Andre Schwartz Releases Fabulous Big Band Album

Andre Schwartz is following up his critically acclaimed performance in the title role of The Phantom Of The Opera with an album of swing and Big Band classics that's likely to find the longstanding artist the widest audience of his career.

"I'm really thrilled to be recording this new studio album," Schwartz says of the record that has just been released. "It's been great fun to do and builds on everything I have done in my career so far - especially the music theatre that is now so much part of my life. Through the album I hope to deliver something really amazing to music fans of many different backgrounds."

In this assessment, Schwartz is spot-on: after sifting through a huge number of potential Big Band and swing classics, the songs that have made it onto the record are poised to expand this performer's following into new audiences - specifically those with a taste for music that's both sophisticated and yet hugely accessible.

Among the songs getting the now inimitable Schwartz treatment are Fly Me To The Moon, Paper Moon, Heaven, You're One Hell Of A Find and Makin' Whoopee! - a song first popularised by Eddie Cantor in the 1928 musical Whoopee! A real treat for fans of great performers blessed with outstanding voices is a version of Baby, It's Cold Outside - a duet with Kate Normington. "I am a big fan of Kate's," Schwartz says of the decision to record with the acclaimed actress and performer. "She has the voice and performing ability that few can match but she's unafraid of bringing an edge to what she does."

Schwartz himself is also intent on adding a twist to the songs on the new record. "It's not about radically altering the songs that everyone knows but instead adding my own imprint on them," he says. "In the process of recording the album this has come through really feeling and getting under the skin of the lyrics and stories of each songs."

In creating his first band and swing record, Schwartz turned to another huge South African music talent in the form of conductor, producer and arranger Graham Scott. Beloved for his theatre work, Scott's unparalleled abilities as a musical director on countless productions (including West Side Story, Camelot and Jesus Christ Superstar) and his previous work with Schwartz lends a potency and undeniable world-class sheen to the record. "Working with Graham has been a revelation to me. I'm not new to being in a recording studio after all, but to have someone with as much experience as Graham working with me is adding something really special to the songs," Schwartz confides. The addition of some of the country's top Big Band musicians recording live at the SABC's M2 studios has also helped create a record of international quality.

For an artist who spent much of his career in the Afrikaans market, the chance to deliver an album of English-language Big Band material is a natural evolution that came out of Schwartz's star turn in  The Phantom Of The Opera. The latter saw him earn Naledi and Fleur Du Cap awards and helped hone a voice that had already earned Schwartz a devoted following since he launched his solo music career close to three decades back.

Schwartz will be supporting the release of his new album, 12 Plus 1 with live shows - both with a Big Band and alone. "I've already been given some of the songs a workout on the live front and the reception has been incredible. I can't wait to showcase the entire album in the coming months."

Question Roulette With Van Diens Af

I recently caught up with Anton Van Wyk, guitarist for Vonk Award-winning and SAMA-nominated Afrikaans rock band Van Diens Af for a bit of question roulette. Here's what he had to say:

If you were a stalker, would you be any good at it?
I would be the best!

If people were thrown in jail for bad habits, what would you be jailed for?
Speeding and drinking in public.

If you had your own factory, what would it make?
Nesquik-flavoured breakfast cereal.

If you were a T-shirt, what would you read?
Hi, I'm Jared Leto with DOWN SYNDROME!

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
X-ray vision.

Is Elvis really dead?
If the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus are alive, maybe Elvis is too!

What was the best thing before sliced bread?
Pizza and "boom".

If you were written about in the newspaper, on the front page, what would the headline say?
Man From Secunda Beats World Beer Drinking Record.

Why do bars have parking lots if it's illegal to drink and drive?
For your angry girlfriend to park when she comes to get you!

One Night In Africa

Dedicated to showcasing the very best performers and artists from all corners of the African continent and positioning Johannesburg as THE place to be to experience magical nights of African music twice a year - each and every year - One Night In Africa is Mzansi's thrilling new bi-annual concert series at Carnival City.

Presented on Saturday, June 4, it is incredibly apt that Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi, the soul-dripping voice of Zimbabwe, will be headlining the inaugural One Night In Africa.

Tuku is officially the best-selling African artists ever outside South Africa in the Southern African region, and will, at the time of the concert, celebrate the release of his brand new album Abi'angu (Duets Of My Time).

The album features some of Mtukudzi's very best collaborations and duets from the past, including monster hits with Ringo, Afro Tenor, Judith Sephuma, Eric Wainaina, Cesaria Evora and many other African greats. Furthermore, the album features two brand new, soon-to-be-released tracks; one with the inimitable Siphokazi and another with the Jaziel Brothers.

Highly acclaimed, multi-SAMA winning dynamic duo the Jaziel Brothers are undoubtedly hot property. They have a style all of their own, and their stage performance is a slick surprise and an absolute treat.

One Night In Africa will see Tuku and the Jaziel Brothers perform their brand new collaboration track MaAfrika for the very first time!

Afro-soul sensation Asanda Bam will add her very own brand of magic to the concert performing her national number one hit singles Brand New Day and Mojo.

One Night In Africa promises to be an unforgettable night!

Tickets are available at Computicket and Shoprite Checkers at R240 and R280.

GWP Live @ Tanz Cafe

In the mood for a party? Catch the super cool guys from The Graeme Watkins Project live at Tanz Cafe, Fourways this coming Thursday, May 26. Let the good times roll!

DHF At The Barnyard Theatre, Willowbridge

Die Heuwels Fantasties will host two very different but captivating shows at The Barnyard Theatre in Willowbridge on June 3 and 4.

The first show will be for the young at heart and will showcase DHF in their full electronic glory. Dancing is highly recommended!

Date: 3 June 2011
Venue: The Barnyard Theatre, Willowbridge (Carl Cronje Drive, Tyger Valley)
Cover: R80
Doors Open: 20h00
Contact: (021) 914-8898

Pic: Casey Crafford

The second evening will host Die Heuwels Fantasties' first acoustic performance ever. The mood will be relaxed and intimate. The group will perform their old and new classics and this promises to be an exquisite experience.

Date: 4 June 2011
Venue: The Barnyard Theatre, Willowbridge (Carl Cronje Drive, Tyger Valley)
Cover: R120
Doors Open: 20h00
Contact: (021) 914-8898

Double Adapter Launches Adapt Or Die Documentary

Double Adapter is an audio-visual explosion; a combination of beats, lights and images packaged into an explosive VJ/DJ performance from Joburg brothers Tim and Dan Apter.

Formed in 2009 with the goal of blurring the lines between DJs and "live acts", Double Adapter has spent the last two years destroying clubs and bringing the party to whatever venue they play at.

Check out the promo for the Adapt Or Die documentary HERE. 

Double Adapter will be launching the first episode of the documentary at The Assembly on Friday, the 20th of May. Also performing on the day are Bteam, Spekta, Kennedy, Audiophile021, George Daniel, Cold Turkey and VJs Contraband. Tickets are R30 before 21h45 and R50 thereafter. Ladies free before 22h00.

The first episode of Adapt Or Die premieres tonight on MK at 21h00 and the second will air on June 3 also at 21h00. Inserts 1 to 6 are available on YouTube.

Behind The Scenes With Futuresound

I recently had the opportunity to catch up with the super cool guys of Futuresound on set of their latest music video, When Will You Fall. Now, let me explain something first: the first time I met Siba, Rev, Genesis and Steve was about three years ago during the MTN Xploaded initiative. I was immediately impressed with their down-to-earth approach and humbleness - an impression that just grew over the years as I worked with them on a few articles for people magazine.

Here you can see them on set of the When Will You Fall video shoot. Honestly, do yourself a favour and look for them on Facebook - I promise you'll be hooked after the first gig you attend... and then we can hook up and gush together at all their other gigs!

What's the song about?
The song basically speaks about the lengths a guy would go to make the girl fall in love with him; all the crazy, borderline obsessive things guys do to ensure that the attraction is reciprocated.

What was the concept of the video?
The concept paints a picture of four guys in love with the same girl. All of them have a relationship with her, do things with her that couples do that relate to the title of the song, When Will You Fall. There's a twist when all the guys find out they are being played by the same girl when they are out in a club on a night out with their 'woman'.

Who was producing the video?
The video was produced by Cut 2 Black Productions.

Tell us more about the actual shoot?
We shot in different locations making up the background of each character with what they believe is their woman: The bulk of the video was shot at Latinova night club in Rosebank. Siba's scenes were shot at a drag racing strip in Newtown, Rev's scenes were shot in the bedroom of a Parktown mansion, Genisis' scenes were done at a street fighting warehouse in Newtown and some in Parktown and Steve's scenes were shot at Baseline in Newtown and a coffee shop in Parktown.

What's happening with your new album?
We've replaced three tracks on the original debut album, of which When Will You Fall is part. The self-titled album was written and recorded over a period of three years, during which we found ourselves with a pool of close to sixty songs. We had to scale down to 18... We hope we chose correctly! All of our songs paint a picture of our journey from then til now - encompassing our influences and musical direction as a whole.

Where did the name Futuresound come from?
Genesis got the name in a message from God before we started the band. He thought it was meant for his own project, but when he mentioned while we were together it resonated with all of us and we were at peace about it. The rest is history!

What's in store for the rest of 2011?
We plan on bridging the gap between Futuresound's music and the faces of Futuresound, because we've found that a lot of people know our music but aren't familiar with who we are. So, through a series of videos - of which When Will You Fall is the first - we plan to do that.We've also got plenty of tours and gigs lined up; we're coming to cities and towns other artists neglect all over the country. People can check our Twitter and Facebook pages to see where we are and when.

Throughout the day, the guys kept fans updated on Facebook and Twitter via their BlackBerry smart phones. Hurrah for technology!

Keep your eyes peeled for When Will You Fall on a small screen near you!

Don't Count On Me

Greetings, earthlings!

I know it's been a while, but I'm back with a bang and have got lots of little party tricks up my sleeves to keep you all entertained. Well, at least for a while!

Check out local rockers Zoey'z Fallacy's latest music video below.

Your thoughts?

Hold On For Japan

Barely a few weeks ago the world was shocked to witness the devastation the earthquake in Japan caused.

So many lives lost and a country left in ruins, it was simply heartbreaking to see the visuals on every news channel worldwide and many couldn't believe what they were witnessing.

Due to this fact, 4AM and CrashCarBurn were determined to help out in any way they could and what better way to do so than to collaborate on a track that says it all.

Hold On was produced by 4AM and it was just so fitting that Garth from CrashCarBurn lent his voice to this worthwhile cause.

The idea behind the track was not only to create emotion and awareness musically, but to also raise desperately needed funds that would be donated to Rescue-SA, a local organisation that has already done excessive relief projects for hundreds of people in Japan.

By downloading Hold On for as little as R10, you could make a difference where so many have lost absolutely everything.

All the proceeds are being donated directly to Rescue-SA to extend a helping hand to the many lives shattered.

Show your support by SMSing "JAPAN" to 33333 or go to www.klicktrack.com/electromode/releases/4am/hold-on and download the track now. Every bit helps!

Van Coke Kartel News

Since releasing their critically acclaimed third album, Skop, Skiet & Donner in March last year, Van Coke Kartel has continued to go from strength to strength - with a SAMA nomination for Best Afrikaans Rock Album, an MK Award for Best Live Band, radio and music video chart successes and a continued presence on local radio playlists. Both music videos from the album, Voor Ons Stof Word as well as Ondier Kom!, reached the Number One position on the MK Top 10 and stayed on the chart for several weeks. "Skop, Skiet & Donner is the album which gave us our unique identity as band, post-Fokofpolisiekar," says Francois Van Coke. "It has laid the foundation for the new band and album. We are excited about the future."



Pic: Craig Kolesky


Van Coke Kartel's SAMA nomination for Skop, Skiet & Donner in the Best Afrikaans Rock Album category was announced in April 2011. Drummer Jason Oosthuizen commented: "We are hoping to win another one this year. It will be great to follow on Waaksaam & Wakker with another SAMA." The video for VCK's sixth and final single from Skop, Skiet & Donner, Man Sonder Missie will soon premiere on DSTV Channel MK, whilst currently enjoying airplay on a number of campus and regional radio stations across South Africa. The video was created by Dames En Here Productions from footage captured at VanFokKingTasties in Hatfield Square in 2010 and Thornfest 2011, and features the band giving one of their trademark high-energy performances. Watch the video for Man Sonder Missie HERE.

In February this year, VCK won an MK Award in the category Best Live Band. The addition of Jedd Kossew on lead guitar and Jason Oosthuizen on drums in 2010, is widely recognised as having catapulted VCK to the very top of the league of South African live acts. "It's just great to finally have a Van Coke Kartel line-up with which we are truly happy," said Wynand (Myburgh, bass). "There is a lot of energy and creativity; Jedd and Jason lends the edge we've always felt was missing from our act. Both Jedd and Jason also write music with us and these two great friends and musicians have changed the dimension within Van Coke Kartel to a powerful musical force." Jedd Kossew, previously from 7th Son, is widely hailed as one of the country's top guitarists, whilst Jason Oosthuizen won the SA's Fastest Drummer competition in August 2010. Click HERE to see Jedd run through the Ondier Kom! lead guitar solo for VCK fans, or HERE to see Jason in drumming action.

Since the end of 2010, VCK started writing and recording demos for their upcoming album, having by now amassed more material for recording than ever before. The official pre-productions on their fourth studio album will start at the beginning of July and, depending on their time schedules, either award-winning producer Theo Crous or Fokofpolisiekar band mate Johnny De Ridder will be in the producer seat. "We have already written so much material, far more than for any of our previous albums at this stage in the process," says Wynand. "There is a huge variety of songs and we are looking forward to sharing these with a producer and getting his input. Ultimately, the album will probably contain about 12 tracks again."

2011 Will also see VCK touring extensively, playing to fans in London and Holland in May and June alongside Fokofpolisiekar and Springbok Nude Girls. Upon their return, VCK will embark on an acoustic tour in the second half of June. On this tour, the band will be treating fans to acoustic versions of material from their first three albums. In July, VCK will embark on a full scale, big production countrywide tour with Zebra & Giraffe. VCK and Z&G will also be collaborating on a track on the upcoming VCK album.

Later this month, a Van Coke Kartel comic book entitled Wie's Bang? will be launched. Wie's Bang? is part of the launch campaign of VCK's forthcoming album, and is the brainchild of art director Marais Janse Van Rensburg of interactive advertising agency WonderMutt. "We did a TV commercial with Van Coke Kartel for another advertising agency last year, to be entered into the Loerie Awards, and the band agreed to do it at no charge. I then undertook to contribute to the band's next album launch campaign if the ad won. The rest is history, and this year we came up with the idea for a comic book centred around Van Coke Kartel, which will lead up to the album's launch. However, the comic book is but one of the campaign elements." To watch the Loerie Award-winning commercial featuring VCK, click HERE.

The team working on the Wie's Bang? project comprises of Marais Janse Van Rensburg and Lohan Grobler from Proud Creations, who are responsible for the basic storyline. Stefanus Nel and Griff (godfather of Zef from Wat Kyk Jy) are the project's writers. The illustrations are done collectively by Says Who, Merwe Marchand, Louis Minnaar and Proud Creations. "Working with Van Coke Kartel was really humbling and makes me feel bad about complaining about long working hours," says Marais. "Their endurance and work ethic is phenomenal. They are the most professional artists I have ever worked with, and it is with good reason that they have reached the top."

Wie's Bang? will be available for free download from the VCK website around middle May. Teasers will also be available on the website, as well as the WonderMutt Facebook page, Says Who and on Wat Kyk Jy.

Van Coke Kartel's fans can look forward to a brand new VCK single by August this year, a countrywide tour in July and August and their fourth studio album to be released by end November 2011.

See below some of VCK's tour flyers and complete tour dates for their London/Holland tour with Fokofpolisiekar and Springbok Nude Girls in May and June, and their acoustic tour in June.