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Van Coke Does it Again

30 May

DSC_0182A lot can be said for the progress that Francois van Coke has made personally in his own career, and style of music. But, it’s when you look at the impact that he has had on the South African music scene, that you realise how amazing this guy really is. Francois recently scooped up 5 Ghoema awards for Afrikaans music, 3 of which were for “Toe Vind Ek Jou”, that he did with Karen Zoid.

The impact that he has on the next generation of musicians in SA is also extremely evident, with more and more bands emerging in the Afrikaans Rock genre. One of the new kids that we should most definitely keep an eye on, is Werner Oli4, who was chosen as an opening act at the Aandklas Open Mic Nights, that take place every Sunday (except the first of every month) at Aandklas Hatfield. Another such an act, with probably the deepest voice this side of Narnia, is Nick May, who is also a regular at the Open Mic sessions.

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These guys were the perfect choice to get the crowd going on the 28th of May, when Francois did his thing at Aandklas. This show was absolutely mind-blowing, with Nick May setting the tone with Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond, and then getting everyone to confess that they got high. Unfortunately, I missed Werner’s set, since I was caught up at a friend’s Bachelor party (congratulations again, Fred), but I have no doubt that he was every bit as amazing.

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Francois van Coke’s got a way with a crowd that is near impossible to emulate. When he gets onto a stage, every eye in the venue is on him, and every ear is pitched to hear him perform. Saturday was no different. The rocker gave the crowd exactly what they had been expecting, with a little bit extra, as always. My personal favourite moment was when he did “Toe Vind Ek Jou”, which was very different from the version that we are used to with Karen, but still every bit as impactful.

It was an amazing show, giving a platform for young and upcoming musicians to open for great local artist, after being fairly selected (*cough* jasper dan *cough*) by the guys from Aandklas. I believe that we will soon be just as amped to see Werner, Nick, and all of the other talented kids from the Open Mic Nights performing at shows like this, and possibly festivals like Oppikoppi, but for now, join us on Sunday evenings from 19:00 to celebrate the next generation of South African music.

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Article by Michael King.

Battle for Iron Maiden: The Jasper Dan Dispute

11 May

The last few days, the South African metal & rock community has been up in arms about… a silly battle of the bands.

The only problem is, that this battle was not really that silly. At least not the purpose of it. The winner will open for Iron Maiden when they play in South Africa. Now, in principle, I would be all for a properly organised vote-for-the-opening-act type of thing. In this case however, it took the form of a pub-idols style battle of the bands.

Now, without going into any of the opinions, not even mine, I would just like to share with you the bands who were in the final. So you can form your OWN opinion.

New Born Fire

 

De Wallen

 

Deadline

 

 

The Slashdogs

 

 

Man as Machine

 

And ladies and gents, the winners of the night, the best rock/metal band in SA to represent South African music lovers on stage at the Iron Maiden concert… Congratulations on winning this much sought after opportunity:

Jasper Dan

[[EDIT: The above video went private a day after this post was made. I assume something might be wrong with YouTube… Below is another video I could find]]

 

Now, a special message to everyone dissing the winners:
Come on guys, seriously now. Let’s not get a band down. That’s not rock and roll, baby.

I have never had the opportunity to see them live, and I have only heard of them now for the very, first, time. So for all I know, they are really nice guys, hard-working, upcoming musicians.  So let’s play nice.

I said in the beginning that I will not share my opinions, so I will rather ask you to share yours.

Aweh.

 

Jason vs Jason: The post I really hate writing

7 Apr
Jason Oosthuizen (photo by Gillian Coetzee)

Jason Oosthuizen (photo by Gillian Coetzee)

I did not want to write this post, or any other post of this nature. Ever.

You see, this touches on a subject that delves into speculation. It is bound to be subjective no matter how hard one tries to be objective. And, most of all, I find posts like these akin to gossip tabloids (eeew). I mean, what’s next? Do I have to start writing about what who wore, and who broke up with who? *pukes*
But, over the recent long weekend, so many silly people asked me for my opinion, that I decided to formulate one, so here it is:

Jason (Hinch) vs Jason (Oosthuizen)

Hinch is out of The Black Cat Bones, and Oosthuizen (ex-Van Coke Kartel) is in.

I find the Black Cat Bones to be one of my favourite bands, locally and internationally. I love their music, love the band and generally love the type of people that appreciate their music.
The fact that they now have a new drummer, is rather inconsequential. Did Hinch play an important part in the band? YES! Did he play a pivotal part? Sadly, no. Is he a great drummer? Nope, he is a BRILLIANT drummer.

Jason Hinch (Photo by Henry Engelbrecht)

Jason Hinch (Photo by Henry Engelbrecht)

I believe that the Bones’ sound did benefit from having Hinch there, just as it will benefit from having Oosthuizen in the mix. It’s not like they will suddenly start sounding like Van Coke Kartel.

I actually only have the following messages for these people (and if they read this, awesome):

  • Jason Hinch: You are a trooper. A brilliant drummer. Do not let this minor setback get you down. I believe you have it in you to become one of the most respected drummers SA has ever had!
  • Jason Oosthuizen: Welcome to The Bones. I look forward to rocking out with you at many gigs to come (just need to convert you to Jose Cuervonism)
  • Black Cat Bones: Guys, thank you for the music. Coz that’s all that matters.
  • The one doos that tried to get me to hate BCB now coz of the change: You sir, are a prat, and nothing better than a fickle pop fan. Please FOAD.
  • To everyone else: Let’s just love the music, and let the band take care of the business.

In the end, if the super hot girl/guy you like decide to paint her/his house a colour you hate, will this make that person less sexy? I doubt it. So the same here.

Now I honestly don’t know why you are still reading this, rather go listen to some music or have a tequila.

Aweh!

Black Cat Bones