The Coming of The Ram

Yes fellow Lovers Of Good Music, it’s RAMFest time.

Saturday 10 March 2012: Johannesburg, Riversands Farm

This year, the runup to the fest has generated quite a lot of hype. There was that unfortunate incident with the anally retentive attention seeking twat in Bloemfontein who likes sending around chain-mails. (In short: RAMfest is satanic, music is evil, and all such nonsense). That, however, was overshadowed by the positive vibe building around the 2012 RAMfest experience. So many people, blogs, celebrities and media are psyched about the events.

I am going to the Jhb-leg of this epic fest this coming Saturday, 10th of March. Let me tell you, I am excited. It’s as if RAMfest’s awesomeness just increases each year! Things I can’t wait for:

• Fokofpolisiekar
• Inflames
• Stalletjies
• Freakishly awesome people
• Moshpit!
• Chilling on the grass after hectic day with drink in hand, burger in the other
• Let us not deny, RAMfest always has a lot of extraordinarily beautiful ladies
• ALL THE MUSIC (That’s what a rockfest is for, after all)

Yes, I did list Fokofpolisiekar above Inflames. I did that for a reason. The rest is just random.

@HennoKruger and myself are organising an informal TweetUp to kick off the experience. 11:30 at the main Beer Garden. Here’s the link to the tweetup: https://www.facebook.com/events/119992298125448/

If you haven’t yet been to RAMfest, make sure you get your tickets, and go! The rest of you who have been there, I am sure I don’t need to motivate you to go again.

Here’s the full schedule for the day (in reverse, coz RAMfest is awesome like that:

RED HEART MAIN STAGE

• 22h30: INFECTED MUSHROOM (Israel)
• 20h30: IN FLAMES (Sweden)
• 19h15: THE NARROW
• 18h15: PESTROY
• 17h00: AWOLNATION (USA)
• 15h30: FOKOFPOLISIEKAR
• 14h30: CHROMIUM
• 13h30: SHADOWCLUB
• 12h30: NEWTOWN KNIFE GANG

OLMECA ELECTRONIC STAGE

• 20h00: DOUBLE ADAPTER
• 18h00: NETSKY dj Set Ft. MC Darrison (Belgium & UK)
• 17h00: NISKERONE
• 16h00: RUDEONE
• 15h00: TASHA BAXTER
• 14h00: DEEZIAK
• 13h00: BENSON
• 12h00: CUTKEYLOW
• 11h00: AMBUSH

Some more info:

Camping:

This year there is also an option for camping. Camping tickets are R50 pp for 2 nights (Fri and Sat) and R30 pp for 1 night (Sat). No camping tickets available for only Friday.  Space is limited so book asap.  Buy your camping tickets here.

Please note: Camping ticket does not include festival ticket and does not allow you entry to the festival arena. You will also not be allowed into the campsite without a valid festival ticket.

RAMfest JHB Party Bus from Pretoria:

After the success of Railway to RAMfest in 2010 & 2011, Hotbox Express has decided to organize a party bus from Pretoria to Ramfest JHB. For more info mail us at hotboxexpress@yahoo.com or contact us on 074 143 7471.

For more information, click here.

TICKETS

RAMfest Johannesburg – R350 (EFT or credit card options)
available at: www.ramfest.co.za or www.ticketbreak.co.za

 

Click here for the facebook event details.

Also, make sure you follow @RAMfest on Twitter

Attrition – A Lifestyle Experience

Close your eyes… On second thoughts, don’t.
You still need to read what I’m typing.
Rather use your imagination.

When I say “Goth“… What’s the first image you get?
Angry, spiky, black-clad guys with make-up and girls with more make-up, standing around hating the world?
How about “Emo“… Same as “Goth”, only with less studs and more tears?

If you still see these images, you seriously need to get your head out of your ass,  stop attending Boeremag meetings and open your life up to experience some alternative culture. You need to go check out Attrition.

I had the privilege of attending the last Attrition event held on Sunday 5 Feb 2012 at Aandklas in Hatfield, and let me spare you the suspense: It was one of the best events I have ever been to. The vibe, the music, the people, the creative expression, the litres of free (and notably colourful) cocktails… The almost surreal realisation that there’s a world of people thriving in a non-mainstream community within the proverbial walls of the status quo.

Were most people clad in black? Yes.
Full of studs, piercings and miscellaneous unconventional jewellery? Lots.

Sad/Angry kids with issues? Nah…

Henkie & Alex of Attrition

In fact, one thing I noticed was how at peace most of the people at Attrition seemed to be. They don’t need society’s approval to be who they are. And it shows.

Through the entire party, I had only one question for the various people I spoke to: “Do you think that a jock/”normal” person would be able to enjoy Attrition? You know, someone that would rather wear less leather and more colours.”

The answers all boiled down to one very clear point: Anyone and everyone is welcome at Attrition. As long as you don’t mind the music, and don’t dish out shit, you will not be shunned.

To this, I can testify. By now you should know that I am not exactly a mainstream-jock listening to Kurt Darren in my spare time. I live for rock and love my black jeans & T’s. However, I generally don’t wear 7kg of steal on my person, and have never so much as considered facial tattoos. Yet, not for a moment did I feel like an outsider at my first Attrition. In fact, I made quite a few new friends, some of whom kindly volunteered to do my make-up for the next event. And you know what, I will take them up on that offer, coz there is no way that I’m ever missing an Attrition party ever again.

I had a chat with Alex Brewis, the main brain behind the Attrition events, about it all. What, why, when, where, how and when…
Now, before you click away due to fear of textual overload, do yourself a favour and read what he had to say. Let his passion inspire you! If you had half as much passion for your job as he has for Attrition, odds are that you wouldn’t even hate Mondays.

1. What is Attrition in brief?
Allies, Alternative, Aesthetic, Awesome.

2. Why the name? What does it mean in the context of your events?
The term “attrition” has always been associated with military forces using few resources and guerilla tactics to overwhelm larger, better positioned forces. Attrition has done just that. We’ve kept at it for 5 years, doing parties that have survived on a Sunday when nobody else is operating, offering a party that mainstream usually rejects. We are the underdog that always comes out on top through service excellence and commitment to the partygoer, never compromising on our genres and never giving up. The gas mask embodies our beliefs, the unknown soldier furthering the cause of the dark aesthetic in all its forms, the survivor in the toxic environment, the one who is prepared, the one who protects himself and is feared for it.

3a. Give us a brief history of the Attrition Events. (origin, progression, events that stood out)
Attrition started 5 years ago, at an undisclosed near-abandoned house, on a crisp winter morning. The inklings of a crimson dawn bathed the highest spires in a kaleidoscope of hues. The air was at this point still devoid of ill-spirited traffic smog. The city lay sleeping under the pallid blanket of delicate frost, not at all roused by the few specks of life trampling it. The neat yet cramped street design spoke of rushed expansion and fortuitous profit, its echoes luring similar endeavours. I digress. The idea was to combine the ability to socialize and meet fellow enthusiasts of the darker aesthetic, with the music and attitude to suit it. Where do the free cocktails (all day and night) fit in? Somewhere within the tomes of reasonably priced alcohol I guess. The empty lounge became a fully furnished dance floor. The first party was a blast, too much so as police and angry neighbours did their best to try and quell our residential insurrection. The Attrition parties started with humble desires, seeking only to provide a haven to those who wished not to have to shout over blaring noise at clubs. The demand, however, soon exceeded my capacity, thus bigger venues were sought. Moving to venues like the Bunker (RIP), Silverton Rockshack (RIP), Full Moon Lounge and Centurion Rockshack (RIP), Tings ‘n Times Hatfield (RIP; heroes of the dark!), the idea of always having a new environment tolook forward to was highly appealing at first, though the logistical implications became an issue. So after deliberation and ample Sumerian rituals, Aandklas (corner of Prospect and Hilda str, Hatfield) is once again the home of Attrition.

As the party occurs every 4 weeks or so, regular customers of the bar were weaned onto the idea of goth/ deathrock/ darkwave/ industrial/ ebm/ metal appearing at their establishment. The staff members of Aandklas are impressively supportive of our concept and have done their utmost to encourage liveliness. Soon the cocktails and gloom began to flow freely. I pride myself on the fact that we host the parties on a Sunday, bypassing regular club nights and giving people something to do on the day of rest. Hence the name Attrition I guess. I’m not really sure, the combined voices in my head don’t always speak in turn. What I do know is that your once-off entrance fee secures you free cocktails and admittance to the best music and people the local scene has to offer. I have been proud to host events with interesting themes (who can forget the Dark Carnival or Steampunk?) and see a great amount of thought being put into costumes and styles. I firmly believe that the crux of our sustainability rests with the participation of the partygoers.

3b. Drop some names… (who started, works at, have been featured etc)
The shadow says to the night, “I can’t see”. It’s the regulars that make this the best, from customers to staff. We have the likes of Dwayne “Sacrifist/Laconia” Coetzee, Henkie “Androidgeny” Van, Cyvergence, Raymond Ross, Ankst, Nightbreed Radio and many others give the crowd their dose of sanity, we have had a member of the Sisters of Mercy party with us. Attrition’s about the underdog though, the unknown soldier, the haunter of the dark. Our friends and artists, the loyal and the true. We have had some great sponsors and merchandise supporters over the years: Chaos R Us Clothing, Ankst, The Missing Ink (did my whole back in a tribute to the Loa, Poe & Lovecraft), Paradox, Simply Kat Jewelery and many more. At the helm you’ve got myself (Alex/Portent of Malediction//DJ Sutter Caine / Nightbreed Radio), I like hands-on management of events.

4. What makes Attrition different from other parties?
You won’t find more free cocktails and fun times than this. Whether you drink or not, the ambiance and people can’t be matched. 5. Who do you cater for? And will a typical jock (or a person who’s doesn’t fall in your intended demographic) be able to enjoy the party? We cater for people with an open-mind. Whether you avoid the sun, don’t own anything other than black and know who Peter Murphy is, or whether you just like hanging out and having a good time, you’ll be welcome. The whole idea behind Attrition  is to create an environment where people could meet, relax, listen to good music and drink at low cost. You will meet a variety of different folk, it’s part of the fun.

6. When, where etc? (next events…)
Attrition happens at least once a month, though we have special parties and our own “Sanctums.”
The next Attrition is at Aandklas in Hatfield on the 4th of March.

7. Which bands and genres do you support?
We’re into everything goth/ebm/industrial/deathrock/gothabilly/rock -> you’ll hear Rammstein, KMFDM, Christian Death, Depeche Mode, Clan of Xymox, Eisbrecher, Paradise Lost, Blutengel, NIN, Bauhaus, Necromantik Sunshine, Combichrist, Inhale, Ghost of Lemora, VNV Nation, Emperor, Rolling Stones, Deathcamp Project, SITD, The Drownign Season, Hocico and many, many more…

Thanx Alex, thanx Henkie and all the others working to make Attrition the awesome phenomenon it is, and thank you to all my new freinds, the ones who breathe life into the underground. You are the heroes of individuality, and I salute you.

Links:

• Attrition Website
• @AttritionEvents on Twitter
• Attrition Events on Facebook

All photo’s (not by me) courtesy of the following wonderful people:

• Annemi van Jaarsveld
• Trevor Charles Miller
• Ryan Skully Demoser / Headbone Photography (Ryan’s Website)

MK Awards 2012 – My views included

Last night, the nominees for the MK Awards 2012 have been announced.

Your votes will determine the winners, who will be announced on 23 March 2012 at an awesome event held at The State Theatre in Pretoria.

Now, seeing as you are reading my blog, I quite arrogantly assume that you must be interested in my opinion. Either that, or you came here by accident.  In case of the latter, I will keep my opinions short.

Best Video

Jack Parow – Tussen Stasies

Locnville – Stars Above You

Die Heuwels Fantasties ft. Inge Beckman– Modus Operandi

Spoek Mathambo – Control

Winterstasie – Los My

I must admit, I was blown away by Spoek’s video. It’s not at all my style of music, but man, what a brilliant video! However, since I need to like the music as well in order to REALLY like a music video, my vote goes to Jack Parow – Tussen Stasies.
Parow’s collaboration with Die Heuwels Fantasties brings out the best of both worlds. This video makes me feel good, sad, happy, chilled and excited all at the same time.

Best Newcomer

Bittereinder – Ware Verhaal

Shadowclub – Guns n Money

Moses Metro Man – Huigelaar

The Greame Watkins Project – Music Affair

Mr Cat & The Jackal – The Devil Always Wants To Dance

All the songs in this category are impressive. Shadowclub manages to make a on-stage video cool again, Moses Metro Man makes fairy lights strangely manly and Mr Cat &  The Jackal produced a magnificent video. I really, really love Bittereinder’s video and will always be a huge fan. Somehow, The Graeme Watkins Project just edges this one in their favour for me. I like a video where I WANT to watch to see what happens next, yet is well enough produced to remain entertaining even after you know the story.

Best Group

Van Coke Kartel – Ondier Kom

Shadowclub – Good Morning Killer

Zebra & Giraffe – Undo These Lies

Die Heuwels Fantasties – Buitenste Ruim

Bittereinder ft. Tim Beumers – Slechte Mensen

aKING – Catch Alight

Van Coke Kartel is obvious in their awesomeness, and as a group they have grown so much from “the spawn of Fokofpolisiekar” into a powerful musical force to be reckoned with. My vote goes to them. However, special mention needs to go to Heuwels Fantasties and Bittereinder. Both awesome songs, yet in both cases I just feel that they could’ve done a bit more with the videos. Shadowclub impressed me beyond expectation. Trust me, this is a band the South African music scene can bet on to become HUGE! aKing’s video, aside from providing fap-incentive for many teen boys, is very well done, but as a group I think Van Coke overshadows them as well at this stage.

Best International Hit

Mumford & Sons – Little Lion Man

Adele – Rolling In The Deep

LMFAO – Party Rock Anthem

Maroon 5 – Moves Like Jagger

Foo Fighters – Walk

Here I am torn between two bands. I would love to say that Foo Fighters takes the prize, simply because they are, well, Foo Fighters. I do however think that a band that made a bigger impact on the South African music scene in 2011 deserves to walk away with the accolades. So here’s to Mumford and Sons – Little Lion Man. As for the others: Adele – Brilliant but not quite my style. Maroon 5 – Sing more like Jagger and less about him and I might pay attention. LMFAO… Your name says it all.
On the other hand, screw it, give it to Foo Fighters. Their video is better. No, Mumford. No, Foo… Ok, you decide. I honestly can’t. 

Best SFX/ Animation

aKING – Catch Alight

Goldfish – We Come Together

Mr. Cat & The Jackal – Bad Man Comin

Die Heuwels Fantasties ft. Inge Beckman– Modus Operandi

Van Coke Kartel – Ondier Kom

aKing’s video, as mentioned, is faptastic. I do however feel that Mr. Cat & The Jackal should take this one. They managed to make stop-motion cool again. Van Coke is no doubt the best band in this category, but as with the Heuwels Fantasites video here, the videos are awesome, but it did not make me sit back and say “WOW”. Goldfish… um, cute. no we just need some originality.

Best Rock

Knave – Hollow Chamber

Van Coke Kartel – Vir Almal

Taxi Violence – Head Or Tails

Shadowclub – Guns n Money

Dead Alphabet – Eat You Alive

Play Van Coke’s ‘Vir Almal’ Back to back with aKing’s ‘Catch Alight’ and your 15 year old cousin will strangely go to his room for 3 minutes to be alone. Hoewever, epic tits doth not an awesome video make. If only the first part of the video was as exciting as the last. I honestyl LOVE “Vir almal”, it’s one of my favourite songs at the moment, so I’m almost sad that I couldn’t like the video more. In this, the Best Rock category,  I’ll give it to Knave – Hollow Chamber. These guys are one of the most underrated hard-rock outfits of South Afirca, and deserve to be seen more.  

Best Indie

Ashtray Electric ft. Gazelle – Release

Yesterday’s Pupil – Too Tired To Disco

Dance, You’re On Fire – Boxes Of Tigers

The LA Els – Soulkiller

Wrestlerish – Bodies Of Water

I find it quite difficult to choose between these bands. Partyl due to their diversity, and partly becuse in their own way, each is quite brilliant. In the end, I’ll go for Wrestlerish – Bodies of Water. These guys brought a fresh sound to South African music, and they are not all skinny little boys. Big up for the bigger people!

Best Hipster

(Disclaimer: I have no freaking idea what ‘hipster’ actually is. Mostly because no one does. So I’ll just venture a guess and judge accordingly)

Fulka – Dancing In Our Darkest Days

Holiday Murray – Jirrey

Fire Through The Window – Lonely Hearts

Jack Parow – Byelville

Sedge Warbler – Paranormal Ox Man

I pick Fire Through The Window – Lonely Hearts  simply because I can picture a bunch of hipsters (whoever they might be) going to parties (if that’s not too mainstream) and playing this while they play canasta and talk about obscure movies while scoffing down red velvet cheesecake. (Yes, I have no idea what hipsters actually do, ok?) Oh, and I like the song. 
Parow is Zef, how can he be hip too? Fulka, well, not a huge fan. 

Best Dance

PH Fat – The Big Five

Gazelle ft. Teba – Chic Afrique

Goodluck – Hop On Hop Off

Sedge Warbler – Paranormal Ox Man

Jax Panik – Get Up

To avoid any confusion, I will not rate this, seeing as I honestly do not give a rats ass about this category. Some cute vids though. See  for yourself.

Best Radio Hit

Kovsie FM – aKING / Catch Alight

Puk FM – Moses Metro Man / Huigelaar

Jacaranda FM – Elvis Blue / Lighthouse

MFM – Jax Panik / Dinosaur

Tuks FM – KONGOS / I’m Only Joking

Here my vote goes to KONGOS. Not only due to my love for TuksFM, but honestly because it is an awesome song. Whenever I play it, people party. Whenever I hear it, I want to party. 

Best Live Act

Viewers have the opportunity to nominate any artist/band for the Best Live Act category. To cast a vote, ‘Like’ the MK Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mktv.co.za and click on the ‘Live’ tab. Voting on Facebook and Mxit for the “Live” category puts viewers in line to win a Hyundai i20.

I really look forward to seeing everyone’s opinions on this. In my opinion, some of the best live local acts I have seen during 2011, was Bittereinder, Van Coke Kartel and the EPIC David Kramer Tribute show at Oppikoppi (although I do not think the latter can be nominated).

What do you think? Are my opinions stupid?
Let me know by commenting on this post, and you stand the chance of winning a beer. Yes, I will buy you a beer. Or you can buy me one, I don’t really care.

I also need to work in a slight disclaimer here:
The opinions expressed here are my own. I do not actually think that my options will even win, because people overall are idiots and will vote for the band they like most, in stead of the band best suited to win the appropriate categrory. Hell ,there are bands that I honestly HOPE  will win, simply because i like them more. I was just too honest to wangle my opinion.

So, what are you waiting for, get voting!
Voting has officially begun, and will end at 12:00 on 1 March, 2012.

You can vote on:

• www.mktv.co.za (via mobi or web and ‘Like’ your favourite)
• www.facebook.com/mktv.co.za
• The MK Bot on Mxit