Musical cheers

Published Aug 17, 2011

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WHAT is your favourite song right now?

Little Lion Man by Mumford and Sons. It offers proof that “music from the heart” isn’t dead. I spotted these guys at the Grammys and love their rockabilly vibe.

The last album you bought – and why?

Conditions by Aussie band Temper Trap. They are fresh, new and filled with moments of genius. Can’t get enough of it.

Two of your favourite songs of all time?

Spies by Coldplay is one. That song is just incredible, with so many subtleties and nuances that excite all my senses.

I also love Daddy’s Little Blue Eyes by Springbok Nude Girls. This is where it all began for me. It was a real driving force for me, and pushed me to become a musician.

Three of the finest albums ever – and why?

Coldplay’s Parachutes is one of the best albums ever written. It’s honest, sincere and beautiful to listen to. Always number 1 on my iPod.

I also love Mettalica’s Black. A great album, and I loved what they did with the orchestra.

Third on my list has to be Bush’s Golden State, a timeless album. This was a huge inspiration to me in my youth. I can still listen to it over and over and never tire of it.

Song you hate the most right now?

Beautiful Mistake by Keri Hilson. First of all, every time I go to the dentist it is playing (and I hate the dentist). Second, it gives out the total wrong message to young women. I mean, let’s face it, the sexiest thing about a woman is when she doesn’t know it.

Worst song in history?

Achey Breaky Heart by Billy Ray Cyrus. Does anyone really know what that song was about? Bad flashbacks of the ’90s happening right now.

Song you most associate with your teens?

Faithless’s Insomnia. It is still a great song. Totally timeless. In my teens I was a bit of a “raver”, but while I outgrew the trend I never outgrew that song.

Song you most associate with your early childhood years?

It was a Louis Prima song, I think it was called Old Marie. My mom and dad used to sing it all the time.

The size of your CD collection and the artists represented most there?

Most of my music collection is on iTunes as I travel around a lot, and CDs are tough to carry with you. But most represented artists would be Coldplay, Kings of Leon, Depeche Mode, U2, Bruce Springsteen, Cranberries, Zebra and Giraffe, Jamie Callum and Frank Sinatra.

Favourite radio station and DJ?

I reckon everyone at 5fm. I love all the DJs and listen to that station most of the time

The local artists you most admire?

Just Jinjer were a huge inspiration in my youth, as were Springbok Nude Girls, and I am loving Flash Republic, Zebra and Giraffe, YOAV and Jax Panik. They all are great ambassadors for South Africa and I am a huge fan of all of them.

Artists from abroad that you most admire?

The Killers and Muse. Both are amazing live performers and inspire me every time I watch them.

Most over-rated people in the recording business?

Yo! Are you trying to get me into trouble here?

Pet hate/s about the music scene in South Africa?

It’s not so much of a pet hate, as it is a cry for help.

We need a lot more music venues, and a lot more people to attend live music gigs to allow all musicians to sustain this as a full-time job.

We financed our own album from step one, and were lucky to be supported by awesome fans. But to break out into other provinces, it’s difficult to find venues with good sound and facilities that assist you in making money off these gigs.

The one music act you would give the world to see perform live?

Coldplay. They are a driving force. I aspire to write music like they do every day. It would be an honour and a privilege to watch them work their magic.

Ever asked a music personality for an autograph?

Yes, when I was younger I got Arno Carstens to sign an envelope I had on me. I also got an autograph from Claire Johnston of Mango Groove.

Music acts you have seen live and loved?

Muse at Coke Fest were just amazing and their light show blew my mind. Also, The Killers. Love them so much, and they are huge influence on my music writing.

I also loved Counting Crows. They were legends to me, growing up, and I loved finally seeing them on stage

Best singing star ever?

Freddie Mercury. That man’s range – wow!

The greatest musician of all time?

I have three: John Lennon (nothing short of genius), Eric Clapton (phenomenal all-rounder) and Bob Dylan (a lyrical genius).

Best band in history?

The Rolling Stones, for performance and musicality. And they are still going strong, even though they look like dried fruit. Ha, ha, ha.

The styles of music you most enjoy – and least enjoy?

I love electro, indie, pop, rock, acoustic, jazz, swing and country. Not much into angry hip hop.

The most embarrassing artist represented in your CD collection?

Taylor Swift. People always laugh at me for singing along, but I think she is amazing at what she does. Hey, my drummer has Hannah Montana music, so don’t judge me.

The one song that will always be guaranteed to get you on to a dancefloor?

YMCA by Village People. Don’t ask.

The musical teaming you would most like to see?

Chris Martin, John Mayer, Adam Durtiz and Carter Beauford. I would die to hear the stuff they came up with.

Your choice of karaoke song (and why)?

New York, New York. It makes me feel like the king of swing, and with a drink or two it is always more entertaining.

The first song you ever performed for an audience?

Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini, in a school play. I rocked… the song, not the bikini.

Guilty pleasure: a song you really feel you shouldn’t enjoy, but secretly do?

Love Story by Taylor Swift. I think I’m the only guy who knows all the words.

Worst decade for music?

The 1990s. I think everyone was on the come-down of three generations of straight drug abuse. It was grungy and dark, and I am glad the baggy vests and blanket T-shirts faded quickly.

Hottest-looking celeb?

Taylor Swift.

Instruments you can play?

Guitar, jembi drums, piano and mouth organ. I try my hand at any musical instrument I have available to me.

The song you’d like to be played at your funeral?

I am not sure… perhaps Kings of Leon’s Pyro.

The song you find the saddest (and why)?

Bright Eyes by Art Garfunkel. All I remember is the bunny being mowed down in the film it was from, Watership Down.

Two dead icons you’d most like to invite to dinner?

John Lennon and Freddie Mercury. They are both musicians who changed the face of music of their day and age.

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