Thursday 28 July 2011
Wednesday 20 July 2011
Music News: New sounds from The Dirty Skirts
Saturday, 23 July, sees The Dirty Skirts launch their much anticipated new album, Lost in the fall, at Zula Bar in Cape Town. The album was recorded at Heritage Studios in Cape Town, produced by Neal Snyman, mastered at Sterling Sound Studios in New York and released through 2 Feet, an imprint of Sheer Sound cc.
The first single from the album, Strike The Match, was released earlier this year and was playlisted on radio stations nationwide. It reached the Top 10 on Highveld and KFM’s Homebrew charts, as well as entered 5FM’s Top 40 and the music video reached number 1 on the MK Music Video Charts.
Lost in the fall launches:
23 July / Zula Bar / Cape Town / 21h00 / R50
29 July / Town Hall / Johannesburg / 21h00 / R50
30 July / Arcade Empire / Pretoria / 21h00 / R50
27 August / Unit 11 / Durban / 21h00 / R50
THE DIRTY SKIRTS will be featured in the latest issue of People Magazine and issue 373 of Heat magazine. They will also perform live on Studio 1 on 28 July as well as be on Jon Savage’s Rock Show, and live on the Fresh Drive on 29 July.
The Dirty Skirts Website: http://www.thedirtyskirts.com/
The Dirty Skirts on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thedirtyskirts
The Dirty Skirts on Twitter: http://twitter.com/thedirtyskirts
Music News: Laurie Levine releases Six Winters
Laurie Levine's third album, Six Winters, has just been released. Laurie's blend of American roots music and the ‘Nu-Folk’ sound has earned her critical acclaim and a growing audience.She has twice been nominated for a SAMA (South African Music Award) in the Adult Contemporary category and she has just returned from the Grahamstown Arts Festival with a Standard Bank Silver Ovation Award for her performances there.
Dan Roberts, who worked with Laurie on her previous album, found a balance between a contemporary sound and Laurie`s love of folk music. Dan speaks about the way they found the ‘voice’ of the album: “Laurie arrived with a selection of songs that had taken her writing to a new level, more exposed and lyrically the strongest set I've heard from her so far. There's a lot of pain there, but extraordinary beauty too. Laurie had also been listening to some old sounds, early dust bowl depression era and such, but at the same time we both love contemporary electronica, so we settled on what can be best described as a 'the future is yesterday' approach. We put together a string ensemble: violin, cello, mandolin, banjo, baritone guitar, junk shop autoharps, accordion and piano and threw that into the ring with, what is known in the trade as 'retro electronica beats' - added some real percussion and ended up with a kind of Appalachian - loop station approach. There's a pulse there, but a delicacy too. I'm really happy with where we ended up and I hope it gets the airing it deserves."
The songs on Six Winters were created in a deeply personal space and the album was written over the length of a year. Laurie comments on the writing process: “A lot of the songs came to me in pieces that were put together and completed over a period of time. A song is only finished when it is ready and often it takes you by the hand and leads you to its completion. The process is mysterious and hard to grasp, but you have to let the song speak its truth."
Laurie will introduce the album at official CD Launches in Durban, Cape Town, Pretoria and Johannesburg:
Durban: Friday 12 August: Bluestockings, Kloof (Media and Public)
Cape Town: Friday 19 August: Gatta Patat, Cape Diamond Hotel (Public Launch)
Pretoria: Friday 9 September: Pandora Arthouse (Media and Public)
Johannesburg: Thursday 22 September: The Alexander Theatre, Braamfontein (Media and Public)
Also check out www.laurielevine.co.za and http://www.facebook.com/pages/Laurie-Levine/10349244047 .
Music News: New from Prodigy!
Sheer Sound and Shelter Music have released the first feature length live concert of The Prodigy’s sold out show from their Warrior’s Dance Festival at the Milton Keynes Bowl, on CD + DVD.
Portraying their biggest show to date from their sold out festival at the Milton Keynes Bowl, it includes their biggest tunes – Omen, Firestarter, Breathe, Warrior’s Dance and more.
The release will be a chance for fans to see brand new and re-worked footage of the band, including films taken on the road during their Invaders Must Die world tour – see the group in Brazil, Japan, America and of course select performances taken from their explosive tours in the UK and Europe.
Movie News: Take That song to feature in new movie
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| Take That |
Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jason Orange, Mark Owen and Robbie Williams were inspired to write the ballad after a private screening of the film in Los Angeles with the film’s director, Paul W.S. Anderson.
When asked about the new single, Gary said: “The film is visually so rich and beautiful that our main challenge was to then match it musically. We’ve returned to guitars, real pianos and a conventional song structure to achieve this. We also thought that the Musketeers reminded us of ourselves.” The Three Musketeers boasts an impressive international cast, starring Logan Lerman, Milla Jovovich, Matthew Macfadyen, Ray Stevenson, Luke Evans, Mads Mikkelsen, Gabriella Wilde, James Corden, Juno Temple, Freddie Fox with Orlando Bloom and Christoph Waltz. Nu Metro Films releases The Three Musketeers in October 2011 in 3D.
Check out the cool trailer:
Music News: New album for Evanescence
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| Evanescence will be releasing a new album soon! |
Following a three year sabbatical, the band returned to the studio on April 11 to begin recording their third studio album.
With what some call a meteoric rise to the top, Fallen brought the Little Rock, Arkansas band to global success with more than 17 million records in the hands of fans worldwide, two top 10 singles, My Immortal and Bring Me To Life and two Grammy Awards in 2003.
The Open Door was recorded in Los Angeles at The Record Plant in early 2006 and mixed at the venerable Ocean Way Studios in March 2006 and marked the return of long-time friend and producer Dave Fortman. The Open Door was certified double platinum in the United States and has sold more than five million copies worldwide.
Tuesday 12 July 2011
Music News: Die Heuwels Fantasties performing at Huisgenoot Skouspel
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| Die Heuwels Fantasies. Photo: Antonie Robertson |
Die Heuwels Fantasties will be performing at Huisgenoot Skouspel at Sun City on 8, 9, 15 and 16 October. The group is honoured to appear on this line-up. Hunter Kenney sums up the group’s excitement by saying: “It feels like a dream! We can’t wait.”
Die Heuwels Fantasties will also perform at SkouspelPlus at GrandWest Casino in Cape Town on 17 March 2012.
See Die Heuwels Fantasties live at:
14 July – MK Sessies, Blerkas, Bloemfontein.
31 July – Old Mutual Music In The Gardens, Pretoria Botanical Gardens
3 August - Hoërskool Diamantveld, Kimberley
15 August – Hoërskool Lichtenburg
20 August – Hoërskool Vereeniging, Barnyard Theatre, Vereeniging
27 August – Hoërskool Malherbe, Port Elizabeth
17 September – Wanderers, Hart Van Windhoek, Namibië
23 September – Cool Runnings, Fourways, Vrede Fest
24 September – Hatfield Square, Pretoria, Vrede Fest
8, 9, 15 and 16 October – Skouspel, Sun City
21 October – Pendoring Awards
4 November – Parys Adventure Festival, Parys
31 July – Old Mutual Music In The Gardens, Pretoria Botanical Gardens
3 August - Hoërskool Diamantveld, Kimberley
15 August – Hoërskool Lichtenburg
20 August – Hoërskool Vereeniging, Barnyard Theatre, Vereeniging
27 August – Hoërskool Malherbe, Port Elizabeth
17 September – Wanderers, Hart Van Windhoek, Namibië
23 September – Cool Runnings, Fourways, Vrede Fest
24 September – Hatfield Square, Pretoria, Vrede Fest
8, 9, 15 and 16 October – Skouspel, Sun City
21 October – Pendoring Awards
4 November – Parys Adventure Festival, Parys
TV News: Check out The Universe on History Channel (DStv Channel 254)
It's time for a new look at a very old universe. In its mysteries, we are finding the secrets of our past and the key to our future. This is a history of how we know what we do about space.
Fifty years have flown by since man first ventured into outer space, but the heavens are only now yielding their greatest secrets. Robotic rovers give us eyes on the red rock of Mars. NASA probes slam into comets at hyper speed. Deep space telescopes capture violent images of the birth of stars and their collapse into black holes.
All of these have significantly changed the way we look at ourselves. As our own planet churns with the effects of global warming, it's natural to look into the heavens and wonder about the rest of the real estate. Is there anywhere else out there that that can support life? Or, is there truly no place like home?
Each episode will examine how the discoveries were made and the fascinating stories of the scientists and explorers who dared to venture into the uncharted territory of the universe.
Mars: Mars: The New Evidence (Thursday 14 July @ 20:30)
Experts investigate whether water once flowed on Mars and examine the planet's seasonal plumes of methane that could indicate there is life below its surface.
Music News: Haal Asem Kwagga Tour
Van Coke Kartel, winner of the MK Best Live Act 2010 and Best Afrikaans Rock Album SAMA 2010, joins forces with the South African radio chart topper and winner of Best English Rock Album SAMA 2009, Zebra & Giraffe, to bring you a dynamic combination of English and Afrikaans rock that promises to be one of the best live experiences in South African music.
Van Coke Kartel are known for their awesome rock shows and Zebra & Giraffe for their eclectic sound. Both are known for their great live shows. These two extremes in the local music industry are gearing up to bring a show to your home town that can not be missed.
Tour dates and details:
Date: 30 July 2011
Line-up: Van Coke Kartel, Zebra & Giraffe and DJ Sideshow
Venue: Assembly, 61 Harrington Street, Cape Town
Cover: R70 at the door on the night of the event
Pre Sold tickets: R60 via http://www.webtickets.co.za/assembly
Contact & info: Pierre Coetzee: +27 21 465 7286, +27 82 555 7789, pierre@theassembly.co.za
Time: Doors open @ 21h00
Date: 13 August 2011
Line-up: Van Coke Kartel and Zebra&Giraffe
Venue: Aandklas, 43a Bird Street, Stellenbosch
Cover: R50
Contact: Marcus Oosthuizen: +27 21 8833545, marcus@aandklas.com
Time: Doors open at 18h00
Date: 16 August 2011
Line-up: Van Coke Kartel and Zebra&Giraffe
Venue: Kalahari Teater, Redefine Boulevard (Old Game), York Street, George
Cover: R70
Contact: Dietlof Henn / 0448745000 / 0711371893
Time: doors open 18h00 / show starts 20h00
Date: 17 August 2011
Line-up: Van Coke Kartel and Zebra&Giraffe
Venue: The Union, Steve Biko Building, Prince Alfred Street, Grahamstown
Cover: R50
Contact: Shane - 079 476 8898 | shaneyellow@gmail.com
Time: Doors Open 19h30
Tour Date: 18 August 2011
Line-up: Van Coke Kartel and Zebra&Giraffe
Venue: Detroit Motor Spirit, Corner of Albany Road and Frederick Street, Port Elizabeth
Cover: R50
Contact: Shaakir Ebrahim / info@detroitsa.co.za / 0848277849 / 0415823777
Time: Doors open 19h00
Date: 19 August 2011
Line-up: Van Coke Kartel & Zebra & Giraffe.
Venue: Cool Runnings Fourways, Johannesburg
Address: Shop 30, Riverbend Junction, 1 Riverbend Road, Bloubosrand, Fourways
Cover: R50
Contact: 011 704 0987 | luke@stage-management.co.za
Time: Doors open 19h00
Date 20 August 2011
Line up: Van Coke Kartel and Zebra & Giraffe. Acoustic show.
Venue: Ridgeback, Centurion
Address: C/O Jean Ave and South Street.
Cover charge: R20 - general and R50 VIP & Stage area
Contact: 076 722 1115 /vickeyryan@gmail.com
Doors open at 18h00
Date: 24 August 2011
Line-up: Van Coke Kartel and Zebra&Giraffe
Venue: Memphis, 12 Esselen St, Die Bult, Potchefstroom
Cover: R40
Contact: Fabio / 0834444101 / memphisrock@live.co.za
Time: Doors open 18h00
Date: 25 August 2011
Line-up: Van Coke Kartel and Zebra&Giraffe
Venue: Mystic Boer, 84 Kellner Street, Bloemfontein
Cover: R50
Contact: Theuns / mysticboer.events@gmail.com / 051 4302206
Time: Doors open 19h00
Date: 26 August 2011
Line-up: Van Coke Kartel & Zebra&Giraffe
Venue: Town Hall, 66 Carr Street, Newtown, Johannesburg
Cover: R60 Contact: Gert - 082 332 5772 | gert@thetownhall.co.za
Time: Doors open 20h00
Date: 27 August 2011
Line-up: Van Coke Kartel & Zebra&Giraffe
Venue: Arcade Empire, Cnr Hans Strydom and N4, Pretoria
Cover: R60
Contact: Robert Peirera / 0720206120 / robert@iloveptown.co.za
Time: Doors open 19h00
Updates on Haal Asem Kwagga Tour on:
http://www.zebraandgiraffe.co.za
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Zebra-Giraffe/7527326422
http://www.twitter.com/zebraandgiraffe
http://www.youtube.com/ZebraAndGiraffe
http://www.vancokekartel.co.za
http://www.facebook.com/vancokekartel
http://www.twitter.com/vancokekartel
Band Blog: http:// www.vancokekartel.co.za/dftwr
Hashtag on Twitter: #haalasemkwagga.
Wednesday 6 July 2011
Music News: Chatting to Ross from Prime Circle
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| Prime Circle |
We chatted to Ross Learmonth, lead singer, guitarist and songwriter for local rockband Prime Circle about the band's winning formula.
What would you say is the secret of Prime Circle’s continuing success?
We have always put our songs first; when things become about ego they can fall apart very quickly, so we always try to do what's best for the song, not the player. We also have always been a touring band and spend most of our time on the road. I think these factors as well as our love for playing music together have made the band the success it is today.
Looking back, what has been the most difficult hurdle the band has had to overcome?
We have had a few, from dealing with band members leaving to the repercussions of signing bad deals in our younger days. It’s hard to say which is worse, every day is a new challenge and you just hope you make the right decision because in the end it's you that has to live with it.
And the most daring?
The most daring I think has been our overseas endeavors, going somewhere that nobody knows you and starting at the bottom again. And even though it can get really hard at times, the adventure is always worth it. Also seeing someone new singing along to the songs is an amazing feeling.
What can we expect from the band in the next couple of months?
We are celebrating for the next few months... building up to our ten year anniversary tour. It feels like just the other day that we started and now we have been together for ten years. We will be recording a live acoustic DVD with a lot of old footage of us throughout the years, sort of a storyteller showing people where we came from and also of us playing songs from all of the albums. Very exciting for us.
Is there a new album on the horizon?
Always, until we can't lift our fingers to play anymore… We are looking at bringing out a new album maybe next year. We always take our time so that we can bring out the best music possible for ourselves. Maybe we might even put something new on the anniversary album coming out later this year, you never know…
We have always put our songs first; when things become about ego they can fall apart very quickly, so we always try to do what's best for the song, not the player. We also have always been a touring band and spend most of our time on the road. I think these factors as well as our love for playing music together have made the band the success it is today.
Looking back, what has been the most difficult hurdle the band has had to overcome?
We have had a few, from dealing with band members leaving to the repercussions of signing bad deals in our younger days. It’s hard to say which is worse, every day is a new challenge and you just hope you make the right decision because in the end it's you that has to live with it.
And the most daring?
The most daring I think has been our overseas endeavors, going somewhere that nobody knows you and starting at the bottom again. And even though it can get really hard at times, the adventure is always worth it. Also seeing someone new singing along to the songs is an amazing feeling.
What can we expect from the band in the next couple of months?
We are celebrating for the next few months... building up to our ten year anniversary tour. It feels like just the other day that we started and now we have been together for ten years. We will be recording a live acoustic DVD with a lot of old footage of us throughout the years, sort of a storyteller showing people where we came from and also of us playing songs from all of the albums. Very exciting for us.
Is there a new album on the horizon?
Always, until we can't lift our fingers to play anymore… We are looking at bringing out a new album maybe next year. We always take our time so that we can bring out the best music possible for ourselves. Maybe we might even put something new on the anniversary album coming out later this year, you never know…
Check out Prime Circle at www.primecircle.co.za .
Tuesday 5 July 2011
Music News: Elvis Blue on tour
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| Elvis Blue |
Idols star Elvis Blue will from 10 July be touring in Cape Town. Elvis chatted to Reaction Entertainment about his music and plans for the future.
You will be embarking on a tour of the Western Cape
LOL... Not really.I am definitely not complaining though... I have always believed in my abilities and I have always had great hope, but I also know life doesn't always work out the way you hope. I am extremely happy that I have the opportunity to tour the most beautiful part of our country.
Which gig are you looking forward to the most?
Each gig is different... I look forward to them all.
What has the post-Idols experience been like the past couple of months?
Every person who has the opportunity to do what he love is very fortunate.I have been given this opportunity and I am vey thankful for it. The last few months have been a great adventure.
Your self-titled album has from the start done well in the local music scene. When can we expect the next Elvis Blue album, and how would you envision the next record?
I am writing profusely and we have started pre-production on the album. I hope that we could release the new album in the first part of next year. At this stage the focus is on promoting the third single Save me we have also shot a video for this song. We are also working hard on organizing live performances countrywide.
Check out Elvis at these gigs:
Event: Elvis Blue Live in Hermanus – 10 July
Venue: Gecko Bar, Site 24A New Harbour, Hermanus
Ticket Prices: R 60
Doors open at 18:30
Event: Elvis Blue Live in Worcester
Venue: The Damas Theatre, Worcester
Ticket Prices: Visit www.damas.co.za for ticket prices and starting times.
Event: Elvis Blue Live in Durbanville – 12 July
Venue: Die Boer Teater, Chenoweth Street 6, Durbanville
Ticket Prices: R 120
For more information call Elsa at 021 979 1911
Event: Elvis Blue Live in Tulbach – 13 July
Venue: The Saronsberg Theatre in Tulbach
Ticket Prices: R 120
For more information call Cliff at 023 230 1782
Event: Elvis Blue Live in Paarl – 14 July
Venue: Ou Meul Teater, Meul Street , Paarl
Ticket Prices: For more information and starting times, call Vicky on 083 564 0056
Event: Elvis Blue Live at the George Cheese Festival – 31 July
Venue: The George Cheese Festival, Mead, George
Ticket Prices: R56 per adults, R30 for children under 13.
Gates open early till late
Monday 4 July 2011
TV News: Former Stig visits SA
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| Ben Collins |
Ben Collins, formally known as The Stig in the hugely successful Top Gear, will travel to Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town from 5 to 16 July to host three exclusive launches of the new greener tech heavy Audi A6.
Collins comes to South Africa just after finishing stunt driving on the 23rd Bond movie in Poland Le Mans
Collins has put every known supercar to the test, racing the world’s greatest cars but from the anonymity of his white helmet he taught some of the world’s most famous stars – from Tom Cruise to Cameron Diaz - how to lay down a fast racing lap, managed to catch a parachutist in his moving car and coached a blind man how to take on a chicane.
Music News: Kylie extends her South African tour with one more show
Pop icon Kylie Minogue recently announced that she will be extending the South African leg of her Aphrodite Live 2011 World Tour with one more performance inJohannesburg South Africa in the Mother City
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| Kylie Minogue |
Pop icon Kylie Minogue recently announced that she will be extending the South African leg of her Aphrodite Live 2011 World Tour with one more performance in
Sunday 3 July 2011
Movie News: Celludroid Film Festival from 5 to 14 July
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| Neve Campbell is Sidney in Scream. |
The CELLUDROID Film Festival will again feature a cool line-up of science fiction, animation and fantasy movies.
In addition to a wide range of exciting movies, this year will feature special visiting guest director Richard Stanley (with his movies, documentaries, short films and new book), include a graphic novel launch and more.
There will be theatrical pre-release screenings and for the first time sci-fi, animation and fantasy short film collections will be part of the movie line-up. The venue is the Labia Theatre on Orange Street, Cape Town, and the event will run from 5 to 14 July.
A special premiere pre-release screening of Wes Craven's fourth installment of the popular Scream series will kick off the festival on 5 July.
Tickets for the festival are R30 each and bookings can be made at 021 424 5927.
Also check out www.CELLUDROID.net .
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