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Something has been rumbling down in Cape Town and now that rumble is coming to Johannesburg for the first time in four years. Atlantic South, Cape Town’s metalcore royalty, will be returning to Gauteng to step up and take the stage at the next Brochella bash with Riddlebreak, Red Helen and the mighty Attila from the USA on Friday 14 June at Rumours Rock City.
It’s been about four years since Atlantic South came up to Johannesburg. What has changed the most in the band since that last encounter in the big smoke?
Phew, plenty has changed since then. Charles joined the band on guitar in late 2016 shortly after our last trip up to Johannesburg and Ric joined on bass roughly a year later. We then recorded our second EP “Fall in Line”, followed by several epic shows leading up to our last show on with Luke on vocals supporting Our Last Night in November 2018. So, its been a busy few years with some major “ups” and a few “downs” but as of 2019 we have never felt stronger and are looking to take this year by the horns.
You’ve performed alongside loads of internationals that have toured South Africa over the past few years. Which has been the most memorable?
There have been so many memorable moments so it’s hard to pick just one, but I would say it was when we supported 36 Crazyfists. Man, just that fact that this is a band I have listened to for so many years, before there was even a thought in my head of being in a band. It was a pretty surreal feeling. There were so many epic moments from that night. The crowd was so interactive, and we were really animated so it was just perfect.
Who would win in a fight? Gareth or Brandon from Red Helen?
[Laughs] Woah, it would be like Scorpion vs Scorpion in Mortal Kombat. I think there’s even a doppelganger meme floating on the internet somewhere. Scorpion WINS.
What are you most excited about being back in Johannesburg and performing at Rumours Rock City for the first time?
We are just so excited to be coming back. It will be our first time at Rumours Rock City so with that and the fact we are supporting Attila along with some great Johannesburg bands makes it that more epic, so we are planning to kick it up a notch. We pride ourselves on our live shows and with the new line-up are coming with more energy and intensity than ever. Basically, more intense goofy grins and animation [laughs]!
Which track of Attila’s are you most keen to witness live on 14 June?
There are so many I reckon ‘Middle Fingers Up’ because I know crowd is going to completely lose it if they play that track, but I’m also keen to see ‘Toxic’ live because it’s pretty new and it also kicks some serious ass.
Atlantic South has had some member changes over the last two years. What have these guys brought to the table in terms of musical ability?
Member changes can be brutal on a band. It was brutal on us without a shadow of a doubt. Its not only the emotional shit you go through during those times but also how your plans and goals can become affected. In saying that, the guys have brought so much to the table in terms of musical ability and we are on a steady path of writing music and spending lots of time together to build the bond stronger than ever.
Does pineapple go on pizza?
We have conflicting opinions in the Atlantic South camp.
Which bands from our local scene have really made an impact on you this year – like, who is doing it right for yourselves as a band?
This year you got to give it to the Facing The Gallows boys. To come from back from parting ways with your long-time vocalist to ripping it up in the local scene and winning the Wacken Battle is just awesome and they stay on top of things in terms of social media and marketing. I think a lot of bands can learn from that. We have been in the same boat and it’s amazing to see what can come out on the other side.
If you could collaborate with one artist, dead or alive, who would it be?
I think Dimebag is the answer! Nuff said…
Johannesburg is looking forward to having some Cape Town in their face. What message do you have for your fans up north?
Cape Town is looking forward to being in Johannesburg’s face! We cannot wait to come and play for some of the most passionate metal fans our country has to offer. Be ready! We are coming and also don’t forget to join us for some cold Budweisers after the show!
Atlantic South will be performing alongside Riddlebreak, Red Helen and the mighty Attila from the USA on Friday 14 June at Rumours Rock City.
Tickets are available now for only R280 on Plankton.mobi so get yours now.
Tickets available HERE.
Facebook Event Page.
