A few months ago, I posed the question of “is it the bands or the musicians?”- this question repeats itself here. It is said that a song, when played in a particular context, can trigger memories and feelings from a point in your history. Below is a list of several South African bands, what they do and what they mean to me. These are just some of the bands that have fueled my love for South African music. If you haven’t heard of several of them, I recommend you try and check them out (well, those that are still around). Let’s kick things off, shall we? In no particular order…

HOAX

Okay, these dudes rule. Off to a good start. In short, an insanely cool punk/rock band consisting of two brothers (now fronting and drumming for The Plastics), Mr. Mork on bass and the shredder Sir. Slayer in lead guitar. Wow. Fond memories are but the beginning with these guys.

Having managed HOAX for 2 years or so, I shared so many awesome experiences with these guys. It’s pretty clear to me that my fond memories of the band go deeper than just the awesome music. Listening to HOAX brings back fond memories of random after parties at the band room, crazy nights out, gigging up a storm and having an awesome time with band mates.

Quality punk-y rock. ’nuff said.

The Awful Truth

And the awesome continues. So much of it.

The Awful Truth were a ska/punk band from behind the boerewors curtain that is the gateway to Durbanville in Cape Town. An insane crew, really. The kindest most awesome of people and insanely talented musicians. You know the guys are having fun when everyone ends up going so crazy that they fall into the drumkit which, in turn, ends up falling all over the drummer. Yes, this was a ska band, believe it or not.

As with HOAX, many fond memories were created with these guys. Definitely one of my favourite South African bands of all time.

Martin Rocka and the Sick Shop

This might sound a bit odd, but one of my favourite things about Martin Rocka and the Sick Shop is that their lyrics aren’t about really serious topics. They don’t generally sing about politics and the like… more like hot rods, booze, sex and zombies. I mean, what’s wrong with a few zombies driving hot rods and drinking whisky once in a while?

Aside from the awesomely random lyrics, their unique brand of rockabilly is incredibly catchy. Definitely one of my favourite genres. It’s nice to have a bit of fun with the music and sing about random things (seems a recurring theme in the genre). Definitely a talented trio. If the lyrics disturb you, I’d strongly recommend trying to look past them and listening to the music. It’s really awesome.

The City Bowl Mizers

Similar to Martin Rocka, without the hot rods, booze, sex and zombies. Substitute those for a few martinis, some bikini-clad ladies and a few surfboards pitched in the sand on the beach. There you go.

The City Bowl Mizers are a surf-rock group based in Durban. These guys, like many other bands in South Africa, are incredibly hard working. I mean incredibly hard working. What it has taken for them to get from a young garage band (as we all start out) to where they are now has been what seems like the most incredible journey. Between Durban and the UK (they were there for a year or so, I believe?) their journey sounds truly unique, most likely best recounted by the band members themselves.

Aside from their music, which I really enjoy, one thing that can for certain be said about these talented guys is that they’re a bunch of solid stand-up okes. A friendly smile and handshake is what generally awaits you when chatting with the Mizers. The best kind of band is a band that cares. ’nuff said.

The Rudimentals

The Rudimentals are an 8-piece ska/reggae/dancehall band based in Cape Town.

The band that can make anything better. Words cannot describe the talent of these individuals. The synergy between musicians is also of such a unique nature. Their music, vibe and general approach to all things in life is heart-warming and inviting. Their music brings out all those happy feelings from inside and lets them shine on the surface. Whether or not you understand the music or lyrics, the vibe projected in their performance is of such a unique nature, they are able to impact on listeners of any age, creed, race or nationality.

Fuzigish

Fuzigish are a ska/punk band based in Johannesburg.

This is really a case, for me, of a collection of incredibly uniquely talented musicians. Rambling Jay Bones (whose solo project I’ve currently got on repeat as I type this) is an amazing musician and lyricist, able to capture an audience with the strike of a single chord. Mr. Malcolm Rockwell (aka. Chest Rockwell) has a voice and bass playing ability that not only stands steadfast on it’s own, but perfectly compliments the stylings of Bones. What sounds like a few simple chords are then added to interesting lyrics and an enthralling bassline to create the unique sound that is the core of Fuzigish. With the addition of brass and maniacal drumming, the sound is complete.

Their music is catchy and happy. I have many fond memories of their live performances, which I recall every time I hear their music.

Hog Hoggidy Hog

Okay, I’ve been listening to these guys forever. If I remember correctly, the first live concert I went to in my teens was a Hogs show. Those are the kinds of memories you can’t just conjure up.

This punk/ska band is a truly iconic outfit. Having been around for well over a decade now and seen the music scene morph and evolve, the Hogs have stuck it out and stood up tall, proud to be punkers and purveyors of fine pork rock.

Give them a listen. Make sure it’s at a live concert. You’ll know the feeling.

Bed on Bricks

Once again, such talented musicians. Where does one begin?

Their live performance is incredible. Truly incredible. The first time I saw them live, I wanted to pick my jaw up off the floor, go home and write a bunch of songs in the hopes of starting an awesome record-deal-acquiring band, to be as awesome as their live performance. Just typing about it brings back fond memories of the first time I saw Bed on Bricks perform live.

Bed on Bricks, for me, epitomises the heart of Cape Town city. Their uniquely chilled rock sound, coupled with their general approach to their music, reminds me of an act that is uniquely Capetonian.

Their live performance is not to be missed (in case that wasn’t clear from the first paragraph about them).

This list can go on forever. I could listen to any of the above bands, at any time of the day, any day of the week. They are all truly incredible, none more so than the others. Music has played such a pivotal role in my life, I find I have many many fond memories of stages, speakers being pushed to their limits, being flung across stages during insane mosh pits and generally having an amazing time to some really cool music.

There are loads of awesome South African bands on Twitter, if you’re keen to connect with the bands directly.

If you don’t often go out to listen to South African bands, I’d strongly recommend you take a turn at the next gig you see and give it a go. The locals are really friendly and are always keen for more folks to join in the fun.

There are, however, artists that seem to stick around longer than the average.

With the unfortunate recent passing of Michael Joe Jackson, and the regular broadcasting of his music on radio since his passing, I began thinking; “does pop music really have a “sell by” date?” Jackson’s music, when listened to now, seems to blend in with the music of the time, as if it were recorded yesterday. This music, while unknowingly avante garde for it’s time, revolutionised the music industry in a way that cannot even begin to be described. Music that truly stands the test of time.

Whether you enjoyed his music or not, Michael Jackson set a standard for music to come. His band comprised some of the most sought after musicians known today and his numerous world tours were nothing short of breathtaking.

In conclusion, I am to believe that no, pop music doesn’t always come and go like yesterday’s breeze. If executed correctly, and with enough passion, music really can stand the test of time.

We have so many amazingly talented bands and musicians in South Africa, it’s not easy to keep this list short. Here are a few South African bands that I’ve enjoyed listening to.

Rambling Bones

This acoustic project, staring Jay Bones (front man of Jo’burg ska/punk legends, Fuzigish) and Kustom Kev on congas, percussion and glokenspiel, these layed back tunes are perfect for a fun evening out or a relaxed evening at home by the fire. Elements of Bones’ ska/punk roots are audible in several tracks.

Check out Rambling Bones at: http://www.ramblingbones.com

Captain Stu

A self-proclaimed “mongrel band”, Captain Stu fuse rock, reggae, ska and punk with traditional jazz influences and elements of funk and generally whatever styles the band members enjoy. A talented group of musicians, these guys are making a name for themselves in the South African music industry, having performed on stages around the country.

Check out Captain Stu at: http://www.myspace.com/captainstuandthellamas

Skanking Nelson

Here’s an old school one for you. Skanking Nelson were a punk band  that performed around the early 2000’s. The two front men, Graham and Mark, went on to be involved with The Magic of Pegasus and The Doppler Effect, respectively.

Hog Hoggidy Hog

Legends of the South African alternative music industry, these guys need no introduction. With over a decade of performances, tours, albums and fun under their belts, the Hogs are going strong. With a fresh new album recently released, the band are sticking strongly to their punk roots while striving to promote South African music wherever they go… including several tours to Europe over the past few years.

Check out Hog Hoggidy Hog at: http://www.hoghoggidyhog.co.za

Sibling Rivalry

Durban’s most well-known ska/punk band, Sibling Rivalry are an institution in the Durban music scene. The members have amongst them started a recording studio, founded and developed the Uprising Festival (one of Durban’s biggest alternative music festivals) and written for various online and printed publications.

Check out Sibling Rivalry at: http://www.siblingrivalry.co.za

Lowprofile

Lowprofile are a punk band based in Durban. An awesome bunch of guys with a professional approach to their band and who know how to have a fun time. Alongside Sibling Rivalry, these guys have become an institution in the Durban alternative music industry. Raw punk energy coupled with a solid band image and a great attitude, makes for an awesome group of guys who have a great time on stage. Their lead guitarist, Woogy, is also quite a shredder.

Check out Lowprofile at: http://lowprofile.co.za

I’ve heard the following from so many people; “I can’t play guitar” or “I’m not musical enough” or “Piano just seems too… too difficult”. The above are all incorrect.

Playing a musical instrument, the way I see it, requires the 4 P’s: Patience, Persistance, Practice and Passion. These four elements should point one in the right direction for learning to play a musical instrument.  Let me explain.

Patience: You won’t get it right away. It’s the “not giving up” approach that ensures your future ability to play the instrument.

Persistance: If you don’t get it right away, don’t give up or stress out over it. Be patient (see above) and try again. Wash, rinse, repeat.

Practice: Motivate yourself to practice techniques, and whatever you want to learn, on a regular basis. If you don’t get it right the first time, persist and be patient.

Passion: Ultimately, you have to really want to play the instrument. This want (or passion) will ensure that you practice, are patient and persist in learning the techniques, songs and theories you want to learn.

It’s really not all that difficult to do the above four things… and hey, it’s never too late to start.

This brings me to the question; “is it the band or the musicians?”

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This looks pretty awesome.

It’s not the one. It’s cool though. The main features I like are the humbucker and standard pickup hybrid, as well as the thin neck. The downsides are the floating bridge and the fact that all the tuning pegs are in a single line.

What do you guys think?

It’s interesting how, over time, one becomes very comfortable with one’s guitar… so much so that I’m tempted to look in the same range for a second guitar, as I love the Washburn. Floor salesmen usually ask what style you will be playing on the guitar… but what if you play a variety of different styles?

Anyways, this was just a random musing over the concept of purchasing a new guitar. If anyone out there has any recommendations (yes, I know PRS make amazing guitars… they’re pricey though), I’d be really greatful to read your thoughts and maybe get a few more angles with which to approach this.

Thanks guys.

I will be adding periodically to this list. I will also update with various music industry twitter users, etc. Anna’s list has a good few names I’ve missed out and which I will be adding soon. Thanks for posting your list, Anna. Glad to see bands signing up on Twitter. If you have any bands to add to this list, please add them via the comments below, and they will be added to the list.

The question here is, really, “will these bands use Twitter for it’s intended purpose, or purely as a follower-gaining tool?”

So often, I’ve heard bands showing off how many friends they have on Myspace or fans on Facebook. There seems to be a definite perception that the more friends/fans you have on your online profile, the more “popular” your band is. I believe this to be incorrect. So what if you have 30000 friends on Myspace? If you don’t interact with them, they mearly serve the purpose of making your band potentially look attractive to a record label, promoter or other music industry tycoon. This is that classic “one chance” that every band seeks out. That one chance to “break out” and “make it big”. What good will that do your band though?

This brings me back to basic online marketing principles. I believe that applying standard website marketing tools to your band’s online presence will be as effective, if not surely more so, than adding a trillion friends to your profile page.

A few South African bands to converse with on Twitter:

@rudimentals — Afro-ska/reggae band from Cape Town. The first South African band on Twitter (I think).
@watermarkhigh — Acoustic rock band from Pretoria.
@akingband — Popular Cape Town pop rock band.
@jaxpanik — Electro dance fusion rocker.
@goldfishlive — Come on. You all know Goldfish. Jazz/dance/fusion act from Cape Town.

I look forward to seeing more South African bands on Twitter. Does anyone have any other bands to add to the above list.

Friday 27th March — The Bohemian in Richmond, Johannesburg.
– With Pestry, Swivel Foot and Submachine.

Saturday 28th March — Frontside Skate Park in Alberton, Johannesburg (All Ages Show)
– With Vendetta Cartel, Gross Misconduct, The Reverends and Touched By Nausea.

Saturday 28th March — Black Dahlia in Boksburg, Johannesburg
– With Pestroy

Friday 3rd April — Wynberg Sports Club, Cape Town (All Ages Show)

Saturday 18th April — The Assembly, Cape Town

Cape Town is right at the end of the tour. Its sure to be well worth the wait. I’ve loved the Hogs since the first time I heard them. Their music is an excellent marriage between unique African influence and raw punk rock. If you’re near one of the above venues and can get yourself to the launch show, you will not be dissappointed.