had the pleasure of meeting the contestants and they were all very sweet! I think all of them have a lot more tricks up their sleeves - so I can't pick a favourite just yet!

What's your dream job?
I've always loved beauty therapy. I'm a qualified make-up artist. I'll probably study beauty therapy sometime - but right now singing comes first!

The most trouble you've ever gotten into?
I've never been a very naughty child, but I think the worst I ever got into trouble was when I cut my hair... I was being rebellious! My mom refused to let me go to the hairdresser for a proper cut, so I did it myself. NOT AWESOME! I was hearing it, non-stop, for a week!

Axene's dedication, determination and drive, blended with her natural talent and infectious personality, certainly seem to confirm that with this package she's without a doubt going to have a great career!

David Gresham Records Signs Dans Dans Lisa

David Gresham (CEO-DGR), Bouwer Bosch, Deon Meiring, Andrew Mitchley (Head of Marketing), Joe Strydom (Label Manager)

                                 

The David Gresham Record Company has announced the signing of Dans Dans Lisa, an all-Afrikaans acoustic outfit consisting of Bouwer Bosch and Deon Meiring from massive South African rock bands Straatligkinders and Glaskas respectively.

DDL perform live shows with acoustic guitars and percussion instruments only. Deon and Bouwer joined forces in September 2009 when both decided that they had a lot of acoustic songs that did not suit their rock styles. They did a few corporate shows together and decided that they should start an acoustic side project. Enter Dans Dans Lisa.

My Eks(kuus) and Sing In Skaamte are currently receiving air play on radio, and the videos are on high rotation on MK. The band is currently recording a 10-track album due for release in late 2010.

Geoffrey Smith Quits Dimeshift

You might remember a few weeks ago I had a short Q&A with Dimeshift and Eden Michelle drummer Geoffrey Smith (aka The Drumsmith). Well, since then a lot of things have been happening for this young man, including his decision to leave Dimeshift for rock outfit Broadway Screamer.

Why did you decide to leave Dimeshift?
During the few months leading up to my exit from the band, I found that I wasn't enjoying playing with them as much as I had before. Things seemed to become a little stagnant and I started to feel that it was time to move on. At first an opportunity arose for me to join Eden Michelle. I thought that I would play for both bands but then last week another opportunity came up for me to also join Broadway Screamer. I don't think I'd be able to cope with three bands so I decided to leave Dimeshift.

Did you leave on good terms?

It's never easy to quit a band but it went better than I thought it would. We still had a final band practise after I told them the news. I've also said that if a gig does come up and they haven't found a new drummer yet, then I will try help them out if I'm available. The guys were supportive if my decision.

 

Where can we expect to see you next?

My first gig with Broadway Screamer will be this Saturday (25 September) at Muso's International with CrashCarBurn. It seems like that venue is becoming quite sentimental ha ha... It was also where I met Eden Michelle and had my first gig with them.

 

If you were to meet a genie, what would you wish for?

A new drum kit, an endless drum stick supply... and I'd give you the last wish! (Thanks! Tee hee! - Izzy)

 

If you could invent a new instrument, what would it sound like?

It would be a simple instrument... with the ability to produce one single note. The brown note :) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_note)

 

Good luck with your future endeavours, Geoff!

Just The Three Of Us...

Hey friends!

I got some exciting news: Boo! is about to release The Three Of Us, with Riaan van Rensburg joining Chris Chameleon and Ampie Omo on drums.

The Three Of Us embodies the familiar Boo! sound as well as an air of maturity in terms of the song writing. Chameleon has used his experience as a solo artist to build on Boo!'s trademark monkipunk sound. The album - which will be released on October 4 - was recorded in Amsterdam earlier this year and will be launched in style at Montecasino on October 15.

For more gig information and constant updates check out www.booband.com.

Gettin' Jiggy With It!

So, the party mood I was in last week has managed to follow me into the new week! Mmm... what to do?

I must add that the rad VanFokKingTasties gig at Cool Runnings (Fourways) on Thursday and the awesome Mango Groove show on Saturday definitely had something to do with it!

Here's a short list of gigs to get to this week. It's only a four-day week, so there's no excuse! Come join me and let's party!

Koos Kombuis
Date: Monday, September 20
Where: Die Blou Hond, Linden
Tickets: R225 from (011) 782-4240

Hog Hoggidy Hog
Date: Tuesday, September 21
Where: Tings 'n Times, Pretoria
Tickets: R30 from (012) 430-3176

Prime Circle
Date: Thursday, September 23
Where: Firkin, Centurion
Tickets: R60 from 0861 FIRKIN

Plush

Plush
Date: Friday, September 24
Where: Tanz Café, Fourways
Tickets: R80 from (011) 658-0277

Knave with Desmond And The Tutus
Date: Saturday, September 25
Where: Cool Runnings, Fourways
Tickets: R60 from (011) 704-0987

Enjoy!

Izzy
xxx

Zoey'z Fallacy

Zoey'z Fallacy are regular performers at Cool Runnings, Back to Basix, Tanz Café, Blues Room, Radium Beer Hall, Roxy's, Club Mustang and the Firkin branches. They made waves in the local industry at this year's Lusito Land Festival, performing alongside Prime Circle, Easy Tiger and Tasha Baxter.

This rock outfit's live performances and acoustic gigs are something to look out for- you won't be let down by these guys! Their tunes are catchy and their lyrics soulful - everything you need and more!

Their debut album, Mistake In Reasoning, was recorded and released earlier this year and will be available at Look & Listen stores soon.

Visit www.myspace.com/zoeyzfallacy for more info.

Artist Bio: DJ JB International

Jonathan Adams, aka DJ JB International, was born in 1982 in a working class family. Jonathan started taking piano lessons during Primary School and continued until his Senior year in High School.

After finishing Matric and working in the family business for a while, he enrolled at Cape Audio College at the age of 20 for a DJ training course. This is where he met up with Masta “G”, Tony Smith who determined his DJ influences.

JB had his very first gig at The Lounge in Cape Town and about ten minutes into his set, DJ JB International found what he was looking for; making people move to good music. The rest, as they say, is history.

Visit www.reverbnation.com/jbintl or www.facebook.com/jbintl for more info.

Chris Chameleon In Noot Vir Brood @ Aardklop

Attention Art Festival Lovers!

How awesome is this weather? I'm thinking cocktails, novels and fruit salads on the beach... Unfortunately that will have to wait until December (for me, at least). In the meantime, here's something to look forward to:

If you're heading to Potchefstroom for Aardklop or to the Cultivaria Arts Festival in Paarl, look out for Chris Chameleon, Johrné van Huyssteen and Riaan van Rensburg, who will appear in Noot Vir Brood, a laugh-out-loud production in which Chameleon explains the road to success in the Afrikaans music industry.

Songs from his time in Boo! as well as some solo tunes will be used with Johrné and Riaan on instruments. Chameleon's inspiration for Noot Vir Brood comes from his curiousity about what exactly is needed to be successful in the music industry. Says Chris: "After 20 years in the industry I still don't know what it is that makes the world of music turn. With this production we offer a behind-the-scenes look and we share our own experiences - and it sure is funny!"

Cultivaria shows: Sunday, 26 September at 10:30 and 13:30.
Aardklop shows: 28 September at 11:00, 29 September at 18:00, 30 September at 15:00, 1 October at 12:30 and 2 October at 18:00.
Tickets available from http://www.computicket.co.za/

5 Mins With Knave's Michael Rorke

Hey peeps!

Happy humpday! So, everyone knows Knave, right? They're only one of the biggest hard-rock acts in the country, I'd say. No big deal... You might also know them as the Prison Break guys since their hit single, Taunt And Tether (off their debut album Polarity), was used for the Season 3 promo of the popular TV show.

Since then Knave's sophomore offering, Cognition, hit stores and the guys have been busy playing music festivals - and working on their rad website (www.knave.co.za) - and keeping fans happy with their energetic live performances. 

I had a quick chat with drummer Michael Rorke about everything from hairy band mates to Ginger Spice.

What did you want to be when you grow up and how did you end up with Knave?
I wanted to surf when I lived in Durbs, but that dream was soon shattered when I moved up to Joeys in 89'... and thus I traded the passion of the board for that of the drums. I had been jamming for about 7 years in a handful of bands and after getting fired from one of them, I took a hiatus from the gigging scene and opted for more drum lessons in order to climb over some mental hurdles that naturally would come from being let go.

I knew the right band would come round, and I turned many down during the months in between. It was only after a 7-foot makar called Louis called me up for a beer and some chats and handed me a demo that I really considered taking the step to join Knave. I have footage of our first jam together - it's so damn funny how much we have all changed appearance-wise... it kind of looks like we ate those kids now. Ah, good times...

 

What's the hardest part about being in a band?

Phew - definitely balancing up gig and practice schedules with day jobs, relationships... life in general. A band is all about compromise. We learnt that the hard way.

 

Are you a nerd?

I'm a heavy Nintendo geek, which reminds me that I still need to save the princess Zelda. Peach is safe, but probably in another castle. I also have a huge passion for figurine collecting - I think I have more toys than your average street of kids... 

 

If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?

Free Willy.

 

If you had to date a member of the band, who would it be and why?

Gawd! No thanks... Chris smells like Whiskey, Jean's too hairy, Louis is too big and one doesn't know where the hell Matt has been! Ha!

 

Would you want The Spice Girls to reform?

I'd rather suck the farts out of dead seagulls, to be totally honest. But I'm being unfair, as I feel, since their departure from the world stage and the frikken billions of albums they sold, that they should perhaps have another shot at the new wave of kids out there. I mean, especially in England where most of the tweens and teens are a bunch of snooty shits... they could use some love from the Spice. And I'd like Ginger to hit the tabs regarding her 7-hour shags again... I liked her more after that. 

 

 

Visit Knave's website for upcoming gigs, awesome pics and videos and much more cool stuff! ;)

Laters!

Put On Your Dancing Shoes!

I don't know about you guys, but I'm in a serious party mood!

This week's gigs:

Nipple Caps & G-Strings
Okay, it's got nothing to do with music (not entirely) but it's worth going to!
Date: September 9 - October 31
Venue: The Victory Theatre, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg
Tickets: R90 from www.computicket.com

New Holland
Date: Wednesday, September 15
Venue: Cheeky Monkey, Hatfield, Pretoria
Tickets: Free

VanFokKingTasties (NOT TO BE MISSED!)
Date: Thursday, September 16
Venue: Cool Runnings, Fourways
Tickets: R100 from http://www.webtickets.co.za/

Die Radio Kalahari Orkes
Date: Thursday, September 16
Venue: Aandklas, Stellenbosch
Tickets: R50 from (021) 883-3545

Van Coke Kartel with aKING, Mean Mr. Mustard, Kinky Robot, Wrestlerish and Dance, You're On Fire
Date: Saturday, September 18
Venue: Tyger Valley College, Pretoria
Tickets: R130 from www.yourtickets.co.za

See you there!

Izzy

Artist Q&A: Dave Starke

In 2005 Dave Starke and Duncan Breen formed Soulfire, an acoustic rock band from Cape Town, and since then the band has gone on to enjoy commercial success with songs on local and international radio stations.

Soulfire's 15-track album, The Road Ahead, was released in May this year and focuses on human rights through many of the songs - which contrasts beautifully with tender love songs elsewhere on the album.

Dave was kind enough to take some time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions:

What sentence would sum up Soulfire?
A soundtrack for making the world more conscious!

How would you describe The Road Ahead?
It's a collection of emotional outbursts interspersed with moments of overwhelming positivity.

What do you think about the local music industry?
It's come a long way, but there's still basically a monopoly on distribution which leads to huge inaccesibility for independent artists. I'd really like to see a chain of independent music stores which can choose what to stock based on their personal tastes rather than that of the SA recording industry. I think South Africans need to realise that they are actually allowed to make up their own minds about what they like...

If you were to send someone to prison for crimes against music, who would it be?
R. Kelly - perhaps he can also serve a concurrent sentence for crimes against women and children!

What does Soulfire have to look forward to for the rest of 2010?
Musically, everything is really on the up and up, so we're looking forward to some radio play and hopefully one big Cape Town gig. Personally, I'm looking forward to summer and good times!

Soulfire’s powerful, catchy, and melodic music will move and challenge you, and their songs will find a very special place in your heart.

Till next time,
Izzy

The Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project

Happy Funday Monday, fellow music lovers!

I have some exciting news to share! The world's leading vodka brand, Smirnoff - who was responsible for the sick Tiësto party at Rand Airport earlier this year - is on a mission to break new ground in nightlife experiences.

The Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project invites fans and the general public to make suggestions for what represents the best of South Africa's nightlife which will be captured via a dedicated hub on Facebook. These suggestions can include a specific type of music, a locally-conceived cocktail or a fashion trend unique to our country. Local expert curators - in the form of DJ Fresh and DJ Euphonik - will work to discover and celebrate the best elements of South Africa's nightlife and create a one-of-a-kind event that will be exchanged with one of the other countries.

The Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project will take place in 14 countries including South Africa, USA, India, Germany, Poland, Thailand, Ireland, Great Britain and Australia.

Submit your ideas to help shape this unique global experience and find out how you can join the worldwide party on 27 November 2010. Visit Facebook or Twitter (SmirnoffSA) and make your suggestion as to what makes South Africa's nightlife unique.

Dancing With Sugar Plum Fairies

The Sick-Leaves has been receiving a great deal of airplay on local music stations including MK's Studio 1, PUK FM, Kovsie FM and Tuks FM. The new album, Last Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy, has been very well received and fans can look forward to a follow-up hitting the shelves soon.

Currently on a break from performing while busy working on new material, I had a quick chat with Eksteen Jacobsz, the mastermind behind The Sick-Leaves.

Last Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy has been very well received . How has the success changed your life?
It is always very helpful and flattering when your album is well received. A lot of people will say any publicity is good publicity but I prefer positive feedback. When you record the album you don't know how the public or critics are going to receive it, so I guess in a sense it is more relief than anything else. Apart from that it helps with confidence as it shows you're on the right track.

What's it like being a solo artist in the music industry of today? Do you think it's harder than being in a four- or five-piece band?
It is quite tough in the sense that your support structure around you is a bit smaller. But to be honest, apart from camaraderie and morale I prefer being a solo artist. It is fantastic to have creative freedom and to do things the way you like them to be done without having to have the consent and approval of other people.

You are currently busy working on new material?
Yes, it is an ongoing process. After each album I release, it is a case of, "What now? Whereto from here?" I've done the debut/putting-it-out-there-album (Tunnel Vision, 2006), I've done the epic album (Stone The Crow, 2008) and I've done the compact-tight-trying-to-please-radio-album (Last Dance Of The Sugarplum Fairy, 2010). What I'm feeling for the next one is an album that's written with film soundtracks in mind.

Who are your influences?
My biggest influences are guitarists/singers/songwriters like Matthew Bellamy, Noel Gallagher, Pete Townsend, Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, Jack White, Bruce Springsteen etc. Bands that have been a big influence are The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Who, Led Zeppelin, The Arcade Fire, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Kills and many more.

What song do you wish you'd written?
She Said She Said by The Beatles.

Keep Rockin'!

A new week brings new parties, right?

To lift your spirits and do away with those Monday blues, here's a list of gigs to look out for during the next week...

Foto Na Dans
Date: Monday, 6 September 2010
Venue: Tings 'n Times, Hatfield, Pretoria
Tickets: R40 from (012) 430-3176

Wake To Wonder and ASH
Date: Tuesday, 7 September 2010
Venue: AVL Africa, Kempton Park
Tickets: 083 310 2820

New Holland
Date: Wednesday, 8 September 2010
Venue: Die Mystic Boer, Bloemfontein
Tickets: R20 from (051) 430-2206

Ard Matthews, Plush, Theo Crous & Friends
Date: Thursday, 9 September 2010
Venue: Upper Eastside Hotel, Cape Town
Tickets: R150 from www.webtickets.co.za

Red Light In June and When Karma Sleeps
Date: Friday, 10 September 2010
Venue: Mercury Live, Cape Town
Tickets: R30 from (021) 465-2106

Watershed
Date: Saturday, 11 September 2010
Venue: Tanz Café, Fourways
Tickets: R150 from 082 591 1892

Enjoy!

Artist Q&A: Justin du Preez

Happy Friday, friends!

To get you in the mood for the weekend, I thought I'd share a recent conversation I had with Justin du Preez from Chromium.

 From left to right: Hannes Matthysen, Jared Gunston, Justin Du Preez and Adrian Basson

Keeping it short, this is what Justin had to say about their upcoming album and dating band members...

How's the new album coming along?
It's coming along track by track and lyric by lyric... We still need to fine tune a couple of things, add a bit of this and that but that is all coming along.

What can fans expect of the new album?
Well, they can expect something completely different from the two previous albums, which were great in their own way but I think Chromium is older and wiser than before, so I would have to say this is a very mature sounding album with brutal riffs and beautiful melodies. Fans can expect the best Chromium album yet.

What's the hardest part about being in a band?
There is no hard part about being in a band, well at least for now! I think when you start doing it full time and touring 3 months at a time, I am sure you will feel it. I know I did, with doing the UK tour, it did take it out of all of us, but in the end it is all worth it.

If you had to date a member of Chromium, who would it be?
It will have to be Hannes... He always says: "Give it to me!"

Have you ever been arrested?
No comment!

Wishing you all a wicked weekend!

Izzy

Bakgat! 2 Eerste Jaar Treffer Mix!

Since I'm off to the premiere of Bakgat! 2 (which is opening on September 10 in cinemas nationwide) tonight at Menlyn, Pretoria, I thought I'd share some news about the soundtrack!

Supra Familias is releasing Bakgat! 2 Eerste Jaar Treffer Mix! and it's pumping with bands like Die Heuwels Fantasties, Gazelle, Straatligkinders, Glaskas (see earlier post), Van Coke Kartel and more.

Three of the seventeen tracks were written for the movie especially and are exclusively available on the soundtrack. They are Die Heuwels Fantasties’ Doodgewone Aand, Bakgat! 2 star Cherié van der Merwe’s Stille Waters and British solo artist Simon Schofield’s You.

Die Heuwels Fantasties 

Well, I'm off to see what Wimpie, Katrien, Fanie, Japie and the rest of the gang have been up to since leaving school for varsity!

Keep an eye out for Simon Schofield's music video (featuring Cherié van der Merwe) for You at www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Wz3wWwaljY and Glaskas' video for Bring Maar Nog at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGGbBCyv_jc.

Yours in music!
Izzy

Sharp As An Arrow

What happens when you take two girls and pip them against an industry that’s typically testosterone driven? Armed with nothing but a drum, a keyboard and a handbag full of devastatingly, honest melodies... you get the beat-riddled brilliance of The Arrows!

Pam de Menezes and Christie Desfontaine formed the band in 2006 and since then these two feisty, focused and incredibly talented musicians have been reshaping the way music is written, recorded and ultimately played.

Their debut album, Make Believe, bristles and bubbles with enticing and pleasing ease. Says Pam: “We’re not playing by the supposed rules of pop or jazz or even rock for that matter. We’re undefined by our band members, or lack thereof, because we are partnered to a sound that is constantly evolving rather than aligned to other musicians.”

Lovesick, their latest single, is currently Number 2 on the South African Top 40 national play list and is receiving more airplay than international singer Ke$ha’s Love Is My Drug.


The Arrows are currently on their second American tour and are due back for their Make Believe tour towards the end of November!

You can keep up to date with what’s happening in the life of The Arrows by checking out www.myspace.com/thearrowssa and www.thearrowsband.com .

The Drumsmith!

*Insert drum roll* Ladies and gentlemen, say hello to Geoffrey Smith, energetic drummer for local bands Dimeshift and Eden Michelle.

Dimeshift first caught my attention a few months ago when a copy of their debut album, In One Basket, found its way into my collection. An avid fan ever since then, I managed to track down Geoffrey - who goes about making music with a smile on his face!

What did you want to be when you grow up?
When I was a kid I always wanted to work for a company and make computer games! It even led me to study Computer Science at WITS. It was in my first year at university that I realised that programming wasn't for me. Unfortunately I had no idea what else to do so I just pushed through, got my degree and then started working. During my time at university, I also joined my first band.
Playing drums was always just a hobby for me until June 2009 when I had this crazy idea of becoming a professional drummer. That's when I really started to take my drumming seriously. I began going for drum lessons again, practising every day, and started to look around for a more serious band to get involved with. Eventually I found Dimeshift and after two auditions I joined the band.

Tell me more about your YouTube videos?
Around about the time I decided to start this journey to becoming a professional drummer, I also started my website, www.thedrumsmith.com. I thought it might be cool to record myself drumming so that I could get people's comments and also get more exposure as a drummer. I've realised that I need to get my name out there if I want to get anywhere. The YouTube videos are a great way to showcase my abilities and also to see how I've improved over time.
I've also met a lot of other musicians through the YouTube videos and have even done a collaboration with someone from Germany.

Most embarrassing album in your collection?
Well... I have a Spice Girls CD... which I use as a coaster!

What are your passions outside of music?
Outside of music? There is no life outside of music! Ha ha! I really don't have any other passions... I work to pay the bills and then I play music every chance I get. I play in my bands, Dimeshift and Eden Michelle, and then also for my church. On the side I'm also learning to play Alto Saxophone.

What are your plans for the future?
It's tough to make plans because things are always changing. All I know for sure is that every day I'm working my way towards becoming a professional musician. I'll continue to look for opportunities to perform and am also considering going to work as a drummer on a cruise ship. Currently I'm focusing on improving my skills in various styles, mainly Latin and big band/jazz because these are the main genres played on the ships. I definitely want to venture into the overseas music industry.

Check out Geoffrey's videos on www.youtube.com/thedrumsmith.

Kick-Ass Music In Afrikaans

Afrikaans rock outfit Glaskas is set to release their third studio album, Aan Die Ontmaskerde Heldin in September. One of the most popular bands in South Africa, Glaskas joined forces with well known producer Ziggy (Prime Circle and Cutting Jade) for Aan Die Ontmaskerde Heldin and the result is a mixture of love songs and kick-ass rock tunes.

Deon Meiring, the creative mind behind the project and lead singer of Glaskas, says they had lots of fun recording the album and he believes they've grown a huge deal since their humble beginnings in 2004.

The first single off the album, Bring Maar Nog, was specifically written for the upcoming teenage movie Bakgat! 2.

Visit www.glaskasband.co.za for more info.