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It’s been almost 2 years since Straatligkinders released their last album and today sees the release of their new album “Konings met Verskonings”. We caught up with the band to chat about the new album and why the 2 year break. Check it out:
Band Members, Ages and Instruments of Choice?
Benjamin de Jager (27,guitar), Hein Kruger (27, bass), Ruan Kruger (27,drums) and Bouwer Bosch (28 vocals and guitar)
Hometown?
We all hail from Potchefstroom. #Potchpoptown. Bouwer moved to Pretoria a year ago.
Tell us about the new album and why it’s been 2 years since your last release?
Almost 2 years ago we decided to take a break from Straatligkinders due to a few personal reasons and creative reasons. We had 4 years of non-stop touring but we came to a point where we kind of lost the passion for why we started making music in the first place. So the break did us all good, personally and creatively. The new album is definitely the album that we spent the most time on songwriting and making sure we put the best elements in every song. You can definitely hear on the new album how we have changed and grew as songwriters. We always try to write the kind of music we like and what we would like to play live and this record is a very fun one.
What can fans expect from the new album?
The fans can expect a lot of sing along chorus and some fun dance songs coming their way. Lyrically the album will hopefully inspire and also convey our hearts that it’s okay to not have everything together the whole time. Sometimes feeling a little bit lost is a good thing. The album is not like any of the other albums with regards to the music, so I know a lot of people won’t like this album, and it’s okay because people change. You will always lose old fans and gain new ones. Circle of life for bands.
Why the name “Konings met Verskonings”?
The name is about always having excuses not to start or end things in your life. I always have a stupid reason for everything. I end up procrastinating and not moving.
What song on the album means the most to Straatligkinders and why?
I think “Brandwonde” because it kind of sums us up the best. Its messy, silent at times but also very heavy and serious. It’s like a subtle hurricane.
What were some of good times and bad times during the recording of this album?
Bouwer wrote half of the songs and the other guys wrote the other half (we live in different cities) so it was amazing to see how much we trust each other with the songs we brought to the table. We used all the songs we wrote. We did not throw away one idea. The downside of that is that you kind of hear things for the first time and then you have to discuss between each other what works and what doesn’t and songs are very personal. We don’t always agree with each other but being a band is about compromises as well and we are all good friends and take Straatligkinders serious so we tried to make the best decisions for the band within the recording process.
What songs off the album do you think are going to be hits?
“Voete van Klei” is a very dance/pop type of song. Everyone likes a fun dance beat these days. “Sketse” is a cool balad and I think it’s a song that the older folks might even enjoy as well. It’s almost a type of waltz (6/8 time signature). Something new for us. It’s a love song so I think it’s the kind of song that will help us to get invited to play at weddings….heheheh kidding.
Whats next for Straatligkinders and the new album?
For now the plan is just to tour the album and make sure everyone can come and sing along live and have fun with us live. Playing live is why we started this in the first place so we just want to get the new songs out there.
STRAATLIGKINDERS – Duiwel Dans (Official Music Video)
