INTERVIEW:
Stone Jets
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FROM a trip to Leeds…
it is over to Cape Town, South Africa as I speak with Stone Jets. They have been discussing their current album, Memory, and the stories/themes that go into it. I was eager to learn how their U.K. tour is going (their last date here was on 1st October - they completed the interview during the tour) and how the band found one another.
They tell me about their musical tastes and what they have planned going forward; if there is a strong and interesting scene in Cape Town right now; which approaching artists we need to look out for – they end the interview by selecting some great songs.
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Hi, guys. How are you? How has your week been?
Hey, Sam. We are great, thanks. The week has been amazing - filled with gigs and sightseeing.
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourselves, please?
We are a three-piece band of Soul musicians from Cape Town, South Africa.
Memory is your latest album. What sort of themes and ideas go into the songs? Do you have favourite cuts from the record?
Yeah. Memory is our latest offering and it mainly deals with the joys and woes of taking time to relive certain memories and pausing the ever demanding ‘now’. The record is so new; we still love them all the same.
How did Stone Jets get together? Do you all share musical tastes?
Given and Manfred met at a studio and Eduan joined the band as the drummer when the decision was made to grow the duo into a band. We have intersecting tastes that make it easy to share a love for the art.
Cape Town is where you are based. Is there a strong musical scene there right now?
Yes. We are currently based in Cape Town. There is a strong wave of musicians in Cape Town and, like many creative city hubs, it - Cape Town - faces challenges that affect the scene.
The band has evolved and changed through the years. Do you think you are at your strongest and most focused right now?!
Yeah, we have grown. Thank you for noting that. I think we are even more determined. I truly believe that our current U.K./Ireland tour is fortifying our motives and focus, personally and musically.
You are in the U.K. touring at the moment. What has the tour been like so far? Do you like it over this way?!
This tour has been everything and more we could have thought of. The reception and feedback has been extremely invaluable. We do like the music scene and music culture here.
What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?
2018 has dished up amazing challenges and milestones and, if we can complete 2018 having completed all that tours we still have, then that would be a massive achievement.
Have you each got a favourite memory from your time in music so far – the one that sticks in the mind?
Unanimously, it would be receiving that email and confirmation for our first International tour.
Which one album means the most to each of you would you say (and why)?
Given: Phantom of the Opera - Original London Cast
My mom played this C.D. when I was growing up.
Manfred: Tananas - Time
Steve Newman’s guitar playing on the album inspires me.
Eduan: Alter Bridge – Blackbird
The music and Myles Kennedy’s voice make it so great!
If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?
Fleetwood Mac. Our rider would have endless pizza, time with the band (Fleetwood Mac) and endless boiled water.
Are you going to be touring more later this year? Where are you heading?
Yes, we are. We will be back in South Africa: Johannesburg, Durban and East London by the end of the year.
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
Just do it and push on through - and only listen to people that want you to be more of yourself.
IN THIS PHOTO: Lili Caseley
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
Yeah. Lili Caseley (U.K.); Olly Flavel (U.K.) and CrossCurrent (Cape Town).
IN THIS PHOTO: CrossCurrent
Do you all get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
Yeah, we do.
Given: I run and go hiking.
Manfred: I am an amateur luthier.
Eduan: Developing the emerging Whole Foods movement
Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).
Given: Aretha Franklin - Tracks of My Tears
Manfred: Läpsley – Operator (He Doesn’t Call Me)
Eduan: Vulfpeck - 1612
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