Perez were one of my favourite SA bands, probably one of the top three I listened to - and they were mates and peers, so a very meaningful band to me and musically very unique in the scene. This was important, especially when the scene was generating some like-for-like versions of overseas bands - Perez kept their identity and kept the song as the main focus, with some highly impressive vocal and instrumental chops to boot.

What made them work so well was the tight friendship and musical understanding between the four members - something that becomes difficult to achieve later in life. Check some of this early magic in Tamsyn Curtis' awesome documentary: https://youtu.be/YsrILzwhe0Y?si=wZdCzOesIDt_tQin

Their live shows were transfixing, with all of them exuding magnetism and just knowing how to work a stage, and their best gigs were ones where they would collectively get lost in the music. They did some big things during their short tenure, were played all over national radio and headlined many festivals - which is why so many still love them.

They didn't reach the heights they could have, and have all moved on to other projects, but the music speaks for itself. Go and get it.

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4G30SsYmThGzZPCCyDN1bH?si=7mP-9FhyQnyHMtfIscgTPA

https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/perez/1538334873

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This episode sees me talking with singer Kahn Morbee and guitarist Paul Hodgson, some good friends as well as very well known names on the South African scene (and internationally too).

I first toured with the Parlotones in 2002 and we shared many a stage over a couple of years, including one in London. I immediately knew they were absolutely class songwriters and wasn't surprised when their trajectory just kept going up and up.

Even so, they've done some pretty amazing things few SA bands have achieved, and it's been an absolute blast to delve into their past, explore their evolution, learn about triumphs and lower points, and share some pretty funny stories.

Explore the Parlotones and get connected to their socials here: https://theparlotones.co.za/

Parlotones songs featured in this episode:

Colourful

Beautiful

Push Me To The Floor

Here Comes A Man

Giant Mistake

Ashton Nyte - 'Rivers Run Back'

Boo - 'Lucki'

Neon Choir - 'Young Blood'

Anova Skyward - 'Caught in Time'

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This episode sees me talk to Martin 'Cito' Otto, vocalist and songwriter for South African pop-rock-funk legends Wonderboom. A true gent, he waxed lyrical about their history and some choice moments from their incredible career. They're a band absolutely devoted to the stage and crafting the best songs they can - successfully giving the middle finger to convention while writing stuff that's totally memorable and accessible.

Visit https://www.wonderboom.co.za/ for more info!

Songs featured in this episode are:

My Name Is Freedom: https://music.apple.com/gb/album/my-name-is-freedom/1730584928?i=1730585329

Miss Demeanour: https://music.apple.com/gb/album/miss-demeanour/1730584928?i=1730585344

Smile Pantsula: https://music.apple.com/gb/album/smile-pantsula/1510392528?i=1510392538

She Cries: https://music.apple.com/gb/album/she-cries/1510392528?i=1510392536

Space Man (Springbok Nude Girls): https://music.apple.com/gb/album/space-man/1258394974?i=1258395222

Charlie: https://music.apple.com/gb/album/charlie-aint-slavin-2-da-habit/588691527?i=588691606

Shadows: https://music.apple.com/gb/album/shadows-2001-barney-simons-shadows-2001-remix/588691527?i=588691752

Southern Light: https://music.apple.com/gb/album/southern-light/1634644523?i=1634644531

Never Ever Ever: https://music.apple.com/gb/album/never-ever-ever-ever/582363370?i=582363373

Ooh La La: https://music.apple.com/gb/album/ooh-la-la/1634644523?i=1634645210

Animal: https://music.apple.com/gb/album/animal/1634652426?i=1634652433

Hell: https://music.apple.com/gb/album/hell-single/1634664216

Songs featured by my solo project ThumbOfRule are:

Last To Leave: https://music.apple.com/gb/album/last-to-leave-single/1580286542

Caught In Time: https://music.apple.com/gb/album/caught-in-time/971275559

Thanks to Cito for his time and kindness in helping me put this episode together.

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