Genre: Fresh Acoustic Surf Rock
Hometown: Jozi
Years performing: 7
Please explain what exactly “fresh acoustic surf rock” is.
Haha; ok, I made it up so I guess I owe you an explanation. Imagine super-original alternative rock that’s mainly based on chunky acoustic guitar rhythm, mellowed out by smooth bass grooves, add a deep beat on drums, and top it all off with some sweeping melodic lines on electric guitar, my laid-back vocals and some lyrics you won’t easily forget.
Best gig you’ve played?
Ah, it’s got to be my last gig in London. The Halfmoon is a special place; a historic venue. It’s played host to rock royalty – Keith Richards once just rocked up and joined a band on stage for a few songs. The Rolling Stones used to play there back in their early days. U2 have done the same. The whole vibe of the place just resonates with the memories of decades of rock ‘n roll moments.
It was an incredible evening; check out the video:
http://www.youtube.com/user/rolthemuso?feature=mhsn#p/a/f/1/MwmRQnrIyg0
Ever had any really bad stalkers and “over-zealous fan” experiences? How do you deal with it?
I’ve had one or two moments; one was actually an ex-girlfriend but that’s all cool now. I think most ex-girlfriends can be scary though. Some people have been just a little bit too pushy but I just stay chilled. There’s a point where you need to cut comms for a while and rather just keep your distance. But I’ve mainly got incredible fans and they just send me good vibes and loads of encouragement all the time.
What makes you proudly South African?
I flippin’ love SA. I wrote a song called No Place Like Home in the middle of a London winter. I think this song really sums it up for me. One of the lyrics is “the sun and seas and the clear blue skies, a little place you call home”. When you’re sitting out one of those cold winters you won’t believe how much you miss those three things; sun, sea an blue skies. SA must be one of the most diverse and beautiful countries in the world. It’s incredible! We’re all lucky to be living in a country like this.
Listen to No Place like Home here: http://www.reverbnation.com/artist/song_details/2392187
What local artists have caught your attention?
I think my favourite at the moment is probably Good Luck. I just can’t get Taking It Easy out my head.
Goals for the rest of the year as far as albums and gigs go?
I’ve been bringing out demo recordings of new tracks almost every month as part of a project called ‘Natural Selection’ (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=53CCAED1F92E9CFA). All the most popular tracks will be professionally recorded and featured on a new EP to come out later this year. So the fans essentially choose what songs go on the album!
But as far as gigs go, this year is really about playing live in SA. The first gig was on Muizenberg beach this last Sunday, March 27th, as part of a beach clean-up event. [It was such a cool event and I’m so stoked I got to play]. I did a sweet acoustic set with djembe drums and shakers and stuff.
http://karlandida.blogspot.com/2011/03/muizenberg-beach-cleanup.html
Are any of your songs/ lyrics inspired by exes? If so, which ones and why?
Haha – you want me to get into more trouble here? Yes, I’ve definitely had a few songs inspired by girlfriends and exes. Heartache is such a common source of inspiration for most artists!
Broken is a classic breakup song. It even won me Best Male Artist in February in an American song writing comp called The International Acoustic Music Awards. Have a listen here:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HCp4TDvCVo
Picking up the Pieces is one of my favourite songs. It’s about my ex getting over me. http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_6491395
Another good one is Rescue Me. That was a hectic one! That girl broke my heart into a million pieces. It’s a rough recording but still got a good feel so I leave it out there:
http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_1483499
But you know what they say; nothing gets you over the last one like the next one. Keep loving people J
Best surfing spot?
That’s easy. I love Dunes. If you can brave the cold water and the walk out there you won’t regret it. It’s a beautiful spot and I once had a really close sighting of a Southern Right Whale there when I was surfing with two mates. There was no one else in the water and this whale just popped up to say hi. I was shitting myself at first because it was so close but we chilled out and dived under water to check it out; just amazing.
Oh, and I love Elands Bay but it’s a bit of a drive and I’ve only been there once. Had the best session of my life there and I’d only just learnt to stand up.
How has your music changed/ evolved since you first started writing and playing?
Well, when I first started I was a bit frustrated because I couldn’t think clearly about my ideas and I played by ear so I didn’t fully understand what I was doing. I ended up studying music for a year in London, specialising in guitar. After that there was no looking back – I could break down the structure of my songs more easily, rewrite stronger choruses, put down a drum beat and bass line. It was incredible.
If you had to choose a quote (or a line) to describe what motivates you day to day, what would it be?
Well, I’m useless at remembering epic quotes but my philosophy is to try and explore my own potential and become the best possible version of myself.
