Band/Artist Endorsees

Freshlyground

‘Popular enough to headline and get serious encores’, is the best way to describe this band. With master musicianship and groove, all in the context of ‘giving ‘em what they want’, this crew of winners manages to  retain what musicians call integrity. Freshlyground brings together hipness, conscience and cool production. They hit the charts spot on the mark, even joining a shimmying Shakira on the 2010 FIFA World Cup theme, “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).” For more information on the band click here

Flat Stanley

Melodic acoustic rock hardly comes better than that crafted by South Africa’s Flat Stanley.

The accolades earned by the Cape Town-based three-piece, over their two studio albums – 2004’s ‘Of Secrets and Wine’ and 2007’s ‘Between 2wo Worlds’ and the unashamed adoration the band earns each time it plays live, has gained the band a strong reputation amongst audiences. For more information on the band click here

12th Avenue

Vocalist, Mark Haze, can be described as an erudite prodigy, having been musically trained from an early age. Easily, the most pertinent reason for him reaching such a high level, in the SA Idols competition, to people in the know. Hailing from Cape Town, South Africa, 12th Avenue has a reputation for being one of the most energetic and entertaining live acts in the country. For more information on the band click here

Taxi Violence

If you like the tuneful use of light and shade of bands like Led Zeppelin, Hendrix’s Band of Gypsies, Rage Against the Machine, Queens of the Stone Age, or any rock with a heaviness, grounded in performance and riffage, not sheer volume. If you’ve heard Zeppelin’s John Bonham’s beats and the multi-guitar, low end, V8 revving tone of a guitarist whom wields an axe, not a tennis racket, you’ll need to watch it live. Ever felt like you’ll never get to hear those bands because ‘someone’ said there’s no market for it here? They lied! Join the throng!      

“Taxi Violence smashed onto the scene as a breath of fresh, raw exuberance without the need for any fancy ‘post’ this, or ‘neo’ that or cute little words like ‘alt’ or ‘indie’ necessary to define them. The result is that after seven years together, their sound is still a timeless ode to what they do best… rocking out!” – Dave Mac (Muse Magazine). For more information on the band click here 

Almost Famous

This band’s ability is such that they are actually looked up to in terms of technique. Not many guitarists can play like Charles Knighton-Pullen. This University Graduate should have an interdict charged against him, to keep the rest of our reputations safe. The bassist and drummer hold clinics to instruct (reads remedy) people. Enough already!

“This band is energetic, fun and most of all… talented. With a perfect mix of professionalism, experience and youth they are designed for success, engineered for accomplishment and endowed with the seeds of greatness’” – Chad Saaiman. For more information on the band click here

Captain Stu

Captain Stu is a collective of musical superheroes, based in Cape Town, South Africa. Despite being in disguise, they’ve been well recognized on the South African music circuit. Touring and performing around the nation, since 2003, has made them a highly visible entity, in a world of musical apathy and a lack of good fun. 

Their sound seamlessly blends ska, funk, punk and soul… and funny looking costumes. They offer a fresh approach to an eclectic African approach. For more information on the band click here

When Karma Sleeps

On the name ‘When Karma Sleeps’, the guys had this to say: ”It was a long process that took a lot of blood, sweat and tears to come up with. To explain what ‘When Karma Sleeps’ means, is a difficult one. We prefer everyone having their own perception of what it means. To us, it’s about everything being governed by Karma. It might feel like it’s a perfect world but what happens when that element of karma gets taken away? Where would the world end up, if the principle of good and bad karma didn’t exist!? What happens… WHEN KARMA SLEEPS?” for more information on the band click here

The Jesse Jordan Band

The rock music scene and The Jesse Jordan Band… Consistency in the face of adversity, the chasing of a dream and the ultimate realization of that very dream…” For more information on the band click here

Sabretooth

If you enjoy Steve Vai, Dream Theater or the like, Sabretooth is the band for you. With varsity grad level musicianship, these soundsmiths are not wannabees. They’re six highly talented musicians and they love to play advanced metal. They’re both visually and aurally impressive. Try to keep your bottom jaw up, as you witness lightning-fast guitar solos, blurry-handed keyboard playing, powerful yet groovy bass lines, heart-stopping drum patterns and powerful, catchy, melodic vocal lines. For more information on the band click here

The Boulevard Blues Band

The blues got soul. Featuring musicians with a history of great success and with a varsity grad on guitar, the Boulevard Blues band has been rocking music lovers at venues, events and festivals in South Africa for over a decade, liberating their fans with nourishing soulful Blues and Rock. The band sets high standards in both music genres with their pure quality music that’s easy to listen to, and offer an unprecedented and entertaining live performance. For more information on the band click here

Obsessie Met Als

Gebore in die Jaar 2007 Obsessie Met Als is ‘n three piece, Afrikaanse Rock ‘n Roll band van Kaapstad wat stadig maar seker ‘n groot belangstelling onder vele mense laat ontwikkel met hulle energieke, omstrede en harde musiekstyl. Met die styl, energie en passie van hierdie ouens, het Afrikaanse Rock ‘n hele nuwe betekenis en dimensie gekry. For more information on the band click here

Black Market Riots

If you like Incubus, Rage Against the Machine, Mastodon and hooks, you’ll love this crew. Imaginative songwriting, great technique, meaty tones and swinging, heavy grooves are the order of the day for these aficionados. Since releasing their debut EP “Box of Dreams” in 2009 – BLACK MARKET RIOTS have taken the country by storm, sharing festival stages with some of South Africa’s biggest bands, and having their music video for “Machine” played on MK. For more information on the band click here

Joint State

An African rock band with talent, attitude and energy to match. Live performances and songs that leave a lasting impression on fans and listeners alike. Joint State was born in 2009, after three established musicians from Cape Town, joined forces to share their influences and talents. For more information on the band click here

Cannon

CANNON are an Electric Blues/Rock band hailing from the Western Cape. These boys traversed the SA circuit for many years, till the decision to  join forces, brought their unique musical influence, to the world of Blues & Rock ‘n Roll!!! CANNON are an old school “In Your Face” band, who live for playing live. For more information on the band click here

Witness To Wolves

Cape Town based duo, Natalie Lucia & Matt Keeson, after encountering an inner musical awakening, created a collection of sonorous, well-crafted songs, each of these holding a strong sense of identity. Feeling an urge to delve into a deeper range of tone, Luke Otto (bass) and Kyle Gray (drums), were invoked, to imprint their presence in the band… two masters in their own right. Natalie’s rich voice leads the band through sterling performances, packed with emotion and a potent sense of inertia. For more information on the band click here

Enmity

“Playing live, the band feel like it is their duty to not only deliver their music, but to deliver a truly rock ‘n roll show. Their effortless destruction of stage after stage, has gain them fans with every gig… What a heartfelt commitment to their trade!!! Enmity…” For more information on the band click here

Saintfearless

Saintfearless, an Alternative rock/Indie band on the rise! With Influences like – Seether, The Used, Coldplay, The White Stripes, Puddle Of Mudd, Foo Fighters, Bullet For My Valentine, Rise Against, Alien Ant Farm, Nirvana, Greenday, Muse, Incubus and various forms of hip hop, classical and electro, you get the picture!! For more information on the band click here

Reburn

Reburn is an Indie rock band from Cape Town that delivers a powerful live act! Reburn has been ear-marked as one of the top bands, soon to be greats in South Africa by those in the know. For more information on the band click here

 Axe On Fire

“The band excites with great renditions of famous Rock classics through the years like Born to be Wild, Another Brick in the Wall, Highway Star, Sweet Home Alabama, Thunderstruck, Purple Haze and Cocaine. More recent songs include material like Enter Sandman, How You Remind me, Kryptonite, Ironic, and I Believe in a Thing Called Love. A lively, interactive band, commanding audience participation.” For more information on the band click here

Mike Horne

Mike Horne started his musical career early, at the age of twelve, playing in church bands. He spent most of his first few years playing Gospel. His father, Gary Horne is an accomplished Tenor sax player. So, Mike grew up on a healthy diet of, Michael Brecker, Chick Corea, David Sandborn, Weather Report, Gerald Albright, Fourplay, Larry Carlton, and various Gospel artists. Mike played his first gig at the age of thirteen, and continued to play pubs and clubs, with his father’s various POP/COVER bands. For more information on the artist click here

Natasha Meister

Singer/songwriter, Natasha Meister has become our very own Blues Queen, in the 2 short years since returning from Canada, to her ancestral home in Africa. At only 20, she has made a huge impact on discerning SA audiences, especially in the blues/funk niche. Natasha has a great bluesey, Motown voice, plays phenomenal electric and acoustic guitar and is a gifted songwriter. For more information on the artist click here

Shaun Johannes

Raised in Montana on the Cape Flats, where being a musician was not perceived to be a possible profession, Shaun is a potent musical force. With a sound so binding, his talent has been drawn to stages as daunting as The Cape Town Jazz Festival, previously called the Cape Town/North Sea Jazz Festival. A self-taught pianist & bassist, whose first musical breakthrough came via The Little Giants band, comprised of young, gifted musicians from the townships & Cape Flats. Shaun, amazingly, went on to become a founder member of the Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Band in 2001 and then went on to study at The South African College of Music, at the University of Cape Town. He graduated with a B Mus (Cum Laude) in Jazz Performance (2006) and is completing his M Mus degree. For more information on the artist click here 

Louise Day

Talented singer/songwriter Louise Day has been captivating audiences and stealing hearts since the age of ten. A true Cape Town girl through and through… Her unique blend of Piano-Grounded Rock, delivered by her outstanding lingering vocals, has been showcased at some of the trendiest and musically influential venues in South Africa. For more information on the artist click here 

Heather Waters

Heather Waters just oozes freshness. Her expressive nature puts you into a late 60’s trance… If you let everything around you fade into the background and zoom into that time-warp, when freedom-of-expression reigned supreme – you’ll get an inkling of what her music is all about. This is particularly evident as her songs are almost acted out on stage. She has an incredibly unique approach in both sound and performance. For more information on the artist click here

Kyle Petersen

This hip, young virtuoso started playing piano at the age of four!! To his fans this would come as no surprise! Kyle is a well-schooled, prodigy… He went on to study piano and voice as subjects, before leaving for Greece, where he performed on the Olympia Countess, as it sailed around the globe. He’s been musical director to many productions, at venues such as the Cape Town International Convention Center and Grand West Casino, amongst many others. He’s also a producer, session musician, highly trained vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and gotten lots of radio airplay attention. The Kyle Petersen Band features his university trained brother, session star, Darren Petersen, who’s also travelled and performed, much like Kyle. For more information on the artist, click here

Louise Carver

Louise signed her first record deal with the independent label, Silver Tulip Music at just fifteen. She released her debut single at seventeen entitled, ‘It Don’t Matter.’ This highly talented, professional became an instant hit with audiences and reached number 3 on the 5FM Top 40. Louise released her first album, ‘Mirrors and Windows’, which delivered another top 10 hit, ‘Fallen for you.’ After school, Louise continued with her music, as well as attending The University of Cape Town. For more information on the artist click here

Sammy Webber

“Ever since he can remember”… Sammy wanted to play an instrument… But due to a poverty stricken background, this was impossible until his late teens. Without any formal training, combined with sheer determination & talent, he started playing the guitar at the age of 19 and a year later, joined his 1st band as a rhythm guitarist. He played rhythm guitar for about 2 years and then, bass. According to Sammy he found his dream instrument when changing to bass. A pyrotechnician with blazing lines, tasteful, yet dapper, a household name, Sammy is a master of the craft. For more information on the artist click here

Charlie King

After playing in other bands, she fell in love with the blues and co-formed Diamondback Blues Band in 2009, playing at various venues and festivals in and around Cape Town. Charlie King has recently embarked on her solo career. Over the last couple of years, she has guest performed with some of the top South African blues artists, such as Boulevard Blues Band, Piet Botha, Dan Patlansky and Kevin Floyd. With musical influences such as Etta James, Koko Taylor, Janis Joplin, BB King and many more, you can look forward to the velvety tones of Charlie King’s vocals and the swampy feel of acoustic / slide guitar, resonating Original Blues songs. For more information on the artist click here

Mark Fransman

Considered by jazz aficionados to be the musician’s musician, with keyboard and saxophone phrasing and technique, so adept, that he renders his audiences justifiably spellbound. Honestly, one of the quickest-witted, expressive jazz wonders, to grace listeners in the new millenium. Often, breaking down the musical boundaries onstage, with jazz genii, like the time-guru, Kesivan Naidoo, (a next generation Trilok Gurthu), Mark has navigated the globe with remarkable luminaries. He’s performed with Pharaoh Sanders, Finley Quay, Winston Mankunku, René McLean, Hein van de Geyn, Zim Nqwana, Gloria Bosman, Selealo Selota, Judith Sepuma, Errol Dyers, Jimmy Dlu Dlu and Dave Young. And, on the same stage with such jazz artists as Cedar Walton, Andrew Hill, Donald Brown, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Danilo Perez and Yusef Lateef.

As a producer Mark has been awarded two SAMA Awards (South African Music Awards). This award is currently South Africa’s premier music award.

In 2004 he won the Best Producer Award for Jimmy Dlu Dlu’s, ‘Afrocentric’ and in 2007 he also won the Best Producer Award, for Moreira Chonguisa’s ‘The Journey’. For more information on the artist click here

Blaq Pearl

Janine Van Rooy, the Blaq Pearl, started writing her first piece at the age of 12, with the intention of simply expressing herself and to release frustration, a stress which she’s had to deal with in her community and in life. This first piece, ‘Life’s No Metaphor’ then developed into a much lauded song. From such a young age, this precious gem of talent, had already begun singing choruses for her late brother ‘Devious’ (1977-2004), also her biggest influence. For more information on the artist click here