Submission Showcase – Episode 3

After a decade apart, Jotam Schoeman and Modise Sekgothe have reunited to revive their multimedia project, Metropolar. Originally created as a nine-part blend of spoken word, music, and hand-drawn animation, the project faced many challenges, leading the artists to pursue separate paths. Their recent reunion, however, has brought new energy and focus, allowing them to finally bring their vision to life. Joined by London-based producer Umlungu Deluxe, they form the group IIIFoet, a name representing their blend of influences from Johannesburg, Cape Town, and London.

IIIFoet’s name, derived from a slang term for a three-legged pot, symbolizes their philosophy of mixing different cultures and experiences to create a rich, multifaceted sound. Their debut album, “Metropolar,” will be released on 14 June 2024 through indie label Paradise Worldwide, offering a unique fusion of music, spoken word, and visual art.

Each member brings unique talents to IIIFoet. Modise Sekgothe, a performance poet, actor, and musician from Johannesburg, enriches their music with dynamic spoken word elements. Jotam Schoeman, a musician and visual artist from Cape Town, adds creative vision and hand-drawn animations. Umlungu Deluxe, a London-based producer, contributes intricate soundscapes and cinematic elements.

With “Metropolar,” IIIFoet revives a beloved project while embarking on a new artistic journey. Their respect for past work and innovative ideas promise a significant impact on the music and arts scene. As they prepare for their album release and debut performances, IIIFoet invites audiences to celebrate the culmination of a decade-long journey and the start of a new chapter.

British chill band Kinobe has returned with another mystically melodic song titled ‘Lucky Stars’ on July 5th, 2024 via the SGKL imprint.

Originally from the UK and currently based in Perth, Australia, Kinobe was formed in west London in 1998 by childhood friends Julius Waters and Mark “Blackie” Blackburn. They formed a duo together after Waters’ return from Perth, Australia, where he had spent the greater part of his teens. Both multi-instrumentalists with a plethora of retro influences including soul, funk, blues, jazz, and R&B, they quickly began making music together. Within a few months, and with a minimal setup of synth, computer, sampler, a record player found on the street and boxes of charity shop vinyl, they had recorded enough material for their debut album, and were quickly signed to Pepper Records, an imprint of Jive. That album, Soundphiles, was released in the year 2000 to instant acclaim. Drawing on a vast array of influences from string arrangers like Nelson Riddle, composers like John Barry and Lalo Shifrin, crooners like Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennet, to sixties bands like Canned Heat, Kinobe’s sound has drawn comparisons to the likes of lounge luminaries such as Air, Kruder & Dorfmeister, Groove Armada, and Thievery Corporation.. 

Cape Town, South Africa – Moskitos, the up-and-coming psych-rock garage trio from Cape Town, South Africa, announce the release of one of their catchiest singles, “Believer”, a final taste of their highly anticipated debut album “Mirage” before it drops on 30 August 2024.

In true Moskitos fashion, “Believer” blends various instruments and textures includingalternating acoustic and electric guitars, a grooving bass riff, and dynamic drums that serve as the driving force behind the track. Reminiscent of the hypnotic psychedelic groove of The Black Angels with a pop-infused garage rock sensibility akin to The Spyrals, “Believer” features a chorus that is sure to get stuck in your head, while also delivering intricate musical nuggets throughout. Notably, the song features polyrhythmic bottle noises, recorded using large beer bottles tuned to key, adding a unique texture to the final solo.

Lyrically, “Believer” delves into the theme of self-discovery and breaking free from constraints such as the human ego. Recorded live in studio with local psych-rock scene legend and audio engineer, Warren Fisher, “Believer” captures the raw energy and authenticity of Moskitos’ sound. As the fifth single from their upcoming album, “Mirage”, the track sets the stage for what promises to be a classic debut album for fans to latch onto.

We Kill Cowboys, the 4-piece rock ‘n roll powerhouse from Cape Town, have just released their incendiary new single “Fuck You” via Mongrel Records. 

Fronted by the mesmerizing and raw vocals of Alex Muller, We Kill Cowboys boldly tackle anti-establishment themes with their thought-provoking lyricism, inviting listeners into a world of gritty, sultry narratives. Muller’s delivery adds an irresistible edge to the sonic experience, supported by the thunderous beats of longtime drummer Andrew Middelkoop, the powerful riffs of new guitarist Mornay Carstens, and the return of original bassist Miggs Auer.

Commenting on the new single, Alex Muller states, “Not much needs to be said about it. It’s that singular moment when the light goes on and it all becomes clear. You’re done with bullshitting yourself, you’re done with being bullshitted. Life, relationships, politicians… that moment you decide to let it go and face the truth. There’s always hope and sometimes our own mind can be the biggest cage… let it go.”

Hailing from Moscow and now based in LA, Nastiya Kai is an entirely self-taught musician. She began playing piano at a young age, starting to write songs at the age of ten. Struggling with bullying, mental health and loneliness in school, Nastiya Kai found solace quietly playing guitar in her boarding school dormitory. After shifting careers, universities, countries and more, she has found that music has always been a constant, and began releasing singles in 2023.

With a sound that has been compared to Caroline Polachek and Sub Urban, Nastiya Kai finds inspiration in a vast range of genres and artists, citing the likes of David Bowie, Daughter, The Naked and Famous, Crystal Castles, The Prodigy and Bob Dylan as but a few who have influenced her. Carving a place for herself in the ever-growing pop world, her music is for fans of avant-pop luminaries such as Billie Eilish, Grimes and VÉRITÉ. 

Demon Era is an explosive 13-track confessional odyssey through turmoil, mental health, betrayal, desire, empowerment, self-actualization and so much more. Eluding the confines of a single genre, it offers the listener an array of sounds, from the gritty hyperpop of the short opener, ‘London’ to the power ballad ‘Hey Bridget’, and so much more. ‘Party At My Place’, is another stylistic smorgasbord – a pulsing, introspective avant-pop anthem dissolves into a short glitchy ambient passage, which in turn gives way to an outro sweetly sung over picked acoustic guitar. The album offers an eclectic feast of moods and genres, while retaining a cohesive sense of Nastiya Kai’s distinctive strength and potent, raw emotionality.

French Wave scene pioneer Øfdream. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Lorn, The Prodigy, Nothing Here, Klimeks, Massive Attack and Aphex Twin, Øfdream’s forays into production began with early experiments in progressive house. Dabbling in hip-hop and creating new sounds and textures, his sound began to take shape akin to the garage, trap and electronic music by which he was influenced.

Engulfed in a melodic haze, the 4 textured records that comprise Millenium move listeners from brazen basslines to seismic guitar riffs, walls of multi-chorus synths, and, finishing with a flourish, intricate fills n’ cuts. Dark and dreamy, the EP is no less than what one might expect from Øfdream.