I must admit, I myself don’t know that much about South African bands except for the few that have branched out of just the South African market. Who have taken the initiative to expand to greater territory and play gigs around the world. The South African style is very different from the rest of the world, it brings a flavour of various cultures put together with a hint of traditional and uniqueness to create a type of music the world has yet to experience to its full potential.
You can’t compare South African bands to the international ones, it seems that too many start out and just don’t make it in the music industry and they give up. Yes, South African bands suck because they haven’t been given the opportunity to really stand out and even with a really good song they don’t get seen. A few gigs in a club and maybe getting their song on radio is an achievement but that just doesn’t cut it in the industry.
Bands like Freshlyground, Prime Circle and The Parlotones are South African Bands who have made name for themselves and play really good music. The Parlotones sold out their Summer Series Concert at Kirstenbosch this year in 2 hours with many disappointed fans and will release their new album in the US, UK and Europe this year. There are some really good bands out their and they just need the opportunity to breakthrough the barrier that holds them back and start a revolution in the music industry.
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ReplyDeleteThis is great content, however maybe touch on the point that SA bands should promote themselves more and not only rely on sales.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Tarin, one cannot compare South African bands to overseas bands. However, I completely disagree with you that they suck! South African music is unique and I do feel as if they are given the opportunity to “stand out”. I often hear South African music being played on the radio and see music videos being screened on tv. South African bands aren’t catering or targeting the western world. They are promoting themselves to us, the South African audience. I don’t believe that a South African band can only be successful if they “make it overseas”, if they do, that is a lucky bonus!
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