Ard Matthews

Today’s talented voice belongs to the lead singer of Just Jinjer: Ard Matthews.

Since igniting the local music scene in 1996 with their debut album, “All Comes Around”, Just Jinjer have become South Africa’s biggest selling rock band of all time. The band, with 6 number 1 hits and two double-platinum albums, recently returned to South Africa after a decade of touring and performing internationally.

Consisting of Durban born lead singer, Ard Matthews (vocals/guitar), Brent Harris (drums/vocals) and Denholm Harding (bass/vocals), Just Jinjer are currently promoting their latest album “Milk and Honies” in Kwazulu Natal.

Website: http://ardmatthews.com and http://www.justjinjer.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ardmatthews
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ardmatthews
Location: Cape Town

Ard was kind enough to answer the following questions:

Personal

Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.

A: Ard Matthews. Rough n tough and from the Bluff. Still on the good side of my 30s.

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: I’m a real geek actually. I love gadgets and tech stuff. I did a computer course a few years ago to understand more about the inner workings of these wonderful machines. To give you an idea of how bad I have it: I will have one of the first iPads in the country when they get released. (I know ppl)

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: I can lose myself in a good video game. Playstation, xbox; you name it. I’ll rock it hard. Let’s not forget that I can also lose myself with just an acoustic guitar and a few fresh melodies!!

Q: Tell us about “First Offerings” and how it came about?

A: “First Offerings” is a concept album that is 100% for the benefit of my charity called the MyLife Foundation. www.mylife.org.za. ALL proceeds go towards this cause. Unfortunately the completion of the record has been delayed but I am still working on it feverishly.

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South Africa would you want it to be?

A: I’m thinking about a cool, self sustainable small holding somewhere on the coast. I’m still undecided as to exactly where as it’s all just so beautiful. I still have a strong pull towards the Natal coast. I love it!!

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property

South African Music

Q: Do you remember the first time you heard one of your songs on the radio? Do you ever get used to it?

A: It’s always a thrill. I’d be lying if I said it ever got old. It’s always the biggest complement to me that someone cares enough to play it and that ppl care enough to want to hear it. Awesome feeling!!

Q: How important would you say social media is for bands? Is this driven by the band or their record labels?

A: It’s extremely important nowadays. I wish it wasn’t. Bands should be just judged for their quality of music and their live shows…not for the Myspace friend count.

Q: During the songwriting process, which comes first – the melody, lyrics or a combination of the two?

A: A combination. I try never to have any rules about my process. ‘ What He Means’ was a melody for almost a year before I wrote the opening lines lyrics..

Q: How important do you think the move to the States has been for Just Jinjer? Could you have enjoyed the same level of success without relocating?

A: Possibly. But I fear I may have lost out on sleep wondering about the “what if I hadn’t tried” aspect of that decision. I think life is all about the journey so I’m happy to have had so many stops along my way home…

Q: What advice would you give the young musician with a demo CD in their pocket?

A: Pick only 2-3 of your very best songs. DO NOT give an exec a 12 track album. They will NEVER listen past the first few songs if they even listen at all. Spend your whole budget on getting 3 songs sounding awesome rather than doing 12 averagely.

Q: Are there any new local acts which have caught your eye?

A: I’m diggin the New Holland record. Cool vibe. I also love Die Antwoord. They so funny!

Life in South Africa

Q: Living in LA since 2002, how would you describe the perception of South Africa and it’s people?

A: South Africans have a great reputation. They are known to be good; diligent workers with good manners. I knew a lot of Americans who had complete SA envy. Plus…we live in AFRICA!!! It’s just so cool

Q: Is your move to the States a permanent one or do you think you will move back to South Africa?

A: We actually moved back to SA in August last year after 10 years of representing our country abroad.

Q: To which three local attractions would you first take an international visitor?

A: The Garden Route. Table Mountain then the Winelands.

Q: South Africa’s greatest export is?

A: Leon Schuster.

General

Q: What is the craziest thing a fan has done to get your attention?

A: Far too crazy for this interview. We’ll leave it to the readers imagination ;-)

Q: Traveling as much as you do, do you have any advice for those long flights? Can you tell us how many Voyager miles you clocked up in 2009?

A: We were so foolish. We only applied for our miles halfway in to our careers. If we had started collecting from the beginning, I’m sure we’d all be around a million miles.

Q: Which of your lyrics would you most like to be remembered for?

A: “that’s NOT what He means, and it doesn’t matter what Book you read” – from What He Means.

Q: Favorite flavor of ice cream?

Q: Chocolate in choc sauce with choc sprinkles and a choc flake. I like chocolate.

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo and what would you ask them?

A: I want to read about Leon Schuster and I’d like to ask him why he does not want to braai at my house this weekend already!!

We’d like to thank Ard for taking the time to answer our questions and wish him and Just Jinjer every success for the future.

Be sure to catch Ard and Just Jinger at the Durban Botanical Gardens this Sunday, the 14th Feb. The Old Mutal Music at the Lake opens at 16:30 and tickets cost R80 for adults, R20 for kids between 6 and 12 and free for kids under 6. Book your tickets here.