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Last week Catherine Grenfell announced her departure from 5FM to focus her passion – the music industry and promoting local music. Over the years the likeable personality grew in the hearts of thousands of South Africans and helped pave the way for the local music scene. We caught up with Catherine to chat about her career and what the future holds, find out what she had to say here:
Catherine – we wish you all the best for the future and we’ll definitely be seeing you at a gig, music festival or at the bar sometime soon.
Over 14 years at 5FM. In 5 words, how would you best describe the experience?
An incredible and epic journey.
Thinking back to your time at the station, what have been your highlight moments?
I definitely think having the Live5 show where I was able to have international and established artists on the show, but importantly giving up and upcoming artists a platform to perform. That was honestly such a privilege and an honour. I also climbed Kilimanjaro, which I never would have done if it wasn’t for being on radio and travelling to international music festivals, interviewing bands.
What’s the craziest thing that has happened while in studio?
We did some pretty crazy things, we had pythons and lion cubs in studio but when I was on Mark Gillman’s team we walked to Pietermaritzburg. I had just had a baby, and we were broadcasting the whole way down. It was insane.
You worked on a number of different shows. Which one did you enjoy the most?
Each show was special in its own way. With Mark Gillman we did the craziest things, and working with Fresh for 9 years was totally awesome. Having my Live show was probably the most special, because it was something I was so passionate about.
How would you best sum-up being a radio personality?
Getting to do what you love every single day of your life.
How much did you learn working at 5FM and what lessons do you hold dearest?
It taught me that the audience is always the most important thing, and giving the audience something to feel or think about is the best thing that you can ever do. Even though I got to live out my dream job, it taught me that being real and humble is essential in life. Treasure every relationship and never burn any bridges along the way. And do what you love doing and do it damn well.
You have seen hundreds of local bands come and go. Which have been your stand out acts and why?
Springbok Nude Girls were such an important band in the 90’s and paved the way for a lot of other bands. A band like BCUC is one of the best stand out bands at the moment because of how they perform and how they make people feel watching them. Johnny Clegg in terms of history. Tweak was also such a stand out band for their era and then a band like Fokofpolisiekar who brought us Afrikaans punk rock. There are just so many and each are amazing in their own special way.
If you could reunite one of our past bands for one last concert, who would it be?
I really can’t name just one, there are so many – Max Normal, Brasse vannie Kaap, Dorp, Tananas, No Friends of Harry, Rabbitt, Battery 9, Prophets of Da City. All of these Bands were pioneers in their own way and made statements that were important, whether political, social or put South Africa’s name on the world map. They pushed boundaries and changed people’s lives because of what they were saying or how they made people feel.
Where does your passion for the music industry stem from?
I studied music from the age of 5, and I just think my love of music came from that and my dad playing his vinyl to me. So music has always been with me and so important. When I was older I would get to watch bands and then when I started in radio I could let that passion carry on.
Over the years, what have been some of your standout festivals, gigs and venues?
Festivals across the country offer something special in their own individual way. Oppikoppi will always be very dear to my heart. Up the Creek is so lovely and I recently got to go to Mieliepop – which was just magnificent. An iconic venue like Roxy’s in Melville was where I saw so many bands and so that will always be a place I remember.
You’ve stated that you will be moving on to follow your passion in the music industry and promoting local music. What’s next for Catherine Grenfell?
I am going to freelance in the music industry, whether it be promoting local bands, giving advice to bands. Working in radio, TV, film, corporate, but all revolving around music.
Ultimately, what are your goals for the future?
To keep doing what I’ve been doing and that is living and breathing music.
Finally, any words for your thousands of 5FM listener fans?
Support any music, whether it’s international or local. Buy music, go to concerts or just listen.
