Madiba, Tata, Nelson Mandela

Madiba provided a place for people in my generation to grow up in a multi-racial and multi-cultural country. He almost single handedly paved a way for all South Africans to live in the country we do today. 

He created an evironment where bands like Die Heuwels Fantasties could colaborate with The Soweto Gospel Choir, JR and HHP for our 'National Braai Song'. Bands like Bittereinder teaming up with Tumi and Jack Parow, who created 'Tale Of Three Cities'. He created an environment for somebody like me to be able to sing along to songs like 'Shosholoza' sung by many different artists and 'Asimbonanga' by the culturally diverse Johnny Clegg. It has allowed me to grow up in a country where I can almost comfortably conversre with somebody whether you are, Xhosa, Sepedi, Sotho, Zulu and even a little bit of Venda. Albeit maybe just a greeting, but having 11 Official Languages shows this cultural diversity. 

We have shared great political moments, amazing sporting moments and huge advances in the daily lives of all South Africans. For this we will be eternally grateful. 

Today it doesnt matter if you are black, white or even coloured. It doesn't matter if you are Afrikaans or Zulu. Today is about South Africa, about Mandela. 

The famous raised fist of Madiba is symbolic of his struggle, his fight for the greater mankind. His fight for a better South Africa. 

RIP Madiba. As you said, "It's in your hands now". We will strive to make you proud, by continuing to live alongside every other culture and race in this country, peacefully and concertedly, for a better South Africa. 

Peace.

-Nexo-

This Is Tailor

My sentiments exactly! THIS is Tailor?!? What an amazing surprise. Not exposing yourself to certain bands/acts puts you in a position where you possibly miss something great... Something great like Tailor!

I tweeted on saturday night that her performance was goosebump-worthy! I really meant that! I had kind of the same reaction as to when I first heard Florence + The Machine. I do not want to compare her, as I feel Tailor deserves her own unique credit for her unique talent. 

The full on projection of her lyrics, even the high pitched notes, were so eerie (in a good way), and the conviction in the emotion portrayed was jaw-dropping. Every lyric, every time she strummed her guitar and every time she beat the drum was with a purpose and passion hard to rival! This girl means business! I'm so glad I can be a stakeholder! It has been a while since I was so affected by the talent of an individual, as I have been by Tailor. 

Right after her show, she anounced she would be selling some merch, so we bought two copies of her album and a shirt. I was a little star struck when talking to her about her performance as I couldn't put it into words how amazing she was. Hopefully she reads this and sees my true sentiment. 

Thank you to Tailor for showing me why I love our local music scene! People like this deserve to go beyond the ceiling in this country and deserve to reap all the benefits of their amazing talent! 

We will definitely be seeing Tailor at as many shows as possible in the future.

All photos are credited to Christelle Duvenage (check her website out here: http://www.christelleduvenage.com)

Thank you to Christelle for allowing me use her photos.

Peace

-Nexo-

Has To Be Done

So as much as I finally sat down and started this blog, I am going to put myself in a position to get out and get in shape. No more fucking around. No more excuses. I feel that if I put it on this blog I am no longer only accountable to myself but also to whoever may read this! My biggest fear is looking back a week, a month or even a year from now and wishing I had started today! 

This motivation has stemmed from various sources but mostly by my interest in Trail Running, Adventure Racing, Kloofing and also Obstacle Course Racing - a phenomena that is spreading quickly around the world! 

With the help of my sister-in-law (to be one day), she started a Charity called 'Tree Climbing Fish'. It's a charity that deals with bullying, the awareness thereof and then obviously to try and prevent it. This is something that I am very passionate about, as the environment we grew up was bad enough, but the kids now a days are growing up in situations more mature than they should be exposed to. So we have started an Obstacle Course Racing "team" to raise money and obviously awareness towards anti-bullying.

This is where getting in shape comes in. I used to be school boy fit, but with hours, days, weeks, months and years spent working very hard I have lacked on my general wellness. From exercise to nutrition, I slacked and I let go. To my detriment. It became a vicious circle, the worse I felt about myself and how I looked, the more I punished myself for it with my terrible ways and lifestyle. The amazing woman in my life always said, "If there is something that you don't like about yourself, change it!" So thats what I'm going to do. The thing is, there is somebody much busier than me, outside running right now... In the rain. So what's my excuse? I shouldn't have one, and I don't. 

I started training a while a go, but work got in the way. So it was patchy, and so were my results! I have lost 5kgs and kept it off, but still need to lose more. Also, its not really about the weight, I don't have a goal weight, I need to get in shape. Feeling better and looking better! 

Not sure I will publish any before/after pics, maybe once I actually look better! 

Here is to my journey...

"Nobody ever said it would be easy, but it will definitely be worth it!!"

Peace

-Nexo-

Getting Knifed For My Birthday

Every year, for the past 3 years, I have attended VredeFest, because it is for a good cause and it is always near my birthday! The bands that perform each year are usually great so that's an added bonus!

This year I'm deciding to do something a little selfish. I'm going to attend a band's show of MY choice! How lucky could I be this year? 

A question was posted on twitter the other day asking, "If you could listen to only ONE track by a local artist/band for the rest of your life, what would it be?" Without hesitating my reply was '16 Stitch - Collapse Of Air'. This was the band that got me into the local music scene. I would literally travel as far as possible as often as possible to go and watch their shows! I couldn't get enough of their energy! 

At a stage the act disbanded (for reasons I still don't know)... And another one started. In about 2009 another singer joined the band, with the rest of the band remaining the same. A somehow sharper, more mature nature came about! This new act is known as 'Newtown KNIFE Gang'. 

I have only been fortunate enough to see them live twice, but both times were power nights. Since seeing them at the Monster Energy New Years party a couple years ago, I have been yearning to see them live again. Just because I have not seen them live does not mean I have not been listening to their music! 

Their self-titled album was released at the end of 2011 and has been on repeat ever since! Their expected energy and great musical structure shine through on every single track. It is not about comparing them to their previous setup but rather about progressing on their new venture and growing the tight knit unit they prove to be! Favourite track on the album is 'Catacombs' with Spencer's perfect mix of screamo and melodic lyrics. Nick's unstoppable beats and the guitarists' melodies! Other tracks worth mentioning are, 'Lotus Eater', 'Listen' and then the obviously popular 'The Shape Of Things' and 'Read Between The Lies'. This is one of those albums that you never have to skip to your favourite track(s) as the entire album is worth listening to from start to end. Every. Single. Time. Also a band that are able to match their live performance with their album production quality! They always put on a show!

Seems like a perfect way to spend my birthday! Lets hit it hard on Saturday! Arcade Empire and Pretoria I hope you ready for whatever NKG is willing to throw at us... Spencer, Nick, Paul, Gareth and Warren... BRING IT!

Peace 

-Nexo-

All For A Good Cause

Last night we attended a show at Arcade Empire to support a band for a good cause. ISO had all their gear stolen at OppiKoppi and now they were having a party at Arcade Empire, with all proceeds going towards new gear. Along with ISO were one of my favourite acts... Bittereinder! 

The band (ISO) have such a great vibe, and Richard just grabs everybody's attention while they're playing. I don't want to link it to a morbid topic, but ISO are so tight while they're playing, it's like they would take a bullet for one another. We were so spoilt with songs like, 'No Fire', 'Everytime' and my favourite ISO track 'Heaven'! Richard leads from the front, but still does not steal attention from the entire bands presence. What a tight tight tight set! I'm really glad that we could help this band out with something! They totally deserve it! We really did pay double and it was worth every cent! 

"B-I- To the double T-E-R- To the E-I-N-D-E-R, now that you know just who we are... get your hands up lekker deur mekaar!" Bittereinder were up next and like always, they provided the beats and the crowd provided the "bons"! 

While Peach and Louis were setting up, making sure every aspect of their production was ready, Jaco sat quietly near the back of the crowd right by our table. It was like the calm before the storm. He knew what was about to happen! We couldn't wait... 

The mix of old and new songs was awesome, at one stage they mixed up 'Bliksem' off their newer album with 'Tale Of 3 Cities' from their debut album. I don't feel its necessary for them to have old and new, because it was as if everybody in the crowd knew every single track. Bittereinder has that kind of die hard following in Pretoria (and I'm sure around the rest of the country too, as could be seen at OppiKoppi). We know and love ALL their songs! The crowd jumped, bounced and waved their arms the entire show! The bass was tested at Arcade Empire! Jaco gave us a shout out as to why they had the show last night, which is also the theme of this post.

ISO are the kind of band that should never be denied the opportunity to create music. Not only is it these guys' income, but they get to express something so incredible through their music that we all get to share with them. This, more than the money, is what makes it worth it. Richard, I hope I can be a part of whatever else we can do to help you guys raise enough money to get all your gear replaced! Thank you to Arcade Empire for hosting a such a rad gig, thanks to the other acts that supported ISO and finally thanks to every single person that came out to support the cause! 

Peace

-Nexo- 

Lets do this!

There is going to be a massive party at Arcade Empire Tonight, so if you are in Pretoria, best you be there!! We have rounded up as many people as possible to get the greatest effect from this show! 

Moe Joe, ISO and Bittereinder are teaming up to put a gig together to raise money to try and replace some of ISO's gear that was stolen at Oppikoppi last month. This is a very tragic and unfortunate incident. Completely unbelievable that somebody would do something like that! We need to help Mr Brokensha and crew out, anyway we can! 

So not only will you be getting a great show from some of the most talented artists this country has to offer, right here in our 'hood... But this is for a really good cause! I think I will pay double cover charge to help just that little bit extra!!

Peace

-Nexo-

Possible Project 365

So I'm seriously considering starting a 'Project 365'...

The thing is, I don't have access to an SLR Camera. So I would be using my phone to capture images. I don't want this to be an insult to genuine photographers! But I really want to explore another side of creativity that has not been explored before.

The other idea I had, was to post lyrics from a different song everyday, in a quest to broaden my listening experience more quickly. 365 lyrical quotes?? Very easy I reckon. 

So would like to know what people think, or they have themes or ideas or other suggestions I'm all for that! 

Peace

-Nexo-

Spring Day

I view today with almost the same view I have of Valentines Day. It irks me the same way. Why do you have to wait for the one day of the year to tell that special someone that you love them? Fuck that! 

Also, today is 'Spring Day' socially... But technically its not. The Equnox is actually only on 22 September at like 14:00 in the afternoon. Not September 1st. I hope that all the people throwing Spring Bashes get really cold tonight while I'm working and can't join!! 

One positive thing about spring is the TuksFM Jool. Havent been for years, maybe we should give it a bash this year? 

PS. Alida, I love you. On Spring Day and every other day of the year! <3

Peace

-Nexo-

Dust

Dust - consists of particles in the atmosphere that come from various sources such as soil dust lifted by weather (an aeolian process),volcanic eruptions, and pollution. Dust in homes, offices, and other human environments contains small amounts of plant pollen, human and animal hairs, textile fibers, paper fibers, minerals from outdoor soil, human skin cells, burnt meteorite particles and many other materials which may be found in the local environment.^[1]

(Source: Wikipedia http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dust)

The dictionary defines dust as: 

dust  

/dəst/

Noun Fine, dry powder consisting of tiny particles of earth or waste matter lying on the ground or on surfaces or carried in the air.

Verb Remove the dust from the surface of (something) by wiping or brushing it.

Synonyms powder (Source: Google Dictionary)

So I'm writing this article so that I can get Kirsty's attention, as she has a job at a company that I would like to work at... 

Hope this helps... Will devise my plan accordingly! :)

Peace

-Nexo-

Another Oliver Tambourine

I'm talking about Wrestlerish's new single, 'Battle Ground' (http://m.soundcloud.com/wrestlerish/battle-ground)

But not the way you are expecting, nor is it what I feel the band are anticipating yet...

I'm not talking about the sound of their HUGELY popular and successful track off their debut album... But rather the fact that it was exactly that! Hugely successful! I'm very sure that this is where their new single will be heading! I really feel they are in the Wrestlerish sweet spot!

I'm sure the band were aiming away from the Oliver Tambourine'ism of their first album and I feel they have hit a bulls eye!

Melodies are flowing, beat is so contagious and the lyrical prowess of both the vocalists really finishes the mix off well!

If this is just a sample of what the rest of the album holds, I can not wait to hear the rest of it! Well done to Werner and all involved with this song and the album! Bring on 'Greater Goods and Lesser Evils'!!

Peace

-Nexo-

"It's just one of those days..."

"When you don't wanna wake up

Everything is fucked, everybody sucks

You don't really know why, but you want to justify... Rippin' someone's head off!!"

This is exactly how I felt yesterday. I have always had a strong belief that Music Saves Lives. Not saying I was suicidal yesterday, but one song can totally change the way you see things... Right there and then! 

Limp Bizkit was very prominent in my teenage years and it is quite nostalgic to listen to their music every now and then. Certain songs from certain bands just hit the spot! Everybody has happy music, angry music, workout music, driving music, love music, break up music, meditation music, party music and so on and so on. The point is that without music many people would be emotionless or at least unable to express or comprehend what they were feeling. Many times when you hear a song, you really feel like that song is describing exactly how you are feeling! Sometimes you will look for a specific song because you know it will be what you need to hear and feel! 

Without music, we - the music lovers,would have no purpose! 

Now back to my "Break Stuff" day...

"And if my day keeps going this way, I just might break your fucking face tonight!!"

-Nexo- 

Pestroy

I'm busy indulging myself in the treat that I bought at Oppikoppi. This Pestroy USB is absolutely incredible!! 

It's so amazing to read, see and watch all the stuff they put onto this USB. It feels like I have hacked into their personal computers and am just free to browse through all their photos and videos!

For a band that I have loved this long (12+ years) and respect so much, it is an absolute privilege to be able to see the last 15 years worth of time and effort they have put in to become the brutal band that they are! 

I foresee a long night ahead with a lot of fist pumping and head banging!! 

Thank you to the guys from Pestroy for everything that they have done for the local music scene! The "Kings Of The Underground" never fail to disappoint. Every. Single. Song.

Peace

-Nexo-

Dear South African Music

It is with regret that I admit that I have been absent over the last year or so! This came to light while I was at Oppikoppi this year! 

Last years event, I knew almost all the lyrics, to all the songs of all the bands I wanted to see. 

Sure, this year, bands that I followed and were interested in, had brought out new songs and albums, but I was evidently still in no position to sing along. In these bands defense, I even own some of these songs/albums! Shocking!

So I sang along to the ones I kinda knew and just enjoyed the others that I didn't know! I was privileged to see some of South Africas best artists over the course of this year's amazing festival.

My favourite acts were as follows:

Bittereinder. This was not only the best show the entire weekend (international acts included), but one of the best live performances I have EVER seen. Their entire production was literally mind blowing. Between all the bouncing, jumping, fist pumping and screaming (of the lyrics I knew) I could not stop smiling the entire time. I remember feeling a sense of intense gratitude to have shared that moment with them and the couple of thousand people that were graced with their show.  I would have paid the full R800 for a ticket to just see that set, also I could have left the festival after it and have been completely satisfied! Thank you to Jaco, Peach and Louis. I'm sure plenty work went into the set and I'm equally sure everybody there fully appreciated what time and effort you put in!

Pestroy. This band has been a favourite of mine for as long as I can remember! Again they put on a brutal show and just mashed my brain with their sound! Crazy cool act! I was fortunate enough to pick up one of their limited edition 4GB USBs. It has 15 years worth of music, videos and photos. Was the only thing I wanted to buy at the festival.

The Narrow. Always one of the best live acts to grace the stage at any event. They just went balls to the wall and threw it down. They managed to keep the crowd going, even though they played "Lonely, Lonely" in the middle of their set. That song is almost always played last. One of the gems of attending a festival like Oppikoppi is that you get see and experience things that will probably never happen again! One such happening, was watching Dave Owens (from Lithium) singing his heart out to 'Hunt The Ghosts' with Hanu and crew. It was bone chilling amazing! I wish I could relive that moment every time I listen to that song again! The Narrow threw it down every second of every song and just took the respect they so deserve for doing this for so long! Thanks to them for an amazing set!

Fokofpolisiekar. Well 10 years it has been since I first remember reading about this band in Blunt magazine. They were not really nobody then, as most of the members come from other successful underground bands. They played a 10 year reunion worthy set. Happy they played a lot of their old stuff. Their music meant something back then. The new stuff is not as appealing, but the old stuff was ROCK SOLID. They clearly came to the festival to achieve certain things, and in my opinion they achieved that. Fokof have always been a favourite band of mine, and clearly to a LOT of people my age. They obviously had one of the biggest turnouts for the weekend, but rightly so. Well done to Francois, Wynand and crew! Thank you for the last 10 years! 

 Straatligkinders. A band crush of mine for a really really long time. Since the first time I heard and saw 'Die Beskermer' on MK. I was just about to get into the shower. When I heard that Double Base intro, I just had to see what it was. Standing there, in the buff, watching them give it all was awesome. From that day onward I was hooked. I now own all their CDs and DvD's. 

The Olympic. A pretoria based band, that my friend Abigail (Skye) introduced me to. It turns out I "know" the lead singer. We used to work together for a very short time quite a long time ago. These guys don't have an album out (Which I will buy in a heartbeat), so I only really know the songs that have aired on radio or showed on MK. This was the first band that we saw at the festival, and after a fantastic show, they set the tone for the rest of the festival.

Jeremy Loops. Where have I been while this ridiculously talented guy has been producing music? I can't believe I have not been exposed to his music before. But I'm really glad I was. For my first Jeremy Loops experience I would explain it as the epitome of a good time. 

The rest of the bands that we saw were great. 

Fuzigish with their skankin' goodness. Kidofdoom played their usual eerie cool set. 

Die Heuwels Fantasties played the perfect set. Not a key, drum beat, guitar riff or lyric out of place. 

Jack Parow whipped the crowd into an expected frenzy. 

CrashCarBurn for playing a Tweak song after I predicted that song just before they played it. 

Shadowclub really showed they are a great band with their set. 

Red Huxley, We did not get to see but heard them from the cover of some shade. Great first impression.

Facing The Gallows, great metal. Great local metal. 

Yellowcard. With the lead singer graduating with top marks from the school that all American punk/rock bands go to, to learn how to jump. *base about to drop*Feet-together-knees-up-guitar-to-the-side jump! Go! 

Deftones. Their expected hardcore set, making most of the other bands seem like folklore music.

I honestly only go to Oppikoppi for the local music every year. The international bands, whoever they may be, are just a bonus. My all time favourite band is Rise Against. I was so fortunate to see them at RAMFest earlier this year. That part of my life has been fulfilled. Any other international act will just be added to the list of bands I have seen. 

That was that... The festival was over. Plenty memories were made and countless moments shared with some of the most talented people we have in our country! I feel very humbled to have been a part of each band's show.

Peace

-Nexo-

It has been a long time coming...

Finally I feel like I'm in a position to write again. 

Briefly started another blog, with a friend who shared the similar ideas of music. Unfortunately, due to other commitments, we both could not continue it.

Anyways, this has come from many forms of inspiration, the first two being: 

My desire to actually write and share information on various topics that I find intriguing! This has been an itch that has needed scratching for a very long time! This seems to be the only creative outlet I seem to have. I can't draw (bar a little tagging/grafitti), I most certainly can't sing, I can't play any instruments and I'm sure my girlfriend can attest that I am not anywhere near able to dance! So writing it is!

The other main reason for me starting this blog has been the inspiration I have drawn from local bloggers! Most prominently, in this case, has been @bangersandnash. The piece he wrote on Oppikoppi 3 years ago was what got me hooked on his blog and the idea of starting my own. This is somebody that is brilliant at what they do, and by what I can ascertain from his blog, he obviously really enjoys it too! His blog can be found at: http//www.bangersandnash.com 

I'm not really sure where I want to go with this blog (can hear and see Deborah going "Aha!", and point at the screen as i had advised her to decide what she wants to do with her blog) So for now it will be about what interests me. Local music scene, Obstacle Course Racing / Trail Running / Adventure Racing / Orienteering, my quest to be Tough Mudder ready should the franchise ever come here and then what ever seems to strike me at the time!

Peace

-Nexo-