Alice's Bucket List

Alice Pyne is a 15 year old girl who is terminally ill. She created a blog to document her bucket list and some of her last activities.
One of the things on her bucket list is to get as many people involved with bone marrow donation schemes.
She is not asking for any money/ donations, just to help her create awearness. Another item on her bucketlist, she wants the hashtag #alicebucketlist to be trending worldwide.
So if you have Twitter, help make one of the girl's dreams come true and RT.
You can have a look at her blog (with her bucketlist): http://www.alicepyne.blogspot.com/

Just a little treat for your ears (and eyes)...

Here are a couple of songs that are currently on repeat on my playlists that  would like to share, 'cause sharing is caring and I like educating people on good music :) I hope you enjoy them.

Adele's album 21:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qemWRToNYJY  (Someone like You)
on this album I also enjoy; 'Don't you Remember', 'Lovesong' and actually every other track.

Band of Horses' album Everything all the Time:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMFWFhTFohk  (The Funeral)

Billy Bragg's Way over yonder Minor Key

(There are only live recordings of this on Youtube, but I suggest you download it and give it a good listen)

Neil Young:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVi0UvFu8Yo  (Harvest Moon)

The Tallest Man On Earth's album The Wild Hunt:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJfhaayOAy0  (The Wild Hunt)
my treat: not only is he a talented artist, but he's also eye candy...
also give everything else on this album a listen, it's worth it, I promise.

White Lies's album To Loose My Life...:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnoOwEmFaVw  (Unfinished Business)
including 'Death', 'E.S.T', 'From the Stars'
ps. Mumford and Sons does a great cover of this song.

Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros' Up From Below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHEOF_rcND8  (Home)

Angus & Julia Stone's a Book Like This:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUpPzVLBEbg  (Mango Tree)
also note that EVERY album of theirs are cool, so you can listen to any and every song

She & Him's Volume One:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAvnOWc5uD0  (You Really Got a Hold on Me)
I even included some eye candy for the guys...Zooye Deschanel, she is gorgeous.

And something Local:
Pretty Blue Guns's album Shed Your Skin:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldgDv3y17qw  (The Ride)


So if you're going away for the winter months, a playlist filled with these lovelies will warm your heart. It's a pleasure.
*Phot Credits: Google.

RAKA acoustic Festival ( 1-3 April 2011)

*Terribly sorry for the late post*

The mother drove us to Swellendam and we decided to make a little road trip of it. At first I dreaded the thought of this, but turns out she's a lot of fun, when driving long distance(ish). I made a mix for a previous road trip and thought it appropriate to tag it along again. We listened to some Stepdog, Florence & The Machine, Mumford & Sons, Paolo Nutini and the like; I educated the mother with some good music. When we arrived in Swellendam, I realized I had no idea where we're supposed to go to get to Kam'bati River Resort. So we asked for directions from several law enforcers, each giving us different directions, not much help. Me thinking, in this day and age every website has a map with directions of some sort, I was surprised to see that there are no directions whatsoever. Finally, after phoning the owner of the resort, we were on our way. Excited.

Upon arrival, we almost accidentally camped between the muso's, oh how disastrous that could have turned out. Few minutes later though, we were set up (I actually mean our tent etc) and we were ready to get RAKA’d. Lola, Annemieke and me indulged in some lovely cocktails and we made ourselves ridiculously comfortable in the shade.

The first artist we had the pleasure of hearing was Hugo Brand (former drummer to Ef-El and now solo artist.). Hugo did a couple of covers of well known songs; Little Lion Man, Heya, Electric Feel, etc. and he also sang a song of his own. I am extremely excited for performances where Hugo does his own songs and perhaps even records an album. He is a very talented artist with a beautiful voice, make sure to go to one of his next gigs and see this for yourself!

Next up was Jason Temba. Never heard of him before, but the crowd seemed amped for his performance. His first song was mmm…inter…yes, interesting. There were a couple of baaahhh’s (as in the noise that sheep make), this very confusing, I couldn’t figure out, where the sound is coming from, because there were like a gazillion sheep on route to Kam’bati. Needless to say, I couldn’t listen to the rest of his set, I was just too baffled to appreciate his other songs, if he had any, I wouldn’t know.

When Johanine was about to take stage, we swiftly moved to sit in front of the stage. This is yet an act I’ve never seen before, but only heard great things about. My, oh my. So I might not be entirely objective when it comes to Jonathan Velthuysen (lead vocalist for Stepdog), but he is REALLY talented! Seems like he can’t do wrong. I love his songs simply because the lyrics were honest emotions, haven’t heard something like this in quite some time. “My brother is a hard liver, a law breaker, but he knows the Lord.” Keep your eyes peeled on his page on Facebook for upcoming gigs.

Next up was Willem Welsyn. All I have to say about this man is; Kurt Darren is better than Willem Welsyn.

I have to be honest, by the time it was Dane Taylor and Gerdus Oosthuizen’s turn to take the stage, I was really enjoying the Matt Black (Super delicious red wine from Bilton Wine Farm, also one of the sponsors of RAKA) and did not pay much attention. They’re both talented artists in their own right. I would definitely go to future gigs of theirs and I recommend you do the same.

'Round 10p.m (well I think it was time, wouldn't take my word for it, since my judgment was a little red from all the Matt Black Wine) The Guns took the stage, by this time, most festival goers, were well on their way to being smashed face, if they weren’t already there. Lola and I were totes excited for them to play, we haven't seen them in a while and they've been working on some new material....

The Guns opened with 'Your Warning', a song never previously performed. Even though I like all Pretty Blue Guns songs, I especially like their laid back, more chilled tunes. And because they rarely do an acoustic song or show, my heart was filled with dirty, fuzzy feelings of delight while singing along to this song.

During the set, they used the opportunity to introduce the crowd to some of their new songs for their upcoming album. I'm into the dirtier, deeper, raw, ‘errrer’ sound of the new tracks, such as 'Shed your Skin' (also their latest single), 'Skin Tight, Knife Fight', ‘Misery’ (which is also one of my new favourites) and more. If these songs are anything to go by, I can't wait for the release of the new album Shed Your Skin (the album launch tour starts 20 April in Bloemfontein and on 30th April they will launch at Klein Lib! Oooh excite!)

Another new song performed, was 'The Ride'. This is not an entirely new song as it’s been on MK Acoustic for some while now. They performed this song with Chantel van T (from La.Vi), Roxy Anti-Pop Lombard and Jonathan (Stepdog and Johanine) I'm a great "fan" of all these musicians, so to see them share the stage was an absolute pleasure! I love the lyrics to the song and the beat truly is awesome, you can't help but have this song stuck inside your head for a couple of days, and to tell you the truth, I don't mind one bit! As a bit of a tradition with the Guns they ended their set with Devil do, ‘cause I mean what is a Guns show if it doesn’t end with a bit of dirt devil singing?

Next DPK brought out the big guns, Foto Na Dans! If you're a follower of my blog you'd know by now, I'm an avid fan of their live performances, so you can imagine my excitement when they announced they're going to play an acoustic set. As always, I had a good time, standing in front, singing along, but I do have to mention that I was slightly disappointed in what they refer to as an acoustic set. It seems to me that they only slowed the tempo by a notch, this spoiled the set for me. Bands should either stick to their original sound or do a proper acoustic. Yet, I still enjoyed every moment of the show, and I know Lola did too.

I thought FND was the last band for the night, I mean, which band did DPK think, could possible out do FND. Well the answer is, No One's Arc, and they díd out do them.

By the time NOA took the stage, my fellow campers Lola and Annemieke decided to take it easy and go to sleep...let me just mention, that I don't do alone, not ever. But, this was RAKA, I was determined to challenge myself and I just couldn't resist the sounds coming from the stage!

So there I was, me, myself and I, all alone in the crowd absorbing and taking in the sounds washing over me. It is incredible how NOA speaks to the crowd through their music, everyone bonking their heads to the rhythm. Ooh and when the trombone begins, you cannot help but move your body! I am so disappointed that I've never heard them or about them, there was a huge gap in my musical life. But let me tell you, these boys will be seeing me at their next gig.

Come Sunday morning. After a lovely cleansing, we sat beside the river and relaxed, we watched as people around us went about their business. This is the bit where I can go on and on about how awesome the camping site was (this was also the first time I realized it) the river is beautiful, there are canoe's, tubes etc for your usage and it looks like tons of fun! Its clean, it’s pretty and there's absolutely no reason for you to not go there. Especially when it is summer and RAKA!

Back to the music, Sunday was dedicated to blues. Lola and I have a special thing for the blues, there's just something about it. You know when you have to move your body, tap your feet, sing along, whatever it is you do? THAT. So we decided to have a look at the blues coming from stage...luckily for us, Dane Taylor Trio was about to take the stage, music to my ears (literally). I always enjoy watching them; Dane has such a way of moving to the music WHILE playing his guitar which makes you want to move with him. Justin Bossie(the drummer) does his thing at the back, rocking it out! I like watching him on stage, grooving to the blues with his signature turtle neck move.

Next up was Blues Broers. I remember seeing them, enjoying their music, but not much more than that, which means they weren't memorable and not worth this blog post. Sorry guys. Better luck next time.

The last performance we watched was Basson Laubscher & the violent Free Peace. Lola and I have seen them many times and we have a jolly good time each time. We even have a favourite cover song, Johnny be Good by Chuck Berry. Oh boy, if we as much as hear the intro we get into our groovy mode and the feet start moving like crazy. Their set was pretty cool like always. If you ever get the opportunity to see them, you should definitely, they are worth it.

The RAKA experience is definitely one of a kind. I loved every moment of being there and hearing awesome musicians enjoying themselves. I’ll definitely be there next year and the year after…see you at Kam’bati in 2012.

ZAPPA Sraatfees

Whenever I have the opportunity to see either New Holland or Foto Na Dans, I get goosebumps of excitement! So when I read the line up for the Zappa Straatfees, I knew I had to cancel all possible plans I had for Saturday 12 March.

At first I was against writing anything about the show, since it was not really my way of experiencing some of our best local acts, giving it away, for free, for all. Also, most people at a gig of this sorts only go because it is free and another opportunity for them to get trashed. I would rather spend R40 on entrance and know that the people next to me are fans as well and they are there for the music. Oh yes. And there won’t be Bergies bumping into me at Klein Lib, would there? But I was truly impressed with Foto Na Dans’ performance and I thought this could not go unacknowledged.

After finishing a lovely bottle of red wine at Aandklas, I headed to the infamous Victoria Street to get my freak on. Upon arrival, Die Tuindwergies were still fooling around on stage, I have to be honest I did not pay much attention, since I was there for my favourite South African acts.

Finally New Holland took the stage and I was jamming out to some of my favourite local tunes. I always enjoy a good ol’ New Holland show, they hardly ever seem to disappoint, but on Saturday their show was pretty average so I won’t be saying much about them. I am an established NH fan, so no harm done here, but I’m afraid that their impact on my flatmate that tagged along was less than mediocre. Lalla decided to go with me since I’m always going on about NH, but at the end of the evening she was more impressed with meeting a DJ from MFM.

Around 8p.m the much anticipated Foto Na Dans took the stage, I was geared with a newbie on my left (Lalla) and my ultimate gig friend, The Lola on my right. We squished through the crowd and made our way to the very front. (You may certainly not watch FND from way back!) They opened with one of their latest singles, Die Vloed, I absolutely loved the base on the intro, the vibrations could be felt through the tar and it got the party pumping. Everyone knows Foto Na Dans is really the best live performance in SA, so I don’t need to tell you that. Alex Fourie was as entertaining as ever and I converted another to his side. She now can’t stop talking about how awesome he is and how we love Trumpet Time!

I really enjoyed their act and as usual the next morning I felt how much, when my neck and shoulders were completely stiff.

Cray-Cray

I know, I know. I promised some updates. I lied. My week was a tad cray-cray (for those of us who are uninformed, according to the residents of Grahamstown, this is the way to go, the new lingo for crazy.). My lovely girlfriend, Marcello, from Grahamstown graced Stellenbosch with her beautiful presence last week.

After my terrible test week and an Economics paper I finally got to see my long lost friend! the Lola and I took her dancing in Bohemia, while Stepdog played a free gig (if you don’t know this by now, Bohemia & DPK presents a free gig EVERY.THURSDAY. for FREE!), her BF Matt won 2 tickets to join us at RAKA (post to follow soon!), but they couldn’t  make it L  we then had some more drinks at Aandklas.  This was potentially not a good idea from the start, since I still needed to study and write my Marketing semester test on Friday. Oops.

On Tuesday we had a picnic in Stellenbosch’s beautiful Botanical Gardens. Lying around in the gardens for more than 4hours drinking red wine and eating sour worms is quite fun and I encourage all of you to do this sometime over autumn! When the gardens closed and they politely asked us to leave, we headed to Bohemia for some more wine and we were joined by Matt.

Thursday came around and it was the first day I attempted to attend class. During an accidental phone call to Marcello, I learned she was in Aandklas with the Lola (this was 1pm), this was a perfect excuse for me ditch my boring ISM class en head over to Aandklas for more wine! The three of us then made mission to Sgt Pepper (Best pizza & Mojito’s in town!) for a late lunch/ some food to keep us sober. the Lola hosted a braai at her house, can’t remember the last time we did a proper house party  vibe. Around 11pm we decided to head into town to see No One’s Arc at Bohemia. What a blast, boogying some more with the Lola and Marcello (oh and Matt!).

On Friday we joined Marcello and Matt at a family gathering and talked about the ‘old days’ and how we want to move to Cape Town next year to complete our studies. How I would love for the three of us to be in the same town! Our week with Marcello ended with a win tasting at SylvanVale, Devon Valley Hotel. We had some wine, some laughs, some tears and a goodbye!

After the wine tasting, the Lola and I made our way to Cape Town for a night out on the town. Or maybe just a couple of bands at Assembly!

So for a while I did actually forget about writing about all the other wonderful things that’s been happening! And also to my defence, I lost all the notes already made for blogging! L This basically means i have to try and remember everything I wanted to say…I promise to get straight to work!

See you soon

So I've been a bit out of action the last couple of weeks, I'm sorry about that!
You can look forward to some awesome posts in the next few days, which include:
-Zappa Straatfees
-aKING Album launch and album review
-RAKA festival

So I'll be making up for my absence and work very hard to satisfy all your needs.
xx

My weekend was better than yours!

On Friday evening, while all of my friends were out partying, I spent the evening locked in my room, studying. This is unfair, but this is life. Also, I wrote a test Saturday at 9am. This was rubbing salt in the wound. Usually I would have been terribly upset and thrown a mini tantrum, but the mere thought of going to Assembly for the MK Awards after party (well actually we went for Stepdog’s EP Launch!)  was what motivated me.

After my test and a lovely cup of coffee at one of our favourite spots in Stellenbosch, Cafe Crème, the Lola and I headed home to get our things packed for our mini get a way.

Our first stop was the V&A waterfront. Personally, I hate the Waterfront. I don't like the people that roam the shops and look like they’re carrying cancer or something similar. And I detest the kids that walk around the V&A as if they are some chick from gossip girl.

We had fish & chips on the harbour when our friend and hostess for the night, Annemieke joined us. From here we did a lot of window shopping and a little actual shopping. R30’s worth of parking at the Waterfront later, it was time to head to our humble abode in Plumstead.

After what felt like 2hours of trying on different outfits, we were finally ready to leave. We had a couple of errands to run before we could leave for the city, but once we were done, nothing was going to stop us…except for the traffic. 21h30 on a Saturday evening after a WP match at Newlands (of course there was rugby?) the traffic was horrendous. the Lola did a beautiful illegal u-turn, pumped with adrenaline, we headed back to the M3, finally on our way to Assembly for the MK Awards 2011 after party.

Now seeing as this was our first time at Assembly, I took the liberty of getting us a map and highlighting the route. Epic fail. What my map did not tell us was that Harrington Street not only turned to your left, but also to your right. A couple of minutes and even more dodgy allies later, we finally arrived at Assembly. We were excited to see the fabulous Stepdog, yet again.

We were late. Surprise.

First band we saw were Box office. I’ve heard about them, but I’ve never heard their music before. Personally, this was not my vibe, skaterboy belongs back in 2003 with Avril Lavign. The guys on stage were dressed in kort broeks (granted it was hot, but it wasn’t THAT hot. cover those skinny legs!), ROUND neck tees (eeep! Whatever happened to cut offs??) and to finish off the look, a kep. I refused to look at their shoes, but I can guarantee you, they were wearing boats for shoes. Their music was not disappointing, just wasn’t my preferred genre, so instead I spent half their gig, hiding in the ladies. J

Next band was, La.Vi. This was another band I’ve only heard about, but have never actually seen. I was super excited to hear them though, since I’ve only heard very nice things about them (none of that Mahala* shit.) and I listened to a song on their Facebook page (you can like them here: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/laviband). They were exactly what I expected (in a good way, that is.), their set was really cool, I loved the upbeat songs followed by some more mellow sounds and especially loved the tambourine. La.Vi has an Angus & Julia Stone sound to them (obviously more Julia than Angus.), very Folk, and totally my vibe right now…

The thing I liked about them even more than their music, was probably the fact that they had a front lady Chantel van T (yes! a front lady! I know, right?! I mean, how awesome is that?) She is still quit young and her voice will grow, along with her talents, but she has a beautiful voice. Another thing that impressed my friends and me about Miss Chantel, was her physique; she is not super skinny like the most of the Indie/Folk trendy youngsters. She has beautiful curves and looks totally comfortable in her skin and on stage.

And then around 12pm, the moment the Lola and I have been waiting for: Stepdog!! [Ok. So out of fear that my readers will think that this blog is all about Stepdog, I’m going to try and say as little as possible about them.] They kicked off their set with that song that kind of sounds like Bon Iver. (Should probably try and find out the title of the song.) The awesome thing about Stepdog is the fact that their lead vocalist, Jonathan, can stand on a stage and he doesn’t need to talk to the crowd, to get them ‘pumped/ amped/ psyched/ whichever you prefer, he only does what he’s there for and that’s singing! The crowd can see they are confident in their music and they don’t need to sell it, the music itself converts you. And if that is not enough for you, you probably write for Mahala*.

After Stepdog wrapped up their set we headed home, had a cup of tea and went to sleep with new life blown into our ears and musical souls. The Sunday morning we were up bright and early for a breakfast before we head home. Forgetting it is Sunday and Cape Town, we had to walk around for about 30mins and wait for someplace to open. Vida coffee was much appreciated, breakfast was followed by a walk through Green Market Square and the rest of the mother city. On route home, the Lola and I, decided to do a somewhat of a detour. We drove through Green point, Camps bay. Llandudno, Houtbay etc. only to realise we know had to drive through Chapmenspeak and pay toll fees (which we obviously did not want to do.). We then tried an alternate route (directed by a car guard. Scary.) which lead us all the way back to Constantia, Tokai and only then did we see a sign that directed us to Muizenberg. Much fun. After about 2hours driving, we got out at Kalkbay and bought ourselves a lovely ice cream and wandered about all that is pretty and vintage.

What a lovely way to end our lovely weekend. You see, my weekend wás better than yours.

*Mahala, for those who do not know, is a digital/ online magazine vibe that only writes bad reviews. I no longer support them and neither should you.