Catching Up with the Parlotones

“There is no better feeling than arriving at a show in a foreign country and there is a queue waiting outside.”

 

What can we expect from the new album?

Awesomeness, they say humorously, it has a lot of good hits on it, it’s quite diversity, a bit of everything, featuring Khuli Chana…

What are some of the things you enjoy doing outside of your music career?

To play Golf and tennis,

How has your music changed since leaving SA?

I don’t think we’ll ever consciously know how it has changed or evolved but ultimately you are a product of your experiences, of your environment and we are constantly exposed to old and new music, styles, and that washes over you and goes into your subconscious, and when it comes to the creative process you naturally bring that new vibe to the mix. It happen as an organic and more natural process. Since the inception of the band our core of our sound is melody, and it is still the same, sonically it may change around the core but, every thing we like creating revolves around melody.

How do you compare yourselves to the rest of the market in your genre?

At this stage Rock, or guitar music has a bit of the back burner, especially in the domain of pop culture, especially that which is distributed by radio stations and television channels, so you see a lot of guitar bands evolve their sound to accommodate that. But everything is cyclical, it swings around and for us, we try and ensure that we stay a guitar band and try to listen to what is current and fresh and organically we have never been purests, e=we like all kinds of music, and if it’s a good song it’s a good song no matter what its dressed in. sometimes we sound poppy, sometimes rocky, but that is just the vibe of what we listen to.

How is the response to your music different compared to that which You had here in SA?

America has thir own type of sound, and hhan has a unique voice which is a refreshing sound, and we defenately stand out vocally. The fans as well, they are a lot more proactive, they hear the music from a tv show for example and they go out and and see who wrote the song, get the album, and go to a show with their friends, as they are very enthusiastic about how they consume music. They are loyal also, they will follow you as you do your shows, sometimes travelling ten to 12 hours between shows, and they sometimes arrive before you do and they stand and wait outside the entrance. We alrady have fans with tattoos of our lyrics.

what are some of the challenges that you gave faced as a group?

Basically family and friends, being away from home. Is the biggest challenge. And trying to get on with each other isn’t that big of a challenge as we are fortunate that we get on so well. Not having routines, just focusing most of your energy on the next city, and the next show. But we have the normal things like broken down busses and vans and things that come with the territory.

 How was the Jo'burg day experience?

Amazing, crazy crowed, it was cool. It is always was great to play to a home crowed.

have the dynamics in the group changed or developed in anyway?

Over the years we have become more experienced and better musicians, starting off as being self-taught, we just develop and performance, energy and everything is much easyer, doing songs without even thinking about it, becoming more professional and becoming a tight knit.

What do you miss the most about the country, besides family?

The vibe, the feeling around you is not alien. The familiarity of being home.

What are some of the key highlights of your career thus far?

Performing at the opening ceremony of the world cup, with the whole adrenalin and the rush that was surrounding the whole country, and it was the largest televised performance, a special moment and a historic event. And as a new band you start dreaming small, like playing at Roxys in Melville and once that’s done you set your sights on something else which all become individual highlights.

What are some of your goals for the future?

Our main goal is to have a life long career in music as the Parlotones. To be a Big band, whatever that means, to tour and play on radio around the world. Short term goal is the new album, and getting that on radio.

What can fans be expecting from you in the near future?

Just the new album and to perform in small towns who are normally starved for live entertainment, and at the end of the year we will have a big tour nationwide.

Do you still get performance jitters before going on stage?

Always, but mostly it is when playing in America for offices of people who are responsible for promoting your music, especially when there is no equipment except a guitar and a shaker.

How many of you are single? There are so many ladies who are dying to know!

Glen is, but he has girlfriends, so there is still a chance.

During shows they often play longer than the set time, this is because they say they will always give more if the crowed it asking for it.

“It’s satisfying doing exactly what we want to do.”

The Zulu in Review

Where: Main Theatre – The Market Theatre.
Twitter: @markettheatre
Directed by Christopher John and designed by Sarah Roberts

 Going into the theatre you never know what to expect, but when you are pleasantly surprised, it always comes as a well-earned relief, but The Zulu was much more. The performance by Mbongeni Ngema, neglected by many, is an act of true African storytelling, an experience you hardly have anymore.

 

The stage is set to welcome you into rural KZN and the Zulu village, taking you back to the great Zulu kings of the past. Each character is portrayed with confidence and in a manner where you could swear Mbongeni had been there. He had grown up with these stories being told to him by his great-grandmother.

Bear breasted, dressed European from the waist down and traditionally Zulu from the hip up, Mbongeni merged between scenes, times, characters and settings seamlessly, with his memories and the words of his late blind great-grandmother guiding our journey through Zulu land.

Accompanied by Matshitshi Ngema, listening with us, they engaged in the journey through dances, traditional Zulu song and battle spears and shields, to lead the way to victory. The story is completely in English to cater for any and all audiences with any Zulu parts being translated as he continues his journey.

For Ngema, the creator of hits such as Sarafina and Woza Albert, this is a show that will teach, inspire and transport you to a defining time in our own history, looking at it from an African point of view, a story for everyone, South African and global citizen, to hear.

The play which goes for about 90+ minutes is one this mature actor has been dying to do. He feels that the stories of our past are an investment and they need to reach the ears and pierce the imaginations of modern audiences.

The show will be touring the country till 2014 and will be taken abroad for international audiences to consume. This is a show that we should all see. Truly a bold performance of informative and entertaining storytelling.

Spring fragrance for men - The ONLY guide you need!

Seasons come and go, and just like your wardrobe, you also want to change your fragrance. Smelling good is a necessity for any man in a metropolitan society, and even if your not too sure what to get, let me help you.

As the heat climbs we move away from the deeper and stronger fragrances such as Spicebomb by Viktor & Rolf or Tom Ford’s Noir. It’s time to look, feel and smell fresh. Whether it’s in those shorts and shades at that party or to a more formal feel of Spring these are what you should look for:

1.      Gentleman Only by Givenchy, a clean, crisp, masculine smell great for any occasion. This fragrance has been recently re-launched and reworked with woody character and spicy compliments are combined to bring the best out of the modern man.

2.      Eros by Versace this is a balanced fragrance. It has fresh notes and is sweet and strong. This is how you make an impression at any party. With strong and warmer woody hints Eros is named after the Greek God of love, this is for the man who is the master of himself.

3.      Only The Brave by Diesel is perfect this season. It is a lasting fragrance that compliments everyone with its citrusy aroma and distinct base notes, it’s the fragrance of any hero. With a distinct bottle, it’s a keeper.

4.      Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Summer 2013 with their distinct limited edition bottles introduce this musky fragrance with a vanilla base and hints of mint and green grass leave. This is the epitome of Spring also adding to your collection of unique fragrance bottles.

5.      Dolce & Gabbana Pour home is a combination of foral and natural notes, a fresh fragrance that is very masculine and a true classic scent. This classic fragrance is great for both day and night, no matter the occasion.

So no matter what you looking for this Spring and through the summer, this will be perfect for all your needs. Who says a man can’t smell good?

Partying with Jack Parow.

It was exciting when we were invited to interview and attend one of Jack Parow’s shows at Tiger Tiger Pretoria. It was a night with a lot of energy, over-excited fans, good music and where many preconceived ideas about Parows music fell away. The line-up was tight, with Jack and featured DJs: Craig White and Dean Murray. We met up with Jack in VIP and got to know the Afrikaans rapper a bit more.

Where does this wild and ‘cooler as ekke’ personality come from?

I come from Belleville. I’m an Afrikaans kid from that side and being from that aria, where I grew up, it’s where my personality comes from and I just try and make cool music and hope people like it.

 What inspires your type of music?

People I meet, the places I go, the parties, everyday life, I try and keep my music as real as possible and as close to myself as possible, that’s my vibe.

 Who are some of the artists that you would like to collaborate with?

I always like to work with Afrikaans artists who inspired me growing up. Like on my new album I collaborate with some of my favourite artist David Cramer, a friend of mine from the States: Dirt Nasty, Francois van Coke, Vally swart,

What don't people know about jack?

Nothing, I’m so honest and open and I put everything into my music, so there isn’t anything.

 What do you call your dress style?

I don’t know... I keep away from trends, but it’s not Zeff.

 What kind of message do you want to send through your music?

Be yourself, do what you love. Don’t listen to negativity, don't change for other people, be different. Because at school I listened to rap and I did what I wanted to that’s why I am where I am.

A lot became clear as the interview and the evening progressed, Jack Parow has a diverse fan base who lined every part of the club to see him perform. The fans related to his honest and forthcoming manner as they sang along to every lyric. The night went off without a hitch even though the crowed went mad, and he was less than a meter away from them at all times, interacting with them during every song.

How has your music changed since the days of rapping only in English?

The big change was that it completely changed language. I still have a lot of English in my music, I use a lot of slang as well. I just write, and if it comes out in either language that’s ok but I my main aim is to further Afrikaans music. Like anything your skills develop, you never stop learning, always try to be better, with music you are constantly pushing myself better.

 Where in the world have you performed and where would you like to perform?

I played all over South Africa and I’ve played in Russia, Germany, Holland, Belgium, England and the States. For next year I want to play in Australia and New Zealand.

What do you do in your spare time?

Braai, because my life is to party, so at home I just chill, and play plantation.

 Where do some of your other talents lie?

I bought a book a few years ago and I’m learning how to be a handyman. Building and doing carpentry, it’s fun working with my hands. I also did Graphic design for a long time, and I also dabble in that often.

 What's new with Jack? What can we expect from you?

The DVD launched, Welcome to Parowdise. I finished writing and I’m busy recording new album, which is a double album, half acoustic and half electric. In this financially tough time I wanted to produce something that is worth people spending their money on. Also I am working with ‘Closely’, to produce a Jack Parow vinyl next year, because I am a huge vinyl collector, I'm happy to put-out my own one.

When is the new CD coming out?

Hopefully around the second week of October this year.

What can we expect from your DVD?

Basically the last four years of my life, mixed in with two big live shows. It’s a lot of crowed footage, interviews, behind the scenes, and footage from where I’ve played all over the world. It’s different and not a documentary. It shows where I am in my life and my journey,

What are your feelings about Jo'burg day?

Amped for it, it’s always fun to play on a massive stage, it’s cool.

The evening was rounded off with Jack allowing his fans to take photos, get autographs and to acquire some merchandise, memorabilia of a night they spent with their favourite artist. Hos JA!

Getting to know Jimmy Nevis

Jimmy Nevis is a young and vibrant student who has made a huge splash in the music industry lately. His sound is of an international standard, locally bread from the Mother city, Observer took some time to get to know Jimmy a little better, behind the music.

What are your best tips to pulling an all-nighter.

Get coffee (not an energy drink) and get a friend as well so that you not alone. Work with breaks every hour or every hour and a half.

Where do you see your music developing into in the next 5 to 10 years?
Internationally across the globe, having covered multiple genres.

Does your coloured roots influence your music in any way?
I think more the cultural aspect as oppose to the racial aspect - i think my childhood, community and life experience all contributes towards my sound.

What's the 3 thing you never leave the house without?
My cellphone, laptop and bank card

What are your favorite hobbies, or activities away from University and music?

Swimming, braai-ing, going on vacation.

How do fellow students react to you now, especially those who run into you for the first time?

It's mainly first year students - they often look a little shocked at first but then they come around afterwards.

Still single? What are the traits you look for in a partner?
Confidence and a good self-esteem, an understanding towards my career

 What makes you different from the other young South African musicians, besides the type of music you make?

I think I'm very involved, I write, produce, plan and arrange my own music. I edit some of my own videos and I’m generally just a part of every sphere there is.

Who are some of the artists who inspire you?

Coldplay, Mi Casa, Rihanna, Jamie Cullum, Drake

What are your plans for the end of the year and into 2014 that fans should look out for?

I have a show happening in September 20/ 21 at Baxter hall in CT. I'm also featured on many tracks including Mi Casa and pascal and Pierce. I'm also dropping new videos and maybe even a brand new single.

Have you considered going on tour and where would you like to go?

I think I'd really like to get South Africa under my belt first and then take over other countries in Africa. I'd also love to tour Europe. I feel a strong connection to their interest in music. I'm loving a lot of the acts to come out of the UK and France at the moment.

Indoors or outdoors?

Indoors – fire

How would you describe your fashion/style?

Inspired by my emotions. Very simple.

How has faith influenced the decisions you make in life?

I base every decision on it. It is the influence that really counts.

In addition…

Just a thanks to all the supporters and music lovers out there!! Mad Respect.