Artist Of The Week: Broadway Screamer

In August 2009 brothers Greg and Chris Tinkler breathed life into a new South African rock outfit: Broadway Screamer. Chris, who had previous success with international band Sunburn, was ready to stretch his rock 'n roll wings and create a new sound closer to home. After writing all the material for the debut album, Chris (Lead vocals / Guitar) and Greg (Bass) completed the circle with fellow members Geoff Smith (Drums) and Phoenix Steel (Guitar / Backing Vocals).

Over the past 13 months the band has secured a record deal with Universal Music, been invited to play showcases in the US and has had internationally renowned producer David Kahne (who has worked with Linkin Park, Kelly Clarkson and The Strokes) remix four of the tracks off their debut album, Sweet Reverb.
"When I heard Broadway Screamer for the first time, the energy really jumped out at me, a rare experience," says Kahne. Touring guitarist for US hard rockers The Used, Greg Bester, is producing the full album.

Sweet Reverb is set for an early December release and is melodic rock at its prime. Influenced by bands such as Nickelback, Fall Out Boy and Hinder, the result is a true rock album with edge. Their catchy melodies and striking lyrics are positive and life-affirming, yet anything but frivolous. With a sound accessible enough to reach a wide audience and a huge focus on melody, Broadway Screamer definitely have all their guns fired for success.

Dave Thompson, former head of marketing SONY BMG and SA Idols judge has expressed a major love for and belief in the band. "Broadway Screamer is poised to set new standards in modern rock. Killer tunes combined with the most distinctive new voice in rock will see Broadway Screamer stomping on the old guard at the top of the charts," says Dave.

For more information, visit their MySpace page or http://www.broadwayscreamer.co.za/

And All That Jazz

The Joburg Theatre, in association with MJB Co-ordination, presents four world-class jazz musicians in the intimate Fringe Theatre.

“I have always wanted to introduce regular jazz evenings at The Fringe,” says Bernard Jay, CEO of Joburg Theatre. “But I think it’s a speciality area of our business and we needed the right partner.  A chance meeting with music promoter Mandla Baloyi late one night at the theatre’s News Café has opened this door for us at last.”

Composer, teacher and avid musician, Feya Faku, has travelled the world, collaborating and making music with some of the greatest musicians of our time in the jazz world. And now you can see him perform live on Saturday November 6th at 8pm.  He has played with greats such as Dave Young, Gustavo Begalli and Bheki Mseleki.  He has also spent much of his time recording in South Africa and abroad.

With a solid following both in South Africa and internationally, Zim Ngqawana has made quite a name for himself over the years.   Zim will be performing live at The Fringe on Saturday November 13th at 8pm. His style is hard to place into a specific genre – with a mixture of bop, funk, Indian, Western and many other types - but the quality of his music and his drive make it all the more apparent why he has 5 SAMA awards under his belt.

McCoy Mrubata is a saxophonist, a flute player, a band leader and a composer.  Growing up with great jazz musicians like the Ngozi Brothers, Blackie Tempi, Robert Sithole and many others, he quickly learnt to master his instruments and was playing in cover bands by the early 1980’s. He will be performing on Saturday November 20th at 8pm. McCoy has collaborated with a dazzling array of South African, as well as international jazz musicians, which has helped to mould him into the superbly gifted musician he is today.

Khaya Mahlangu is one of a handful of South African musicians responsible for defining a whole era in the South African Music Industry, from the 1970’s up until now. He will be performing in The Fringe on Saturday December 11th at 8pm.  Khaya has performed with many jazz greats, such as Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba and Vusi Khumalo.  He has also been guest performer on many of their recordings.

Tickets for these intimate, truly African Saturday Evenings at The Fringe are only R120 and are on sale at Computicket: visit www.computicket.com or call 083 915 8000. 

Geraamtes Van 'n Droom

‘n Plattelander trek stad toe en word vir die eerste keer met die ware realiteite van die nuwe Suid-Afrika gekonfronteer. Sommige is ontnugterend en ander maak ‘n heel nuwe liefde vir sy land en mense in hom wakker. Hy moet egter heelwat van sy kinderdrome herevalueer...

 

Geraamtes Van 'n Droom: Die Show maak op Woensdag, 27 Oktober om 20:00 sy debuut by die Centurion Teater, Pretoria. Met liedjies vanaf sy solo album, asook addisionele snitte, vra Christoff Beukes nie net vrae oor die "Nuwe Suid-Afrika" wat dikwels in almal se harte lê nie, maar ook vrae oor alledaagse lewe. Met die uitkyk "Modern Life/Love is War", neem hy ons op 'n tog deur die strate van die siel...

Kaartjies is R80 en is beskikbaar by Christoff Beukes.
Beukeschris@gmail.com
0733066405
http://www.christoffbeukes.co.za/ 

WANTED!

A South African band or artist to create the title track for Night Drive.

The Film Factory Team devised the WANTED! campaign aimed at finding a brand new original English rock track written and recorded by a local band or artist which will be featured in the film.

Susana Kennedy, Film Factory Producer, explains: "Whether bands and artists are firmly established, up-and-coming or brand new to the industry, we want everyone to compete and stand the exact same chance to win a once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of the feature film. There is also the chance of global exposure through the international release of Night Drive."

The winner of the WANTED! competition will be selected based on the content, originality, style and sound of their original English rock track.

How To Enter:
Go to the Facebook page for the song brief, watch the Night Drive Cinema Trailer and write a killer rock track. If you have an existing unreleased track that is suitable, that can be submitted instead.
Record a demo version of the song and upload the track as well as a photograph of you or your band to the Facebook page to qualify.
Encourage your friends to vote for you by clicking "Like" on the page and leave a comment in order to secure your place at the finals of the WANTED! competition.

For more info on the WANTED! campaign, visit http://www.nightdrivemovie.com/ or contact Collett Dawson at collett.dawson@absamail.co.za.

Huissiek Gebede

Following the successful release of their highly anticipated third album Skop, Skiet & Donner, Van Coke Kartel's founding members, Wynand Myburgh and Francois Van Coke, recruited Jedd Kossew (guitar) and Jason Oosthuizen (drums) - two additions that heralded a new era for Van Coke Kartel.

The four-piece embarked on the nationwide VanFokKingTasties tour with the idea of shooting a music video along the way - the proverbial two birds with one stone - and so Huissiek Gebede (the video) was born.

Featuring guest vocals and guitar by Laudo Liebenberg, Huissiek Gebede is a music video that not only authentically illustrates the track it is set to, but also expresses the unmistakenable identity of Van Coke Kartel as a live act.

Check out the video here!

Is It Raining In Heaven?

For what is probably the first time in my life, I'm at a loss for words. I've been listening to Queen's No-One But You over and over: "One by one / Only the good die young / They're only flying too close to the sun."

Yesterday was one of the worst days of my life as I got the news of Rowan's tragic death. Not only was he loved by everyone whose lives he had touched, but he was a passionate, positive human being who put his heart and soul into everything he did - 110%.

Where do I begin to describe something that has boomed from the word go into a friendship that has enriched my life in more ways than one?

Rowan, I don't know what to say. You were taken away to soon. I still can't believe it. Our daily chats on Facebook, your phone calls and emails always made me smile - even when you were feeling down, you always knew what to say to make me feel better. In your eyes, no person was less important than the other.

I regret not spending more time with you. I find comfort in the thought that you are now making music in a better place.

Until we meet again,

RIP my friend.

Izzy
xxx

PS: I will never forget you!

My heart goes out to Rowan's mother, Nancy, and the rest of his family and friends - you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Party Time!

Hey peeps!

Happy Monday!

After having one of the most draining weeks ever last week, I'm ready to rock again! Take a look at this week's gig guide and get your bum off that couch - nothing like sharing some good music with good friends!

Navi Redd
When: Monday, October 4
Where: Barnyard Broadacres, Johannesburg
Tickets: Available at (011) 467-6983

                                                                        Heroes Wear Red

Heroes Wear Red, Prelude To June, Deity's Muse, Sub Rosa, Newton's 3rd and Outside The New
When: Wednesday, October 6
Where: Tanz Café, Fourways
Tickets: R50 at the door

New Holland
When: Thursday, October 7
Where: Bohemia, Stellenbosch
Tickets: Free

The Cavalier and Red Letter Sunday
When: Friday, October 8
Where: The Black Dahlia, Boksburg
Tickets: R30 at the door

Beeskraal
When: Saturday, October 9
Where: Boskombuis, Pretoria
Tickets: Available at 082 837 4155

Rocking The Gardens - Not To Be Missed!
When: Sunday, October 10
Where: Johannesburg Botanical Gardens
Tickets: R280 from (021) 481-1832
Line-up: Includes Farryl Purkiss, Springbok Nude Girls and Flash Republic

See you there!

Izzy
xxx

Time To Push The Awesome Button

Sergeant Fu burst onto the local music scene during the Soccer World Cup with their catchy tune Vuvuzela. Immediately they captured local and international attention with their eclectic style, zany sense of humour and fun demeanor.

Now Matthew Marinus and Ryno Zeelie offer their eagerly awaited debut album, Push The Awesome Button, aiming to bring light and happiness to our everyday, routine-filled lives and win over the hearts of all who listen to it.

Push The Awesome Button is predominantly driven with power-pop beats, yet it cleverly introduces and incorporates the free-spirited, playful personality with unique samples and sounds. The individuality of the album shines through in Sergeant Fu's ability to blend honest humour with sincere emotions. Through the intricate use of playful lyrical constructions, the songs grab you by surprise with their simplicity, relevance and sing-along ability.

"Ryno and I went on a quest to create a new genre of music called 'Feel-Good' and we feel that the vibe of the combined tunes on Push The Awesome Button will make people shake their ass, laugh, smile and giggle from beginning to end. That, in a nutshell, is what our debut album is all about. Enjoy!" says Matt.

Push The Awesome Button will be launched on October 20 at Tanz Cafe, Fourways, and the event is open to the public. Doors open at 19h00 with the opening act (Josie) performing at 20h15 and Sergeant Fu taking to the stage at 21h00. Tickets are R50 and can be booked at (011) 658-0277.

Check out the Vuvuzela video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMFu-QzGV5U and for more info visit http://www.sergeantfu.com/.

Push The Awesome Button... go on... we know you want to!

Izzy
xxx