Music News!

Hey peeps!

I am as excited as a kid in a candy store! Not only is it almost time for sun, sand and endless Long Islands, but the local music scene is alive with holiday gigs, new music videos, collabs, and so much more! Herewith some news from the Supra Familias stall.

Pic: Natasja Fourie

THIEVE: The Moerse Monday Series
Thieve is a Cape Town three-piece band who are releasing four free tracks for free download in a series called Moerse Mondays, to promote their upcoming album. Not only multi-platinum artists like Kanye get to give away their tracks... Thieve is also spreading the love for the holidays! The first track - released yesterday - is called Champion, which they performed live for the first time at The Assembly last Saturday. Download champion HERE!

Die Heuwels Fantasties: Noorderlig Music Video And Double Deluxe Edition Out Now
Die Heuwels Fantasties' new release is not only ideal listening for the long road, but is also a fusion of their pop style and visual art. The deluxe double-disc visual album includes all the songs from their debut album, Die Heuwels Fantasties, as well as a couple of new tracks. The second disc is a visual accompaniment of these songs featuring the music video of each song and includes bonus videos. Also included in this collector's album, is artwork specially designed for each of the tracks by Arno Kruger and Philip Erasmus. The first single off the album is a cover of Fokofpolisiekar's Ek Dink Aan Jou As Dit Reën. ALBUM OUT NOW!

Pic: Antonie Robertson

Jack Parow Slip It In And Sleep Tour
Jack Parow has just returned from a very successful tour to Holland, Belgium, France and Germany... and he's hitting the road again! Catch him this December at the following venues:

Dec 9   - Plett Rage, Club VIP
Dec 12 - Wavehouse, Ballito
Dec 15 - Firkin, Centurion
Dec 16 - The Barnyard Theatre, Vereeniging (with DHF)
Dec 18 - Margate Beach Front with DHF
Dec 27 - Groot Gees Fees, Stilbaai
Dec 29 - Avontoer, Mossel Bay
Dec 30 - Avontoer, Hermanus
Dec 31 - Ballito Beach Front

Parowphernalia, the clothing and apparel company creatively directed by Dominique Sarah Benton, created and branded by Jack Parow is here! To view the range and place an order, click HERE. For more info, catch them on Facebook.

Smirnoff BE THERE Presents Armin Van Buuren's A State Of Trance 500 Tour

The world's number one DJ, Armin Van Buuren, is teaming up with Smirnoff and has chosen South Africa to celebrate the launch of his A State Of Trance 500 Tour. Travelling to five continents, five cities, with five of the hottest nights on the 2011 calendar, a month long tour from 19 March to 18 April 2011 will include stops in South Africa, Europe, USA, South America and Australia.

Armin Van Buuren's A State Of Trance 500 Tour has seen enormous success in the eight years since it was launched, reaching an estimated 10-million listeners in 26 countries and over 30 radio stations, including via satellite and internet radio stations. Fans worldwide will be able to tune into this epic milestone as A State Of Trance celebrate its 500th episode.

Adrian Peterson of Smirnoff South Africa says, "It's been an incredible year for Smirnoff, and to be alongside the world's number one DJ, Armin Van Buuren, for his celebration of A State Of Trance 500 Tour, we are excited to bring yet another once-in-a-lifetime experience to South Africa. We have recently hosted the Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project, which was a phenomenal success and once again resetting the benchmark for Smirnoff globally. South Africa can expect an outstanding performance from Armin and other world-class DJs. In addition to the music, the venue itself will be supported by a mind-blowing Smirnoff production."

Armin Van Buuren, who has been ranked as the world's number one DJ for four years running in the leading DJ Mag Top 100 poll, will be the fifth top international talent brought to South Africa by Smirnoff SA in the last year. Having recently won various awards as respectively Best Global DJ and Best Progressive House / Trance Track among others, it is evident that Armin's passion in trance music is beyond a hobby - it is essential to his way of life. "What makes trance work so well is that it doesn't stick to one style. It can incorporate electro, minimal, whatever it likes," says Armin.

It is clear that Armin Van Buuren's A State Of Trance 500 Tour is one experience not to be missed! The tour will kick off in Johannesburg on March 19, 2011. Tickets can be bought from Computicket from Monday, December 6, 2010.

For more info, log onto http://www.facebook.com/SmirnoffSA.

Van Coke Kartel - Ondier Kom!

Van Coke Kartel is launching their brand new music video of Ondier Kom! on Friday, December 10 at Tings an' Times, Hatfield, Pretoria. Wave your three tenners at the door and get ready for a beastly experience! Francois Van Coke and Jed Kossew will perform an acoustic set at 21h00, before the video will be screened at 21h30.

Ondier Kom! is the latest single from the band's critically acclaimed album Skop, Skiet & Donner, which was released earlier this year. The music video was shot in Pretoria during November, and was once again conceptualised and directed by award-winning director Louis Minnaar, who also directed the music video for Voor Ons Stof Word, the first single off Skop, Skiet & Donner.

Says bassist Wynand Myburgh: "This time Francois finds himself in a swordfight with a beast, takes a boat ride, changes into a wolf and a whole bunch of other crazy stuff..."

For a preview of the Ondier Kom! music video, click here.

Emperors Palace: The Ultimate Family Entertainment Destination This Holiday

Gauteng's family entertainment mecca, Emperors Palace, heats things up this summer with a plethora of entertainment options suitable for young and old well into the New Year.

Wondering what to do for a year-end function or how to entertain clients or family? Let the extraordinary new Cirque du Vic solve your problem. Experience a baroque wonderland filled with talented dancers, aerial strength acts and a spine-tingling contortionist while dancing to the biggest hits performed live by Dr Victor & The Rasta Rebels. This show phenomenon will be performed from Wednesdays to Sundays and tickets are R180 per person.

Join the delightfully zany characters Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz and Mayzie La Bird for a musical trip into the wonderful wacky world of Dr Seuss in Seussical Jr. The spectacular stage production features a toe-tapping, hand-clapping cornucopia of musical styles mixed with a talented and energetic cast that will keep both children and adults delighted and enthralled. The show will be performed from 10 to 24 December and tickets are R95 per person.

The legendary Johnny Clegg will be celebrating his 30th anniversary to the South African music industry with Spirit Is The Journey from 15 to 24 December. Fans will be entertained by Clegg's biggest hits, includig Scatterlings Of Africa, Cruel, Crazy Beautiful World, African Sky Blue and many more. Tickets start at R175 per person.

To celebrate the start of the New Year, the home of entertainment presents The Parlotones: Carbon Free Concert in January 2011. They will be taking over The Palace Of Dreams for an electric performance that will keep audiences on their feet all night (Jan 21 - 23, 2011). The Parlotones are known for their polished stage performances delivered against the backdrop of their deftly crafted and darkly romantic lyrics.

South African singer, songwriter and much-loved entertainer Nataniël returns to Emperors Palace with his latest stage spectacular, COMBAT, from February 17 to March 26, 2011. Nataniël's anticipated new show arrives just months after staging Cathedral. Over the past decade Nataniël has not only established himself as producer, director, designer, playwright and public speaker, but as South Africa's leading exponent of the solo stage act. An outspoken and controversial figure, Nataniël continuously crosses over from the alternative circuit to the main stage, and this new show will be another event not to be missed. For further details or to book tickets, visit http://www.emperorspalace.com/.

Tickets for all entertainment at Emperors Palace can also be booked at http://www.computicket.com/.

The Plastics' "Cave" Music Video

On Wednesday, December 8, The Plastics will launch their new music video for their single Caves, together with an acoustic set during a private function on the roof of the Grand Daddy Hotel in Cape Town.

                                                                         Pic: Kate McLuckie

Caves was the first single released from The Plastics' critically acclaimed debut album SHARK, and reached the Number 1 spot on the TUKS FM SA TOP 10. The video for Caves was directed and shot by The Morcos Brothers during October in Kenilworth, Cape Town, and with a concept inspired by flash dancers and retro rock, it will take you straight back to the 80s! About 35 people worked behind the scenes, putting together the creative and logistical infrastructure for the shoot, and in addition, 60 performers participated.

The video will be released on the internet on Thursday, December 9 and will be featured on several websites including the likes of Channel 24, Heat, FHM, MIO, The Assembly and various others. The video will also debut on MK's Kraakvars around December 15.

The Plastics will be performing on SABC 3's Expresso on December 10 during which the Caves music video will also be screened. They will also be live on 2 Oceans Vibe Radio on Monday, December 13 at 13:00, as well as Bush Radio on Wednesday, December 15 at 08:00, during which they will perform acoustic songs.

The Plastics' song Those 3 Words has recently been chosen as the song in the new Apple iPod commercial - be sure to look out for it on TV! They have also just finished writing and recording new songs for an independent film, Monkey's Wedding, which is due for release in 2011.

Just Jinjer @ Dunes, Hout Bay

Just Jinjer's annual performance at Dunes in Hout Bay is something to look forward to on the busy summer social calendar. A highlight of every year, the band is looking forward to be spending the day (December 18) with fans at the popular beachfront venue.

Just Jinjer had a busy schedule since their return from the US a year ago, performing at major festivals, popular venues nationwide and corporate shows. They will be releasing a new full-length album in April 2011.

The show starts at 17:00 and promises to rock your happy holiday spirit! Tickets are R120 and available from Dunes at (021) 790-1876.

Chromium Wins Night Drive - Wanted

2010 has been a turbulent yet highly successful year for internationally renowned metal group Chromium. After a massive UK tour and recording their highly anticipated third album (set for release in 2011), Chromium competed against nine other talented groups in the Night Drive - Wanted competition which took place in Johannesburg on December 4 for the prize of having one of their songs as the title track for the film Night Drive. The competition was intense and the judges' decision was tough, but Chromium reigned victorious in the final decision placing them once again at the forefront of the South African alternative music scene.

Not only do Chromium have their track A World Of Lies - taken from the album Confessions Of A Hero - as the title track of the film, but they will also have a music video produced for the track by The Film Factory. The band will also be kitted out in Guess clothing as well as tattoos done by Jaded Ink.

Congrats, guys!

Night Drive is South Africa's first thriller/slasher film which is set in the unforgiving South African bush, where an eclectic mix of tourists are left stranded during a night drive safari. As a series of terrifying events unfold, the tourists soon realise that wild animals are the least of their fears. Local legend has it the Hyena Man - a ruthless criminal mastermind who once traded in animal parts - heads a well-armed, well-trained group of poachers who are on the hunt for human body parts. Night Drive is set for release on February 18, 2011.

The One & Only Summer Concert 2010

Soul Divas

The End Is Nigh...

Johannesburg's Number One underground party brand, The End Is Nigh, will be ending 2010 with a bang by bringing out two of Europe's finest DJs - D.I.M and DJ FEADZ - to South Africa.

Date: 11 December 2010
Venue: The Alex
             36 Stiemens Street
             Braamfontein
Tickets: Presale R80 (available from Deer Hunter, Greenside - 082 496 9253, and Mooks, Rosebank -              011 447-8050)
               Door: R100 before 11pm, R120 after

Berlin resident Andreas Meid, known to the dance world as D.I.M., is an acclaimed producer and remix DJ. Having remixed The Presets, Chromeo, Fisherspooner, Midnight Juggernauts, Teenage Bad Girl and The Faint, D.I.M. is one of the most in-demand artists on the planet. His most successful song to date however, was the relentless Is You on Boys Noize Records - which remains a club favourite for techno and electro heads alike.

French born Dimitris Evagelopoulos, known as DJ FEADZ, took the Paris underground scene by storm in the mid 90s. He met fellow music producer Mr. Oizo in 1999 and they began production on his album Analog Worms Attack, which became extremely successful. Combining the genres of hip hop, electronic, techno and French house, he has worked with some of the world's best such as Uffie and Mr. Oizo, Justice, Krazy Baldhead and Spank Rock to mention but a few.

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

Chromium & Aerial 7 Join Forces

Internationally renowned hard rock / metal group Chromium have joined Aerial 7 South Africa's stable of endorsed artists.

Aerial 7 was founded on the idea that great sound can be combined with eye-catching design. The Aerial 7 range of headphones is influenced by a devotion to art, street-wear, action sports and the underground music scene.

Having toured and played in every possible corner of South Africa, Chromium embarked on a highly successful tour to the United Kingdom in 2010, taking their unique sound, image and brand abroad. This tour sparked interest from other corners of the globe which the band are now in preperations for next year. Not only do Chromium make a statement on stage, but also int he studio where the band's lead vocalist and guitarist, Jared Gunston, is in the producer's chair for the band's own work. "Not only do Aerial 7 Tanks look awesome, but they sound amazing! The mixture of clarity and bottom end is essential when recording and Aerial 7 provide the best sound to work with," says Gunston.

Off-stage, Chromium are constantly on the road using MP3 players and Skype to communicate, so Aerial 7 is the perfect travel companion to accommmodate great sound while dealing with the long road. "The Aerial 7 Bullets are the most comfortable and best-sounding in-ear headphones I have ever used! The sound is brutal and they look even more brutal," says the band's very own Justin Du Preez.

Visit Aerial 7 South Africa on Facebook.

Die Heuwels Fantasties - Noorderlig (Official Music Video)

Die Heuwels Fantasties' new music video was well worth the wait. Feast your eyes!

On Holiday With Chris Chameleon

There is no end to the prolific Chris Chameleon's busy schedule. He will barely touch ground when he returns from a month long tour in the Netherlands, before he takes off to the East Coast next week for a solo tour from 10 - 23 December. Chris is looking forward to being back on home ground and says that he cannot wait to join in the holiday spirit of the coastal towns that he will be performing in like Hermanus, Port Elizabeth and Mosselbay. Chris says: "It is winter in Europe, so the past few weeks have been very cold. I am excited to get back into the summer sun and share my music with happy holiday people."

Well known for his versatility, Chris has a few new tricks up his sleeve for the upcoming tour. He will include a Dutch and a German song that he has put to music and will also perform a new rendition of Pie Jesu. Chris will be looking at the resemblances between politics and history and how it coincides with our personal lives. The conclusion is that our country experiences the same challenges as we do in love and our personal matters. These insights are conveyed with brilliant wit by Chris and together with his music, it makes for an unforgettable experience.

Don't miss the chance to be "on holiday" with Chris Chameleon! The show promises to be fun with great music and stories that will entice your heart, soul and funny bones. View the complete gig guide here.

For fans that also enjoy Boo! live, there are shows scheduled in Hatfield, Mosselbay and Langebaan.