Rocco de Villiers

Rocco de Villiers is a South African pianist, producer, author and cocktail connoisseur.

Best-known as an instrumentalist, Rocco has proved, over the past decade, that there is indeed a market for instrumental music in our country.

At the same time he has cemented himself as a local brand in the fields of entertainment, business man and lifestyle. The Rocco brand is unique, flamboyant, theatrical, energetic and always entertaining!

Rocco has released several recordings, most of which contain his own original music. He has also published two books on cocktails, and a variety of other lifestyle products, including wines, carry his label. He has produced an extensive list of stage productions and continues to perform live in various guises.

Rocco is co-director of Third Ear Sound, with Kutlwano Masote, which undertakes commissions in sound design, film and television music.

Rocart, roccoroccomusic collects South African art – among them, works by Penny Siopis, Jeremy Wafer, Bronwen Findlay, Peter Schütz, Paul Edmunds and Clive van den Berg.

He is the arranger and producer of 21 CD recordings, the pianist and musical director/arranger of 62 stage productions, the composer of nine televison and radio series.

He is the host of a television piano game show ‘KLOP DIE KLAWERS‘ on a 13 part television series ‘kook en klavier en rocco’. His commissioned musical compositions include: Jozi, ma Sweetie 2009, Ballades : NP van Wyk Louw (with Antoinette Kellerman) 2007, Soundtrack to a South African Comedy Thriller, Lyk Lollery! – 2001 and National Heritage Day South Africa – 1999.

Personal
Q: How would you like to be introduced at a social event?
A: Pianist, cocktail guru, master of eating baked puddings

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

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?
A: Doing nothing on my farm in the Free State

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South African would you want it to be?
A: I have my dream home in Parktown Johannesburg. 2nd would be a glass house in Hugovale, Cape Town

Music and other passions
Q: Did you always know you wanted to be a musician/ performer?
A: No, at school I always wanted to become a chemist. But the more I wanted to be that, the more I played piano…

Q: Of your achievements in the music industry, what are you most proud of?
A: My new album with EMI called Beautiful, Beautiful Piano. Because of the beautiful tunes, the arrangements and the simplicity.

Q: Who are what inspires you to create music?
A: When I feel good about anything from a flower, a cocktail to a good movie. I am not one of those artists who gets creative because of pain.

Q: What can we look forward to from you in the near future?
A: My new cocktail book in 2011 and a comeback tour of my show from 2007, Liberocco ( a Liberace tribute)

Q: How do you feel about the current SA music scene?
A: As we all know Afrikaans music is booming. Pity it all sounds the same, apart from people like Chris Chameleon, Kurt Darren who has distinctive sounds and styles. English music in SA very often sounds like UK or American rock, but I like Parletones. I also think downloads are changing the scene a lot. What happened to the days of that great feeling when you just bought a record, tape or a cd?

Q: Where did you develop your love of cocktails?
A: When I was a little boy I had to mix brandy and coke for my dad en gin and tonic for my mom. Then at university I sold cheap concoctions from the balcony of my flat to pay for my studies. But, the idea around the glamour, taste and look of cocktail still fascinates me. I feel like….uhmmmm George Clooney with a Martini in hand.

Q: Are music and art synonymous for you?
A: Absolutely. But it didi change over the years. I mean, we are human beings with different moods. But music and my playing is an extention of my body and my being.

Q: What do you enjoy more: creating or performing?
A: Nothing nothing like playing for an audience.

Life in South Africa
Q: What do you enjoy most about living in South Africa?
A: Jozi, the ultimate city in South Africa

Q: When asked about crime in South Africa, what is your response?
A: Is it REALLY worse than for instance Egypt, parts of NYC in the 1970′s, Brazil?

Q: To which three local attractions would you first take an international visitor?
A: Anywhere in Jozi, the Karoo, a braai.

Q: South Africa’s greatest music/ art export is
A: Charlize

Lady Lea

Introducing house DJ, founder of Divas on Decks and Survivor South Africa contestant: Lady Lea.

As one of South Africa’s leading DJs, Lady Lea has been a guest DJ at almost every popular club in South Africa. She has also performed in various other clubs around the globe including Ibiza, Amsterdam and the UK.

European tours in October 2006 and July 2008, the German Love Parade to over 1.2 million people in 2007, and performing at the ICC T20 World Cup Cricket matches are just a few of Lady Lea’s career highlights.

Lea has recently also been a contestant on MNet’s Survivor Santa Caroline.

Website: http://www.ladylea.co.za
Twitter: http://twitter.com/djladylea
Facebook: Fan Page
Location: Pretoria

Lady Lea 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: Lea the DJ at school.

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

A: I am quite gullible and trust very easily.

Q: For those who have not heard your music, which one track would recommend they listen to?

A: Lady Lea & Nick Supply – Rumble in the Jungle.

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

A: I’m living in my dream home in Pretoria. ;)

This question was proudly sponsored by- Have a big family or looking to open your very own guest house? How about this 18 bedroom, 9 bathroom home in Arcadia.

Dance in South Africa

Q: Can you tell us about how you got started as a DJ and when did you realize that this could become your career?

A: I started DJing when I was in Grade 10. I never saw it as a career, I just had fun playing and the money was a bonus.

Q: What have been some of the highlights of your career as a DJ?

A: My highlights would be starting my own record store Flipside Records, DJing at the ICC T20 Cricket Word Cup and the Loveparade in Germany in 2007, appearing on LG the LG music phone television campaign and billboards, starting my female DJ agency Divas on Decks and my own record label Beat Boutique and having released 14 albums and doing 14 national tours.

Q: Which do you prefer, playing a set for a large crowd at a big event or a smaller crowd at your favorite club?

A: I love both – they have their time and place, but small is always good.

Q: There is an automatic association between raves and drug use, do you feel that event organizers and promoters are doing enough to combat this perception and eradicate the problem?

A: Yes there is, but if people want to do it they’ll find a way. There is only so much we can do to keep it out of the club scene.

Q: Dance fans are some of the most passionate around, what are some of the craziest things fans have done during your sets?

A: A whole row of guys took off their shirts and bowed to me at a New Years Party and once a girl cried so hard that she loved my music, that she passed out.

Life in South Africa

Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?

A: Yes, we are just a lot more aware and cautious.

Q: Have you ever considered emigration? If yes, where do you think you would emigrate to?

A: No never. I love South Africa!

Q: If you were given the opportunity of sitting down with the president, what advice would you offer him?

A: Spend more money on education and fighting corruption.

Q: With less than 100 days to the first African Soccer World Cup, what advice would you offer to first-time visitors looking for the ultimate South African experience?

A: Go down the Garden Route and then up the Karoo. Stop at every town at least for one day, then come to my party and jam! ;)

Life in Johannesburg

Q: Favorite restaurant for dinner with a group of close friends?

A: Moy0 – it’s an awesome venue.

Q: If you were hosting a Lady Lea outdoor event, which venue in or around Johannesburg would you pick and who would you ask to play the opening set?

A: The Wild Waters Complex in Boksburg and I’d want Twisted Sistas to play the opening set.

Q: When looking for a great night out, where would you go and do you ever go out dancing if not performing yourself?

A: I do go out dancing. I love dressing up and going to dinner, movies or the theatre, then maybe to an upmarket club to end the evening nicely.

General

Q: Do you have any inside-information on which international DJ’s will be performing here in South Africa next?

A: Paul van Dyk and Riva Starr – watch the press for details.

Q: What CD do you currently have in your car and which types of music, besides dance, do you enjoy the most?

A: I enjoy Hip Hop, Jazz, Soul RnB and Drum ‘n Bass.

Q: If you were not a DJ, what do you think you would be doing today?

A: I think I’d be a stylist or event coordinator.

Q: Many people dream of being on Survivor? How did you find your experience on Survivor Santa Caroline? Can you tell us who goes on to win?

A: I am sure a lot of people dream to be on Survivor. ;) It was amazing, very difficult and you don’t get royal treatment off-camera. It’s the real deal. I don’t know who is going to win, but obviously it won’t be me.

Q: Who would you most like to collaborate with in the future?

A: Locally I’d like to collaborate with Goldfish and internationally I’d say Erick Morillo.

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

A: Pink. I’d ask her if she parties a lot.

We’d like to thank Lea for taking the time to answer our questions and wish her every success for the future. Reminder to catch Lady Lea at H2O Sat, 27th March. Visit h2oparty.com for further details and to book your tickets.

Claire Johnston

Izimvo has the great pleasure of introducing the lead singer of Mango Groove: Claire Johnston.

Claire, the voice and face of Mango Groove, has become an integral part of South African musical heritage. Since their first iconic multi-platinum release in 1989, Claire and the band have enjoyed over 12 Number 1 hits and have received every conceivable South African music and video award.

Their career highlights include the direct satellite link-up to the Freddie Mercury tribute in London; their performance in front of 200 000 people at the Paris “SOS Racism” concert and their performance at the renowned Montreux Jazz festival where the band received 3 encores.

With the release of their latest album, Bang the Drum, Mango Groove continues to be an act that truly reaches the hearts of all South Africans.

Website: http://www.mangogroove.co.za
Twitter: http://twitter.com/CJMangoGroove
Location: Johannesburg

Claire was kind enough to answer the following questions:

Personal

Q: How would you like to be introduced at a social event?

A: In my personal capacity – Claire Leyden. In my work capacity – Claire Johnston.

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

A: I am an only child and I love eating and reading at the same time. One is almost a trigger for the other!

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

A: The African bush always calls me: anything from getting out into the wilderness to just watching a bird in our own garden.. very redemptive.

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

A: A difficult one, as we love our home as it is. Ideally, perhaps, it would be quite old (Victorian/Edwardian), with a huge stoep, and overlooking a large river with crocs, hippos, elephants, birds and other wonderful things. I would probably also need it to have broadband!

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property - Fancy a private game reserve? How about this R2.2m piece of authentic Africa: 2500sq.m in a private game reserve only 13km west of the town centre of Warmbaths (Bela-Bela).

Mango Groove

Q: You joined Mango Groove at the age of 17 while still at school. What was the reaction from your parents to the news and were they supportive of your early career?

A: My mum and step dad were always very supportive of my singing. I’d been a ”professional performer” in a way since I was 10 (in the Brickhill-Burke production of ”Annie”), so I think they always knew which path I was going to follow. In fact, I recall my mum being disappointed when I opted to do a straight BA at WITS instead of Drama, as planned.

Q: Can you describe the moment when you first heard a Mango Groove song being played on the radio?

A: Hmmm, do you know that I can’t?! But what I do recall very clearly was the thrill of hearing a street cleaner whistling the chorus of the Mango song ‘Move up’ from my Cape Town Hotel room window in 1987.

Q: Mango Groove have enjoyed many successes including 12 number 1 hits, performing for the Freddie Mercury tribute to an estimated audience of a billion people and being only group to stay at the top of the South African national charts for over a year. Which of the band’s numerous accolades are you most proud of?

A: A tough call, but a couple of things stand out: being part of our country’s very first democratic Inauguration concert (there must have been a couple of hundred thousand people there, and what an emotional event!), and being the only SA act to perform at the official concert celebrating the handover of Hong Kong to China.

Q: Your new album, “Bang the Drum“, comes 14 years after your last full studio album. What was it like getting back into the studio as a band and how would you describe the album to someone unfamiliar with your previous work?

A: It was really great to get back into the studio, I must say. We elected to go back to the studio where we recorded our first two albums, so it was a bit like coming home! The album only took us 4 months to record, so everything felt pretty instinctive and effortless. The new album is very familiar Mango Groove, and pretty much ”back to our roots”: a noisy, live mixture of ’50s and ’60s urban music styles (Kwela, Marabi, Mbaqanga) and contemporary pop… Simple pop songs, simple choruses and tight arrangements.

Q: Can you give us an insight into your creative process. What comes first, the lyrics, the melody or does it depend on the song?

A: I’d say it’s often driven by a chorus title, or alternatively by a penny whistle or horn line. A lot of toil and trial and error follows, but ultimately it’s a pretty organic process.

Q: What can we look forward to from Mango Groove in the years ahead?

A: Where do I begin? Seriously, though, we will be touring SA in April this year and are also looking to get back to some foreign shores later on in the year. There’s a live DVD in the pipeline, and who knows what in the future? A musical or two, more albums, stuffed toys… we take these things as they come :)

Life in South Africa

Q: What do you enjoy most about living in South Africa?

A: I love the people, the weather, the bush, the birds and the animals.

Q: When asked internationally about crime in South Africa, what is your response?

A: It’s a massive challenge for our country, certainly, but I have confidence that we are tackling it together. Living or travelling in South Africa, one simply has to be vigilant, and smart about how you do things.

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

A: An unfair question, as there are so many!

Certainly the Kruger Park (for its sheer scale and variety), the Wild Coast, the Eastern Cape (John – my husband and founding member of Mango Groove – and I have a personal attachment to Shamwari and we have spent a lot of time there), the Cradle of Humankind ( for a sense of where have we all come from as human beings) and The Apartheid Museum ( for a sense of how far we have come as a nation). That’s 5 isn’t it?

Q: South Africa’s greatest musical export is?

A: Its variety! It could be anything from Ladysmith Black Mambazo to Seether, with everything in between.

General

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

A: “Another Time, Another Place, Another Country, Another State of Grace. You’ll walk beside me, I’ll tell you no lies, and then you’ll see Another Country in my eyes”. Nice work, John – I wish I had written them!

Q: Do you follow any rituals before getting up on stage to perform?

A: I’m always nervous (I’ll never lose that), but apart from last-minute ”fussing” (clothes, make up), I generally just pace and warm up my voice. Oh, and I also knock back a neat scotch (no ice)!

Q: What are your thoughts on talent contests such as American Idols? Do you think you would’ve entered if they were around when you were first starting out?

A: Talent competitions in one form or another have always been part of our business, and they are one of many ways one can get noticed or signed. They have a high-profile now, given how much reality TV is out there, but I’m not persuaded that they are the backbone of the industry.

Talent rises to the top in many ways, and I would say that there are more dominant mechanisms for unearthing this talent: record companies, production companies, talent scouts, the live circuit and (perhaps above all) the tenacity and passion of artists themselves.

Looking at the global industry, the artists that dominate still tend to be pretty ”organic” and self-starting, with the Talent Contest competitors forming a small part of this.

Would I have entered? Very possibly.

Q: If you could invite any three South Africans to an intimate dinner party, who would you invite and what would you serve for dessert?

A: Guest List: HF Verwoerd, BJ Vorster, PW Botha. Topic: What the hell were you thinking? Dessert:Humble Pie!

Q: Where would you like to wake up tomorrow?

A: In my own bed, of course!

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

A: South Africa has so many stories to tell, so I would be spoilt for choice. :)

We’d like to thank Claire for taking the time to answer our questions and wish her and the other members of Mango Groove every success with the future.

Bang the Drum

If you have not already done so, be sure to go out and get Mango Groove’s latest album, Bang the Drum. This 16 track offering delivers the quintessential “Mango Sound” and is a must for any fan of this super group.

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.

Win a signed copy of “Stardust Galaxies”, the yet-to-be-released new album from South Africa’s greatest band, The Parlotones!

Winning is easy.

1. Submit your questions to the band as a comment on this post.
2. The question with the most “likes” wins!
3. Feel free to submit as many questions as you like.
4. The closing date for the competition is 13:00, Friday the 30th October 2009.
5. Be sure to follow our @izimvo twitter account for updates.

Not only will the person with the most popular question win a signed copy of “Startdust Galaxies” but they will also be interviewed and have their story featured on Izimvo.

Click here to post your questions now.

Website: http://www.theparlotones.co.uk
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Parlotones