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When it comes to South African music, rock music to be specific, Knave is a household name. We’ve all had the pleasure of rocking out to their unique, awesome and powerful sound. But, with no reason or notice, Knave kinda just disappeared into the darkness. Their last album was released in 2009 and the gigs that we all used to froth for dissipated. Knave just became silent. As fans we didn’t know what was going on, we didn’t know if the band members went their own way, if they just decided to have a break or if they plain and simply just called it a day? We were lost in a way.
Then we came across some teaser sounds from the band by way of their Facebook page that were said to come from their 3rd album that they were busy recording. Excitement took over and we decided to get hold of Michael Rorke, Knave’s drummer, and put down an interview with the questions that all of us fans had been asking.
The result: A lot has happened and a lot has changed. There are 2 remaining members of the band (Michael and Chris) and they refused to let their dream go. There is a 3rd album coming and damn does it sound good (from the teaser we listened to below) and we cannot wait. The rebirth, in a sense, of Knave is without a doubt something to get excited about. Soon the album will be released and soon the band will be back on stage rocking to our hearts content.
In the words of Knave “This album is a product of 2 dudes inability to let go of a dream” “straight up, honest South African rock with our personal Knave flare.”
Excited much? Get the full story here and listen to the 3rd album teaser at the end:
Knave is busy recording its 3rd album. It’s been quite a while since the release of your 2nd album. Why the wait?
Yep! Moons… 2009’s COGNITION’ was our last full length release.The wait was not intentional at all. It was actually a very dark time for all in involved, our personal relationships suffered, as well as that of our home lives. Some members just stopped practicing/ caring, which led to great deals of animosity in band camp. It was shit, and unfortunately we let that leak into the dream. It became a case of “Do you want to do this? Cause I do, so let’s not kill it for all of us”.
What had Knave been up to during that time?
Lying about the status of our 3rdalbum [laughs]. A lot happened, we gigged our mighty sail at half mast which just left a terrible taste in our mouths. We added a 2nd guitarist in Matthew Engelbrecht hoping it would unify the 4 of us, and he eventually left due to the cancer we had weaved. I’m not surprised, it was vile. Two of us got sick of it and just started jamming together, this would be misinterpreted as a side project, which really wasn’t the case. This would push the already distant members away even further. Songs were shut down before being heard and it was really just a volatile set up. It’s odd, because we virtually went silent and all these good things like movie scores for Spud 2, European tours were offered to us, but no one got excited. We knew an intervention had to take place and it did. Louis and Jean left on good terms. I’m no good with my separation anxieties but I was numb due to the fact that I kind of had 2 years prior to get over it. It was the good people who listen to our music that made me stand up and say “I’ve invested 8 years of my life into this and it makes me happy, I’m not fucking done…Chris! Let’s make this album.” And here we are!
Have there been any other changes or changes to come in the band that people may not be aware of?
The main change is that we are without the strings of Louis and Jean and obviously that will come into play regarding the overall sound. And there will be more changes but for now Chris and I are just concentrating on finishing the album and we’ll tackle new members thereafter.
What can fans expect from the new album and In how many ways does it differ from your previous albums?
It has been all blonde hairs over the past couple months. Chris and I driving guitars, bass, keys, drums, vocals, recording, producing and mastering. It’s definitely a lot cleaner tone wise and we didn’t completely lose ourselves in trying to be overly clever timing wise. This is straight up, honest South African rock with our personal Knave flare. Chris has a knack at writing epic hooks, and I dubbed them ‘Falcore’ moments during the drum tracking sessions as it felt as if I was cruising in the Never-ending story on the back of a giant white poodle. Wind on my face. It doesn’t get happier than that.
Vocally, I always found Chris needed to be pulled forward in the mix which, along with cleaner tone, are now sitting above overall. Also the way we recorded was way different, with me recording drums in the North and Chris that of strings and vocals in the West. The use of technology and planning to make optimum use of the little time we have.
Drum wise they are as raw as they come. I had huge problems with the way my drums we’re produced in Cognition. I hate triggers (unless used very sparingly and tastefully) and I made a small mission to find Conley (Friend and all things drum producing). The Rhino Room dropped all my cowry shells on making my kit sound studio ready and bang real drums in a not so real studio which made them sound even more real. Not to accentuate my child hood heroes but we pulled a Dave Grohl and moved into a ‘garage’ and recorded there. Its more personal, cheaper, not designated to a time frame and I could smoke pot.
Fans can expect Knave in the 3rd installment of our evolution.
How long have you been writing the new songs for the new album?
These songs were born in the SABC sessions Chris and I shared during the dark years, as well as a handful written by the mighty Louis. A couple were spawned in the later stages in studio.
Are there any specific songs that you just know are going to be hits?
Can I answer this after completing production/mastering? Songs evolve!
Have you decided what the name of the new album will be?
No name as of yet, but the theme is a rebirth for us. Obviously everything is different, Line-up and sound. So basically our next step in our evolution. How we have stood up to these changes, how people react to said changes, and finally how we receive said reactions. A foetus would be a bit messy for a cover but that would sum it up! A sticky foetus!
When will the new album be released?
I have been booking out days around schedules to meet with Chris and finish this thing. So with a bit of luck I’m hoping we have it all at a level in the next month or two. That would also include artwork, a decent means of marketing and a listening session.
Will you guys be doing a launch tour when the album is released? If so where can we expect the tour to go?
After release I’d like to build the new band (I have some great additions in mind) and set up a decent tour. For starts it would be national (where there are clubs, stages or floors and festivals) but I’m also very interested in following our top social media followers/ downloaders and there are places like Russia and Portugal. I know it sounds odd but due to our new found recording spots and studio fitness I’d like to get on recording again soon after . Make up for lost time, there is so much creativeness flowing as of late.
What are you looking forward to most when the album is released?
So many things man. I thought this part of my musical dream was gone when my brothers left. So, to just release again after all the trials & tribulations is enough. To hold your creation, swig some red and listen in to the layers is all the reward I need. This album is a product of 2 dudes inability to let go of a dream. For that to become a reality is exceptional in its own right! The mere fact of how much has been done with all that is going on that is non-musical is a feat of its own. I’m proud and regardless of it moving 1 or 100 000 copies doesn’t matter to me. We are doing it, and we are doing it right fucking now. [Gladiator music]
It’s been a while since we’ve seen you live and rocking on stage. What have you missed most about being on stage?
Being a tight unit. It has been a while. I miss the energy one gets when the band is a unit and you are killing. But I don’t miss shit shows at all. I quite enjoy a weekend these days. That being said, the right music product will be backed up by the right tour. I’m itching to sweat and weave some tapestry again. It’s what I’ve been doing since I was 15. I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. But as they say “life happens when you’re making plans”
Finally – here is the Knave’s 3rd Album teaser
Keep up with Knave’s progress on the new album by following them on Facebook and Twitter.
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