by Louw Mulder

South Africans’ hope of releasing some lockdown-tension with that next cigarette went up in smoke when Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma announced the ban on cigarette sales.  Then Max Hurrell remixed this speech, and within days, reached the top spot on the South African Itunes charts, with millions of views on various social media platforms, and even the theme of its own TikTok dance challenge.

It was when this minister became aware that she is featuring as the vocals on the latest dance hit that keeps South Africans sane, that she took to Twitter herself to initiate a meeting with the creator of the song.   Many media outlets, locally and abroad, reported on this, many referring to Max Hurrell as unknown.  But as incorrect as this may be, we tracked him down to change this perception.

Max Hurrell is a 24-year-old DJ, born in England and raised in South-Africa, who is now living in Cape Town.  He has been DJ’ng for the last ten years and producing his own material for the last five.  Most lovers of electronic and dance music would know him from the RAGE festivals, Rocking the Daisies, and his personal highlight to date, playing the main stage of Ultra in 2019.

Tell us About Zol.

“There is no particular meaning behind the song.  It was just a funny idea I came up with and ran with it.  it just resonated with people.  It was relevant and people were sad about the cigarette ban, and the state of the lockdown, so I think people needed that comedic relief.”

Will the success of this satire hit, ZOL, do something for your career?

“Yes, it has.  It has definitely grown my online presence.  I now have more eyes on me, therefore I can show more people what I am really doing.  More people can now listen to my music and know my content.  So yes, it has done something for my career, in terms of Brand Awareness.

Luckily that Brand Awareness is all positive and in good spirits.  It’s not that I have done something terrible, and that’s why people know me.  People now know me for something that brought joy to them, which I like.”

If you say in good spirit… Are you and Minister Dlamini-Zuma on speaking terms?

“Yes, we are.  We spoke and she understood that it was a joke, and it wasn’t done without any malice or any ill intentions.  It was purely a joke to make people laugh and entertain people in these serious times.  She has no issue with the song.”

You made quite a few political satire clips, from the Fish with Minister Holomisa, to President Ramaphosa introducing the new condoms in Parliament.  Do you follow politics to listen especially for ridiculous phrases?

“To be honest, I don’t usually follow politics, But I do keep my ear to the ground in terms of just being online, and if I hear a beat in my head, I will go for it.  They usually just come naturally to me. I don’t want to force it.

I made a few, but I don’t necessarily listen with the intention of being harmful to parliament and our leaders, just to bring comedic relief to people.  The Max Condoms thing was just too relevant, I just had to use it.”

How does the beat come to you?  Never mind politics, you even mixed that annoying Samsung ringtone…

“I’ve been producing music for about 5 years now, so the beats come to me naturally, It’s almost like second nature to me to hear rhythms in my head, melody’s etcetera.  They just come to me, I import them and go with the flow, and if it turns out well, I will finish it, and if it turns out not so well, I won’t finish it. It’s pretty much that simple.”

Where did your love for DJ / Producing come from?

“So I started DJ’ing because I enjoy making people dance and seeing the excitement people get when they hear a song they resonate with.  Or a cool drop… Obviously, I’m focussed on electronic music so drops are more important generally.

I did DJed for ages.  I was obsessed with it, and eventually, I just felt like I needed more, because I felt like I was just mixing other people’s music and I wanted to start making my own original music. When I hear a melody, I want to be able to put it down and execute it myself, rather than finding a song online of someone who’s already done it.  I’ve spent years learning how to make music, and now I am doing so.”

Your latest single, Whisper, is doing very well.  Where did the inspiration come from for this song? 

“That song Whisper, is part of a more serious side of me.  I wrote it with a friend of mine, and I’ve been trying to perfect the sound for a while.  The song itself doesn’t necessarily have a direct image, like a story relating to either of us necessarily, but we felt like people will resonate with the message of the song.  I do feel like the instrumentals itself match with the rhythm.”

How would you describe your music style?

“It’s always been tough for me to define my music style because I just enjoy producing so much of different genres.  I like experimenting with different styles. I won’t be happy doing just one tempo, one genre for the rest of my entire life, and getting known for only that. I’d rather have complete fun with it and not feel trapped, so I try to keep it open-ended. Obviously, there are limits. My heart will always be with melodic music in general, and I feel that that will always be the main theme of my brand.”

You have played nationally and internationally so far in your career.  What did these gigs teach you?

“Well, they taught me that my goals are not too big to achieve, because before I got there, it seemed like an impossible mountain to climb, so once I achieved them, they all just became reality. With any goal I do set for myself, I just need to shift my perspective from it being an impossible mountain to just another goal I can tick off, because I have done the impossible before, and can do it again.”

Who is your Electronic Music hero?

“I’m kind of a bass music-head so I really enjoy bass music and the harder stuff, especially from a production standpoint.  So Virtual Riot would be an all-time favorite artist.  He is too good, too versatile and no one can touch him with production.  So I guess I am just a little bit of a Virtual Riot fan.  There are so many people that I look up to though.”

What’s up for you in the future?

“There’s plenty.  I am actually taking a little bit of a break from shows and just focussing on music production, and luckily the Lockdown coincides with this. At the moment, what is in my future, is just building my music career, and building my own empire.   There is a lot of music and concepts I am working on, but the details remain unrevealed.”

Do you have a message for all your new fans?

“The people that know me for only my comedic side of things, must just please give my serious music more of a chance because I think they can resonate with that stuff as well.  And if not, there’s plenty more coming with sort of mid-tempo style beats, like Zol, but not necessarily in a comedic style; more serious songs with some serious rhythm.”

All Max Hurrell’s Music is available on iTunes, Spotify, basically all online platforms – Or click here!

Follow in like this DJ on Twitter (@maxhurrellsa), Facebook, Instagram, and now TikTok (MaxHurrell)

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Friday, 2 August, saw the release of a brand new album by Caroline Leisegang, one of the youngest classical composers in South African history and winner of the iTunes ‘Best of 2015’ Award for Best Classical Album. Her third official offering, My Body of Preludes, comes after the release of her debut album Øyeblikk in 2015, and sophomore album Simple Circles in 2016.

My Body of Preludes was written in 2017 over a period of 15 months, and recorded in June 2018 at High Sea Studios in Johannesburg. The album was produced by Jacques Du Plessis and mastered by Jacob Van der Westhuizen. Caroline mostly kept with her signature use of triplets and simple time signatures in this body of music. By using her established sound, she added different elements like strings which also acts as a bridge to her next work of music, which will be for string orchestra.

A prelude, in the Romantic sense of history, is a piece of music that can stand entirely on its own and it’s much like a person. Her intention with this album hasn’t been to capture people in music, but rather to have a conversation with them. Inspired by a line in a song which adequately captures the meaning of the album, ‘When a human strokes your skin, that is when you let them in”, Caroline aptly decided to call the album My Body of Preludes.

Since the release of her debut offering four years ago, Caroline has begun to write more simply, openly and explore her capabilities. “I’m not entirely sure of the extent of my capabilities yet, but I see my composing as a baby that reaches it’s milestones. Every musical work, for me, is like taking a first step, saying my first word, pushing my own boundaries and what I understand about myself.”

“It’s been a long time since I’ve released any music, so there’s a bit of trepidation in putting something new out there again. While I feel proud and confident in what I’ve made – it’s always nerve wracking to wait and hear how it is received. Fans can expect something new. Something that will become their own just as Øyeblikk intended. It’s something I’d like to become part of their body as well, not just my own.”

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Aanhangers van Dewald Wasserfall sal verheug wees om te hoor dat die gewilde sanger se nuwe album, getiteld Elektrisiteit nou besikbaar is.

Die kunstenaar met multi-platinum verkope en sakke vol toekennings agter sy naam, se gewildheid sy rasperstem, skerp humorsin en liefde vir reis, het Dewald bevestig dat mense meer van die pop-rock-country gevoel van sy vorige albums kan geniet, maar dat hy dinge so bietjie verder vat in terme van musikale uitdagings.

Die eerste enkelsnit, wat ook die titlesnit van die album is, Elektrisiteit speel klaar op van die top radiostasies landswyd. Musiekliefhebbers kan ook uitsien na ‘n musiekvideo wat binnekort uitgereik sal wees.

Daar is 13 liedjies op die album, almal uit die pen van Wasserfall, asook Danny Smoke, Johan Oberholzer en Murray Lubbe. Dit sluit ook die liedjie “Nuwe Begin,” wat die temalied van “Die Kontrak” was, geskryf saam met Riana Nel in, asook ‘n duetweergawe van Tom Petty se “Free Falling” saam met “Die Kontrak”-deelnemer, Ivan Roux.

Die volle “Elektrisiteit” abum is nou besikbaar in musiekwinkels landswyd, asook op iTunes, terwyl dit eksklusief op JOOX gestroomspeel kan word.

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Aanhangers van Dewald Wasserfall sal verheug wees om te hoor dat die gewilde sanger se nuwe album, getiteld Nuwe Begin binnekort beskikbaar sal wees.

Die kunstenaar met multi-platinum verkope en sakke vol toekennings agter sy naam, se gewildheid het selfs verder toegeneem nadat hy in 2018 een van die afrigters was op Die Kontrak. Bekend vir sy rasperstem, skerp humorsin en liefde vir reis, het Dewald bevestig dat mense meer van die pop-rock-country gevoel van sy vorige albums kan verwag, maar dat hy dinge so bietjie verder vat in terme van musikale uitdagings.

Daar sal 13 liedjies op die album wees, almal uit die pen van Wasserfall, asook Danny Smoke, Johan Oberholzer en Murray Lubbe. Dit sluit ook die liedjie Nuwe Begin, wat die temalied van Die Kontrak was, geskryf saam met Riana Nel in, asook ‘n duetweergawe van Tom Petty se Free Falling saam met Die Kontrak-deelnemer, Ivan Roux.

Maar voor die nuwe album se uitreiking, sal radiostasies die eerste treffer vanaf die album ontvang om met lusiteraars te deel. En natuurlik het Kaapse bewonderaars Afrikaans is Groot die afgelope naweek geniet, waar Dewald saam met verskeie ander Afrikaanse kunstenaars opgetree het. En wanneer April aanbreek, sal die nuwe album nie net in winkels beskikbaar wees nie, maar ook op iTunes en Google Play, terwyl dit eksklusief op JOOX gestroomspeel kan word.

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The new and long-awaited Jo Black album, Voel jy die Genade, is now available on all digital platforms as well as in all good music stores!

https://youtu.be/QgnmtnAdTBw

Jo goes with more than 8-million views on YouTube, a total of seven Ghoema Awards in 2018, and since his debut with Skepe in 2016, Jo Black has made an incredible mark on the South African music industry. Which is why the title of his new and very long-awaited album, Voel jy die Genade, is fitting.

The album’s launch follows hot on the heels of the first single, also titled Voel Jy Die Genade, which was recently released by much acclaim. The music video already has more than 250 000 hits on YouTube and reached the number one spot on iTunes SA as well as several radio stations in just three days.

The album offers Jo’s unique blend of faith, hope and love, and not only reflects his career to date, but also how much there is to be grateful for. It contains a variety of tracks, including his heartfelt rendition of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah.

If the response to his very first single, Skepe, as well as his latest success is anything to go by, that leap has certainly paid off. Written by Jo, in collaboration with his long-time songwriting partner Johan Vorster, Christoph “Appel” Kotze and Roan Ash, Voel Jy Die Genade is true to the Jo Black brand – it is an Afrikaans rock song with deep lyrics and an even deeper meaning.

While Jo is quick to list those who inspire him – Robbie Wessels, Roan Ash, Riana Nel, Karen Zoid and Ross Learmonth, among others – he is a bit more secretive about which South African artist he’d like to share the stage with.

The artist, who describes his voice and style as ‘unique’, underwent a serious neck operation in September last year. While several shows had to be cancelled due to the procedure, he has made a full recovery – Voel jy die Genade is proof that he is ready for the next chapter of the incredible path that he is on. Voel jy die Genade is another uplifting, meaningful album from the local superstar who continues to spread his message of hope and faith.

Proudly associated with Inhoud Huis Musiek, Jo Black’s new album is now available on all digital platforms and in all good music stores nationwide.

Tracks on Jo’s Album:

Voel Jy die Genade

Wat As

Vreesloos

Verlore Seun

Spring

Jy’t My Gewys

Kinders Sê

Huis Op die Heuwel

Hand Op Jou Bors

Hallelujah

Ek Sal Sing

Die Lig

Bitter

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by David Simmons

If you haven’t heard the name Jann Klose before or been privy to his music for that matter, you may want to do some research! This award-winning pop singer and song writer has just launched his new Album In Tandem and together with an eclectic arrangement of tracks, Jann’s strong message shines effortlessly through his song-making. I had the change to sit down with Jann to discuss his appreciation for the arts, his influences and his love for Africa, in anticipation to his tour across SA this month.

No stranger to Southern Africa, Klose grew up in various destinations around the world. He was in fact raised in Kenya and Germany and subsequently The United States became his permanent home. Although his upbringing is a distant memory, he remembers East Africa rather fondly, the beauty of nature and off course the music which made a huge impact in his life. Some of the first live performances he witnessed as a child were African street performers, singers and dancers. The fascination of dancing combined with the rhythm of ethic influence, has travelled with him throughout his life and created a wonderful cornerstone for his general love for music. Jann remembers music entering his life at a very young age. He describes music as being a ‘healer’ which has gotten him through some of the hardest times in his life.

Klose’ love for the arts and musical theatre also started at a young age. While studying voice in Cleveland, Ohio, he sang with several local ensembles including the Cleveland Opera Chorus. His fascination and hunger for live theatre was evident and he used his singing abilities and talent to break into the performing arts in New York. Young artists will do everything and anything in their ability to reach their dreams and Jann remembers the struggle of all the auditions he had to endure, sometimes as many as 3 to 4 a day. Jann was cast in The Who’s Tommy after a couple of months of ‘hitting the pavement hard’ and loved the experience. He then travelled with the Broadway national tour of Jekyll & Hyde and the Jesus Christ Superstar European tour and learned a great deal about life on the road and performing every night, at times 9 shows a week.

Creating music can be one of the most rewarding pastimes an artist can undertake however it’s very interesting to witness the evolution of a singer and where their inspiration derives from. In Jann’s case he had many musical inspirations. One artist that paved the way for him was Prince. “His artistic persona and skills were just off the hook and really inspired me to go into music” Jann reflects affectionately. There is no doubt that hard work and determination can bridge the gap between success and failure and Jann has created a name for himself in the music industry by persevering and honing in on his musical talents.

Jann reflects on one of his favourite Shakti Gawain quotes that has centred him in times of difficulty and disorder. “Imagine what you want in life, then say out loud: this or something better now manifests for me, in the most satisfying and harmonious ways and for the highest good of all concerned.” He has been using this inspiring quote for years which has helped him on his musical journey of purpose and persistence.

Being an ambassador for Desmond Tutu’s Tutudesk campaign, Klose has a very strong bond with South Africa. “I love coming here for the people, the music, the food and off course the nature… It’s just a really beautiful spot on this planet.” He has worked with many names in the South African music industry such as Karen Zoid and Tamara Dey, who have been outstanding collaborators and add a soothing local touch to his already diverse mix of compositions.

After nearly a year of working on his 6^th Album, In Tandem, this reflecting journey of work has flourished into an album of 13 incredibly diverse tracks. “I wanted to create a collaborative album and draw in all the different writers and artists I had met over the years touring in the US, Canada, Europe and Africa. It was a massive undertaking but I had a ton of support from my colleagues and friends. Music Exchange, BMI London, Academy of Sound Engineering and producer RJ Benjamin were instrumental in turning this into a reality” he tells.

Jann’s music has a certain calmness to it. It is as if he is speaking directly to his audience and telling a story along the way. He relates to this sentiment full-heartedly. Says Jann: “That’s why I do it, to tell stories and connect. It’s one of the great power’s music has to offer.” Klose has a wonderful knack with relationship building in his songs and this can have a huge impact on how a musical story is exposed to an audience. “It’s really about creating a connection and a story. You never know to what extent it will connect but when it does, it’s magical!”

As all performers know the life of a touring artist can be gruelling and especially with early calls and late-night performances it is important to find your balance. Jann finds his balance by being outdoors which can focus even the most jumbled of minds! “Running helps… When I’m too tired or don’t have time, I walk and try to surround myself with nature and get away from noise.”

A number of stand our collaborative tracks from his new album are Love High and Take me 2 Forever. Love High has the perfect setting. The music video takes the viewer on a trip through the streets of Brooklyn evoking the true sense of an American love story. “I really have attribute this to the director Klaudyna Astramovicz and DP Wyatt Ward… It was their vision! New York and especially the Williamsburg neighbourhood in Brooklyn just has this built in raw energy that we all felt would serve the vibe of the song the best” he explains. Take me 2 Forever, Jann’s second stand out track, has a wonderful electric feel with acoustics that have a slight African ring to it. “RJ Benjamin who co-wrote and produced the track pushed myself and co-writer #3 James Stewart into that direction and it stuck!”

With a 12-month journey of working on In Tandem, Jann has combined his love of music and a reflection on his own personal echoes into a wonderfully thoughtful album. Exploring themes of love and the ways of the heart, the album’s meaning holds true to its title. In essence In Tandem is a partnership, a collective contribution and togetherness of friends, relationships and a brilliant musical voyage.

In Tandem is out now on digital and CD. Download or stream Jann Klose’s brand-new album ‘In Tandem’ now.

Pictures taken from Jann Klose’s Facebook Page.

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With compliments of Large on the Lawn, we are giving away a double ticket to Joburgh’s answer to the Kirstenbosch Summer COnerts, with Jeremy Loops and Matthew Mole.  The concert takes place on Saturday, 25 November 2018, at Marks Park, Emmarentia.  Click here for more detail.

December holidays are on the horizon and there’s no better way to get ready for a much-needed break, than with a relaxing day at Large On The Lawn with Jeremy Loops and Matthew Mole.

Large on the Lawn Competition is now closed!

Please Note:

1. Competition Closes on Wednesday, 21 November 2018.
2. Tickets are only valid for the specified dates and performance times.
3. Seat allocations are up to the discretion of the promoters.
4. Tickets may not be upgraded, or exchanged for cash, or for alternate performances.
5. The prize comprises of two tickets per prize winner.
6. No-Shows will not receive replacement tickets.
7. By entering this competition, the participant agrees to the terms and conditions.
8. Prizes does not include accommodation and / or travel to and from the event.
9. Winners will be notified by mail.
10. One Entry per Email Address will be entered into the draw.

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December holidays are on the horizon and there’s no better way to get ready for a much-needed break, than with a relaxing day at Large On The Lawn with Jeremy Loops and Matthew Mole.

Large On The Lawn has become Joburg’s answer to the Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts, creating a beautiful day out with friends and family on a blanket with drinks and snacks, making for the perfect way to spend a Sunday.

Loops recently released his latest single and music video for Gold, taken from his current studio album Critical As Water.

The third single off Critical As Water, following Waves and Freak, Gold sets the tone for the album with a rousing call-and-response chorus that’s bold and hopeful, against what often feels like insurmountable odds. This battle of staving off hopelessness against daunting odds, weaves together an album that feels like a repeated release from the many pressures society places on us.

Loops leapt into 2018 with the massive hit single Waves and the release of his Critical As Water album which was supported with a world tour, seeing Loops reaching over 50,000 fans internationally and headlining a sold out show at Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London.

Recently, the incredible news that he will perform a once-off headline show at the iconic Roundhouse in London on 16 February 2019, was announced. Jeremy Loops is the first South African musician to do so since the venue reopened in 2006.

Earlier this year, Jeremy Loops toured with Milky Chance in North America.

July 2016 saw Matthew Mole release his highly anticipated sophomore album Run. The album reached the No. 1 position on iTunes South Africa and the album’s first single, Run achieved Gold Status within 3 months of release. The album Run was also nominated for Best Pop Album, Best Produced Album and Record of the Year at SAMA 23.

Run sees Mole take a different turn from his debut offering, The Home We Built. This change is evident not only from a sonic and lyrical perspective but also aesthetically. The album has produced hit singles Run, Holding On, Light and Inside Out.

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The gates will open at 12pm and event will end by 6pm. Picnic baskets and soft cooler boxes are allowed, no liquids allowed, a free water source will be available, as well as a fully stocked bar and variety of food options. Concert-goers can pack their own food for a relaxed picnic setting.

Sundays are no longer the dreaded last day of the weekend, the Monday-eve we all fear. Let Large On The Lawn make your Sunday a relaxed day spent with friends in a beautiful scenery watching great live music.

Large on the Lawn
Date: Sunday, 25 November 2018
Times: 12pm – 6pm
Venue: Marks Park, Emmarentia
Tickets From www.howler.co.za/LOTL2018

General Access: R195

Kids Under 17: R95

Kids Under 12: Free

Supports TBC

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If perseverance, passion and commitment are the yardsticks by which to gauge the measure of an artist in the modern pop universe, then Elan Lea surely tops the list. In the past few years this Joburg based singer & songwriter has achieved milestones that few pop artists could ever dream of. His sophomore album “My only excuse”, released in 2009, was a well-crafted collection of pop hits that resonated strongly at AC radio and provided him the platform for his next career move.

Looking to broaden his artistic horizons, Elan decamped to Los Angeles to hone his song writing and production skills. Working with various producers and studios over a period of months, he wrote and co-wrote a host of new songs and sharpened his live performance values. Elan later came back to South Africa to found a new successful telecoms company.

On an extended working trip to London the pieces fell into place: He met and worked with the late Robin Gibb of the legendary Bee Gees, an artist who he regards as his music mentor. Sadly Robin tragically passed away before the song they had written together, “Get real”, could be mixed. He also worked with long time friend Mark Crew, who is the producer of the platinum selling Bastille. A writing session in a tiny and typically freezing London room with Andy Murray ( no not the tennis player!) produced the “Calling all angels” track which was rapidly picked up by the Grammy Award winning electronic dance icon Tiesto for his “A town called Paradise” album. Elan performed on the track with Tiesto. Whilst in the UK Elan also shared the stage with artists like Craig David and Lee Ryan.

His new single “In the hands of the gods”, is an epic slice of modern power pop rock that lingers in the brain long after the final notes have died away. With it`s soaring vocals and monumental production it`s a song that sits comfortably with the likes of classic Three Doors Down, Nickelback, Lifehouse and Daughtry. Produced by Elan and Mark Crew, with all the instruments played by Elan, “In the hands of the gods” is a September 2016 release and is now available on iTunes.

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