Warm Feeling

By Marley

In between Innibos and the By Die Maan 2012 I’ve managed to get an interview with one of the coolest guys I know. He recently relocated from Nelsparta down to the Mother City and can jam a mean guitar solo.

I met Dylan Bolton officially at Blue Moon a few years ago but I remember clearly how his band use to band practise next door to our house way back when. I also remember a few wild parties at Blue Moon with the band we know as No One’s Arc. And if you have been following the blog you will know that this is my favourite South African band if not the world.

They have come a long way, had shared the stage with guys like Seether, The Kongos, Ali Campbell (of UB40), aKING, Fokofpolisiekar, Jack Parow, Die Tuindwergies, Tidal Waves, Karen Zoid, The Black Cat Bones and many more. Played at festivals like Up The Creek, RAKA, Avontoer, Innibos, By Die Maan and Picnic in the Garden series.

Dylan aka Deez Nuts (don’t ask) is well known for his drumming and guitar skills and let me not get into his song writing which is just freaking awesome. Friendly fellow who enjoys his coffee as much as I do and you can be certain to have good time with him no matter where. One of my favourite Up The Creek 2012 moments came from Deez and I’m greatly honoured to share with you all our little virtual chat. We would have preferred it over an ice cold vodka and coke for him and a glass of red for me but these days you just have to imagine it while sitting behind your PC screen.

I know the band was formed when more or less when you guys were still in school (you, Lee, Goose and Robby) did you guys just decided “Hey let’s start a band!” or was a process over time?

Dylan Bolton (DB): It actually started with Robby pitching up at my place with his drum kit... at the time I was a drummer for a metal band. So we set up both drum kits and proceeded to make a shit load of noise. This obviously didn’t work and seeing as though I was the only one between us that could play the guitar, I sacrificed the drum kit for the guitar and “presto” a band in the making. 

That’s one way to put it but it’s the first time I hear of you jamming in a metal band! The unsolved mystery that I can’t seem to crack is where does the name ‘No One’s Arc’ come from? I honestly don’t know or seem to remember… (Or looking in the right places)

DB: ...from the start of the band I have made it clear that there is no real front man. We are about the music and not an individual: like a country without a president or a ship without a captain... or an Ark without Noah... therefore NO ONE’S ARC (Spelling “Arc” was just to be different)

Robby and Dylan at Stilbaai, Avontoer 2011 - photo courtesy of AJ van Niekerk

The band started over 10 years ago. I remember you use to drum for 10c Short and in between the lead vocalist/guitarist for No One’s Arc. Both bands entered the same battle of the bands and 10c Short won that time – how did you manage to keep your head together during that time?

DB: Wow that was a long time ago. It was very hectic back then – I was also playing lead guitar for the Dave Michaels band at the time. 10c Short was an amazing experience and I loved being the drummer and not having much responsibility. Being the lead vocalist is way more stressful but also a shit load more rewarding to me.  To answer your question, NOA and 10c Short were all close friends and supported each other like brothers. I was doing what I loved and that made it all easy. 

Yea I know you guys are still supportive of each other which are awesome, no boundaries. What inspired you to play lead guitar instead of drums?

DB: I started playing both instruments pretty much at the same time – so the love was evenly spread, I still miss being behind the kit.  Guitar it a lot more expressive though and I love making the strings scream

I got the mental picture in my mind of you playing U.F.O with that answer. You have travelled the country full, all those hours spent on the road between our hometown and the Cape. Is there any specific place you love to stop at for a quick hacky game or smoke break?

DB: There’s a mountain range between the Kalahari Desert and Oudtshoorn... freaken beautiful spot. But anywhere is good for a quick game of hacky sack. 

I think it’s the Swartberg Pass, indeed a beautiful spot. Drove through it on our way to UTC2011 and yes hacky can be played where ever. Out of all the festivals that you have played (and it’s been a few) do you have a favourite?

DB: There are a few favourites: STRAB, Splashy Fen, Synergy, RAKA... but my #1 has to be Up The Creek.

I was at two Up The Creek’s with you, some of my best memories comes from there. I love that vibe, it’s so chilled out with a Titanic in hand, hanging out with a lilo (or the lost Moon Arc) on the river, getting no sleep and of course the best damn music in the country. Do you have something that stands out from UTC that separates it from the rest?

DB: I think it’s the people that make the festival, not just the venue. UTC is in the middle of nowhere so you know that the people that have travelled all the way to the fest are true music fans. The venue is odd but still seems to work perfectly, the vibe of UTC is amazing and intermit.  

2010 was a big year for the band, you played at the FIFA World Cup FanPark opening, and the album was launch along with the video “Fire” (which did amazingly on MK). Do you think that was the break through NOA needed at the time? I do because suddenly everyone had your name on their lips; people were asking when the next show will be etc.

DB: I think that was a very small piece of a massive puzzle but a very substantial piece.  

In 2011 the biggest thing to happen to a Nelsparta band that has never happened before, you guys were invited to play on Live (5) on one of SA biggest radio stations, 5FM, how was that experience for you?

DB: It was crazy, live national radio is a scary thing but once we started jamming all the nerves disappeared. The fact that we are the first NST band to do this is an honour because there is a shit load of amazing talent in NST. All they have to do is stick to their guns... and GET the locals to support!!

No One's Arc at 5FM studios

AMEN! I’m all on about how the lack of local support is causing Nelsparta (and the surrounding areas) loosing either great venues or great talent. I was in that 5FM studios with you and you all did great!  And playing at the Mbombela Stadium for the Ali Campbell concert on 16 December 2011, that was some craze party! But the biggest came with 5 000 people at Kristenbosch Gardens on New Year’s – what is your memory of that gig?

DB: That was a mind FUCK! At one point of our set they switched the lights off to reveal a sea of 5’000 glow in the dark wrist bands waving to the beat... it literally took my breath away. 

Goose bumps! Last year the band second video “UFO” was released, what an excellent video! Catch That Rabbit took the energy that you guys have and moulded it into that video. Obviously you are not a big follower of UFO’s and aliens but where did that song come from? What was the inspiration behind it?

DB: I wrote the song years ago after one of those deep, intoxicated discussions with a friend about conspiracies / illuminate. I believe that we all believe in too many things... if that makes any sense. 

Backstage at Langebaan on Avontoer 2011 - photo courtesy of Milla Koskela

  

For me it does... Now you have moved to Cape Town in March and two of the boys have joined you now over the course of June/July, how has it been so far? A lot different to Nelsparta and probably a lot more gig opportunity for NOA, will you re-join the seerowers this year for Avontoer?

DB: The Cape is beautiful and filled with amazing, creative people but so cool as it is and my heart will always be in NST. I don’t think they have even started booking the bands for Avontoer yet but we will definitely be bribing the DBK team over a few glasses of wine. 

I’m sure the DPK guys won’t mind some wine at all. I have to ask, what does Blue Moon mean to you as Dylan?

DB: Blue Moon is the only thing that is keeping Nelspruit on the map when it comes to National live acts. We still get bands across the country asking us to help get them a gig at Blue Moon. Locals just need to learn to go out and enjoy the live music! Blue Moon was where it all started for NOA and I don’t think we’d still be around if we didn’t have this venue in our back yard.  

Bands and other performing artists even managers asks me on regular bases as well and yet it comes down to locals who needs to support local venues. Is there a venue you always dream about playing at?

DB: I don’t day dream about playing at a specific venue... I dream of playing to a crowd that sings so loud to my songs that I can only stand back and point the mic at them.

Ah man AWE! I can see that happening very soon in the future. If you could buy any guitar, which one would you buy?

DB: I wouldn't buy another guitar... that would be like cheating on my Fender Telecaster Deluxe. 

Muso’s always needs some kind of endorsement or sponsorship, what do you need the most as a musician? (Besides an endless tab at the bar and bottomless case of guitar strings)

DB: A bus with a built in bar and that endless tab you mentioned. 

Hehehe I volunteer as the bar tender! Obviously you guys will properly want to travel aboard with your music, which countries would you like to tour through and why?

DB: UK – some of the best music has come from there, I’d like to experience the scene. The States – just because.

When you sit down and write songs do you like create the music and lyrics then play it to the rest of the band or do they all have some involvement with the song writing?

DB: Song writing is weird, it changes all the time. Sometimes we come up with the basic tune together 

and I go home and fill in all the blanks. Other times I'll bring the song to them and they give me their interpretations. It is never a one side creation, everyone has a say in how the song turns out.

Have to ask this as this it’s a fan question (from Sunè Halderman) – Do you have a favourite NOA song?

DB: I don’t really have a favourite but if I must choose it would be between “UFO” from the older material and “Warm feeling” from the newer stuff.

I love “Warm feeling” no matter where I am and I hear that song I think of the roads leading back to Nelsparta and as the song picks up it’s like you almost in Nellies and picking up speed towards town. Of course I have to ask you do you have a favourite local and/or national band/artist you enjoy watching.

DB: Shit this is a tough one! Mike Stry Trio, My Aching Monotone, Gibraltar...  Jeremy Loops, Tidal Waves, Black Cat Bones, aKing, Mr. Cat and the Jackal, Dan Patlansky... there are hundreds of great bands in SA – I don’t have a favourite but these are a few that rank high on my list of musicians.   

   

Some great answers from a great guy and friend, if you are in the Cape Town area make sure you like the No One's Arc page on Facebook and to see where you can catch them live next. Get your fingers tapping to a free download of “UFO” on their Facebook page, a huge thank you again to Deez for the making the time for the blog.

Till later Spartans!

Where is my shoes?

By Marley

That's what Mr. Cat and The Jackal asks...sings...now matter we continue

The next morning we all eager beavers, packed up our bags, had breakfast and heard that there is travelling coffee trailer now, yea! After we got on the bus (the old school bus left first) our bus waited for the one see rower that almost got left behind. He finally graced us with his presents and it was off to Mosselbaai, we all had some sleep again on the bus and we arrived in the bustling city of Mosselbaai. I was about 12/13 years old the last time I was in this city and I couldn't remember it being this big. They gave us two hours to hang around the beach (where the gig venue was as well) but the place was packed and I mean packed!

You couldn't move in the bar without stepping on someone ego, I've never seen so much testosterone Jo'burg boys with thick chains and shirtless bods in one place together. There is nothing wrong with showing off your young skin but please put on a shirt, your nipple stand nearly poked out my eye there. There is a flea market, some kids’ games going and the important thing once again we had to find an ATM. I wanted to find the closest pharmacy as I could feel the need for a strepsil or immune booster, yes flu was coming and I was fighting it hard mentally. Finally got to Pirate Tower and order a drink, the bar was really full and the bartenders looked over whelmed. But with a drink in hand we all hanged out on the deck, on the one side you got Diaz hotel standing tall, the other side you got the ocean with big cargo ships just off shore coming in and going out with the beach. Then you overlook the venue for tomorrow night, there is a swimming pool, palm trees, sun shine "Captain we have paradise indeed". By the time our drinks were done it was time to walk back to the bus and off it was to other side of the "city" to our campsite.

The Campsite before set up

Lazy rockers and seerowers

Across from the river there lived a cow...

All the way so far on tour I heard from NOA that the camp site at Mosselbaai was shitty and when we got there I had to agree. Right next to the Groot Brak River was an open field...no bathrooms, no electricity. We had to carry our bags, pillows...whatever it was we were charring down the wet land of road that was about 300 meters away from the bus stop. And yes I'm complaining it takes two people to carry my bag alone and you got so much shit by now you don't what to leave or what to take. Anyway we all sat around or laying on the green grass. Games being played, music being made and I could feel something burning in my head that damn flu. The Juger truck arrived and we actually cheered it on hoping they might have something cold, nope but they did have music and soon afterwards the tents arrived and we all pitched in to set up camp.

Jugermeister truck arriving

After we all moved in, trips to the closet Spar was made for snacks, supplies, cigarettes and alcohol - the first liquor shop that didn’t sell Hunters Dry...wow. There was soccer being played well into the night with the Juger truck that supplied electrical light in the dark, the portable showers was set up as well as the toilets. Swimming in the river was done if the showers were too busy and food was enjoyed in form of boere wors rolls (I wonder how many kg of boere wors we ate over the course of tour). Late night laughing with friends at tents, under the trees, on the river bed and on the Juger truck by the time I went to bed I couldn't even swallow my wine, my throat hurt that much.

The next morning it was clear for me that I was sick, officially. Thank goodness the Spar was there and I walked to it to get some orange juice and strepsils. We had breakfast and it was pool party time. I was looking forward to see Die Heuwels Fantasies but in the end I didn't even see their show...thanks fever. At the venue it was a lot quite than the day before, had a beer in the one restaurant while watching the 8ta dance crew, later on took a stroll with Gooph through the market and watch the 8ta program again. Eventually we met up with other seerowers and went to the beach; I went for a swim in the ocean and felt a lot better but I knew I had to get some flu medicine and fast. Went to the hotel store only to find that they don't have anything other treatment for sun screen and mild fever for children, great. I pumped myself up with some more OJ, Bio-plus and vitamin water when you feel like this you don’t feel like having a party.
At the venue I went straight to the bar I bought a bottle of Tassies and coke just for good measure. Back stage it was great to watch the crowd grow bigger in the front and the faces getting friendlier at the back, I saved my energy for NOA show and it was awesome to have see rowers jumped up down so close to the stage and have Mosselbaai looking at them like they were nuts but the groove won in the end.

Jumping skills? No One's Arc got them
- photo courtesy of AJ van Niekerk

 I couldn't think straight as the flu really kicked in and I made myself home close to NOA gear to keep an eye on friend’s bags and watch VCK and Die Heuwels show up, dammit! Thanks to Dave and Zane from Care for coffee who gave me hot water and honey to help me feel better. Eventually a lift was going back to camp and I jump right at it, it was nice to show up at camp and it was quite. Sleep was the order and even though I missed Heuwels didn't help much if I would have just laid there back stage listening instead of watching, next time.

Holiday Murray
- photo courtesy of AJ van Niekerk

Bertie Coetzee of Zinkplaat with the crowd
- photo courtesy of AJ van Niekerk

Loveglove Pyrotechnics
 - photo courtesy of  AJ van Niekerk

  

Van Coke Kartel with Hunter Kennedy 
- photo courtesy of AJ van Niekerk

The next morning it was hard to get up, I struggled the whole night now with a full blown fever and cold sweat again Zane and David provided coffee and the good bye to portable showers, I didn't care if that water was hot or cold it was welcomed to feel clean again. Back on the bus again after camp pack up it was time for me to sleep as much as possible; hoping that somewhere along the way I find some kind of flu medicine, our next stop is Stilbaai and I didn't see Stillbaai town at all I only woke up when the bus parked outside our next and last campsite close to...wait for it...Stables pub.

I didn't dare walk down that road to go see what Stables looked like I think I had heard enough horror stories of our own Stables not to step foot a different one. There was no shade and the seerowers boys helped pitch up the big white tent while some of us chilled under the stage. Yes we camped right next to the stage of Groot Gees Rock Fees since the day we arrived Die Tuindwergies and Elvis Blue had a picnic concert. After the tents was pitched and everyone settled in and the concert goers started to show up I dragged myself from the shade of the stage to go get my bag. Luckily for me the bus was going into town and I gave a friend money to go to the closet pharmacy and get me meds, I was laying in the tent hot as hell (both the tent and I) and day dreamt about time I didn't feel like jumping off a cliff. I fell asleep again and my friend woke me up with the fizz sound of water meet conrenca c and airmude, I wanted kiss that women.
It wasn't even 20 minutes or my fever broke, I could breathe probably for the first time in two days, I felt better and got out the hot tent. The sun was getting lower and Elvis Blue was singing, I got myself another OJ from the cool drink stand inside the concert and took it easy the whole night. The showers managed to turn up again I used the cold water to cool down. The second last night of Avontoer was a party again and I decided to go to bed, rather sleep early tonight and feel better tomorrow.

31st December 2011, the last time the sun rose in 2011 and burnt the hell out of me. The GGRF was on today and first up was Van Coke Kartel by this time of tour you know most of everyone names even the band members. We also scurried to find Mimi who was not at camp, at all. Other Nelspartan who happen to be in the Cape at the time, Adriaan, was there the previous night. After a few phone calls we managed to track down our queen - the reason they were up right after VCK - yip I'm serious. VCK open the festival cause they had to make a flight back to Gauteng for two shows there. I think they played the same set list all the way through the tour because they always opened with "Vir Almal" (cool song) and man standing like next to stage and see them drums being played and them guitars being played and them bass being plucked respect.

Dylan is a special one

Wynand Myburgh VCK

Gooph of No One's Arc and Pierre of Mr Cat and the Jackal

Lee Nicholls of No One's Arc
 and
 Morne Venter of December Streets

NOA on stage

Gooph and Bongani

The back of the stage was crawling with muso's even The Kongos was there earlier to do a sound check, NOA was up next and the sun was blazing down on us which wasn't cool because the support was sucky. The reason they were on early is that they had to make their way down to Kirstenbosch Gardens which turned out to be one of their biggest crowds to play for (5 000 people). After their show it was pack up of gear and saying good bye and well wishes for 2012, I was really proud of them as they left as it was a craze time with them and now finally know what it means to be on tour.

Dylan and Lee
- photo courtesy of AJ van Niekerk

The day was a slow one with different bands other to the ones that were on Avontoer played, saw La Vi live but wasn't really sure if I liked them, there was about 3 or 4 other bands and some of us were ready to pull out our hair, we wanted something hyped up and we got it. They say big dynamite comes in small packages this how I can describe Tristan of December Streets, they got on that stage and played their hearts out. It was the last of Avontoer so why not go out all the way; it really kicked up the party mood.

The December Streets

Nico and Tristan of December Streets

I missed a few bands in between as I was still taking it easy, chatting to friends, photos being taken, shirts being signed...the whole story. Zinkplaat played when the evening set in and man Bertie and boys delivered, the poor man voice eventually left as their show was the longest of all and you have to give it to them. If it wasn't for a tour Zinkplaat did Avontoer would have never even started and Zinkplaat have doing Avontoer for the last 6 years.

Zinkplaat

New Holland

Seerowers on stage with New Holland

New Holland was up next and "Freedom" was the seerowers queue to go stage and party with the band despite Pierre protests the seerowers ignored him and went up but not all of us craze fuckers were up there. Now we are lus for a jol! The Kongos was the second last band and we stood right up front the stage like where the monitors are so we are looking up at these guys and their show is really cool. Anyone who has seen them over their course of their tour will say they brilliant, they did play their two hits and more. Their parents are very involved in the whole set up; their dad is their sound engineer. I spoke to Dylan Kongo, the lead singer and bassist, briefly after their show, nice guy can't wait to see them at Up The Creek. Next up was not only the final hour of 2011 but also Loveglove Pyrotechnics. What a band to bring in the New Year, if you remember The Darkness with their craze body suites and hairstyles then this band is better. With a bottle of Jugermeister (and a little help from me) Dimitri climbed off stage onto the barriers to feed the crowd behind us Juger rocker style. Eventually Shorty (bus assistant) got onto stage and Pierre said it was count down, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!

The Kongos

Louis Christie of Loveglove Pyrotechnics 

New Years!

Champagne all round (I do mean all round), hugs and kisses, cigarettes and love being handed out like candy at Halloween. Loveglove continued with their show and once they were done we all party back stage till late in the morning. I had a tent for myself (since NOA left us) and I woke up to the busses honking, on tour your blood runs cold if you wake up to the bus honking and you still sleeping. I popped my head out to hear Gammi screaming "Bus is leaving in 15 minutes" - what is he serious? Which bus is going where? What the hell is going on? Gummi confirmed to me that they want to leave at 8am but needed the people to get up, there were people who had to catch flights from Cape Town early afternoon and it was 3 -4 hour drive back to DPK house in Stellies. I've never seen that camp move so fast, people falling over each other, packing up their stuff, it was a royal mess. We all hurried into the busses and we were off to Stellies, the bus was dead quite as everyone was now passed out still from tour and the NYE celebrations. Even when we stopped for a toilet break hardly anyone got off, I think a handful of us on Gummi bus went to the bathroom.

We stopped in Heidelberg and Gummi announced that we stopping for breakfast that we can sit down and eat. The people nearly chocked on their bacon and eggs as dirty looking, bare foot, pale babelas seerowers walked in the Wimpy. The Cream Soda and coffee machine worked over time with the drinks orders and the breakfast did us good. After breakfast it was time to get back up on the bus and leave which meant sleep. We eventually came to DPK and when the other bus arrived it was so quick good byes to everyone who was leaving and some of us were staying behind at DPK. Later that night we did however did a proper good bye at Bohemia and just started the party from the top...

I want to thank Alet, Bertie, Porra, Beer, Pierre, Oom Deon, Jaco (JACO!!!!!! JACO!!!! - sorry inside seerower joke), Niel, Gummi, Jay, Shorty, the security, the bar, the tent pitchers, the coffee guys (David and Zane = legends), Tassies, Juger, Bohemia, MK....fuck what a time.

Thanks to The Friendly Lemons, The December Streets, Holiday Murray, Loveglove Pyrotechnics, Zinkplaat, New Holland, Van Coke Kartel, No One's Arc, all the guest bands thank you for making awesome music. You guys are the reason why we fans and seerowers go on things like Avontoer best of luck to the New Year may sell so many records you won't room on your wall for all the awards. Vir die bands wat genomineer is vir 'n MK award sterkte!

6de Avontoer !!!

If you want to be apart of the 7de Avontoer then keep an eye out for news later on the year when the spaces go open again for seerowers. It's really highly recommend if you are fan of live rock music and want to know what it is to tour and be on the road. Will I do it again; maybe, I'm still trying to sleep in my bed without thinking the bus is going to leave without me in the morning!

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AJ van Niekerk thanks for the use
of your awesome pictures!
A friend for life

Red House

My favourite song from Jimi Hendrix and a great theme to this weekend at Blue Moon! Boom! Yea since most of you only read at about STRAB (go a few posts back) and some were knows what a party vibe it is there so the organizers of STRAB thought “Hey, lets go to Blue Moon and bring everyone there and we party till the mountain cracks”

If you are still in the mood for a party this weekend (despite the Bokke being out of the RWC the final will be broadcast) then you can get your tickets at Look & Listen in Riverside Mall, R 250 for a full weekend or R 100 for Friday and R 200 on Saturday, either of the 3 ticket prices includes camping! Brilliant! If you do want to camp just bring a gazebo with as there isn’t so much trees like at the original STRAB in Mozambique and also bring yourself some water to spare your legs from walking up and down and of course your food! Sucks we will be selling food there but you gonna get hungry! And from the sounds of it, it seems Pete has imported some Moz tradition in form of an R&R or two…only time will tell what the man has come up with.

Before I go on any further happy belated birthday to Stefan Retief of Voetstoots! Hope it was legend dude! See you at Blue Moon!

A few posts ago I announced that I will start interviewing a muso or two from our humble little kingdom of Nelsparta. My first muso is someone is not only a good friend but a sweetheart, got the voice of an angle and she is only turning 22. Most of you might have met her, like her page on Facebook or bought a CD or seen the new "UFO" video, ladies and gents I’m talking about Mimi Gabi Law of No One’s Arc. I had the pleasure of her company for an afternoon in form of a sneaky session between family and work duties to ask her the burning 20 questions I had.

Born on 1^st of February 1990 in Nelspruit (like most of us) and raised in Lekazi and at the age of 10 the family moved to the Nelspruit town. She matriculated at Lowveld High School in 2009 where she met the boys of No One’s Arc. Currently studying in Pretoria she always finds time to come back home, not only for performances but to spend time with family and friends. 

No One's Arc: Dylan, Bongani, Goophstar, Robby, Lee & Mimi

STM: Where did all start (the singing)?

Mimi: It probably started when my mom was still pregnant with me, she went to choir performances, music festivals and she calls me “the magic baby” as she didn’t know she was pregnant at the time. Singing came  naturally then to me, the first time I performed was in front of family and friends at our home when I was 7 years old. I sang in the church choir too

STM: How did you get involved with No One’s Arc? I know Bongs had something to do with it

Mimi: (laughs) Bongs introduce me to the band when I was in Grade 9/10, I was taking trombone lessons from Bongs and he invited me to one of their shows. I knew Goophy as well and remember Robby from school. We were back stage and the boys asked if I can sing as well to playing the trombone. I said ‘Of course I can’ and did a little bit of a song, I went to 2 band practises on the Monday & Tuesday after that show and the Saturday we were in studio to record “A Shot In The Dark” *

*Shot In The Dark was No One’s Arc first attempt at a 'proper' CD, it’s out there somewhere

STM: And the rest is rock and roll history?

Mimi: Damn straight!

STM: In a few words can you describe a band practise with NOA?

Mimi: It’s all good, it’s a stress reliever, to come to the bands room and relax from a hectic day. Times flies when we do have practise together because I live in Pretoria I don’t always get to practise with the boys but when I’m here I love it.

STM: What is it like to share the stage/van with 6 boys?

Mimi: The stage, it is interesting, we just have the energy together on stage. Because I’m the only girl on stage I feel sexy, I dance with Lee and then flirt with Dylan I love it.

The van is fun because we spend a lot of the time on the road we talk a lot. We learn a lot from each other, every time there is something new we learn. And it also helps because if we every placed in certain situations we will know how that person will react. The boys say I talk too much

STM: What is your least favourite thing about touring?

Mimi: Being on the road, the heat and it gets annoying but when we get to our destination it is worth it. And sleep my own bed, a comfortable bed we do sometimes sleep in a comfortable bed but still my own bed and my teddy bears

STM: Where do all the nick names for the band members come from? I know Bongs is short for Bongani, I know you got one as well and the manager, Werner.

Mimi: Well it comes mostly from our names Goophy, Momo. Robby is Robert, Bongs is Bongani, Deez is Dylan, Millicent is Mimi (giggles), I forgot Lee full names but it is one name so we call him Lee. Goophy was named by Mr. Leach from high school he said that he looked goofy so he called him "Hey Goophy boy" and the name stuck. Werner, he is part of our band, he is Meneer Botha so the guys just call him MB

STM: How does it feel to see yourself in your music videos, fan recordings of live shows and TV shows?

Mimi: I don't like to watch myself in the videos. I’m shocked sometimes it takes time to sink in. I feel happy, successful and proud of the band and  accomplishment when I do see it like the new ‘UFO’ video. I was worried the fans weren’t going to recognize me with my new hair style because I always have my dreads but the fans love it so I’m happy.

Blue Moon, March 2011

STM: Can you name any groupies or big fans (myself excluded hahaha) of No One’s Arc?

Mimi: Cerys, Minette, Christine, Phindile in Pretoria, Thandi in Cape Town, Adriaan, Michael, Milla but she is Dylan girlfriend so she is more like part of the band

STM: What is your favourite thing about fans?

Mimi: It feels good when they tell you how much they appreciated the music and shows. Having a drink and to have a chat to get to know them better, the regular faces at our shows, it is always great. I love our fans

STM: And we love you Mimi. I know you answered once that you guys love the crowd response to songs when asked what you like about live performing, it there is a specific song or songs you can see the crowd love?

Mimi: Oh definitely ‘Stanley’ and‘Fire’ because those are our jumping songs. I think ‘Fire’ is more popular because it showed on MK last year. Fans is also loving our new song ‘Paved in gold’ which we have been playing more often at shows

STM: Oh its one of my new favourites. Did you know that “Rock Show” is the A-Team of Blue Moon theme song?

Mimi: No I didn’t but I can understand why, you guys work at the rock show (Laughs)

STM: Awe! Besides No One’s Arc I know you love jazz music, which is your favourite artists/band/group to listen to?

Mimi: Lira all the way, I love her music

STM: Out of all the SA music out there, which are your Top 3 favourite bands or your Top 3 favourite songs?

Mimi: "Kia Ora" by The Tidal Waves; "Sy Sê" by Die Tuindwergies; "Angel Wings" by The Southern Gypsy Queens*

SGQ and Tidal Waves will be performing at this STRAB weekend

STM: Can you name any local artists/bands from the Nelsparta aera and have you seen live?

Mimi: Voetstoots, Black Chain (old jazz vibe), Latte Funk, NoCane, we had most of the local bands performing at our CD launch last year which was amazing.

STM: Where would like to see your music go? For instance to the USA giant market or would like to stay in good ol’ South Africa?

Mimi: We want to hit the world and the planets around it!

STM: LOL you go girl! Coming home from Pretoria is always a busy time for you but you always manage to see your family and close friends, how do you find time to balance it all?

Mimi: I see family during the day and we go to church together. At night I have a drink or two with my friends at Jock or O’Hagan’s or a gig like BLUE MOON!

STM: You guys have done a lot of travelling, Mozambique, Cape Town, Stellenbosch do you have a favourite?

Mimi: Bohemian in Stellies because of the quaintly of crowd, it is the same no matter the time of year because of it’s a student town. Mozambique (STRAB) is fun - sun, sea, surf - and those R&R's. Arcade Empire in Pretoria is hot, we did 3 shows there this year alone and it’s where we had our party for our UFO video launch day last weekend. And of course there is no place like home, Blue Moon gigs. Blue Moon are the best venue in South Africa, it is always awesome being there

STM: What does your fiance think of you singing and being on tour most of the time?

Mimi: He is fine with it, communication is key never less he supports me and likes our vibe. Whenever he can he comes to our gigs, jumps up and down and he takes photos. He is cool with everything

STM: When do are you two planning to get married?

Mimi: In about 5 year’s time

STM: When can we expect a new CD from No One’s Arc?

Mimi: We are planning on it, soon hopefully

STM: Where can people catch you live besides this weekend at Blue Moon?

Mimi: Best is to like our page on Facebook and get invites to our upcoming gigs and also get to listen to some our tracks. 

They are confirmed as one of the supporting acts for UB40 show on the 17 December at Mbombela Stadium!!

STM: Cool stuff, where can we get a hold of you?

Mimi: On Facebook or you can follow me on Twitter (@Mimi_Gabi_Law) or the band (@Noonesarc)

I want to thank Mimi for sticking it with me for this interview; I hope that you the reader got to know her a little better and what is going on in the inner circle of the popular No One's Arc. If you have any questions or any suggestions to any muso or band you think I should interview please drop me a line on themusicfan@webmail.co.za or a tweet @STMFan.

I also want to thank Goophstar for the kind words on my SA_Rockdoll Tweet feedline this week. As long as you are making awesome music I will continue to support it, blogging it and shouting it out to the world!!! 

Of course I will be posting a blog next week about this weekend craze party! Nice sun shine weather, cold beer and good tunes sounds like heaven to me!

Peace & Love

Roots, Rock, Reggae

The legend song with a legend voice Bob Marley and The Wailers. I have few favourites form the man but that is certainly the best way to describe this past weekend. And ironically on Saturday night before I left my cave there was a documentary on Bob on the telly. Very interesting! I also have to say the new Facebook sucks serious ass as I’m used to work from my phone and had fright with the new look of FB when I went onto a computer. Really? Are you guys so bored there at FB head quarters? I need an instruction manual please so that I can prepare myself next time. This is what I love about Twitter, none of that BS….any-fricking-way

The Journey begins

Let's start with the small guys, you know the town/city best known band well in the town/city. Thanks to the network industry that is the internet we now have heard of artists requesting you on MySpace and Twitter and they all sound the same. To me they do, there have been one or three guys that have stood out but music is a bitch. She can either feed you, love you and comfort you or just plain ignore you, swear at you, bite you in the ass...no I wasn't referring to a woman. That is the music industry.