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Updated by MyMusicMatrix on Feb 29, 2016
Headline for Top 10 up and coming South African bands to watch out for in 2016
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Top 10 up and coming South African bands to watch out for in 2016

The SA music industry is alive with raw talent. Here is a list of the top 10 up and coming bands to watch out for in 2016. Some of these are already making waves in the SA music scene!

8

Cherry Vynil (Acoustic folk Rock Band with a New Perspective)

Cherry Vynil (Acoustic folk Rock Band with a New Perspective)

This Cape Town based band started out in June 2008, premiering onstage at the V&A Waterfront shortly following their establishment. It wasn’t long before Cherry Vynil was playing consistently at many other area hotspots, like Long Street’s Zula Bar and Jackson Hall at Grand West Casino. The band is honoured to say they have shared the stage with South Africa’s beloved Freshly Ground at the V&A Waterfront in December 2008 aswell as prime circle Aardklop 2010.

The band also takes pride in the opportunity they received to perform at the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK) 2009 alongside many respected South African musicians. Later that year they found themselves at The Forbidden Fruit Festival and Aardklop2009 and 2010. They are constantly looking for opportunities to play any stage and to challenge themselves as musicians and performers.

With an abundance of local and national venues on their music resume, Cherry Vynil has no limits on their performance flexibility and is always looking for new venues and audiences.

cherry Vynil are: Vickus Horne - Guitar and Vocals, Nicholas Forbes - Lead Guitar, Richard Dicks - Bass, Jason Solomon- Drums

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cherryvynil

Video: https://www.facebook.com/cherryvynil/videos/10154280140070276/

For further info and bookings: bookings@mymusicmatrix.com

1

Wild Lettuce (World Fusion Instrumental)

Wild Lettuce (World Fusion Instrumental)

Wild Lettuce Reinhardt Buhr) has recently featured on the Expresso Morning Show, performed two shows at Rocking The Daisies 2015 and featured in a full page article in Top Of The Times. He is also the SA Loopstation champion 2015. He also performed two songs with Prime Circle at Kirstenbosch.

Many solo artists make use of pre recorded backing tracks similar to karaoke but now a phenomenon called ‘live looping’ has been on the upsurge in South Africa for a while and there are quite a few local musicians who make use of this method of song creation. How this works is that a short snippet of an instrument is played live and recorded digitally into a “loop‐pedal” which then plays the ‘loop’ back over and over. More instruments, sounds, beats etc. are then layered on top allowing the musician to create an ‘on‐the‐spot’ backing over which they then perform. It sounds simple, but only a few artists have been able to master live‐looping and turn it into an art‐form. Reinhardt Buhr (AKA Wild Lettuce) is one of those individuals making his mark on the SA music circuit. he incorporates 2 didgeridoos, nylon string guitar, electric cello and percussion.

Link to Expresso Show clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWVysq0XUxo

Link to his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Wildlettucemusic

For further info and bookings: bookings@mymusicmatrix.com

2

and the Riddle

and the Riddle

Hailing from Gordon's Bay, "and the Riddle" are free-spirited musicians who devote their lives to the pursuit of happiness and harmony, and embody this philosophy in the music they create. Their sound can currently be described as wholesome, melodic, acoustic vibes, with power, energy and a strong percussive element.

“Life is a riddle, but music is our common language.”

and the Riddle are: Jacky van Staden - vocals, guitar, ukulele, harmonica, percussion and Daniel Winterbach - guitar, percussion, drums, vocals

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/andtheriddle

For further info and bookings: bookings@mymusicmatrix.com

3

Lonesome Dave Ferguson (Loop-Hop Harmonica)

Lonesome Dave Ferguson (Loop-Hop Harmonica)

"LONESOME" DAVE FERGUSON is a one-man lo-fi-hi-impact explosion of Trans-Blues & Country-Dub. This solo show uses only harmonica, human beat-box and vocals, recording live loops and then layering and building those loops to construct a song… Although it's a solo act it's not your typical singer-song-whiner type show, expect more in your face dance-style grooves served up in a Deep-South style...

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Lonesome-Dave-Ferguson-218930584833758

Video: Last Train Gone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4qmCPMeyXA

For further info and bookings: bookings@mymusicmatrix.com

4

Blynd Tyger (Hard-Hitting Blues-Rock)

Blynd Tyger (Hard-Hitting Blues-Rock)

Blynd Tyger is a hard-hitting blues rock trio hailing from the hills of Stellenbosch consisting of frontman and guitarist Duke Negus, bassist Don Schriefer and drummer Ollie Scholtz. They bring to the stage an eclectic blend of potent rock & roll grooves and raw garage rock overtones that transport an audience straight back to the sixties. With influences from groups such as the Hendrix Experience, Led Zeppelin, Cream, and James Gang, they strive to be a modern answer to the sixties power trio revival, exemplifying the genre to its full capacity with a dynamic live performance that will leave audiences feet itching to dance!

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/blyndtygerband

Link to "Old Coast" video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5dM1vWQuXA

For further info and bookings: bookings@mymusicmatrix.com

5

Purplecry (Soft Rock / Alternative)

Purplecry (Soft Rock / Alternative)

"PurpleCry" is a Cape Town based musical duo which explores genres of music ranging from alternative to progressive and acoustic rock. Licia Du Plessis and Marcel van der Westhuizen, who both have obtained a formal music education, form the acoustic and dynamic duo that is PurpleCry. Initially the group began as a solo-project of Licia’s between 2011 and 2012, but after experimenting and working with various session musicians Licia recruited Marcel in 2012 as a permanent member of the group, ergo, her musical partner.

As the group consists only of two members, Licia and Marcel use special intricate musical techniques in order to create a fuller sound during their performances. Licia performs as the percussionist, drummer and vocalist, while Marcel performs with an acoustic and electric guitar and contributes to the vocal aspect of the group as well. The group also uses their impressive selection of guitar pedals in order to use bass amplifying and loop techniques.

Through their diverse influence of music from artists such as Radiohead, Damien Rice, Paramore, and John Mayer, PurpleCry creates a unique, emotionally sincere, and versatile acoustic sound. Licia and Marcel describe their music as, “Dynamic, super sensitive or chilled, and very emotional. Sometimes also quite loud.

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PurpleCryOfficial

Video EPK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=KL-j7Ah1fTw

For further info and bookings: bookings@mymusicmatrix.com

6

Kathryn Swain (Alternative Pop)

Kathryn Swain (Alternative Pop)

Kathryn is a young Capetonian singer/songwriter with big dreams. She wrote her first song at the age of seven and loves to use her musical talent to capture the trials and triumphs of life in a way that everyone can relate to.

“To me, songwriting is both the reflection of a journey and a journey in itself. Sometimes I write about my own personal experiences or things that I've watched my friends and other people go through. I see my songs like bubbles that capture my emotions... writing them is my way of working through stuff and expressing myself,” says Kathryn.

Kathryn was born in Cape Town in January of 1994 and spent her early childhood there before relocating with her family to Nashville, Tennessee where she lived from 2003-2008. Having moved again to Stratford-upon-Avon, England from 2009-mid 2010, her songwriting began to flow, and she completed her education back in Cape Town in 2012.

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kathswainmusic

Video showreel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7S5QltzXdM&list=PLMLABSV7yQqBrdTjUmdUxWl3dYLrt_rfy&index=4

For further info and bookings: bookings@mymusicmatrix.com

7

The Royal Commoners (Upbeat and Edgy Folk-Rock)

The Royal Commoners (Upbeat and Edgy Folk-Rock)

Fast becoming a Cape Town favourite, The Royal Commoners have become known for their upbeat and edgy folk-rock sound.

The Royal Commoners are: Marieke - Lead Vocals, Kick& Tambourine, Jaco - Acoustic & Vocals, Justin - Bass & Vocals

Their music is modern and rich, blending a jumble of folksy acoustic guitar, heavy bass and three-part harmonies to bring you a unique and eclectic sound. Powered by some incredible male and female vocals, TRC’s catchy melodies and lyrics will leave you clapping and foot-stomping throughout their performance.

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheRoyalCommoners

Video: The Lion's Den: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z78dXbpr1Ks

For further info and bookings: bookings@mymusicmatrix.com

9

Al Bairre (Classic Indie finger-Pop)

Al Bairre (Classic Indie finger-Pop)

Pronounced [Al Bear] We are an aggressively unfancy band from Hout Bay in the mother city, South Africa.

Al Bairre are: Tessa & Julia & Kyle & Nic .

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AlBairre

Video: We Move On: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=FUo9q0be2Ko&list=PLxBBcgHb8XUhIIuwdG2SwXcyYC1uPm9lp

For further info and booking: hello@albairre.com

10

Karla Valentine (Acoustic folk/blues/singer/songwriter)

Karla Valentine (Acoustic folk/blues/singer/songwriter)

Karla Valentine has had a love for music from a young age. She started piano and singing at the same time she learned to talk properly, her interest grew when she took on the flute at the age of 8. Craving for something more at the age of 12 she picked up a guitar and has never turned back. Karla writes deeper, thoughtful lyrics with comforting melodies in a variety of genres including blues, folk and light rock.

She is influenced by a variety of artists; Amy lee, Anna Nalick, Taylor Momsen, Brent Smith.
Karla hopes that her music creates the same sense of purpose for others as it does for her.

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/karlavalentinemusic

Songs available to listen to here - http://soundcloud.com/karlavalentine

For further info and bookings: bookings@mymusicmatrix.com