SA Rocks

I am a massive fan of Rolling Stone Magazine. Even more so now that they’ve featured the BLK JKS in their latest feature entitled: Artist to Watch 2009: BLK JKS .

I have blogged about this rocking band before and it’s fantastic to see that they are still going from strength to strength globally.

Here’s a little titbit from the article but let’s not give too much away:

It’s Saturday night at a Brooklyn recording studio, and BLK JKS are frustrated. The South African psych-rockers are recording a song for the 2010 World Cup, to be hosted by their home country — an update of an old Johannesburg street chant called “Zol After Zol.” (“Zol” is slang for spliff.) They’ve been tinkering with it for hours, but something still isn’t right. “This bassline,” frowns drummer Tshepang Ramoba, adjusting the pile of dreadlocks atop his head. “It’s kind of, like, very cheesy.”

Mpumi Mcata, the group’s lead guitarist, nods. “It’s not necessarily bad,” he says, taking care not to offend bassist Molefi Makananise. “It’s just, you know … traditional.”

You can head over to the article to get a sneak peak at one of their songs and a great article on the band.

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I have a passion for music and love to see young South Africans doing their thing on an instrument. This particular guy (almost called him a kid) seems to have arm extension that look like drumsticks beating those things.

I can’t recall where I found this link, it would probably have been on twitter, so if it was you who tweeted it, let me know and i’ll send through some link love!

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aKING is one of my absolute favourite bands right now. Not favourites in South Africa, Favourite. Period.

Their melodic tunes coupled with the distinctive voice of their lead singer, the raw passion that they display and their incredible live performances make them one of the leading bands in South Africa without a doubt.

I have been waiting patiently for their latest release and it is finally here. Not only have they released their new album but they have progressed with the times and released it DRM-Free!

download aKING’s new album HERE

Here’s a little taster from their last album:

The album is called Against All Odds, which immediately reminds me of Phil Collins for some odd reason. Anyways, the track listing looks like this:

Set Ourselves Up

Fork In The Road

Face-brick Constellations

The Heart Of A Fool

Gentile Gentleman

You And I

Against All Odds

Blood Or Glitter

New Clear Season

The Wishing Well

Know Your Bones

Now the key here that you need to know is that I already have the album. I paid R77 for it and would do it again in a second. I wish more bands removed their heads from their backsides and did what aKING are doing – selling their music at affordable prices online. Done. Dusted. Do it.

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I love it when a band like Snow Patrol comes to South Africa, loves it and makes the best of our stunning landscapes and scenery.

This video was filmed in Cape Town and has a distinctive feel to it. The words, lyrics and melody flow fantastically with the setting that Cape Town provides.

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Young Mr Clegg will be hosting his first live performance of his debut album at the Nelson Mandela Theatre, Civic Theatre Complex, Braamfontein on 12, 13, 14 May 2009.

That means that starting from tomorrow you can check out Jess Clegg live. Do it, the man is brilliant and everyone in JHB is always looking for different things to do.

Tickets are R120 and R150 (excluding Computicket booking fee). Discounted tickets for groups of ten or more are available by calling VIP Ticketing 011 877 6853.

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The guys at Goldfish seem to be working themselves silly.

The latest video release from them is great and provides a bit of insight in to the video itself. These guys just keep getting better and better.

Courtesy of 2OceansVibe.

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I can’t say it enough, I am loving the local music scene right now. South Africa has some phenomenal musicians coming forward and making their mark right now. One of the most astounding for me personally is aKing.

Their music is distinctive, as they say, thanks to Laudo (lead vocalist) whose voice is incredibly recognisable and sets aKing apart from other bands right now. Their song writing skills are local with a twist of darkness and self-loathing which is always good. They are fast building a cult following that crosses language, culture and genre barriers which is always fantastic to see.

aKing rock.

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I love it when local bands speak highly of the local scene, the country, the bands and the passion they share with other musicians about South Africa.

The Dirty Skirts recently played at Kirstenbosch in front of one helluva crowed. They only had good things to say, they rocked out with a string quartet and one of the members of Goldfish.

Damn cool if you ask me, these guys rock.

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One of the breakout bands of the South African music industry has landed one of their tracks in a new KIA advert being flighted in the USA.

That’s the ad, the track is hot, the band is hot and who cares about the car.

Goldfish are going from strength to strength. Keep an eye on them at their website, follow them on twitter and GO AND BUY THEIR ALBUMS.

Thanks to Seth for the heads up.

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I visited Cape Town a week or two back. I was there for a wedding but managed to discover a fantastic local singing talent that I’d actually known at Rhodes University.

Black Porcelain (stage name) is the moniker of one Carol Mashigo. Carol bubbles passion and oozes enthusiasm for her music, her art and her life.

You can join the Black Porcelain networks here:

Myspace
Facebook
Diva2b

She lives in Cape Town and through a series of interesting occurrences I was reintroduced to Carol and her absolutely stunning music.

She released her EP Green (only five songs) late last year.
Track names:
1. Johnny
2. Teacup
3. Nobody knows
4. Lovelies
5. Your dreams

Teacup,Nobody knows and Johnny are the most play listed.

For my fantastic readers I have managed to get three of Black Porcelain’s singles for your to download at your will.

So please feel free to do so now (click to stream, RIGHT CLICK, SAVE LINK AS, to save to your desktop):

Johnny

Nobody Knows

Teacup

Please also spread the love. Send the links to your mates, pass around the mp3′s if you know someone who knows someone then send it on to that person too.

I am truly impressed and moved by Carol’s fantastic music, incredible voice and unwavering passion.

The EP, Green, was released November last year and her songs have been play listed around the country. Radio stations like Tru FM, Heart FM, UJ FM and Capricorn FM to mention a few. She is currently working on a full album. She will be performing at this years Woman’s Show in Cape Town on the 22 February. She will be leaving for Nigeria to perform there in March. Dates will confirmed soon.

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