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The guys made their mark with the first single “Hobie Beach” last year and have since recorded two other singles, “Lover of Life” and their latest ‘Gravity” which have also received extensive air play. Finally – one of SA’s most original and talented bands are in the studio recording their first full-length album. We thought it was the right time to find out some kinky stuff about Kinky Robot.
Band: Kinky Robot
Members: Fabio Cohn (Drums) Martin Bester (Lead Vocals) James Nelson (Bass) Pieter Rossouw (Guitar)
Genre: Trance / alternative rock
Hometown: Gauteng
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocpfYJopLvo&noredirect=1
How did Kinky Robot come to be?
The band was formed in 2009. Martin and James shared a flat in Joburg. We had been writing and producing tracks and approached Fabio to drum in December 2009. Pieter joined the band mid 2010.
What’s the kinkiest thing you guys have ever done?
Pieter has performed in a dress.
What’s the kinkiest thing a fan has done to or for a member of the band?
We’ve signed lots of boobs… lots.
What was your first time like in the studio?
It was an amazing experience. We have also been privileged enough to have recorded with one of SA’s top producers. There’s always a great energy amongst the band members but with the recording of Hobie Beach there was just a special spark.
Hobie Beach put you guys on the map – when did you realise that this song was about to take off?
Pretty much as soon as just about every commercial radio station in the country started playing it… but it really hit home with the SAMA Record of the Year nomination.
When you wrote the song, did you realise it had the potential to reach so many people?
Ever since the first time we rehearsed Hobie, long before we recorded it, there had been magic. And we believe in all our music. But the journey from rehearsing to recording to sharing it with our fans was an incredibly humbling experience.
What would you say is the current theme central to all your songs?
Each song lives in its own right. It’s our conversation with our fans and with ourselves. There are no central themes as such.
Tell us about your latest single Gravity?
Gravity started as a trance song, written in 2007. We eventually wrote lyrics for it and made it rock. It was one of the first tracks we rehearsed as a band. Gravity is a song about “falling in lust”… The song is about trying to logically rationalise what happens in your body when you are falling for someone. This internal struggle is hopeless and you have to succumb to it, like gravity.
Is there pressure for Gravity to match up to the success of Hobie Beach?
Again, each song lives in their own right and they’re all quite different from each other. We have been blessed to have three singles (the only three we’ve ever recorded) played on radio. But no, each song should have its own space, and we don’t put ourselves under pressure to match up to so-called success. Artistic integrity is more important.
When and what will decide the time is right for you guys to do a full album?
We are busy recording it.
Which crowd in SA do you tend to party the hardest with after a gig?
Geez, Nelspruit, MK stage at Innibos is insane!!! Love that place. But we’ve had great parties all over. They sometimes catch you by surprise!
Which band do you wish would make a comeback or come out of hiatus?
If you had asked the question a year ago we would have said Skunk Anansie. See? Our prayers were answered!
What’s the future of the music industry in SA with regards to digital downloads vs. CDs and vinyl? Do you think the latter will ever cease to be?
The future of SA music is bright! Just look at all the amazing SA artists today! The industry will remain as long as there are musicians who are passionate about their art. But yes, it might not look and feel the same as it does now. Digital is certainly taking over from the more traditional media. In the next decade or so, sure, we’ll be doing things differently – how different is anyone’s guess. Either way, it’s exciting!
Can you tell us a bit about some of your upcoming gigs and plans for the rest of the year.
Ja sure! Our main focus right now is to get our album finished hopefully before the end of this year. In terms of performances, you can catch us at Tanz Cafe on the 27th of October, at the Vonk Fees in Thabazimbi on the 29th of October, we will be at the African One Nations concert at the JHB Stadium on the 5th of November and then at Riverdeck on the 26th of November. We are really hoping to rock the coast again this year but until then, our gig guide is updated religiously on our website www.kinkyrobot.co.za so keep an eye out for that!
Like Kinky Robot on Facebook and follow the band on Twitter.
