Stellenbosch – nesting ground for music talent!
In 2005, Matieland reported on the large number of music groups, or
bands, whose music roots lie in Stellenbosch. Now, two years later,
there are so many new groups and artists who say that Stellenbosch is
the place where things happen that Matieland asked Louise Steyn to
speak to a few experienced, new and young voices about their opinions
on why the Eikestad is such a good breeding ground for music.
A vein of music has burst forth in Stellenbosch. At least, that is what
appears to be happening. Whether the genre is rock, punk, alternative,
instrumental or even contemporary a cappella: this student town is most
definitely pumping out the quantity of talent that flows into it every
year.
The instrumental group DNA Strings talk from experience when saying
that Stellenbosch is the foothold for finding your place in the local
music industry. According the Flip du Plessis, their djembe player, it
was in Stellenbosch that the DNA Strings realised that they could
achieve something greater than merely playing in coffee shops. He also
believes that only beautiful things can emerge from a combination of
the creative young people who arrive in the town every year, the rich
history of music legends, red wine and an inspiring environment.
Kaleidoskoop, a very young group with a strong acoustic bent, say music
is as much part of Stellenbosch as wine. Students thirst for it, they
say. Kaleidoskoop recently launched their debut album, Bladwisselend.
Also, the Stellenbosch music community has a wonderful spirit of
sharing and experienced musicians such as Bertie Coetzee of Zinkplaat
and the rock group Slagyster, who have already made a name for
themselves, guided them in the right direction, says Kaleidoskoop.
Die Helde’s story also shows that the Stellenbosch nesting ground is
not only limited to students. This new-generation Afrikaans rock group
has been making jamming together since their schooldays (when they were
known as the Merry Melodies). It has all been downhill from there and
these Maties can now boast with a single (’n Eeue oue melodie), they
appear on Die Eerste Avontuur, a compilation album released by the
young Stellenbosch record company De Plate Kompanjie, and their first
music video, "Jy moet luister”, can be seen on the music channel MK89.
Many believe that the De Plate Kompanjie, which was founded by the guys
from Zinkplaat, is of great value to the local music industry because
they give exposure to talented young groups (who have little money).
For local music agent Ilse van der Merwe the main reason why
Stellenbosch is such a nesting ground is the fact that the town has so
many venues that are suited to live shows, such as the Dorp Street
Theatre and Bohemia. Also, she says, rock legends such as Valiant Swart
play a major role in keeping Stellenbosch popular as home town and
inspiring younger voices.
Besides music groups or musicians with ties to Stellenbosch, such as
Springbok Nude Girls, Valiant Swart, Koos Kombuis, Gian Groen, Akkedis,
Jan Blohm, Bed on Bricks, Delta Blue and DNA Strings, the story of The
Led best sums up the Stellenbosch music story, says Ignatius Vlok, a
deejay for local music radio station MFM.
The Led, an alternative rock group from about seven years ago, was an
acronym for "lawyers, engineers and doctors”. However, once they had
finished living out their rock dreams at Stellenbosch, they all
returned to these careers, tells Vlok.
Then there are also those who practise their Led careers while living
out their music dreams. The nine-piece contemporary a cappella group
Adamsappel was first formed outside the Stellenbosch music sphere, but
they began to test their talents individually on the theatre stages and
at the sêr competitions in the town. According to Adamsappel, music and
singing are valued activities that boost the growth of music talent in
the town.
The town’s heartbeat therefore beats strongly – both locally and there
where the students establish themselves once they finish their studies.
One thing is certain – Stellenbosch deserves its status as a musical
nesting ground.
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