Matters

The year 1999 was momentous on many levels, especially in music. David Sylvian, the unforgettable voice that illustrated “Forbidden Colours”, composed by Ryuichi Sakomoto for the motion picture’s soundtrack, Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence, was about to release a remarkable collection of new material.

You may know him as the ex-Japan singer or recall his collab work with the legendary Robert Fripp? This interview presents a man worthy of tremendous applause beyond the indie world he’s spent the better part of his music career percolating in.

David Sylvian is, arguably, one of the best singer/ songwriters of his age. Listen to this unedited interview, stream or replay, Dead Bees on a Cake, and then tell me otherwise. His ability to conjugate and articulate the elegance of his compositions and layer introspective, heartfelt, and confident lyrics makes him extraordinary. Enjoy.

Now and again, you stumble upon a quiet, unassuming genius. 

Lloyiso is one such soul we all need to pay attention to. 

He's young, astute, and above all, gifted.  I had the joy of spending a little time with the soon-to-be global hitmaker at the point in his career that's beyond foundational; it's defining. Enjoy.

In May 2021, I had the privilege of interviewing Ziggy Alberts upon the release of his 5th studio album, Searching for Freedom, and its accompanying Brainwaves book of poetry.  

In the 30-odd minutes we spent time in the Zoom, he unpacked his third album's success, his lockdown reality, and his ambitions for the future. 

A delightful human being, invested in pushing his words and songs in directions that influence positive change, not only for ourselves but the planet in all its glory. 

I do hope you enjoy listening and watching as much as I did spending time with this naturally gifted gem.

20 weeks to get to Number One, Hard-Fi’s Stars of CCTV album was a slow burn to the top, but when it did, it knocked the lights out.

Chatting to lead singer, Richard Archer on the eve of their second Once Upon a Time in the West, this 2007 release travelled even better than the first, landing a Top 10 place as far afield as Japan.

This legacy cassette-recorded interview is a snapshot in time, never to be repeated. Enjoy.

In 2006, José Gabriel González, the Swedish indie folk singer-songwriter and guitarist from Gothenburg, arrived in Cape Town to promote and play a record released three years before.  I sat with him in a small club in Observatory, Cape Town to talk through the journey to Veneer, his debut studio album.

González is also a member of the band Junip, along with Tobias Winterkorn.

In 1999, Stereophonics were knocking the lights out with the arrival of their highly anticipated second album, Performance and Cocktails. I had the honour of chatting to the now sadly late drummer, Stuart Cable, who unpacked the journey the band had taken to realising global, well-deserved, success.

I had the privilege of speaking with Violent Femmes’ gracious frontman Gordon Gano in February 2000, at the time Freak Magnet arrived. Since 1983, this group has claimed a space that remains entirely relevant some 38-odd years on.

The Washington Post called the album "stuck in the Reagan decade," writing that "the Femmes still play punky hootenanny-rock with occasional potty-mouthed lyrics to assure frat-boy appeal.

This may be a legacy interview, but in listening back its subject matter remains entirely relevant, some 20+ years later.

Speaking to Simple Mind’s frontman, Jim Kerr on the back of filming the promo video for “War Babies” from the album Néapolis, shot in Cape Town in April 1998.

Directed by Michael Geoghegan, the video gave the band an excuse to return to the country and talk through their then 20-year music career.

In mid-2006, I sat with the Australian singer-songwriter, musician, actress, and activist, Missy Higgins. Her confidence, self-belief and passion for her craft was palpable, please enjoy!

Years before "Stacy's Mom" was realised - this is FOW and the very start of their career as once of modern rock's more subtle influencers.