SA Music Blog

Be sure to go watch The Beams at Oppikoppi!

How’d you come up with your name and what does it mean?

Finding a name is probably the hardest part of being in a band. It took us probably six months to finally get everyone to agree to one name. We stuck with The Beams for its play on light and our desire to mesmerize people on the dancefloors. There is something about colourful lights that makes you think of great parties you have been to.

How long have you guys been playing together?

We have been playing together for about a year and 6 months. We have only been gigging since February 2006.
So far we have notched up some pretty cool shows. More to follow this year

How’d you meet?

It all started with me and Amrik(bassist). He put out an add in the paper and I answered it. There was instantenous chemistry in our musical interactions. We were basically on the same page from day one. From there Amrik approached his friend Paul (vocals) to come and joined us. Then it was a matter of finding the rest of the puzzle. We needed a drummer and a keyboard player. I invited my friend Evan (keys/guitar) to join and the rest is history.

Where are you based?

We are all Cape Town boys. We’re very lucky to live in this amazing city. One always draws inspiration from this city.

What is your favourite song of yourselves?

Very tough one, we all have our favourites. I like “Watch where you point that thing”, for its very hypnotic dance beats. The songs we are preparing for the EP are probably our most favourites.

Who is your biggest fan?

Thats a trick question. Our parents are our biggest fans off course. We have been lucky though. We created a following very quickly, so it wasn’t hard to get gigs. In this city you can always get gigs if you can pull a crowd into a venue. We’ve been lucky in that regard.

Do you have groupies?

Playing in a band, you raise awareness about yourself. However its not about that. Its about the energy of being on stage and seeing people respond to your music.
Its flattering though, when you get apprached by girls.

What is the best place to gig?

There aren’t many places to gig in Cape Town. Once you reach a certain level, there aren’t many options. There is Mercury Live, Zula and Armchair, but it all depends on the sound guy. The sound on stage influences your enjoyment of the gig.

What was your best gig and why?

There are a few very memorable shows. The first show we played at Zula, was our first show and we received a great response from everyone. It was very rewarding. But playing with Unit R at Mercury for our official band launch was excelent. The place was packed and the crowd response was amazing. Its rewarding when you look into a crowd and there are people singing along to your song.

Who is single in the band and who is in relationships?

I’m not at liberty to say.

Care to share anything that what funny that you experienced on tour or at a gig?

No particular funny moments, but a few strange experiences. Regular gig stuff, amps falling over on a rickety stage at Mystic Boer in Stellenbosch. Also endless quarrels with not very good sound engineers.

Which part of being in a famous band do you most enjoy?

Its nice when you get recognised on the street and people compliment on your work. Thats the ultimate reward for an entertainer (in my opinion).

And which part do you enjoy the least?

Haven’t experienced any unplesant moments yet.

How often do you Practise?

We practice 3 times a week.

What do you do for a living if the band isn’t your living?

The band is the centre of our lives. Most of us are students at UCT, so that occupies some of our time.

Do you make money?

Money is not something that drives this band, but in life it is always amazing when your hobby becomes your job.

What cds do you have out and where can we buy it?

We are just finishing an EP at Sound and Motion studios and it will be out soon. We are sure to make a big bang about it.

How do you experience the scene and how do things look for SA music in the future?

Sa music is picking up, but here in Cape Town, there is no infrastructure, so everything you do has to be independent. Which has its pro’s and con’s.

Do you read?

Yes. Reading is an essential part of person’s development. Also books are an endless source of inspiration, you never know when something is gonna create a spark in your head.

What type of clothing do you wear and where do you shop?

Clothes, hmmmm….yes please!

Where do you hang out?

Cape Town has something cool going on everyday, but usually, watching live shows and occasional club crawl is in order.

What does the future have in store for you?

Lots more music and lots more pursuit of happiness.

Any plans on touring?

Yes off course. Going to Oppikoppi now in April, and after that we are definitely doing a national tour.

Any new albums being recorded or released soon?

We are working on an EP.

Who is your fav SA Artist?

There are lots of new bands, that are making things happen in South Africa. Perhaps Unit R

Which SA artist do you dislike the most and why?

One can’t preocupy himself with those things.