YBSA…The End

The rumour is true. I know this…because I started it.

YOURBANDSOUTHAFRICA is no longer.

Between Steve, Clauds and I we have decided to call it quits. “Why?” you may ask, “Why stop now at the pinicle of your reviewing career and at a time when SA music is better than it has ever been?” may run through your thoughts. Well…in true Steve Stevens style, like true champions, we decided to quit while we’re ahead. It doesn’t feel as good as people say. It’s kind of sad really.

So now is the time for all the thank you’s, we’ll miss you’s, it’s been great’s and all that jazz. In all honesty…it has. It’s been the most awesome time really. We have made so many friends and enemies it’s hard to keep up! From the music that made our ears bleed to the incredible, and usually unknown, bands that give us full hope that SA music is going to be a global phenominon. We are so honored to have been a part of something so much bigger than what we thought we were getting ourselves into, and greatful that you have all let us be honest about our experiences and been so receptive to all our crazy ideas and antics.

What will we take with us? Everything from the makeshift MySpace site in the “old” YOURBANDSUCKSASS days with our Wall of Shame, Suckass bands, Worst song ever to the YOURBANDSOUTHAFRICA days of Kickass band, Dirty band boys and girls, Send a rand to save a band, the revealing of the true Steve Stevens. We were treated like royalty which was kinda weird while on other occassions our opinions were insulted…sometimes to the point of threats to shut down our site. We had a kickass birthday party; reviewed over 100 bands in less than a year; hung out back stage; got free tickets to gigs; free CDs; got to write for some top SA music sites and see our names in “neon”. Wow…so many more things…you just need to take a look through the reviews – they are all there – every gig…

Whats happening now?

You will still be seing the odd review here and there, so keep an eye out. We will still be hanging out at gigs – it is still a true passion. We are all on Facebook, so please friend request us as we want to keep in contact with everyone who shares in our love for the SA music scene. Individually:

STEVE STEVENS is going to bum around in the appartment he bought after winning a lucky game of poker at Monte Casino and is going to drink beer and get fat and…He doesn’t really exist, so we’ll leave it at that.

CLAUDIA COUTSIDES is going to be travelling to the UK – their music scene has NO idea of what they are in for.

KERRY-ANNE FALLER (me)…I am busy working and also managing a band called Finding Noah (a YBSA recommendation – it had to be done!).

We have full confidence that all our kick ass bands are going to do just that…kick some serious ass! You know who you are!

Now for some big THANK YOUs that really have to be done…these people are all really cool in our books!

The bands. All of you.The good ones, the bad ones, the questionable ones…we love you all – it was because of you guys and for all you guys that we did this.
The band members of the kick ass bands – continue writing, loving, inspiring…it’s a hard industry with little support and money but it can be done!
The band members of the suck ass bands – support the scene…quit your band (that’s a comment from Steve)
Candice and Deane…BIG THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! For the good times. For the drinks. For dealing with our silliness…none of this could have been marginally possible without you guys.
The managers…Tash, Cher, Morgan – you are doing some amazing stuff, thank you for including us in everything.
“Our” bands, Evolver and Voodoo Child – thank you for making us feel like part of what you are doing.
The Parlotones for keeping us endlessly entertained with their awesome interviews. Glen, for always being willing to help out in any way.
Gareth (Gravity Wins Again) for being such a big fan with such a big heart and for keeping such a big secret. You are going to do so well.
Klement (Vile Minds) for hooking us up with the cool friend request program…we salute you in the name of spam.
Stay Astray…thanks for playing at our party.
The Privates…for never complaining about being on our Wall of Shame from Day 1.
Bel…our Durban/International reviewer – your writing put ours to shame.
Erin…for being Steve’s girlfriend. Ha ha.
Richard (Music Industry Online) – we’re still available for concerts…we’ll keep in touch. YBSA loves www.mio.co.za
Lesedi (Next Movement) for seeing the potential – sorry it all happened too late…we will keep you updated – things can only get bigger from here! (www.nextmovement.co.za)
There are so many people to thank, and I know it sounds lame, but EVERYONE who had a part to play – especially the band members who were always our most loyal fans.
I really hope I havent missed anyone. Oh man. Steve wouldn’t care, but we do.

So that’s it.
That was YBSA.
See you around…

Regards,
Steve

P.S. Check out the last review. It’s of the myepic EP posted in the YOURBANDSOUTHAFRICA group.

The Parlotones “A World Next Door To Yours” Album Launch

We arrived at the launch slightly later than we bargained for due to the grim weather conditions, making it just in time. The rain didn’t stop anyone as the venue was absolutely packed. It might have been more comfortable for most members of the crowd if fewer tickets had been sold, but who cares about comfort? The Parlotones were about to take to the stage and that’s all that mattered!

We spent the first 15 minutes pushing our way to the front of the stage to get a better view. We got sworn at, elbowed and stood on, but eventually succeeded and landed a sweet spot right next to the stage. The stage, as well as everything (and we mean EVERYTHING) on it was covered in tin foil. All the instruments, stands, amps, mics, wires, even some beer bottles had been covered. Glen even had a tin foil tie on at some point. It was like the aluminium version of King Midas. Between the foil and the screens all over the room – the setting was great and really effective. If you have any questions about the foil, check out the new album cover and it will all come together.

The guys played two sets mixing much loved songs from their previous album “RadioControlledRobot” in with their new material. It was such an awesome vibe that it’s difficult to say whether the band or the crowd were having a better time. Kahn pulled out his signature dance moves, which kept everyone endlessly entertained. Some people joined in – including two young versions of Kahn who can now add ‘role model’ and ‘trend setter’ to his credit.

Local musicians joined in the fun, including Sean Murphy from Evolver, who assisted Glen on keyboards for most the songs. He also did backing vocals, wore the make-up, styled his hair and tin foiled out his keyboards, making him the honorary Parlotone for the night. Other artists included one of the girls from Electro Muse, Cito (who was around to hit some of the high notes), Martin and Danny from Wonderboom. There was also a children’s choir who unfortunately couldn’t really be heard above the huge crowd, but added to the effect.

It can’t be put it more plainly – this album is going to be a hit! We weren’t sure how they were going to match up to RadioControlledRobot, but this album does it. The songs are a step in a slightly more mature direction with the sound just as distinctive. The lyrics have a different type of substance, more of a storyline and a common thread throughout. Musically, it is addictive and the songs complete each other almost in the same way as a good movie soundtrack would.

Once the band had disappeared back stage, it seemed for a moment they were going to skip the encore. It took a desperate plea from an audience member who climbed on stage, grabbed a mic, and begged for another song. The band came back and sang “Louder than Bombs” followed by their current single “Giant Mistake”. Throughout these last songs, a couple of crazy fans (the Kahn look-alikes) were jumping around on stage and singing along, much to the amusement of, well, just about everybody there!

On our way out in the early hours of Friday morning, the guys were still signing everything from albums covers to lower backs and there were still quite few people waiting their turn. The evening was over way too soon, and the most anticipated album launch of 2007 was a great success. If you haven’t got your album yet, you are leaving it way too late…

Reviewed by Kez & Clauds

PARLOTONES @ BLUESROOM 02/08/2007

For anyone who thought SA music threw in the towel when the Springbok Nude Girls separated all those years ago, here is the opportunity to change your mind. I’d be very surprised if you haven’t heard of The Parlotones by now. Four uber-talented musicians from Roodepoort with a new sound that has taken over this country (and other countries) by storm.

What is just as brilliant as this band is their live performance. Last night they played at the Blues Room in Village Walk along with The Black Hotels and 16 Stitch. They wore their standard eye make-up (manly eye make-up) and had funky new hair-styles and they blew the crowded venue away (again). Their songs are addictive which is a good sign for a band that has taken SA music a step higher with a new sound in local music. And it rocks!

Kahn never runs out of his signature moves and is always extremely entertaining. Despite forgetting a few lyrics here and there (even with Glenn’s prompting), their following is reflected in the majority of the crowd that can sing along to almost every song, old and new.

Speaking of their new songs, I can’t wait for their new album. I’ll put my money on another SAMA for this one. And with their frequent visits to the UK, I see bigger things coming their way too. The CD launch will be at the end of September, so clear your diaries because this is one you cant miss!

Due to Steve going AWOL, my advice for this week would be: Even if you’re REALLY drunk, and you think it’s your birthday, it’s NEVER a good idea to have a conversation with the singer of a band. On stage. In the middle of a song. Yes, this really happened.

See you at the next one!