STM launches brand new website

By Team STM

By now you might have noticed that there are no new posts being posted on this blogspot.com website. This was our beginning with no idea what so ever that Small Town Music will grow into the beautiful (and influenced) company today.

Earthdance Mpumalanga 2013

In its 5th year Earthdance Mpumalanga is excited to bring the Lowveld a day of music, fun, arts and dance in the name of peace for the inhabitants of our earth, big and small.

This years theme is community and we have chosen Nelspruit Community Forum as this years beneficiary for 50% of the profits made on the day.

The Long Drive

While we wait for the team to bring you all the cool stuff that went down (and up) at Innibos 2013 we decided to post some music videos we think you need to see. Get you some new tunes into your head while we at it;

ISO - Heaven

This is so new it's still got the "new car smell" in this case its the smell of ISO freshly produced video "Heaven" - check it

Hey Tonight - MK Stage @ Innibos

What can a Lowvelder tell you about Innibos? It is the biggest event on our calendar, but it’s also a crazy fever that hits the town, and everyone ends up spending days at work hung over after a night of mid week partying on the festival grounds and around town. Many months of preparation go into hosting one of the country’s biggest festivals and here it is on our doorstep.

For a music fan (a rocker of note) the only stage out of the 7 worth seeing is the MK Kliphard Stage. Here is an opportunity to watch bands that you might not normally see, unless, like me you attend music festivals like STRAB, Up The Creek or Oppikoppi, or if you regularly venture down to Jozi, Pretoria or the Western-Cape.

With so many good people in the Lowveld who are still scared of the Blue Moon road or intimidated by a little bit of good music, then let me tell you: don’t knock down the MK stage before you have at least experienced it. I understand that South African music may not be everyone’s cup of tea, (unlike us at STM)  but there are bands and solo artists performing at the MK Stage this year that might tempt you to go down to your local music store to buy their music.

Master of puppets - A tribute to Pieter van der Walt

By Marley

We get so busy in our own lives that sometimes we forget about each other. Again I sit here to relay the sad news of the passing of well known local metal-head; Metallica fan and metal band C4's front man, Pieter van der Walt. 

Tot die son uikom

By Marley

Winters in the Lowveld are mild and warm, so much so that even the bums move in from the highveld. The evenings get a bit chilly and some nights are down-right freezing but nothing could have prepared us for the weather we experienced at Blue Moon on Saturday before and during the show.

Photo courtesy of Facebook

Rofstoeigreep

by Marley

“Rofstoeigreep” basically translates to “wrestling grip” and sitting here today after the Heuwels show on Sunday 28 April I can tell you one thing; that this blogger not only got a hangover but also left with the biggest smile on her face. In case you missed it I’m a big fan of Die Heuwels Fantasties and have been from the moment I heard “Vinger Alleen” a few years ago.

Marley, Pierre, Hunter, Doc, Phillip and Fred

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.

Mission To The Sun

By Marley

It was a mission to the sun...where the sun sets late during the summer.

Planning a trip is always exciting and nerve racking at times. Planning to go to Up The Creek aka UTC takes a few months planning. It starts with dates of the festival then the plane tickets and then how you get there to UTC and back.

The River
 - photo courtesy of Royal Lens Photography

Little Things

By Marley

Blue Bird Theory is a force to be reckoned with. Old school Blue Moon’ers will remember the band Induo which Desmond Tilly (or “Des” as I got to know him) was a member of.

After the loss of their fellow band mate, Dave Bennett in a car crash in 2006, Induo stepped off the scene. Des left Nelspruit where he and fellow Nelspartan Steven Bosman formed Blue Bird Theory in 2006. In 2012 band members Stephan Bester (bass) and Etienne Olivier (lead guitar) officially joined this hard-rock jewel of a band. As I sit here on the Blue Moon couch on Sunday morning after their show, busy typing up this post, their set list of the previous night is still keeping its own beat in my head.

Blue Bird Theory -
Blue Moon 2011

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!

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

Eye Shadow

By Marley

Last week Sunday I went to Umbali to watch Valiant Swart, my mother joined me in the fun and games and it rained! Sorry it's my fault my mom never goes to rock shows so mother nature decide to bless us all. At the last minute apparently Mr. Loots pulled out of the show and instead Havana was on the bill. The Michael Strydom Trip was on next and huge respect for them! Michael is really a great singer and even better guitar player. Then Voetstoots was up next.

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

Beautiful

By Marley

Let’s reverse the car and go back to the rock Saturday of 13 August. At Blue Moon we had The Narrow, Not My Dog, The Black Cat Bones, Mrs. B and Voetstoots. It was a bit of slow night due some cage fight stories in Nelsparta (seriously why support violence when you got good music?) I was looking forward to this as it’s my 10^th year as a Blue Mooner and my first ever concert was Not My Dog as the head liner all those moons ago.

Shine Your Light at By Die Maan - Innibos 2011

By Marley

Thank goodness it’s Monday, yes never thought you’ll hear that out of my mouth but I’m glad for once it is Monday. Back to normal after being so Innibos for a week most of you were there, most of you supported Blue Moon and for that I thank you. If you guys didn’t support a festival like Innibos we as Nelsparta will never have seen something like that. Arts in all forms are worthy the support especially South African arts.

Waterfall - By Die Maan 2011 guide

“Is bringing me down”

Well maybe not a waterfall, yet but it is just the freaking cold! We are here! Yes Innibos starts today all over Nelspruit with teather shows, kick off shows, beer tent antics and the merry-go-rounds light up their lights. I’ve been hearing the sound check for the last few days which included one of our feature artists at Blue Moon, Jax Panik! Sound engineers thanks for the advertising even if you didn’t realise it

Not Broken

By Marley

Today my title is from a song off the Goo Goo Dolls last album, this song has been a bit radio hit in the USA and yet I've only heard this song play in shops like Mr. Price and Edgars...maybe it's just me but the national stations are missing some good alternative. Anyway this song specific has quite a cool story I feel. It's believed that a woman gave John Rzeznik, the singer/song writer of the band with the beautiful blue eyes, a letter containing her thanks towards their music and told her story of her husband who fought in the war in the Middel East. He was injured during this and didn't want to come home since he felt she wouldn't accept him anymore.

John took this inspiration and wrote a song that is like a love letter from this woman to her husband "We're not broken so please come home"

Jamming - gearing up for STRAB 2011

By Marley

No I haven't been sucked up into a jam jar (or some days it feels like) but rather been flying high (and low), preparing for the yet another adventure.

Her Name Is Alice

By Marley

Since our kick off weekend at Blue Moon it feels like the social life was kicked start again.

With the SASOL Rally After Party that was held at Lions Pub in White River the attendance was well attend. They changed the last entry of the rally to the high school instead of the main street which I'm glad they did. I was there last year and it was just one craze thing to see. Anyhow the stage which was build like an altar to the rock gods in the parking lot, offered some great standing positions. Beer was drank, wine was extinct and the party was good. I was speechless with the friendliness of our humble little area of the Lowveld. While standing around with my good friend Anne - Marie, a girl with purple hair (her boyfriend had dreadlocks) came up to us and offer us a seat at their table. We joined her, her sister and a friend discussing muso's, local talent (in more ways than one) and tattoos.

Ewald, Gibraltar, Voetstoots and of course No One's Arc was the line up for the evening. Now I don't know if it was just the party or the music but it wasn't as cold that night. Maybe it was just the forced tequila and the welcomed sourz that was burning its way down or was it my brain? I enjoy Voetstoots a little more every time I get to see them and I was actually watching them without getting someone else a dop (as per normal). No One's Arc was jamming of course like there is no tomorrow, with two fans that got on stage and sang with! Dylan and Robby showed off their drumming skills if you have not seen this I'm not even going to tell you any further, it's something you HAVE to see live, in person.

I said how I wish that NOA will play their oldie "Funky E Juice" and how I want to hear it live again, well it was played! Yes! All that the girls in the bathroom saw was one Mad Hatter running OUT the bathroom instead of in and off to the stage. True but a fact! Thanks guys! I love that song.

Saturday night I got to dress like a normal person (and not a mad hatter like the previous night) and got an education on wine. Yes I was lucky enough to have won tickets to the recent wine show in White River. I didn't know what to expect besides from the obvious and was a bit disappointed that there was no cheese. But okay, Anne - Marie and I started at point we had some RAKA wine (not the festival), Chocolate Box or Letter...was quite good. Then we hopped around found an olive stall! Hmmm that was tasty then I tasted a wine and the best way to describe it from both of us was "Having sex with Johnny Depp" - straight ek sê

Yes I want to look for that bottle really soon and crack open my Johnny Depp DVD vault. Oh yea

Sparkling wine from Simonsig saw us twice as well as it kicked JC le Roux ass all over that place. We even bumped into Ewald and Christine at the show, the second night in a row that I see them both. With heavy rain fall it was time to leave said wine show and disappear to a place in Nelspruit best not mentioned. Lets just say there was masks, streamers, and good music...

Sunday of course was Pappas night and Ewald played again (a full weekend? Crazy) with Christine and I having tea and coffee instead of alcohol. Sol was present but left soon afterwards, we sat and reflect on the craze life that we've had for the last few weeks. Ewald told me about this singer that sounds like Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam, this mystery man was at Pappas and he took over from Ewald. He blew my mind people, what a beautiful singing voice. With his Windhoek and his beanie I sat there just transfix on his voice, sensational. I hope that he will think about doing at least an acoustic show somewhere again for more people to see, the man is truly brilliant.

Now with the Easter bunny hopping in (where is my gun? I want some chocolate...oh wait wine yea) it's going to be a quite one. I hope. BUT!!! If you want to go somewhere and have an outdoor music festival then you can pack your bags for SplasyFen starting today actually! As you have read No One's Arc is once again packing the van and travelling down to Kwa-Zulu Natal for this event. The lovely Mimi will be with the boys making sure they stay out of trouble (or is it in trouble?) Good bands like Boo! and the rest of our awesome local talents will graze the stage with their presents making way for Nelspruit finest.

I do believe that my liver is going to have rest now for a few days but be certain that coming May we are warming up already for Innibos!

Much love