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-