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Introducing Glen Hodgson (The Parlotones) and Jason Oosthuizen (Black Cat Bones, ex Van Coke Kartel) as Lost&Found. We caught up with both Glen and Jason to chat about this new project as well as the Lost&Found debut album, which is set to release in February.
Find out what they had to say and get familiarised with new act here:
How did the Lost&Found project come about?
Glen: A year and a bit ago during some downtime I started performing and recording some of the tracks I had written on the road while touring with The Parlotones. At that time I felt like I was just chugging along and I wanted to do something different that would allow me to express myself in a more genuine way, get some baggage off my chest, and develop my voice a bit more, so I’d just jump on bills and play at bars and Farmers Markets and that sort of thing. I liked it because I could be anonymous and get used to playing by myself. It was a terrifying experience!
Jason: Glen started as a solo act around a year ago and last year he called me up and said let’s do something, so we met up and I said “yeah let’s go for it”. We have been mates for over 10 years so there was no ways I’d say no to working with him. Here we are, three months later with an awesome album and about to hit the road together. Haven’t been this excited since the release of the last Van Coke record, which says a lot.
Why Lost&Found?
Glen: I guess the name came about because I was in a bit of a dark space, feeling lost and questioning a lot of things in my life; Am I in the right place? Am I doing the right thing? Do I need to move on? Etc. I met a person at that time who, more than anyone else, kind of took me by the hand and helped me through it all, gave me some perspective and some clarity. So yeah – Lost&Found. You could also say it’s about my golf balls.
Jason: Glen picked the name as it meant a lot to him at the time as he was not in the best of spaces, so I guess when you questioning things around you and a name sticks then why not go with it.
Where did the inspiration for this project stem?
Glen: Musically it was definitely Damien Rice and Frank Turner, but like I said, I’ve always had these songs on the shelf but was full to the brim with excuses why not to do it, I was always “too busy” or “not good enough.” Everyone I spoke to about it would urge me to just go for it but I was too shit scared to take the first step. Eventually another musician friend of mine, who was also starting a band at the time, decided that he had had enough and threw me in the deep end, booking me as support for all of his shows and not taking no for an answer. This forced me to man up and just do it.
Jason: Well Glen had already played some smaller shows so he was already on the mission regarding Lost&Found. For me, I left Van coke Kartel and spent 9 months living in Los Angeles then Played turkey and the UAE for a while. I then returned home to have my wallet stolen at the airport in Jozi left with R30 to my name. I then looked at my connecting flight to Cape Town and said stuff it. My good friends from Awhe tattoos took me in and two days later I had the gig with the Black Cat Bones and so things have just spiraled till now where it feels like I’ve had 18 months of a rollercoaster that has ended me up being in a band, I’m so happy and proud of that. I spend every night not being able to sleep, that’s how excited I am to get on the road to play you guys these tracks.
How and why did you decide on the Alternative Country Music sound?
Glen: Well, to be honest, I don’t really know what our sound is genre-wise, I couldn’t really care. I just write songs and they sound how they sound. When I recorded the EP I wanted it to be similar to Damien Rice, Ryan Adams, Frank Turner, that sort of melancholic, folky singer/songwriter sound. In the few months before we started recording the album I discovered artists like David Ramirez and Noah Gundersen, and they were so incredibly inspiring. I do feel that from listening to them the country side of things has seeped into my song writing. As for alternative, well, I just think that’s the safest bet when trying to say that your music is not commercial pop or hard rock, but a little of everything, however I do hate being pinned down to a certain genre. I don’t think you can classify our sound. Every song on the album has it’s own energy.
Jason: I don’t think we could call our music Alternative Country, I say screw naming it anyway. If you like it and it touches you in any form or way weather it gets you jumping for joy or get’s you out of a dark space. Just let your ears and heart decide what you wanna call it!
Where do you see Lost&Found going in the future?
Glen: I am the kind of person who lives in, and focuses on the present. I tend to not think too much into the future, that’s Jason’s field of expertise. I’ve got no idea where it’s headed. Right now I’m just focused on getting the album out and making our launch tour in February a success.
Jason: I think one of the big things we both have in common with regards to this project is that we really just want to have fun so wherever we end up is where we will end up. We are however touring UAE,UK and Europe further into the year and I would love to play Kirstenbosch at the end of the year so let’s see hey.
You each have you own fans from your other bands, how have they reacted to this project?
Glen: Honestly it’s just been positive reactions and major anticipation from every direction, which is amazing.
Jason: So far everyone has given great response, so touch wood we have happy campers all round.
How much does Lost&Found differ from what you are used to?
Glen: Well for me I’m used to being a bass/piano player who sings backing vocals. That’s what I’ve done for the last 17 years. So this is a completely different ballgame for me. I’ve got no idea how to be a frontman. I’m used to being able to step back and disappear if I need to, or not sing if my voice is hurting. Sometimes I don’t even remember playing the show! With Lost&Found I won’t have those options. It’s very, very scary, but something I’ve always wanted to do so it’s also very, very exciting.
Jason: Well, we’re not an Afrikaans Punk Rock go mal band for sure. Being only a two piece is gonna be super exciting and I look forward to seeing Glen come out of his comfort zone. I think we both gonna be pushed to up our game drastically and it’s gonna be cool to be challenged again.
What can fans expect from the Lost&Found album releasing in February?
Glen: I think they can expect to be very pleasantly surprised. It’s a complete change from my EP, a lot more upbeat and intense. It’s also nothing like The Parlotones or Van Coke Kartel either. We have also used guest artists on every track, from Lee Lips, to Jedd Kossew, to Pierre Greeff, so there should be something for everyone.
Jason: 10 smashing tracks, an awesome live show and lots of surprises live on stage! We have many colabs on this record so every song will hit home for someone no matter who you are.
How would you best sum up the recording process for this album?
Glen: The recording process has been amazing. Working with Dane and Fred, as well as all the guest artists has just been the most fantastic experience all round. And there was a swimming pool.
Jason: We worked with Dane Taylor who I have known since I was five years old and Fred from Die Heuwels, so having them as some of my best mates and working with them is great. We had plenty of guest artists too so it was one of the easiest and fun records I’ve done. I really can’t wait for the public to hear it.
What are you looking forward to most regarding its release?
Glen: I’m looking forward to just hearing it first of all, and then to bringing the songs to life on stage and seeing people’s reactions.
Jason: Having people hear our music for the first time and being on the road again. That excitement of a first gig again just blows my mind.
Any shout-outs?
Glen: The whole team that has been involved in this project have all being amazing; Jason, Maryke and Jess, Louise, Dane and Fred, all the guest artists, Ian Bredenkamp and KFM, Paul and the Hollows on the Square, and everyone else who has helped in their own way towards making all this happen, thank you!
Jason: I just want to say thanks to everyone who has been onboard and backed us, from every guest artist to everyone in the Lost&Found camp team. Dane, Fred, Louise, Cherel, Jedd, Lee Lips, Maryke, Jess, Gillian and every single one of you guys, but most importantly a big shout out to Glen for tackling this project and working with me 20 hours a day. Love you all.
Photos by Gillian Coetzee
