Submission Showcase – Episode 2

Henry Ate – After a 22 year Hiatus Henry Ate original members Karma-Ann Swanepoel and Julian Sun,  return with their latest Single You were my first everything.

You Were My First Everything” is a moving journey through nostalgia and reminiscence, capturing the essence of the band’s signature sound.

The Band release their debut album “Slap in the Face” in 1996  and have since been touring the world and sharing the stage with epic artist like Skunk Anansie and Garabage. 

According to the singles press release – It helped of course that Henry Ate had emerged in the wake of South Africa’s first democratic election, a time when possibility filled the air and original music was emerging at a sometimes stunning speed from all corners of the country…., Henry Ate achieved terrific heights and they did it independently: their first record was released by maverick Joburg label, Tic Tic Bang and, instead of taking the frequently trodden payola route to radio play, they found believers in the media who brought their music to a wider audience and so help move the band beyond the underground and onto the national stage. 

The Zimbabwean-born, So Kindly, who is currently based in the UK, released his much anticipated single “All I Own”. This is his second release  since he spent some time in LA, writing and recording with award winning producer Jon Gilbert (Mt. Joy, Flipturn, Pete Yorn, The Kills, Alina Baraz, Banks, The Circle Jerks, and The Melvins).

So Kindly’s sound is A rush of warm instrumentals, dynamic arrangements, lush guitar and distinct, earthy vocals. 

According to the singles press doc “All I Own” reflects the inner struggle of wanting to be enough for someone you love whilst dealing with the feeling of falling short of their expectations and standards. When it feels insufficient but you’re giving it your all. It reflects the notion that the most precious gift one has to offer is their heart and soul, regardless of any perceived shortcomings. Even if you don’t have much else to give, you can still give that and mean it.

“I think these are universal insecurities experienced within relationships – does this person feel as much for me as I feel for them? Do they miss me as much as I miss them when we are apart? Sometimes surrendering to love and presenting oneself, is the ultimate gesture of affection and sincerity,” says So Kindly.

Cape townian based psychedelic post-punk group released their much anticipated ep False Dawn. The band, which includes long-time friends Hanno Jansen van Vuuren on drums and Hough Maritz on guitar and vocals, clearly share a connection that has been fortified by members previously steeped in the Cape Town psych rock scene, Lou Swart (PXLS, Sold Ash) on bass and synth and Pieter Labuschagne (Moskitos) on vocals, guitar and sax.

Alone” invites listeners into a realm where the sun sets, ushering in an evening of seemingly cynical isolation. Yet, amidst this darkness, a break of light shines, offering solace from momentary desolation. The track delves into the depths of human perception of time, exploring existentialist themes of melancholy and helplessness in our connection to the inevitable passage of time. With its dynamic shifts between soft and loud, tension and release, “Alone” creates a sound that is both ethereal and introspective. The single features saxophone more prominently than the rest of the EP, adding to the darker undertone of the song.

 After dedicating his time to producing and writing for other artists, touring, and pursuing acting, producer and songwriter Kilian Wes is once again stepping into the limelight with his new single, “Fascinated.” The track, a vibrant blend of futuristic alt-pop and 80s dance influences, features none other than legendary South African front man, Arno Carstens, marking a significant collaboration for both artists.

“Fascinated” represents a departure from the usual styles of both Kilian Wes and Arno Carstens, residing in a realm of its own. The infectious track is the result of a collaboration that Kilian describes as a dream come true. “To have someone of his vision and experience come to my little bedroom studio to work on a song was crazy,” says Kilian.

He first crossed paths with the platinum-selling frontman while working as an intern at a studio, where he found himself recording drums for a few of Carstens’ tracks. Their professional relationship blossomed into a friendship, and it wasn’t long before Kilian mustered the courage to propose a collaboration. “I presented him with the idea in my studio, and in less than 20 minutes, the song took a completely different direction,” recalls Kilian. “He gave me room to ‘play’ and try new things that were just so outside my comfort zone. That feeling of this powerful and borderless creative expression stuck with me that day and it’s something I would always strive for to feel again on any project.“
Arno Carstens shared his perspective on the creation of “Fascinated,” describing it as “about a scholarly investigation of desire and the discovery of beauty in unexpected places.” The track’s production reflects this exploration, incorporating unexpected sounds, textures, and genres, all woven together by Arno’s rich, nostalgic voice.

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