The Sounds We Feel

By Marley

www.blackmartketriots.com

Most people in South Africa that I have come across through my travels and bar tending gigs have shared their taste in music with me. However when I came across a follower on my Twitter named @Kitaarpeer we got talking, this cool, tall guitar player shared his band, The Black Market Riots music with me and I was hooked. The alternative rocker in me was playing their tunes the whole day.

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!

Escape

Yes I'm still alive, just barely mental wise anyway. I do humble apologize for being so damn quite but I do have some reason behind it. Let's start at the traditional and we behind and ahead:

February birthdays were song bird Mimi Gabi Law, my rocker niece Crystal, Tomas of Lowveld Media, Mister Dylan Bolton aka Deez (yes that cool lead singer of NOA)

March it was one of the coolest bassists I know, the Captain, the McGuyver, the legend Lee Nicholls and with him was our little sister Hannah
In April its new mommy Christine and Robby Johns NOA cool drummer.

Yes in between not finding a job after I did find one and got well fucked in the ass to put it lightly its been nearly two months since working permanently, one ding-dong person over here. Anyway it doesn't mean I'm completed hidden away in my cave nope I still flew down for Up The Creek (UTC) and even though I always do tell in full detail the many adventures a trip like that do bring I'm forced to only give you the highlights.

Pretty much I had hardly any sleep leading up to leaving for Cape Town but it was for good reasons. Flying back down to the Cape was fun, I caught up with sleep and I think the air hostess wanted to call the vet on me since I was drooling in my sleep. Landed in Cape Town, kissed the ground and got the best damn coffee I've ever had. After a few hic ups we were all squeezed into a clown car aka Renault and off we went to Swellendam. Of course we got lost in Cape Town but we managed.

Between the rain, mud, fights like siblings and lots of vitamin water we arrived at UTC. Greeted by hugs, known Avontoer sound crew faces and all the beer I could managed we relaxed. Sally and I pitched our tents, opened our sleeping bags and crashed. Screw the mattresses we were beyond tired. The next day the weather was still shit but I had a wonderful time showing first timer Sally around. Got a briefing about the new sponsor, the new drink "Iceberg" and played hacky with MC Miss Daisy Burton and her sister Amy. Friends of Avontoer The December Streets arrived and we did some exploring, later on Mimi, Deez and Lee arrived with the trailer and rock went the weasel. I must say this year usual quite night was super busy and December Streets brought back a lot of memories. All I'm saying about my state that night that I sailed the Titanic and somewhere went overboard, I crawled to my tent.

The next morning a shower was needed but it looked like the whole WP was there already and I was in dying need of vitamin water and breakfast. The whole day was spent recovering from a babelas of hell in between all 4 seasons of the Cape and helping out to the tune "99 Red Balloons". Our bar shift started at 15:00 and I was still shaking like a leaf. I did not see much what was going on the main stage (which was in different spot this year) but I still thank an old UTC client of mine for giving me some "Gummy bear juice" in form of a shot whiskey which helped me a lot to get through the last hour of shift that ended at 21:00. A shower was stolen ek se and a nice potjie meal made by friend Porra of DPK. After which my bottle of wine was opened and it was aKing I watched and enjoyed. Mimi and Deez did a song with Southern Gypsy Queen which was on at 2 AM and after that I went to bed. I was awaken by Mimi and Deez coming to bed (an half hour before sun rise) and my friend Lee informed me he had broken his own record of drinking Titanic's - yes 15 of them. Not much sleep either in as we had to be up at 8 AM

So between working the river bar, running back stage, going for a swims, bumping my head more than twice, drinking Titanic and Iceberg in liters and of course hanging out with your friends UTC was awesome. Staying the Sunday still and only leaving the Monday was also great. And spending the day in Cape Town with our own tour guide, Werner was awesome.

I would love to spend more time in Cape Town and as you all know by now No One's Arc are relocating there and from June the gang will be down there. Yes me as their "band aid" do miss their live shows and them of course. Their last dance gig in March was a great day. Had lots of fun, good after party and the hang over yes it was there.

The live shows around have been quite but in April Blue Moon kicks off the season with another Picnic in the garden with legends Prime Circle and Idol dude Elvis Blue. Pre sales available at www.ticketmaster.co.za family deals as well - R120 p/@ pre sale, R140 p/p at the gate. Yes at Nelspruit Botanical Gardens, bring your picnic basket and we will have a cash bar again. Excellent for the family again and Prime Circle haven't been here in 2 years so its pretty sweet.

A bit later in May there is a show at Blue Moon that is Glaskas, Dans Lisa and Bouwer Basson (of so iemand) but check out Blue Moon page for that info and staying on the moon I heard little rumors already for our ByDieMaan line up. Yes while all the sheep at Innibos chokes on the dust we will have a full on rock line up for you. I tell you its going to be sweet.

Just some other band news, sad to hear The Post Colonial Paperweights have split ways after a few differences, Justin Swart has said he will be touring soon. Also that Sol and Faantie are eager to do big things again which is good news and rocker (and new dad) Ewald has moved with his family to Sabie. He is still around doing his shows in and around here so have no fear.

I do have lots to say but my fingers are numb and I'm sure I've caught you all up on the doings of this music fan. Check out the Mpower FM open mic series in the new month, also the band Kongos new music video "Escape" and if you guys living in Cape Town and you do bump into Deez buy him a double vodka and coke and tell him he is awesome.

Just a last thanks to Lowveld Media, you girls and guys work hard and party even harder than most rockers I know. Thanks for the support in local acts, taking endless amounts of photos, writing stories and in general doing your best. Please don't stop now.

Peace and love

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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A friend for life

Sun In My Pocket

Or is it Hand in my pocket? Never the less the sun came out after more rains in the Lowveld and not that I’m complaining at all, I get the best sleep in when it rains at night. As with most good things the regular readers had to wait for some posting from me due to the fact that I survived a Locnville gig.

Not many happy birthdays (today its good friend AC Grimm bday!) except a dedication of the song Lighting Crashes to my friend Tanya who should have turned 28 on the 30^th of November. Miss you still lost my sister, I still feel you.

If you follow me on Twitter you would have seen Jon Savage of Casette/5FM power rock nights replied to one of my tweets which was a reply to another fellow music lover Superfreeak tweet. The whole thing started when I bought my copy of the first ever SA Rolling Stone, I love Rolling Stone mag (got a few copies from the US) there was a huge gap in the market for a magazine like this one. Jon Savage wrote an article in there titled “Local is not lekker” – everyone is entitled to their own opion even little old me. Yes there is some bands and artist that shouldn’t even get credit but there is 90 % of DJ’s, bands of all sorts and genre’s, solo artist that work EXTREMELY hard at gigs, tours, videos, fans, they Facebook, MySpace, Tweet their little sexy asses off. And if it just Indy bands then so be but for goodness sake you have pissed off a lot of people! I miss Barney Simon show who played metal/rock/Indy/rock and that was before Facebook and Twitter, money still plays a big factor on what gets you on radio these days and it sad. I leave it up to you the reader to state your own opion about this article AND your feel towards SA music.

Okay back to a hot and humid Nelsparta, smell that air! I love it!

The weeks leading up to Blue Moon last gig for the year, Locnville went very slow. It is not just me that feels everything is too slow as the year creeps closer to an end. But I must applauded Nelspartans and the few Gautengers who made the Locnville show, those who weren’t there it might have not been your scene but what a party! We had lots of fun behind the bar even if our brother and soon-to-be father Eddie wasn’t there. Saturday I also have to give a shout out to Sune Halderman – she help make a Locnville fan dream come true, thank you again for it sister! Leigh has not been able to stop smiling. Also to Anna Mart who has worked hard at this gig as well and it was huge success! Love you lots doll!

With the sun shining brightly I arrived with a “kitchen volunteer” on the Moon, the mood was a bit odd and I miss the regular faces. But it was also time to meet new ones like Frankie Fire, Ice Project and Dance You’re On Fire (mouthful) and they such cool people. Congrats to Ice Project for reaching the no 1 position on the 97.4 Highveld stereo Top40! If you haven’t seen them live yet get to know them, they really cool and the line up was perfect leading up to Locnville. As the sun settled I watch Locnville do a sound check and while most opion about them is not positive I was impressed that they at least do all of their mixes live on stage. They might not be a rock band like we use to but they pretty professional when it came to their set up.

The bar was busy and Pete had a cold drink bar sat up outside of our main one to keep the young ones out which made Coco Cola  a lot of money that night, it was a blessing. I did manage to listen to some of the songs of the bands but could not take any pictures which sucks, no matter I’m sure that it won’t be the last I will hear of them or see them live. But it is good that we were so busy!

Then the bar was empty, you could smell the teenage dreams floating up from the packed floor right into the mist fill bar. I think the earth worms couldn’t hear themselves think as those girls screamed. I’m glad I wasn’t standing anywhere near the crowd! You would have been deaf no wonder that other Bieber dude asked fans “Could you please stop screaming?” Man Monsters Inc would have had a lot of power up if they were there. I stood at the deck watching with my friend Mariska the crowd going nuts over the Chaplin twins, I knew about 5 songs out of all due to radio over killing the SAMA winner’s hits. The new stuff (or so was I told by a fan) is “so much deeper than the previous album” cool bananas. I just know their one video "Stars above you" was shot here in the Lowveld, I guess around Hazyview area if I look at the forest.

After the mad rush of Locnville a few fans lined up back stage to meet their heroes, I always smile at the nervous looks on fans faces. That excitement and then that star struck smile afterwards and they holding that autographed CD/poster/picture/magazine like it’s a gold bar that is a true fan. I will also look like that if I have to meet the Goo Goo Dolls or Collective Soul. The Michael Stry Trio was up next and I wanted to watch our local band so much but the bar filled up again. Around 2am we closed the bar off (thanks to that rule now) and a last bit of the bon fire was welcomed by a bit of mist rain. Driving back with Oom Poedel Niel we spotted some wildlife in form of a porcupine, nice to see that they still around and alive.

This was our last Blue Moon of the 2011 season so I thank everyone who supported us over this year. You guys are what make music and a venue like Blue Moon successful! Please your continued support is always needed so please go like the Blue Moon page on FB, we need to break that 1 000 likes mark still! The BM family is taking some well deserved time off and then it’s back to organising the last bit of Up The Creek 2012, yes that is still on and you can buy your tickets already with some of that 13^th check. Blue Moon is home to Nelsparta music and fans and in 2012 I know you guys are going to rock that mountain again till it cracks!

Sunday after being in lazy lion mode I made my way into town for Sunday tradional at Pappas Pizza and was overwhelmed by the amount of cars, okay? I missed the poster for the last weeks and Charlie (the lead man of Beeskraal) was on his last night of tour with his drummer. I pleasantly surprised by Charlie voice, it was really good to listen to him. Between covers and Beeskraal originals it made the night seem to fly by, with a drink or two with two local rockers Ettienne and Faantie and a pizza later it was time for Charlie to finish up and me to go home!

On Monday evening I had the honour of having a young talented muso over for a dinner and to listen to his 1^st album, Augmented Strings. This young man, Philip van der Westhuizen, is really a pleasure to listen to. Not only the first 21 year old I met that enjoys his red wine as much as I do but what struck me is he presintance to getting that perfect song and his voice, smooth like a good bottle of Merlot. He is on Facebook and Twitter of course and keep a look out for him at the next open mic at Pronk! He recently had an op done so he is bit house bound at the moment, he does sell his CD’s and I can tell it is def worth the buy!

The next gig to look out for is the Ali Campbell (UB40 front man) gig at Mbombela Stadium on 17 December, as I have mentioned before our very own No One’s Arc is playing at this gig as well which a huge step for my friends. Have you bought your ticket because I have and I tell you I’m already as excited like a dog over a Christmas bone. You can get your tickets at Computicket and they range from R 500 – R200 (I think), book it online or just stroll down to Checkers in Riverside Mall or Shoprite in town to their Computicket offices, see I even tell you where to go so no excuses! It’s an all day event, Park & Ride like always (not always the best) and if you miss this then you seriously going to kick yourself (again)

From next week I will start to blog a little more as my time to leave for Avontoer is coming closer, today it is 18 days still before I leave. What I’m going to do is take the bands that is going on this tour, give you a little history on them, maybe a video or two and of course tell you all more about this great adventure. I’m really looking forward to this now that not really anything can damper my mood on this. If you are one of the lucky Seerowers or someone who will just join us for one or two shows may the party force be with you, those who can’t I’m so sorry hey next year the busses will be open again for you to join in this craze adventure. I might not be able to blog live but will tweet from the tour and the coast.

Yesterday (1 December) was World AIDS day and like someone on FB said if our attitudes were this great towards World AIDS all through the year then we have a better chance at fighting this diseases so in honour of this day I urge all of you over the party season to be safe. When you drink and you feel like rock star at the after party for the Grammy’s is to take care of yourself and whomever you go to bed with.

1) Condoms are cheaper than nappies 2) If you don’t strap up not only are you risking your own life but your partner too 3) Sex complicates a lot things, stop it from making your life complicated 4) Yes I like eating a banana with its skin on, its tasty when you fry it in sugar till its sticky with ice cream! – the last bit is for all those guys and girls who give the lame excuse of “Do you eat a banana with the skin on” mentally, really? You that stupid, if you feel that way then get dressed and leave the room you not worthy of my time then.

Keep the follows and comments coming in, I love it. Also to all the retweets from all my mates and bands, I always feel so honoured when someone especially a band RT a tweet of mine! (Like Tidal Waves, Justin Swart, Locnville…)

Next year I will bring you some more interviews, maybe score some tickets to give away to some shows and of course report on the all the craze things that happens at shows!

Peace & Love!

Ambulance

No I really don’t need an ambulance but if you read this blog on a regular basis you will know I will always pick a song title. Today it’s a new one from No One’s Arc “Ambulance” – for now you can only hear it at one of their lives shows at this stage. Like the STRAB at Blue Moon of two weekends ago, at 1 am I still don’t know where I got the energy from. Maybe because I can express myself truly in music perhaps, I told a friend recently that others smoke, others use drugs and others drink a lot, I listen to music day in and day out. I am late with this post so please bear with me here ;)

Happy birthday to my friend Roelof Loots for his birthday on 25 October, hope it was a good one! Also happy birthday to my cousin in Aussie land, Stacey, miss you lots my cousin. And also before I go on any further and huge thank you to every one who hugged, slept, stood, drank, eat under the Wonderboom fig tree next to the N4. If you have no idea what I’m talking about please check out this (link here). I know I didn't get my full hippy on, duty called during the week but it doesn't mean I sat in silence! It just shows you Nelspartans still cares about our nature heritage without moving before they got what they wanted! Well done Christine, Cal and the rest of the crowd who continued to stay put and not moved! You can sign the petition as well here please no matter we need your signature.

I also want to thank each and every person who did attend the weekend, I know money must have been super tight and you guys still rocked out. Play out and pass out in the sun, sounds like STRAB to me. To those who still don’t know what STRAB is click here and find out. You really going to kick yourself for not coming or it’s just not commercial enough for you like Oppikoppi. I want to say a big thank you to the artists who hanged out around the pool, the house, the stages and the bar. Without you guys this weekend wouldn't have been so much fun especially Tori, Kobus, Andre, Jessi, Robynne and Mimi. The 3 cows of our cow herd also made the weekend Alice, Gomez and Sunny were very popular and watched the acoustic stage with love.

Friday slowly dragged itself to our doorsteps with a full sunny day. I was happy since the whole week leading up to the weekend it was raining on a daily basis. After a lovely hair cut (and in a new style for me) I pack MJ and Alice and took a nice chilled drive to the second home I've come to know and love over 10 years. The dirt road for the first few kilo’s looks like it’s ass but never the less it brought me home. After checking in with name on the guest list under “A-Team” Sally helped me set up my camp. I got one of those pop up tents, on the picture you throw it in the air and it pops out, no this one smack me on the head first then did a ninja kick in the tree and then fell down without popping up. Sally was standing there giggle ling like some freaky squirrel, and then I got the tent open. Next was the “pomping” of the mattress and this is where Sally was having fun, every time one of us say “pomp” we start laughing ending up me stopping mid way of “pomping” to take a breath. After 15 minutes of laughing and “pomping” the mattress was nice and stiff, into the tent it goes. Now this tent is really small like one man or in this case one woman tent. After the sleeping bag was in, Alice got another “pomp” we went to greet friends Kobus and Jessie at the swimming pool. Alice immediately became a hit with Kobus and Jessie gave her kiss on the snoet. The shift calls were coming in and the 3 of us made our way up to the Moon.

Arriving I was greeted by Justin Swart, who busy setting up with his fellow bands mates as they were the opening band. The place was near empty except for a few muso’s that hang around, Conrad Jamneck of STRAB at the sound board. Greeting Pete, Alice was in the bar with me for the first time. I had to taste that the R&R was correct but since we can’t get the Moz rum here uncle Moby Dick had to do. Watching the Post-colonial Paperweights (Justin Swart and his band) do sound check I had to prepare for my next artist interview. Yes watch this space I will be posting another local muso interview really soon. After the interview was handled off, a few pictures were taken and shots were cheers to we waited for the masses to come. The sun set, 6pm rolled by and we started the show.

You can catch the Postcolonial Paperweights on Facebook or either follow Justin Swart or Faantie Martiz (bass player) on Twitter. They going on tour on December so make sure you catch them live then.

Next up was local’s Voetstoots and as always they delivered. Thanks Stefan for reading the blog as well my friend, I appreciate your support in full! When can we hear some news of an EP or album coming out?

The party was very slow and not a lot of people showed up for the great line up, however we waited for The Tidal Waves. It was good to hear their reggae/rock sound ego through the mountain again. They are certainly one of these best upcoming bands right now, if you haven’t seen them live you catch them on (Live)5 on 5FM on 12 November 2011 (next week Saturday) at 5pm. After the show Conrad band was up and yes the man can sing and make music all at the same time. I had a lovely chat with Jinx, Sammy and Charlie of Tidal Waves. They going some places and are going to be one of the band performing at the Seether concerts this December in Cape Town so make sure to catch a pretty decent local line up with our international local guys from Jo’burg. The Fake Leather Blues band is always a classic to see live especially if they are the last band to play, make sure you got some Jaagmymeester close by for the whole band.

A stroll down to the swimming pool with a bottle of red wine and few friends was a lovely way to catch up with the loud music pumping through your head. After the wine was gone (not the rum) it was back to the top sitting around the fire having a chat with Sammy, Mimi and Charlie and this is where I loved and left my friends at 2am, time for bed the next day was a craze Saturday.

Saturday morning the whole A-Team and Simi mom was awoken to someone alarm WAY too early. My friend Mimi didn't switch off her alarm and after waking her we were all pretty much awake and she falling back to sleep. I still want to know how she does it, anyway at 7am it was time for beer breakfast, and I heard that this is like a “camp rule”. Anyway Eddie started making us a lekker breakfast, I got some coffee with Anna Mart and Anthony on the balcony of the main house over looking the dam (we call it Tortuga) breakfast called my name and the A-Team (minus Simi who was way on top of the mountain with friends) had some grub. Then it was off to the swimming pool for some wake up and fun, we had a Rambo enactment, sun screen being passed around, tattoos being showed off and babelas measurements being taken.

I felt the sun was getting a little too hot for my liking and got almost everyone out of the cool water and out of the sun. Getting dressed for the day it was time for the acoustic show and took Alice up with me. At the original STRAB in Mozambique they have the bar stage where muso’s can acoustically perform with a back drop of the ocean behind them. In this case Arcade Empire was the stage sponsor with back drop of the Nelsparta valley behind the fans. Some R&R’s made it to my dry lips and Alice got to see her two friends, Sunny & Gomez, which caught a lift with Lee. There was also a new blow up face in form of a tequila drinking dolphin, yes once you've seen this crowd you will understand. They are pillows, mattresses, drinking buddies, photo posers and made friends with some awesome people.

The sun and rum caught up with me and I went for afternoon snooze, it was still a long way till 1 am. After the snooze I didn't feel any better thanks to heat and a nice refreshing shower was the doctor orders. All dressed up and behind the bar it was still hot at 6pm and the crowds also start to show up. It wasn't as busy as usual but never the less the spirit of STRAB was now in full blast.

Still all our energy levels were low and surely building up as the night went on. The Southern Gypsy Queen came on and the first shot of adrenaline was in. Tammy, Grant and Paul really delivers as always, with their tattoos, skinny jeans and trade mark sound they got almost the whole crowd in front of them. After them it was The Black Cat Bones, they realest their new album a few weeks ago and they played most of the new songs, wow. As always they got us moving and grooving between the bar, the deck and the stage. They did play one of my old favourites “Mojo” and got me more energetic, second shot of adrenaline. Then No One’s Arc was busy getting ready behind stage, after getting some water for them and being the band aid it was time to get our funk on.

What was kick ass about this show was that because of the time they went on, our bar was pretty much empty and the A – Team for once could enjoy a full No One’s Arc show without keeping one foot in the bar. With Gooph checking his mic he slowly rap his part in “Breaking Habits” and the biggest fans, yes Simi and I, said it back to him giving him that trade mark Gooph smile of his. Hot as the devil left open hell door this time of the morning we had the Halderman’s standing in front as well waiting for the rock show. And as on que the opening song was “Rock Show” and Mimi dedicating it to us A-Team. Thanks Mimi we love you! The show was energetic as always and Sally said it was one of the best shows for her. I personally think it’s because it’s their favourite venue to play at, its home. Despite the little crowd in front of them (and this is what I love about this band) they still give you the same performance as if it was thousands in front of them. Bongs made used of the box that was on stage for some reason, blowing his trumpet up in the air, legend stuff I say. Somewhere a top hat appeared and turns were took between us to wear it and now after the release of their “UFO” video it made me notice all the things they also did in the video. After their show it was time for an ice cold glass of water, followed by a ice cold R&R. Greeting the boys as they travelled back home for some well deserve sleep it was time for me and Alice as well to go to bed.

Sunday morning not waking up to alarm but rather the heat was not fun. We all were dead tired and the search for coffee became an endangered species. I found Sally and Mimi in the kitchen busy making coffee for all who wanted and then I hear they haven’t slept yet. They were giggling like a bunch of hyenas after a massive night out. Sjoe where they got the energy from I don’t know but they were wide awake. I joined them at the now burnt out bonfire with Kobus guitar case laying by my feet, Jona a good friend of Eddie and I, sitting laughing still at the time spent with the people there. I was just happy I didn't pull that trick as I would have been grumpy as hell. Hearing more and more voices from the house and the now dodgy looking swimming pool I head back to the tent for my clothes and another shower.
Eddie made us breakfast again, Mimi went to bed and we slowly but surely started to pack up our tents and camp site. In between the swimming pool, house and parking lot we greeted new made friends, old friends and comparing our sun burn from the previous day. Huge thanks to Shotgun Tori for the autograph! I hope to see you soon again.

After breakfast and Eddie leaving us girls, I slowly packed up MJ, gave a near flat Alice another good “pomp” Mimi arose for breakfast. After this it was time to slowly make our rounds and Anthony said we should stay at least for the rugby world cup final, “Ag okay let’s go then” was my words to Mimi and we drove up to the bar instead of walking.

A quick cold drink and talking about the original STRAB it was time to greet everyone. Adriaan you still a legend my friend, as you say “Die kat kom weer”.

After dropping off my sweet friend Mimi, Alice decided to hang out with her for a few days and me leaving for home. I caught the last bit of the rugby and congrats New Zealand you did well.

Between the Mountain and the Tree it seems like we all had a good time in the sun. You can check some photos up at Mpumalive to see what you missed – one craze party. The next Blue Moon is on 10 November Freshly Ground and 26 November Locnville. I myself personally I can’t wait for next weekend but I can’t really tell you what I’m doing (it’s all legal I promise). Then watch out for the November issue of the Get It! Magazine, there is a photo of me in there…somewhere

Also if you want to see UB40 live at the Mbombela Stadium on 17 December make sure you early for some tickets when goes on sale this week on Computicket! It's going to sell very fast so keep an eye out for any annoucements on their website

Avontoer is really coming to me faster and faster! The December Streets and No One’s Arc have announced that they will be part of the bands touring on Avontoer again! Yes! See this happy band aid/fan/see rower/woman shaking her tail feathers! E-shay it is..? If you still wondering what the dog I’m talking about why don’t you check out DPK website

Last thanks for all the compliments regarding the blog and enjoying reading up on Mimi the rock starlet. I really hope that I can pull in more muso’s as it if wasn't for them working so damn hard at their music, us fans would have one boring life in this town of ours. You can email me at themusicfan@webmail.co.za if you want me to come see your band or got any suggestions or complaints.

Till later Nelspartans (and world!)