UP THE CREEK

6 -8 FEBRUARY, BREEDERIVER, NEAR SWELLENDAM

With Blue Moon and Red Hot Events steering Up The Creek 2009, it is destined to be the greatest weekend summer is yet to bestow. The fest returns from 6 – 8 February 2009 to the brimming banks of the Breede River outside Swellendam (about two and a half hours from Cape Town), and already boasts a momentous mix of the finest home-grown buskers and bands: some old favorites, some reincarnated legends from the past, some brand, spanking-new kids on the block and a not so delicate sprinkling of comedians added for good measure.

Bands on the impressive line-up include Prime Circle, Blues Broers, Bed on Bricks, Flat Stanley, Dan Patlansky, Albert Frost, Tidal Waves, The Dirty Skirts,The Rudimentals, Taxi Violence, Boulevard Blues Band, Blues Broers, Wonderboom, Andra , Simon Orange and Akkedis and more.

Up The Creek is a treat, an indulgence, a party, a revelry with old friends, a celebration with new ones; an imbezo of the soul; an imbibe'ation of tunes; old and new. So hurry up and come along - only 2000 tickets will be available for 2009.

Tickets:

PRE SOLD:

Full weekend: R400

Sat and Sun: R325

Sunday: R150

AT THE GATE:

Full weekend: R450

Sat and Sun: R340

Sunday: R150

To book, visit www.upthecreek.co.za. For up to the minute information and news, join the Up The Creek Music Festival Facebook group. For more information and questions, please phone Liezel Short from Red Hot Events on (021) 510-0547, 083 283 2330 or e-mail her at liezel@redhotevents.co.za.

Media queries: Liny Kruger - liny@mweb.co.za - 082 464 1926

INDEPENDENT CONFERENCE SET TO TUNE INTO SA MUSIC BUSINESS

Cape Town, 2 December 2008: Music Exchange is a two-day conference where seasoned professionals will impart their knowledge on the industry, giving know-how and empowering delegates on how to make a living out of their passion for music. Music Exchange will be held at Protea Hotel Victoria Junction, Cape Town on 19 and 20 March 2009.

Business savvy is more crucial today than ever before and the conference offers a survival kit for this highly competitive industry.

Over a dozen keynote speakers and panelists have proffered their services to the conference, including Stuart Rubin former Senior Vice President International - Commercial Marketing for Sony/BMG Music Entertainment, and Peter Theunissen, CEO, Cape Music Industry Commission. Topics to be discussed include contracts, distribution methods, publishing and promotion, whilst topics on rights and royalties will be delved into - all of which are essential elements in fast tracking to success. A highlight for delegates is the opportunity to book a slot with the speakers and panelists who have committed themselves to share personal and invaluable advice at breakaway sessions. More keynote speakers will be announced in weeks to come.

Headed up by music industry professionals, Martin Myers a long-standing industry publicist, and Peter Lacey, MD of Musketeer Records (Seether’s record label in South Africa), with the guidance of strategic communications consultants Total Media, the conference aims to give musicians an insight into the workings of the music business in South Africa as well as an opportunity to ask hard-hitting questions of knowledgeable industry professionals.

“We want to open the doors for delegates to meet experienced professionals, deliver a lot of answers and shed light on the challenges faced by musicians involved in, or thinking of entering the music industry today” commented Myers. “We are confident that delegates will walk away with powerful and practical knowledge that they can use as a platform to great things for their careers as well as the business of music in South Africa.”

Delegates are encouraged to submit a demo with their registration and 4 bands/ performing artists will be handpicked by the experts and invited to perform live at a showcase evening in front of the who’s who in the industry.

Attending this conference is a priceless investment into the career of those involved in many capacities in the music industry, not to mention a fabulous Christmas present!

The conference fee is R1200 for 1 day, or R1800 for both days. More information can be obtained from www.musicexchange.co.za .

-ends-

For more information contact:

Tim Hill, Senior Account Manager Tel: 021 448 2020 Cel: 082 888 5945 Email: tim@totalmedia.co.za

Bradly Howland, Account Manager Tel: 021 448 2020 Cel: 072 850 3792 Email: bradly@totalmedia.co.za

About Music Exchange

Music Exchange is South Africa’s first independent music conference and is the brainchild of industry professionals Martin Myers, a long standing industry publicist, and Peter Lacey, MD of Musketeer Records with the creative input of communications specialists Total Media, the innovators behind successful sister conference Fashion Exchange +27. The 2 day conference is jam-packed with keynote talks and panel discussions and delegates will have access to over 20 big shots in the South African and international music arena. From contract discussions to the age of digital delivery and beyond, the conference aims to give budding musicians, singers, songwriters, promoters etc. an insight into the workings of the business as well as the opportunity to ask hard hitting questions of those professionals who “know it all”! For more information click to www.musicexchange.co.za.

Topics of Discussion

Keynote address: An overview of the South African Music Industry Panel discussion: As the music MD’s see the future of music distribution and markets Keynote address: Key music organizations and where they fit in. Keynote address: My CD sells for R150 in the shops – where does my money go? Keynote address: The contract Keynote address: Publishing Keynote address: Promoting the record Keynote address: Its all about the music Keynote address: The digital and mobile map of South Africa Keynote address: Avenues to market – Digital vs Physical Panel discussion: What do major and independent record companies offer you? Panel discussion: The importance of media in music Panel discussion: The live arena and management – are they the same thing? Panel discussion: Brands that Rock!

Confirmed Speakers and Panelists (More to be announced)

Stuart Rubin – former Senior Vice President International – Commercial Marketing Group for Sony BMG Karl Anderson, Managing Director, Just Music Peter Theunissen, CEO, Cape Music Industry Commission Peter Lacey, Managing Director, Musketeer Records Dave Alexander, Managing Director, Sheer Publishing Arthur Goldstruck, CEO, Worldwide Worx David Vodicka, Vice President, World Independent Network and Australia Recording Industry Association John Langford, COO, BIG Concerts)

Tim Hill

Senior Account Manager

Total Media – the power pr consultancy

Tel: 021 448 2020

Fax: 021 448 2525

Cell: 082 888 5945

www.totalmedia.co.za | www.pressroom.co.za

CHRIS CHAMELEON : Sold out shows in prestigious theatres in the Netherlands.

Chris Chameleon is back in South Africa after a very successful solo tour in the Netherlands, Belgium and London. (14 October – 15 November.)

Chris`s theatre-tour in the Netherlands was a huge success. The Theater Tour was organised by Kik Productions (http://www.kikproductions.nl/) based in Utrecht. These theatres are all well known in the Dutch entertainment–industry and it was a remarkable cultural achievement in itself that Chris Chameleon was invited to do a solo Theater Tour. Most of the shows were sold out or close to capacity. Chris Chameleon is now without a doubt as big a star in the Netherlands as he is in South Africa.

The tour itself took place in some of the most incredible theatres in Holland. From a former cathedral at Roepaen in Ottersom, to the Theater aan het Vrijthof in Maastricht, to the Koningstheater in Den Bosch, just to name a few.

The tour ended on a very high note when Chris performed to a sold-out crowd at the renowned Kleine Komedie in Amsterdam. The theatre has two balconies, and was filled with 500 enthusiastic (and many new) Chris Chameleon fans.

During the week leading up to the tour, Chris did some key radio interviews with some national radio stations as well as a local one. These shows included an interview on Concertzender radio's program 'Bazar,' Radio 1's 'Oog op Morgen', Radio 1's 'Link Atlas' and an interview on Radio Noord-Holland to name a few. But by far one of the most important radio shows was his hour-long interview between 7pm and 8pm with Radio 1's Tuesday night 'Kunststoff' programme. The chemistry between the presenter and Chris was fantastic and numerous people at shows told Chris that they came because of that interview.

The plan is to return in May to do a club tour and play some festivals in June/July/August. Then in October/November 2009 Chris will embark on another theater tour in the Netherlands, organised by Kik Productions. He will also do a theater tour in Belgium, which will be organised by Garifuna Productions.

• Chris Chameleon also did three great shows in London. Both his solo shows at Aardvark were sold out. Chris also did a once off rock show to a full venue with his London-based band (Dorp also performed) at Halfmoon in Putney.

Read Chris`s blog on www.chrischameleon.com for Chris`s personal take on the tour.

RAM FESTIVAL - 27 FEB - 01 MARCH 2009 NEKKIES HOLIDAY RESORT, WORCESTER, CAPE TOWN:

RAMFEST is constantly aiming to push boundaries in order to produce a thrilling live experience and RAM 2009 promises to be no exception. RAM 2009 will have 3 stages, to cater for all music genre's from Rock,Indie, Hip Hop and Electronica to Metal.

The line-up is an explosive mix of some of SA`s finest acts. Bands performing on the Main Stage include:

aKing, Lark, The Dirty Skirts, Fokofpolisiekar, Battery 9, Bed on Bricks, Foto na Dans, Van Coke Kartel, Kidofdoom, Taxi Violence, New Holland , Isochronous, Die Antwoord – previously known as Max Normal and many more.

Special Highlights include:

1. Inge Beckmann to join her former bandmembers for a Lark performance.

2. The debut performance of Max Normal`s new futuristic rap rave act ‘Die Antwoord’

3. The 2nd OFFICIAL SOUTH AFRICAN AIR GUITAR CHAMPIONSHIPS* will be held at RAMFEST 2009. Heinie v.d Walt aka LORD WOLMER just returned from Finland's AIR GUITAR WORLD CHAMPS (watch clip here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMDyQo9Bo1g) after winning the SA AIR GUITAR TITLE at RAM 2008. He will be back in 2009 to defend his title as SA champ.

4.Reunion performance by VOD (Voice of Destruction.) Francois Blom teaming up with his former bandmates.

MAINSTAGE ( in Alphabetical order)

- aKING (CT) - BATTERY 9 (JHB) - BED ON BRICKS (CT) - CAPTAIN STU and the LLAMAS (CT) - DIE ANTWOORD previously known as MAX NORMAL.TV (CT) - THE DIRTY SKIRTS (CT) - FOKOFPOLISIEKAR (CT) - FOTO NA DANS (CT) - HOG HOGGIDY HOG (CT) - ISOCHRONOUS (PTA) - KIDOFDOOM (PTA) - ** LARK** (Tour Kick off) (CT) - LITTLE KINGS (CT) - NEW HOLLAND (CT) - PRETTY BLUE GUNS (CT) - TAXI VIOLENCE (CT) - THE BEAMS (CT) - THE HAVOC VULTURES (PTA) - THE PLASTICS (CT) - THE VIOLENT FREE PEACE (CT) - YESTERDAY's PUPIL (PTA) - VAN COKE KARTEL (CT) - 3rd WORLD SPECTATOR (CT) ..........................

ELECTRONIC TENT

*Artists will be added as they are confirmed* ( in Alphabetical order) - DJ FOKKOLNONSENSE (JHB) - LIFT CITIZEN (JHB) - MALCOLM SKENE aka MAGNUM HI FI (CT) - REGAN (Nano) - DJ SASSQUATCH (JHB) - SPARKYBOY (STB) .....................

THE BLACK PARADE STAGE ( in Alphabetical order)

- ARCHITECTURE OF AGGRESSION (PTA) - AZRAIL (CT) - CONTRAST THE WATER (DBN) - DAY TURNS NIGHT (CT) - EREBUS (JHB) - FACING THE GALLOWS (JHB) - GADABOUT (JHB) - MASSACRE ON 64th (CT) - MIND ASSAULT (CT) - REVENGE BY DAWN (CT) - RHUTZ (JHB) - THE DEAD WILL TELL (JHB) - THE SLEEPERS (CT) - YES SIR! MR MACHINE (CT) - VOICE OF DESTRUCTION (V.O.D) (CT) Reunion

TICKETS:

Weekend pass - R250+ booking fee, available at www.webtickets.co.za from Dec 2008 R300 @ Gate

Saturday & Sunday pass – R200 available @ Gate only

Sunday pass – R70 available @ Gate only

**2009 Will see an enormous TENTED main bar area, which will double up as the electronic tent at night, thanx to HUNTERS and RED BULL's stretched event vehicle - DJ station. There will also be a separate HUNTERS freeform tented Lounge area, with couches and tables for the HUNTERS connoisseur.

**The famous ROCK ROOM (Stellenbosch)** .. wil also be there putting up their TENTED restaurant with delicious gourmet burgers and special live performances.

**Food Stalls and Arts and Crafts Market** There will be a variety of different food stalls from pizza's and smoothies to full English breakfast & ice cream, catering for everybody's needs as well as merchandise, clothing and other festival paraphernalia... for bookings please contact info@ramfest.co.za or 021 8833607 during office hours

**The 2nd OFFICIAL SOUTH AFRICAN AIR GUITAR CHAMPIONSHIPS** ... will be held at RAM 2009. Please contact us if you think you have the mad skill and want to compete. See details on website: www.ramfest.co.za

** CAMPING, SWIMMING and BRAAIing** RAM is a full weekend camping excursion, bring your tents caravan's and camping gear. There is a large Swimming pool and a river, don't forget your inflatable's, and other swimming paraphernalia. There are many designated braai areas around the camp site and braai wood will be for sale.

**SHADING by BLAISE** a huge Roof Structure will protect you from the harsh African sun and there will also be multiple shaded areas around the main entertainment area.

** Medics** As always there will be professional medics on site, with all necessary emergency equipment, bring your own headache tablets and please PARTY SAFE!

**GREEN** Environmentally Friendly: If It's Green ...Smoke It! haha Please help to keep us as environmentally friendly as possible. Bring rubbish bags to keep your area clean.Rubbish bags will also be handed to each car arriving. All rubbish bags will be collected by our cleaners and sorted into the relevant recycling bins. Please leave glass at home.

INVITE ALL YOUR FRIENDS!

Website: www.ramfest.co.za

Rhythm Records new release:

RELEASE DATE 28 NOVEMBER 2008:

BELLVILLE ROCK CITY

Bellville Rock City is a collector’s CD and documentary film project.

The package includes:

•A 13-track audio CD featuring 13 of Bellville’s most prominent Rock Groups/Artists. •A 30 Minute documentary short film about the Bellville Rock Scene. It will give the viewer an “all access, all areas” experience of Fokofpolisiekar, aKING, Ashtray Electric and others on tour. •8 MP3’s from the archives of Bellville bands throughout the years. •10 Music videos •A 48 Page booklet in which the musicians share their photos and experiences.

5 of the tracks have not been released on CD before: These include Jax Panik (Don’t wanna Dance), Die Heuwels Fantasties (Vinger Alleen), Ashtray Electric (Quite Overstared), Thieve (Last day December) and TATUM (The Parade).

Fokofpolisiekar, Springbok Nude Girls, Foto na Dans, aKING, Jax Panik, K.O.B.U.S!, Van Coke Kartel, New Holland, Ashtray Electric, Thieve, Lukraaketaar, Tatum and Die Heuwels Fantasties are all from Bellville. Most of them have known each other for some years and their friendships, personal bonds and shared musical interests are captured in the documentary.

12 Mile Stone Documentary: Bellville is 12 miles from Cape Town. In the old days it used to be a day’s travel from Cape Town. The road became Voortrekker Road and the 12 Mile stone indicated the current Bellville where “Hardekraaltjie” – still the name of today’s camping area – used to be the uitspan camping of the first night on the way to Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl and all those wild wild places on the outskirts of civilization. The film explores the history and current scene to show why Bellville is currently featuring so prominently in the S.A Rock Scene.

Bonus material on the DVD disc includes rare MP3`s of tracks that are hard to find. It features songs from previous bands in which Francois van Coke, Laudo Liebenberg, Wynand Myburgh, Alex Fourie, Hunter Kennedy, Jax Panik, Johnny de Ridder, Francois Blom en Pierre Greeff played.

CD 1: Audio CD

1. Ashtray Electric – Quite overstared 2. New Holland – Inside Out 3. Fokofpolisiekar – Ontken altyd alles 4. Lukraaketaar - Passievol 5. Die Heuwels Fantasties – Vinger alleen 6. K.O.B.U.S! – Swaar Metaal 7. Tatum – The Parade 8. Jax Panik – Don’t Wanna Dance 9. Foto Na Dans – Natuurlik Verlig 10. Springbok Nude Girls – Spaceman 11. Thieve – Last Day December 12. Van Coke Kartel – Buitenkant 2 13. aKING – I Believe

CD 2: DVD

12 Mile Stone Documentary, 8 MP3`s and 10 Music videos

12 Mile Stone – Documentary short film - by Greg Fell en Dean Leslie of

African Attachment.

MP3’s: From the archives:

MP3 – New World Inside - Rock City (Hunter and Francois’ old band)

MP3 – 22 Stars – Still Dreaming (Johnny de Ridder en Jax Panik)

MP3 - 7th Breed - Fire Flood (Wynand Myburgh)

MP3 – Springbok Nude Girls - Pappa ek wil ‘n popster word

MP3 - VOD – a Beast is born (Francois Blom)

MP3 - Time Spent - (Pierre Greeff en Laudo Liebenberg)

MP3 - Fokofpolisiekar– Fokn Blades – Unreleased old FPK song

MP3 - Trompie is Dood – Fluistergallery (Foto na Dans’ previous band)

Music videos:

Fokofpolisiekar – Ek skyn Heilig

Foto Na Dans – Natuurlik Verlig

New Holland – Shine

Lukraaketaar – Om te Kan

aKING – The Dance (alternative take)

Van Coke Kartel – Verdoof, Vergiftig, Verskoon My

Ashtray Electric – The Swing

K.O.B.U.S! – Swaar Metaal

Die Heuwels Fantasties – Vinger Alleen

Jax Panik – Cigarettes and Cinnamon

aKING LTD Edition is a T-shirt exhibition that will be held at The Kunst House, 62 Kloof Street, Cape Town.

The exhibition will be launched on 28 October 2008 and will be open to the public from 29 October till 1 November 2008. The T-shirts will be on sale exclusively at the Kunst House.T

This is a very exciting concept and it is the first of its kind in South Africa. Twenty of South Africa’s top graphic designers and fine artists were carefully selected to design T-shirts for aKING. The Levi’s® brand will be manufacturing the T-shirts, ensuring that the product is of the highest quality. Numbers will be limited to only 20 T-shirts per design, making each T-shirt a special collector`s item.

Not only will aKING be exhibiting T-shirts, there will also be LTD edition hard cover books on sale. The book will be created by The President, ‘The brains behind the MK Brucelee lucky packets.’ These books will showcase the artists that are involved and will include colour pictures of the T-shirts that will be exhibited.

After the exhibition, 6 designs will be chosen and will then be showcased in Levi's® stores nationwide as part of the Levi's® 1 in 100 campaign. The T-shirts will be on show at Vida-e caffés for a month before they go to Levi’s® Stores.

ps: Halloween 31 October - Party is at Assembly in Cape Town - aKING will be performing and it is also the official Cape Town CD launch of Van Coke Kartel `s new album 'Waaksaam en Wakker.'

CHRIS CHAMELEON – Solo tour in the Netherlands, Belgium and London – 14 Oct – 15 Nov 2008.

After various successful tours to the Benelux countries in 2007 and in the first half of 2008, Chris Chameleon is returning to the Netherlands, Belgium and London for an extensive tour from 15 October till 15 November 2008.

Exciting news is that this tour includes a Theatre Tour in the Netherlands. The Theater Tour was organised by reputable Kik Productions (http://www.kikproductions.nl/) based in Utrecht. Chris has performed in several of these theatres in November 2007 when he opened for popular Dutch group Spinvis. This time round Chris will be headlining his own tour. These theatres are all well known in the Dutch entertainment–industry and being invited to perform solo on this tour is a remarkable cultural achievement.

Chris Chameleon signed a record deal with the premier independent label in the Netherlands, Excelsior Recordings in August 2007. His Afrikaans album ‘Ek vir jou’ is being distributed by Excelsior Recordings in the Benelux countries (The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.)

As a precursor to the upcoming tour, a new duet version of the Chris Chameleon's song 'Eerste Oogopslag' from Ek Vir Jou is currently hitting the Dutch airways. This version includes a duet with popular Dutch actress/singer/songwriter, Ricky Koole and can be found on www.myspace.com/chrischameleon

Rave reviews appeared in various Dutch publications after Chris Chameleon`s performances on tour in the past year. Various publications and radio stations have shown interest in interviews with Chris when he returns for the Oct/Nov tour.

With Excelsior Recordings on his side and a growing fanbase in the Netherlands, Chris Chameleon is set to be a pioneering force for South African music in the Benelux countries.

Tour dates and venues:

14-10-2008 AARDVARK LONDON, UK FOR TICKET SALES CALL +44 207 394 8644 OR GOT TO WWW.SATICKETS.CO.UK

16-10-2008

AARDVARK

LONDON, UK

FOR TICKET SALES CALL +44 207 394 8644 OR GOT TO WWW.SATICKETS.CO.UK

17-10-2008

HALFMOON PUTNEY

PUTNEY, LONDON, UK

ROCK SHOW - CHRIS AND BAND + DOUBLE BILL WITH DORP! FOR TICKET SALES CONTACT 0208 780 9383 OR 07903 662565

25-10-2008 ARENBERGSCHOUWBURG ANTWERP, BE FOR TICKET INFORMATION CALL 070 222 192

26-10-2008 LEDELTHEATER OOSTBURG, THE NETHERLANDS 20H15, FOR TICKET INFORMATION CALL 0117-452735

27-10-2008 MUZIEKCENTRUM FRITS PHILIPS EINDHOVEN, THE NETHERLANDS 21H00, FOR TICKET INFORMATION CALL 040-2442020

29-10-2008 STADSSCHOUWBURG DE HARMONIE LEEUWARDEN, THE NETHERLANDS 20H30, FOR TICKET INFORMATION CONTACT 058-2330233

01-11-2008

DORPSTHEATER WORMER

WORMER, THE NETHERLANDS

20H30, FOR TICKET INFORMATION CALL 075-6421812

02-11-2008 AGORA THEATER DRUTEN, THE NETHERLANDS 15H30, FOR TICKET INFORMATION CALL 0487-515779

03-11-2008

KONINGSTHEATER

DEN BOSCH THE NETHERLANDS FOR TICKET INFORMATION CALL 0900-33727233

05-11-2008 THEATER HET HEERENLOGEMENT BEUSICHEM, THE NETHERLANDS 20H30, FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 0345-503955

06-11-2008 THEATER ZWEMBAD DE REGENTES DEN HAAG, THE NETHERLANDS 20H30, FOR TICKET INFORMATION CALL 070-3637798

07-11-2008 THEATER AAN HET VRIJTHOF MAASTRICHT, THE NETHERLANDS 21H00, FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 043-3505555

09-11-2008 CULTUREEL PODIUM ROEPAEN OTTERSUM, THE NETHERLANDS 14H30, FOR TICKET INFORMATION CALL 0485-516070

12-11-2008 THEATER DE MAASPOORT VENLO, THE NETHERLANDS

20H30, FOR TICKET INFORMATION CALL 077-3207222

13-11-2008

DE BOERDERIJ

HUIZEN, THE NETHERLANDS

20H30, FOR TICKET INFORMATION CALL 035-5256252

14-11-2008 THEATER JUNUSHOFF WAGENINGEN, THE NETHERLANDS 20H30, FOR TICKET INFORMATION CALL 0317-465500

15-11-2008 DE KLEINE KOMEDIE AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS

20H15, FOR TICKET INFORMATION CALL 020-6240534

Rhythm Records new release:

VAN COKE KARTEL – WAAKSAAM EN WAKKER

Van Coke Kartel’s new album “Waaksaam en Wakker” has just been released. The new album offers a huge, intensive production with an added progressive and even “softer” dimension to the straight up in your face raw sound that initially established Van Coke Kartel as a band.

Van Coke Kartel spent a lot of time on the road during the writing of “Waaksaam en Wakker” and their widened scope of observations resulted in a new, broader Van Coke Kartel sound. The new songs are still driven and edgy, but this time round Van Coke Kartel have added a few more melodic songs and even a retrospective ballad “Wat het van ons geword ?”

Van Coke Kartel challenged themselves musically on the new album by working with new instruments and collaborating with artists who added new dimensions to their distinctive sound. Wynand plays upright acoustic bass on 7 of the 10 tracks. Sir Sergio Zampolli plays accordion on “ Wat het van ons geword.” Lara Block plays cello on “Wat het van ons geword” and “Ons moet hardloop” and Dave Sharp can be heard playing his “John Lord-ish” B3 Hammond Organ on “Raad vanuit twee oorde” and “Pynstiller.”

Francois van Coke wrote the lyrics for the album and says that its all about how they are personally affected by what is happening around them.

“Waaksaam en Wakker” was recorded at Bsharp Studios in Boksburg and was produced by JP de Stefani and Van Coke Kartel.

Van Coke Kartel will be touring nationwide in October to introduce “Waaksaam en Wakker.”

ALBUM LAUNCH TOUR:

Date: 30 September 2008 Line-up: Van Coke Kartel Venue: Tapas Al Sol, Port Elizabeth Cover: R40 Time: 21h30 Contact: 041-5840660 Other: Tapas Rocktober

Date: 4 October 2008 Line-up: Van Coke Kartel & Others Venue: OppiAarde, Potchefstroom Cover: TBC Time: 15h45 Other: OppiAarde fees

Date: 7 October 2008 Line-up: Van Coke Kartel Venue: Tings an Times, Hatfield Cover: R40 Time: 21h00 Contact: 012-4303176

Date: 8 October 2008 Line-up: Van Coke Kartel Venue: Firkin, Centurion Cover: R50 Time: 21h30 Contact: 012 6634213

Date: 9 October 2008 Line-up: Van Coke Kartel Venue: Back2Basix, Westdene Cover: R60 Time: 21h30 Contact: 011 726 6857

Date: 10 October 2008 Line-up: Van Coke Kartel, Foto Na Dans en ander Venue: Hoerskool De Anker, End Straat, Brenthurst, Brakpan Cover: TBC Time: 21h00 Contact: 0824999694 Extra: All ages

Date: 10 October 2008 Line-up: Van Coke Kartel with Reach and MyEpic Venue: Black Dahlia, Boksburg Cover: R40 Time: 23h00 Addy: 192 Trichardt rd, Boksburg Contact: 0727257254

Date: 11 October 2008 Line-up: Van Coke Kartel Venue: Blue Moon, Nelspruit Cover: TBC Time: TBC Contact: 013 7449033

Date: 14 October 2008 Line-up: Van Coke Kartel Venue: Café Barcelona, Elardus Park Cover: R60 Time: 21h00 Contact: 012-3453602

Date: 15 October 2008 Line-up: Van Coke Kartel Venue: Mystic Boer, Bloemfontein Cover: R40 Time: 051 4302206

Date: 18 October 2008 Line-up: Van Coke Kartel with Obsessie Met Als Venue: Aandklas, Stellenbosch Cover: R30 Time: 22h00 Contact: 012 3623712

Date: 31 October 2008 Line-up: Van Coke Kartel & aKING Venue: Assembly, Cape Town Cover: Pre sold & dressed for the event: R60. Door: R70. Time: 22h00 Contact: 0214657286

For more information, photos and interviews contact Liny Kruger at Rhythm Promo: 021 556 1726 / 082 464 1926/ liny@rhythmrecords.co.za

Lucky Fish Festival

2-5 October 2008

Route 28 Resort

Westonaria

Over 75 bands, Top Deejays, Extreme Sports, Comedy, Gaming,

Arts & Crafts, Fashion Stalls, Beer Gardens and INCREDIBLE fun!

Tickets are available at:

Computicket for R320 – full weekend

Computicket for R250 – Special student price with a valid student card

At the Gate for R350 – full weekend

Authentic Ideas for R220 – in Bulk of 10 or more

For more info go to www.luckyfish.co.za

Or mail info@luckyfishfestival.co.za

Or go to www.authenticideas.co.za

Press Release : LUCKY FISH MUSIC FESTIVAL

Authentic Ideas is proud to announce………..

The Birth of the Lucky Fish Music Festival

2/3/4/5 October – Route 28 Westonaria.

The Lucky Fish Music Festival is a brand new music and lifestyle festival that has been specially designed to provide the most possible fun in four short days. It will feature great live bands on multiple stages with multiple music genres. It will also feature specially designed chill zones with top local deejays, flea-markets and arts and crafts, lots of extreme sports with games and competitions, beautiful camping, and the sexiest people in South Africa!

Lucky Fish is fresh, it’s exciting, and it’s packed from start to finish with madness and fun. It’s the hottest new date on the calendar! You know that you want to be there at the birth of SA music history!

After nine years as the Woodstock creative and production team, Authentic Ideas has finally launched its very own music and lifestyle festival. Festival director, Clint McKeon says, “The Lucky Fish Festival was conceptualized 3 years ago, but we chose not to go ahead with the project whilst we were still commissioned by Woodstock as their creative team, as we didn’t want to create any conflict. When we resigned at the end of last year (from Woodstock), and when we realized that Woodstock was to be held at the end of November eight weeks after our event; we then realized that we had the opportunity to launch Lucky Fish, it was just a matter of finding the right venue. Then the Route 28 Resort fell into our laps and we took it as a sign that the time was right.”

Says director Nancy Hillary, “We feel that we are in a unique position after 15 years of working in the South African Live Music Industry, to be able to provide the right mix entertainment and to create a festival that’s exciting, clean, secure and unlike any other in the country. There are so many things we have wanted to do in the past but have never had the opportunity. Now, the platform is ours for embracing and we plan to make this the most incredible weekend ever!”

Lucky Fish came about through years of accumulating information, advice, complaints and suggestions to the company across the many different festivals and concerts that it had hosted.

Lucky Fish is proud of the bands and the performances it will be showcasing over this weekend. Across the various live performance stages, you can expect to see shows by some of the best bands in the country. The following bands have already been confirmed with more being added every day:

Crossingpoint, Cutting Jade, HiKaToRi, Holly and the Woods, Lonehill Estate, New Found Disorder, Redhouse, Running with Scissors, One Day Remains, The Hellphones, Unlisted and Walt, amongst many others.

Music genres such as acoustic rock, contemporary rock, rock, pop, hip hop, hardcore, metal and punk will be represented across the stages and band submissions are currently open to ensure that a variety of artistes across the country are included on the line ups. New, underground and top of the chart bands are all confirmed to perform. But there’s more! Not only are the top bands in the country performing, but they are all presenting unique and exciting shows. Lucky Fish is a festival of excitement and authentic opportunities and in that, each band will provide a distinctive show that incorporates elements you have never before seen! This includes a variety of guest performances, unplugged shows, additional musicians, and exciting stage props. These are performances that will never be recreated, never be seen anywhere except at Lucky Fish!

Lucky Fish will provide exceptional festival facilities across the four days. All the food and drink you could need (or just want to pig out on - healthy and junk food options), awesome clean camping and secluded braai spots, secure parking, strong festival security, the country’s best medics, strong cell phone signal across all networks, easy tar road access, special rentable weekend locker facilities, full bars with a wide choice of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, recycling litter options, ATM/cash facility access, a large music and merchandise tent and all of this just 50 km’s South of Johannesburg in Westonaria, Gauteng!

Our latest invention is “The Thank Goodness Store”. The Thank Goodness Store will provide you with everything that you forgot to bring. Bottle openers, dustbin bags, tampons, matches, lighters, ice, braai packs, wood, charcoal, cushions, cigarettes, caps, paper plates, sun-block, headache tablets, soap, lip-ice, hair bands, autograph pens, tabard, airtime, toilet paper, wet wipes, plasters, and so much more. It will also feature the free service of a variety of cell phone chargers to keep you in touch!

Durex showcases the inaugural Durex Live to Love Lounge at this foundational festival. A very beautiful up-market lounge that caters for all those that just needs a little time out from the festival madness. An exclusive bar (with a wide range of choice), bean bags, cushions, comedy, music videos, chat corners and more; the Durex Live to Love Lounge presents the icing on the fruit cake!

In addition, Durex will be providing over 20 000 free condoms and over 200 gift hampers for lucky festival goers. Further, the finals of the Durex Ultimate Battle will be held on Friday the 3rd of October with the winning band headlining on one of the big stages the following evening. The Durex Ultimate Battle is a nationwide search for the best new talent across our land. 30 events across the country with approximately 120 bands compete for some of the biggest prizes in the live music industry competitions, and one of those prizes includes a headline slot at the Lucky Fish Music Festival.

Lucky Fish also offers a full collectable festival magazine programme packed with information on all the performing artistes, the running orders of the weekend and the various sportsmen and games arenas. The programme is free to all patrons and will be crammed with specials and competitions and gift vouchers. Including THE Autograph Competition! Collect all the autographs from every performing artiste and stand a chance to win a case load of cd’s – one from every band and a R5000 music store gift voucher!

Did we mention the swimming pool? One beautiful warm blue swimming pool waiting just for you! Margaritas and cocktails, tanning and showing off – what could possibly be better? Ambient deejays, cocktail waitresses, beach umbrellas, palm trees, - your own little piece of paradise in the middle of youth culture heaven!

There is so much more throughout the festival and many more press releases to come. Expect popcorn and slush puppies, candy floss and comedy, tons of drinks specials and incredible fun. When you return home; dirty, happy, smiley and tired; when your friends gather around you to hear your adventures of the weekend; they will all stare up at you in awe and say, “ *&^*%$*&^, You Lucky Fish!!”.

2008 is the birth of a new era in music festivals. Make sure you are there to bring this newborn kicking and screaming into the world!

Tickets are available at Computicket now. Early bird tickets available until the 31st of July at R200. full weekend tickets: R300. Tickets at the gate R350. Bulk tickets available from Authentic Ideas at R220 (groups of ten of more.)

www.luckyfishfestival.co.za

For more information: sponsors, traders, public and media: (011) 646 6467 www.authenticideas.co.za

Rhythm Records new release:

FOKOFPOLISIEKAR – ANTIBIOTIKA

Fokofpolisiekar`s new EP “Antibiotika” contains 4 new tracks, 8 of the band`s videos up to date and a preview of the full-length Fokofpolisiekar documentary that will be released later this year.

Although Fokofpolisiekar members have not focused on working together as a group in the past year, the band has performed various selected shows nationwide. The release of “Antibiotika” makes it evident that Fokofpolisiekar still has a lot to say with their non apologetic commentary on our current socio-political status quo. “Antibiotika” is one of Fokofpolisiekar`s strongest offerings yet. 100% Confrontational. No diplomacy. “Ek’s net ‘n toeris, in my geboorteland, ‘n gekweste dier in ‘n hok op anti-bio-ti-ka !”

During the past year, Fokofpolisiekar`s five members have been busy with new projects and bands. Since they had to negotiate and coordinate their tight schedules, each member has contributed to “Antibiotika” in his own time. Guitarist Johnny de Ridder produced the new album. He drafted a skeletal frame of each of the new songs and sent it to the rest of the band so that they could work on the melodies and lyrics.

The lyrics, directly from Hunter Kennedy`s diary, reflect the harsh reality of his daily observations. Francois van Coke co- wrote some of the lyrics with Hunter. The result is that which Fokofpolisiekar is so distinctively known for: the conveyance of their utmost bare and honest personal insights.

“Antibitiotika” is the first Fokofpolisiekar album that has been recorded with Theo Crous at Bellville Studios. Die previous albums were recorded at B-Sharp Studios in Boksburg.

There is also a huge hype among fans regarding the full length Fokofpolisiekar documentary that will be released later this year. The documentary is being made by Fly on the Wall. Details will be made known soon.

The DVD disc with 8 of Fokofpolisiekar`s videos (2004 – 2007) adds substantial value in presenting collection material for all fans that would like to own DVD material of the band.

Tracklist:

Disc 1:

1. Antibiotika (first radio single) 2. Kyk Noord 3. Van Weelde en Rykdom 4. Tussen die Krake

Disc 2: DVD with videos:

1. Hemel op die Platteland 2. Tevrede? 3. Illusie van Veiligheid 4. Hemel op die Platteland (Acoustic) 5. Tiener Aksie Einde 6. Ek Skyn (Heilig) 7. Brand Suid-Afrika 8. Maak of Braak

Fokofpolisiekar will be doing a nationwide tour from 10 – 20 September to promote “Antibiotika”:

10 September - Stones, Bloemfontein 11 September - Back2Basix, Westdene 12 September - Doors Nightclub, Edenvale 13 September - Pretoria Rugbyklub, Pretoria 19 September - Uitenhage Sport Sentrum, Port Elizabeth 20 September - Assembly, Cape Town 26 September - Witchfest, Durban 27 September - Klein Libertas Teater, Stellenbosch

Media queries: Liny Kruger at Rhythm Promo: liny@rhythmrecords.co.za

Congratulations to Rhythm Records SAMA 2008 winners:

WINNER OF SAMA FOR BEST AFRIKAANS ROCK ALBUM:

KOBUS! - SWAARMETAAL

KOBUS! was formed in 2000 after Theo Crous (Springbok Nude Girls) and Francois Breytenbach (VOD) Blom realized that they did not like anything that the Afrikaans music scene had to offer. They decided to create music that they themselves would like to hear in Afrikaans. With brilliant lyrics, unique music and brain shattering live shows they soon became one of the most talked about and popular Afrikaans acts. SWAARMETAAL is their third album.

More good news re Kobus!: They have been honored with an invitation to perform at the gargantuan Magic Circle Festival ‘08in Germany. Headlined by the legendary Manowar, it features the likes of Alice Cooper, Stormwarrior, WASP and HolyHell among many others in a truly spectacular line-up in celebration of heavy metal. The festival runs over four days in Bad Arolsen,Germany from 09 – 12 July 2008.

WINNER OF SAMA FOR BEST AFRIKAANS TRADITIONAL ALBUM:

VALIANT SWART AND OLLIE VILJOEN - VUUR EN VLAM

Valiant and Ollie met each other five years ago at a TV recording session. They struck up a conversation about boeremusiek and blues, and soon became firm friends. A few months later, while doing their separate shows at an Afrikaans arts fest in London, Valiant started joining Ollie's boere-band onstage during the latter's nightly sessions in the festival marquee. This led to all night jam sessions in their hotel rooms, and the decision was made to record an album together. Vuur en Vlam is the result of their undying love for boeremusiek, and their strong conviction that this truly South African style is as vital and worthy as any kind of folk music from anywhere around the world. They rightfully believe that it should be cherished and nurtured and shared with as many people as possible.

Vuur en Vlam also won 2 Awards in 2007: Huisgenoot Tempo Award for Favorite Traditional Afrikaans Album (winners determined by public vote.) and a Vonk Afrikaans Music Award for Best Boeremusiek Album.

3 SAMA NOMINATIONS FOR CHRIS CHAMELEON

Chris Chameleon has been nominated in three categories for SAMA Awards 2008, including a nomination for BEST MALE SOLO ARTIST. Chris is nominated in this prestigious category together with Black Coffee, Hip Hop Pantsula, Jimmy Dludlu and Mccoy Mrubata.

The other two nominations are evident of Chris`s admirable diversity as an artist. These nominations are for:

Best Global Chart DVD for “Flight of an Extraordinary Alien DVD” and Best Afrikaans Contemporary Album for “Ek Vir Jou”

Chris Chameleon is currently being hailed as a phenomenon on the South African Music front. His versatile and exceptional talent has won him rave reviews and a total of fourteen impressive awards over the past two years, including a SAMA 2007 and a Medal of Honor from the South African Academy of Science and Arts.

Chris has released four albums and three DVD`s in the past three years. His second Afrikaans album “7de Hemel” won a SAMA in 2007 in the category “Best Afrikaans Contemporary Album.”

In August 2007, Chris Chameleon signed a record deal with the premier independent label in the Netherlands, Excelsior Recordings. Current SAMA nomination album ‘Ek Vir Jou’ is being distributed by Excelsior Recordings in the Benelux countries (The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.) Chris toured the Benelux from 19 October to 29 November together with one of the most popular groups in the Benelux,“Spinvis.” The tour was a great success. Rave reviews appeared in various Dutch publications and Chris will be spending more time in the Benelux countries in 2008.

Chris has recently released a new DVD, “Klassieke Chameleon” in which he surprises by revealing yet another layer of his many diverse talents. In “Klassieke Chameleon” Chris sings classical versions of his own songs as well as unforgettable versions of timeless hits including “Sunrise Sunset”; “O Sole Mio” and “Here comes the Night.” He is accompanied by tjello, violin, flute, guitar and percussion. (Klassieke Chameleon will also be released on CD in May.)

Chris`s long awaited second English solo album “Right in my Wrong Turn” will be released in July.

Chris Chameleon can take anyone on a musical journey that fuels their aural fantasies, simply with a guitar and his magical and unusual voice-work. If this last year is anything to go by, Chris Chameleon seems set to become one of the most important musicians of our time, and a truly international homeboy.

PS: SAMA Ceremonies to be held at Sun City on 2 and 3 May.

Website: www.chrischameleon.com

Congratulations to the following Rhythm Records artists that are nominated for SAMAS (South African Music Awards) 2008:

Chris Chameleon is nominated in three categories:

Best Male Artist - 'Ek Vir Jou' Best Afrikaans Contemporary Album -'Ek Vir Jou' Best Global Chart DVD -'Flight of an Extraordinary Alien'

Valiant Swart and Ollie Viljoen are nominated in two categories:

Best Afrikaans DVD - 'Vuur en Vlam - Die alteljee-sessies in beeld.' Best Afrikaans Traditional Album - 'Vuur en Vlam'

The following bands have been nominated in the category 'Best Afrikaans Rock Album':

Foto na Dans - Intervensie Van Coke Kartel - Van Coke Kartel Kobus! - SWAARMETAAL

The SAMA Ceremonies will be held at Sun City on 2 and 3 May 2008.

CHRIS CHAMELEON - success in the Benelux countries.

Chris Chameleon is back in SA after a very succesful tour in the Benelux countries. He performed 25 shows in 6 weeks, including various shows in which he opened for the popolar Dutch band SPINVIS. Chris has been performing in the Netherlands for the past 10 years and this has been his most rewarding tour up to date.

The record deal with Excelsior Recordings* in the Netherlands makes a huge difference in terms of furthering an awareness and distribution of Chris`s music. Performing with SPINVIS in large theaters ensured a new and growing audience. The reception was fantastic and Chris`s Cd`s flew from the shelves. Reviews in various publications in the Netherlands praised Chris as an “exceptional” artist:

Door Frank Antonie van Alphen (uit dagblad De Gelderlander 12-11-07)

'Het publiek hing aan zijn lippen, gisterenmiddag in café Frowijn. En dat mocht ook wel want de mond waarbij die lippen horen, weet verdraaid mooie liedjes tevoorschijn te goochelen. Chris Chameleon is een stemtovenaar uit Zuid-Afrika, die met zijn vier octaven over een fabuleus bereik beschikt. De ene keer bromt en gorgelt hij als een chagrijnige soulzanger, dan weer knijpt hij zijn stembanden fijn om er een tjilpend hoge castratenstem uit te persen. Maar zijn duikerslongen zorgen voor meer verrassingen. Chameleon laat horen waar hij geboren is. Apen kwetteren tevoorschijn uit zijn borst, de mooiste vogelgeluiden; klokkend water van een beekje.

Frowijn is inmiddels onder de indruk en stil geworden. Dat gebeurt toch niet zo vaak tijdens concerten in die kroeg. Solo is Chris Chameleon op z'n innemendst, en zeker op z'n best. Hij is deze maand voor enkele concerten te gast als opwarmer van Spinvis.'

3 voor 12 website:

'Zij die Chris Chameleon eerder live hebben gezien spreken van een fenomeen. Want behalve een uitstekende en expressieve zanger met een zeer lenige stem, die de ene keer aan Tim Buckley doet denken, en dan weer aan Elvis Presley of The Scissor Sisters, is Chameleon ook stemkunstenaar. Hij wist geluiden voort te brengen die hier onmogelijk te omschrijven zijn. Een bijzondere artiest.'

Chris has already booked three tours in the Benelux for 2008 and will be spending almost half his working time overseas in the next few years. With Excelsior Recordings on his side, rave reviews and a growing fanbase in the Netherlands, Chris Chameleon is set to be a pioneering force for South African music in the Benelux countries.

* Chris signed a record deal with Excelsior Recordings in the Netherlands for the marketing and distribution of his latet Afrikaans album 'EK VIR JOU

Fans will also be more than delighted to hear that Chris will be releasing a new DVD 'KLASSIEKE CHAMELEON' and an English album 'Wishbones and Shooting Stars' early in 2008.

Website: www.chrischameleon.com

K.O.B.U.S has personally been invited by Manowar to perform at Magic Circle Festival in Bad Arolsen, Germany – July 2008.

The world-renowned American metal band Manowar has invited K.O.B.U.S. to perform at the Magic Circle Festival in Bad Arolsen, Germany from 9 – 12 July 2008. The first Magic Circle Festival was held in 2007 and was attended by more that 25 000 metal fans.

The 2008 festival will mark the 20th anniversary of the classic Manowar album “Kings of Metal.” In order to commemorate this momentous occasion, Manowar`s record label, Magic Circle Music will construct one of the largest stages in Germany. Manowar will perform their first six albums in their entirety.

Theo Crous from K.O.B.U.S. made contact with Ecki Scoltz from Magic Circle Music after hearing that Ecki regularly travels to South Africa.

Eric was excited to hear about an Afrikaans metal album and asked Theo to forward a copy of K.O.B.U.S. `s latest album SWAAR METAAL to him. Shortly after sending the album, K.O.B.U.S. vocalist Francois Breytenbach Blom received a personal call from legendary Manowar bassist oey DeMaio. Joey, who was also the founder of Manowar, said that he is very impressed with SWAAR METAAL, especially the tracks AMEN and KINDERHEL. During this conversation, Joey personally invited K.O.B.U.S. to perform at Magic Circle Festival 2008. K.O.B.U.S. has accepted the invitation and is booked to perform on the main stage.

Main!

More on Magic Circle Festival: www.magiccirclefestival.com

More on Manowar: www.manowar.com

SWAAR METAAL received rave reviews both locally and internationally. These quotes reflect why it is currently being hailed by media as one of the most siginificant releases of 2007:

“But occasionally i hear a metal album and just think, man, no matter what you're into you've got to acknowledge that that's a nice heavy album, whether your usual thing be Dimmu Borghir or Seputura or Korn or whatever. Last time i felt that was with the new Slayer album and Swaar Metaal honest to god gives me that same feeling.” Clive’s Dominion.

“From the first listen it blew my socks off! Not only is it the best SA album I've heard in a long time it's also the best damn metal album of the decade!” Dr Mullet.

“The sound is awesome, the musicianship spectacular, and the lyrics a masterpiece of social observation brilliantly conveyed in a language particularly suited to the harsh vocal quality of metal.” BD The Citizen

“Their heavy-metal packs a seriously lobotomising punch, with an idio-syncratic head-bangers ball appeal …ingeniously original satire” Miles Keylock, Mail & Guardian

“As we staggered out of the Bohemian in the early hours of the morning, I was convinced we had just witnessed a landmark moment in South African music. K.O.B.U.S! had just stormed the castle and proclaimed themselves King.” Loyd Gedye, Isolation – live review.

.For more information, photos and interviews, please contact Liny Kruger at Rhythm Promo:liny@mweb.co.za;

Chris Chameleon – DVD Recording of production: “Klassieke Chameleon” in January 2008.

Venue: Aula Theatre, Tuks Campus

Dates:

Saterday 26 January 19h30 Sunday 27 January 14h30

Chris Chameleon impressed both his audiences and critics alike with his new production “Klassieke Chameleon” that was staged at the Volksblad Festival, Cultivaria Festival and Aardklop in 2007. Chris added a classical flair to his music by performing with a team of top musicians that accompanied him on cello, flute, piano, guitar and drums. Chris introduced new classical arrangements of his own songs like “Eerste Oogopslag”; “Sterredank”, “Die Onverkrygbare”, “Bitterbessie Dagbreek” and “Saved. Chris was also praised for his special renditions of older classics like “O sole mio”, “Here comes the night”and “Sunrise Sunset.” “Klassieke Chameleon” was extremely well received by being sold-out at all three festivals and won the the PEOPLE`S CHOICE AWARD for most popular production at Aardklop 2007.

Good news is that “Klassieke Chameleon” will be recorded live on DVD on 26 and 27 January 2008 at the Aula Theatre on Tuks Campus. Tickets can be booked at Computicket.

Chris Chameleon is currently rated as one of South Africa`s most popular and successful artists. Chris can take anyone on a musical journey that fuels their aural fantasies with his magical and unusual voice-work. Revealing yet another aspect of Chris`s phenomenal versatility as an artist, “KLASSIEKE CHAMELEON” will take you on a journey of emotions ranging form nostalgia to immediate musical delight.

“Klassieke Chameleon” will also be presented at KKNK, Oudshoorn in April 2008.

Webtuiste: www.chrischameleon.com

RHYTHM RECORDS - NEW RELEASES NOV 2007 - JAN 2008

Time to celebrate the upcoming festive season! Look out for the following new Rhythm Records releases which will be out soon:

Hitting the shelves this week: Chris Chameleon`s new live rock DVD “Flight of an Extraordinary Alien” has just been released:

Chris Chameleon`s exhilarating stage presence and mesmerizing 4-octave voicework is perfectly captured in this live DVD that was recorded in Stellenbosch Townhall earlier this year. Chris sets out to overthrow all stereotypes for local concert DVD productions. “Flight of an Extraordinary Alien” shows a spirited rock performance by Chris Chameleon and his band. Special attention was paid to the production, ensuring the end result of an outrageously creative blast of pure rock energy. Expect flamboyance, fun, intelligent lighting and lavish costumes, all superbly edited by whacky director of photography and editor Deon ‘Rude Dude’ Louw. Available in music stores nationwide.

Forthcoming releases: Van Coke Kartel (Wynand Myburgh and Francois van Coke of Fokofpolisiekar) has teamed up with drummer Justin Kruger to form new Afrikaans rock outfit. Van Coke Kartel`s self titled debut album will be released at the end of November. See www.vancokekartel.co.za for national launch tour details.

Going into studio this week to record their debut album, is A KING: Hunter Kennedy and Jaco Venter (also from from Fokofpolisiekar) teamed up with Laudo Liebenberg and Hennie van Halen to form new English rock band. A KING will be releasing their album “Dutch Courage” early in 2008.

Rhythm Records will also be releasing the DVD “Vuur en Vlam – Die ateljeesessies in beeld” later in November. This DVD takes a look at the making of Valiant Swart and Ollie Viljoen`s collaborative “boeremusiek” album, “Vuur en Vlam”, that was released earlier this year.

Also watch the press for details on newcomer Peter Mitchell, who`s debut album “Hamlet by Night” will also be released later in November.

All above mentioned albums (excluding the DVD mentions) will be available for download on www.rhythmonline.co.za / www.mymusiek.co.za - as from the dates of release.

Chris Chameleon – good news of gold status and new awards

Chris Chameleon`s third Afrikaans solo album “EK VIR JOU” reached gold status early in September after it`s release on 16 July 2007. It is very complimentary to Chris that all three his Afrikaans releases up to date have reached gold status, with “7 DE HEMEL” also reaching platinum status in 2006. Chris says that he feels privileged that his work is recognized by the public. “It feels like an honorary award from the public. The numerous awards that I have received in the past year would not amount to much if my music did not resonate with the public.”

Chris Chameleon has had a very busy and successful 2007 so far and has played to full venues 4-6 times a week for the past few months. After being honored with no less than 10 awards in the last year, he continues to mesmerize audiences and critics alike, and is still constantly being awarded for his phenomenal talent:

Chris won the “People’s Choice Award” for his production “Klassieke Chameleon” at this year`s Aardklop festival. “Klassieke Chameleon” is a production in which Chris is accompanied by cello, flute, violin, piano and guitar. He performs his own Afrikaans and English songs, as well as timeless hits like “O sole mio” and “Sunrise, Sunset.”

Chris also received FAK AWARD for Exceptional Cultural Achievement in September.

Chris has also been nominated for a Huisgenoot Tempo Award 2007 for “Favorite Male Artist”, and has received 5 nominations for Vonk Awards 2007. Both these Award ceremonies will be held in October.

Chris recently signed a record deal with Excelsior Recordings in the Netherlands for the distribution and promotion of “Ek vir jou” and will return to the Netherlands from 17 October to 29 November for a theatre- tour together with one of the most popular groups in the Benelux “Spinvis.” Details of dates and venues are available on: www.chrischameleon.com

Rhythm Records new release 31 August:

FOTO NA DANS - INTERVENSIE

Foto na Dans`s first full length album INTERVENSIE offers exactly what the name implies: an intervention providing new direction to SA Progressive Rock. Don’t expect instant gratification, nor to be spoonfed with predictable riffs.

With “INTERVENSIE” Foto na Dans establish their own sound. Their classical training shows in the way that electronic elements are used to open up this Rock album to symphonic dimensions.

Take time to listen carefully – this is a distinctively characteristic album that will take all the time you can afford to reveal itself. You will be rewarded with the discovery of an inbetween–world. (Think “TOMMY”). It starts off in classical overture mode, and then kicks into full momentum exactly 1 minute and 28 seconds into track 2 – “Oorywerige Gelowige”. From this point and onwards all prejudices, preconceived perceptions and conventions are discarded with innovative chord progressions that explode into relentless bursts of progressive Rock.

Foto na Dans` debut EP that was released in January 2007 was mostly experimental. With INTERVENSIE they applied a much more structured approach in terms of the writing of lyrics and music. Short of being described as a concept album, the representation of the mindset of a new SA youth does hold the album together – albeit the incohesiveness of a plethora of unrelated lateral thoughts providing the very concept. (Think “TOMMY” again. Or “Jy sal nie verstaan nie” from track 2 “Oorywerige gelowige”)

The lyrics on INTERVENSIE were written by Le Roi and Neil. Their words often serve as a catalyst for personal interpretation rather than the conveyance of a definite message. They mostly write about things that upset them. “The things that you never want to talk about because it`s too personal, although you know that many people around you have also had the same relative experiences.”

INTERVENSIE was recorded at B Sharp Studios in Boksburg. The album was produced by Foto na Dans and JP de Stefani and was mixed and mastered by Rogan Kelsey at Lapdust Studios.

Foto na Dans has just returned from Oppikoppi where they performed some of the new tracks to an audience of thousands of festival goers. If the raving crowd response is anything to go by, Foto na Dans is sure to be destined for great success in the near future.

Tracklist:

1. Betwyfel Beweging 2. Oorywerige Gelowige 3. Intervensie 4. Hou jou hande bymekaar 5. Soldaatvolk (akoesties) 6. Vergeet van My (first radio single) 7. Die Wals 8. Die ligte skadu 9. Met`n laaste asem… 10. Verkleur en Vermom 11. Oggendstilte 12. Oorwinning sonder prys

Foto na Dans tour dates: Sept/Okt 2007

26 & 28 Sept: Bourbon Street, Potchefstroom 29 Sept: Oppiaarde Festival, Potch 1 Oct: Maloneys, Hatfield 2 Oct: Back to Basics, Westdene 3 Oct: Tings and Times, PTA 5 Oct: Mercury Live, Cape Town 12 Oct: Kunskaffee Durbanville 17 Oct: Klein Libertas Theatre, Stellenbosch

Media contact:

Contact Liny Kruger at Rhythm Promo: 082 464 1926 / 021 556 1726 / liny@rhythmrecords.co.za

Web: www.myspace.com/fotonadans

CHRIS CHAMELEON SIGNS RECORD DEAL WITH EXCELSIOR RECORDINGS IN THE NETHERLANDS.

Chris Chameleon has just returned from the Netherlands where he entered into a contract with Excelsior Recordings for the distribution and marketing of his new Afrikaans album “Ek vir jou” in the Benelux countries. (The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.) The deal was concluded after a few months of negotiations, initiated by Chris’ Dutch representative, Marcel de Groot. Chris and Marcel met with Ferry Roseboom, Executive Director of Excelsior Records on Monday 13 August to sign the official contract.

Excelsior Recordings (based in Utrecht, the Netherlands) is being rated as Holland`s premier independent record label. Artists from the Netherlands signed to Excelsior include Johan, Spinvis and Fixkes (the last two with gold records under their belt) and with zZz and Alamo Race Track gaining more and more attention all over the globe.

Executive Director Ferry Roseboom says that Excelsior Recordings is very happy with having signed Chris Chameleon. “ We recognize the immense talent of this man and we are proud to be able to bring his work to the audiences in the Lowlands.”

Chris Chameleon notes that a recording contract in the Benelux has been a dream since his Boo! days, but at the time, without success. “ I am pleased that it has come together now. I have been working on the sound that I need to also be able to make an impression in Europe since the release of my first solo album ‘Ek herhaal jou.’ I am happy that it is my new album “Ek vir jou” that has clinched the deal.”

“Ek vir jou” will be distributed by Excelsior Recordings in the Benelux countries as from October 2007. Chris will return to the Netherlands from 19 October to 29 November for a theatre- tour together with one of the most popular groups in the Benelux “Spinvis.” Details of dates and venues are available on: www.chrischameleon.com

FOLKWOODS FESTIVAL – SUNDAY 12 AUGUST

Chris Chameleon performed at the annual Folkswoods Festival in Eindhoven, the Netherlands on Sunday August 12th. According to a review on www.folkforum.nl Chris was the ‘surprise’ of the line-up. (de verrassing van het festival) He mesmerized hundreds of festival goers from beginning to end with his unique voice-work and powerful deliverance of his songs, both in English and Afrikaans. Chris`s Cd`s on hand sold out within minutes after his performance.

Extract from http://www.folkforum.nl/content/view/8999/51/ :

13/08/07 -door Mirjam Adriaans, foto's Ronald Rietman- De slotdag van Folkwoods 2007 bracht meer bezoekers op de been dan de zaterdag, en dat had waarschijnlijk te maken met de (bijna) thuisoptredens van Folkaholics, The Watchman en Gerard van Maasakkers, maar ook de rest van het programma was de moeite waard. De verrassing van het festival bleek Chris Chameleon te heten, Marike Jager gaf een heerlijk ochtendconcert en Instinkt bracht een mooie mix van stijlen.

(en een stuk verder in dit artikel)

En dan is er voor mij de verrassing van het festival. Chris Chameleon zet een strakke show op het podium, in zijn eentje met gitaar. Het is geen typische singer-songwriter, ik zou hem een stemkunstenaar willen noemen. Regelmatig horen we een kopstem, en hij weet allerlei vocale effecten te creëren, zo blijkt dat je eigenlijk niet eens een mondharp nodig hebt om een dergelijk geluid te produceren. Mijn voorkeur gaat uit naar zijn Afrikaanse liedjes, waar mijns inziens meer gevoel in ligt, de Engelstalige nummers vind ik nogal de richting van pop opgaan. Chameleon boeit van begin tot eind, ook met zijn grappige anekdotes, zoals over de UFO die de verkeerde afslag neemt en in Eindhoven landt. Hij heeft een paar dozen met cd's bij zich, en met name het Afrikaanse werk is in een mum van tijd uitverkocht.

Tuesday 14 August,De Volkskrant: A review on Chris`s performance at Folkwoods:

Op het luisterpodium in een van de tenten verraste zondagavond de Zuid Afrikaanse zanger-gitarist annex stemkunstenaar Chris Chameleon, voorheen aanvoerder van het 'monki-punk' gezelschap Boo!. Ondanks het vaak schrille contrast tussen de poetische songteksten van dichteres Ingrid Jonker en de bizarre vocale capriolen waarmee hij zijn liedjes lardeerde, wist hij al die elementen samen te smeden tot een samenhangende artistieke visie die moeiteloos een uur lang bleef boeien.

With Excelsior Recordings on his side, rave reviews and a growing fanbase in the Netherlands, Chris Chameleon is set to be a pioneering force for South African music in the Benelux countries.

Chris Chameleon new release: EK VIR JOU

Chris Chameleon`s new Afrikaans album “Ek vir jou” will officially be released on the 16th of July 2007.

Chris Chameleon is currently hailed as a phenomenon on the South African Music front. His versatile and exceptional talent has won him rave reviews and a total of ten impressive awards over the past year, including a SAMA (South African Music Award) and a Medal of Honor from the South African Academy for Arts and Science. “Ek vir jou” follows on the runaway platinum success of “7 de Hemel.”

“Ek vir jou” tells the story of the development of a romantic relationship: from love at first sight to the eventual unravelling of the romance. Chris Chameleon’s extraordinary songwriting ability is apparent in the fact that each of the eleven tracks constitutes strong individual singles, while at the same time they all form part of a chronological whole.

Chris Chameleon`s aptitude to convey truthful insights with regards to the ups and downs of romantic relationships is expressed in a discerning play of energies and emotions. From love at first sight in track 1 “Eerste oogopslag” to the inevitable break up in track 10 “Laaste Baklei”, Chameleon`s honest and even sometimes humorous take on love is easy to identify with. Listeners will find that the song they most relate to at the moment, will in time find it`s identity in another of the ten tracks as the relationship progresses and changes.

The last track “Epiloog” expresses that the experience of even a moment of true love is worth the effort a hundred times over.

Tracks:

1. Eerste oogopslag 2. Soen 3. Ja gesê 4. Ek vir jou 5. Klein klein jakkalsies 6. Ek dink ek hou nog van jou 7. Om jammer te sê 8. Weer bymekaar 9. Vertrek van die twaalf 10. Laaste baklei 11. Epiloog

“Ek vir jou” is Chris Chameleon`s third Afrikaans album. It was produced by Theo Crous and recorded at Bellville Studios.

Fans will be delighted to hear that Chris will also be releasing a live DVD and a new English album in September 2007.

Websites:

www.chrischameleon.com www.myspace.com/chrischameleon www.sonicbids.com/chrischameleon

For more information please contact Liny Kruger at Rhythm Promo: 021 56 1726 / 082 464 1926 / liny@mweb.co.za

News flashes! No 1

Keep warm this winter with exciting forthcoming happenings on the Rhythm music scene. Check out the following news flashes. Music of all the artists mentioned are listed for downloads on www.rhythmrecords.co.za.

CHRIS CHAMELEON is currently being hailed as a phenomenon on the South African Music front. His new Afrikaans album “EK VIR JOU” will be released mid July 2007. (Will be available for download as from release date.) There are also plans for a new English album and DVD to be on the shelves by September this year. Make sure to see one of Chris`s extraordinary live shows. He has a captivating style and a reputation for mesmerizing audiences with his four octave voice range and irresistible stage personality. For information and bookings go to: www.chrischameleon.com.

FOTO NA DANS will release their first full length album in September 2007. The CD will be recorded at BSharp studios in Boksburg from 25 June to 22 July. A daily studio diary will be up on www.fotonadans.co.za . See gig guides for gigs in Pretoria and Johannesburg between 6 and 18 July. FOTO NA DANS will also perform live on Studio 1, MK89 on Friday 29 June.

LARA FRANCES released her debut album HIGH ON LIFE earlier this year. The title track “High on Life” is playlisted on high rotation on various commercial radio stations including KFM, Highveld Stereo and OFM. Watch out to see Lara as the guest performing artist on the popular SABC 2 program, Noot Vir Noot, on Friday 13 July. Cape Town launch dates for HIGH ON LIFE are 25 July at Kunskafee, Durbanville and 26 July at Dorpstreet Theatre, Stellenbosch. Lara is also planning a tour to Gauteng early in August. Watch this space!

TAKE 2 will perform at Durbanville Kunskafee on 6 and 11 July. Theo Crous (Springbok Nude Girls and Kobus!) produced their latest album DOEM DOEM DOEM. He will be performing the track “Vergewe my” with Take 2 at the show on 6 July.

Two of Southern Gypsey Queen's (Bowline) songs, 'Souls of Africa' – from Sweet Voodoo and 'Shine' – a song specifically written for the rugby - have been included in the World Cup CD Compilation which is due to be released at the end of June.

PAUL WILSON TO SING NATIONAL ANTHEM After great success at the on-field performances, Southern Gypsey Queen are getting ready for the big one. On the 23rd June, they will be performing before as well as after the Vodacom Tri-Nations match between South Africa and New Zealand in Durban.

23 June 2007 – SA vs New Zealand (Tri-Nations game) – Absa Stadium, Dbn

In addition to this, Paul Wilson, drummer for Southern Gypsey Queen, will be singing the national anthem with Durban songstress, Pumi Zondi at this match.

Jenny Wentzel of SA Rugby says, “It has been wonderful to work with the band, specifically because of their willingness to travel but also since there have been no games in the Eastern Cape this has brought a little of the Eastern Cape to the game.

Two of Southern Gypsey Queen’s songs, ‘Souls of Africa’ – from Sweet Voodoo and ‘Shine’ – a song specifically written for the rugby - have been included in the World Cup CD Compilation which is due to be released at the end of June. Southern Gypsey Queen are working on their next album, Be the Lion after the great success and excellent response to their last album, Rise Up, which was released late last year.

KOBUS! - SWAAR METAAL – MEDIA

A first in Afrikaans heavy metal. Recent press quotes reflect why Kobus! - SWAAR METAAL is currently being hailed by media and fans alike as one of the most significant releases of 2007:

“In die lewe het Afrikaans nog nooit so in sy dik metaaljas geklink nie. 2007 gaan aan K.O.B.U.S! behoort” Carina Laubscher, KATVROU

“From the first listen it blew my socks off! Not only is it the best SA album I've heard in a long time it's also the best damn metal album of the decade!” Dr Mullet.

“The sound is awesome, the musicianship spectacular, and the lyrics a masterpiece of social observation brilliantly conveyed in a language particularly suited to the harsh vocal quality of metal.” BD The Citizen

“Selfs al het jy hulle vorige KOBUS! (2002) en 100%Skuldgevoelvry (2004), nog iewers in die huis, dra SWAAR METAAL die waarborg van `n meesterlike klap teen die oor. Want: K.O.B.U.S! is rowwer, harder en reguiter as ooit. Profete loof SWAAR METAAL reeds as een van 2007 se grotes.” Republikein

‘Met Swaar Metaal kry K.O.B.U.S! dit reg om wéér iets nuut en totaal anders te doen. Dié album is nie meer net harderige rock wat grens aan metal soos wat ons dit ken nie. Dit is werklik swáár metaal. Die musiek is harder, die humor is wranger en die sosiale kommentaar is skerper as ooit te vore.” Hesca Ebersohn, Kampus-Beeld

“Ek het nie die maag vir swaarmetaal nie, ek is nie so ingelig soos my niggie nie en ken nie Rammstein nie. Maar vir wat my opinie werd is: ek kan sien dat K.O.B.U.S! fenomenaal is.” Deborah Steinmar

“Swaarmetaal is die eerste in sy soort in Afrikaanse musiek. Dis regte heavy metal.” Beeld Plus

“Fabulous wild action from this local metal four-piece. This 10-track jagged metal outing confirms Kobus!`s status as an up-and-coming rock band of note.” Jane Mayne, Cape Times.

“…waar Metal dikwels net vervelige songs oor die duiwel en geweld behels, sê K.O.B.U.S. se (SwaarMetaal) actually iets. Hard en duidelik. Voeg dit by die oorspronklike aanslag tot die musiek, die konstant veranderende K.O.B.U.S. klank, en jy sit met ‘n album wat, na my mening, ‘n ware stukkie Africana is.” Tertius Kapp, MK89.

“So goed as wat F-kar is, K.O.B.U.S! is hulle net eenvoudig drie oor. (K.O.B.U.S!) …kook so warm met gas die Amerikaners sal hulle op hulle lys van terreur groepe plaas! Kry SwaarMetaal, jy sal nie spyt wees nie.” Kalahari.net

“Their heavy-metal packs a seriously lobotomising punch, with an idio-syncratic head-bangers ball appeal …ingeniously original satire” Miles Keylock, Mail & Guardian

“As we staggered out of the Bohemian in the early hours of the morning, I was convinced we had just witnessed a landmark moment in South African music. K.O.B.U.S! had just stormed the castle and proclaimed themselves King.” Loyd Gedye, Isolation – live review.

“I've just converted a 21-year-old Indian girl to fan status, and that breadth of appeal makes Swaarmetaal a crucial local album for any metalhead's collection.” Michael Schmidt, Tonight.

“But occasionally i hear a metal album and just think, man, no matter what you're into you've got to acknowledge that that's a nice heavy album, whether your usual thing be Dimmu Borghir or Seputura or Korn or whatever. Last time i felt that was with the new Slayer album and Swaar Metaal honest to god gives me that same feeling.” Clive’s Dominion.

“Daar's kitaar wat jou nie net laat wonder hoeveel ouens dit doen nie, maar met verwondering probeer uitmaak wat nou eintlik daar gebeur in daai paar vingers wat heel duidelik oor die snare blur... En dis miskien hoekom hulle (Crous & Blom) gekom het, hierdie kombinasie uit die buitenste hemel tussen twee van die mees invloedrykste in die musiek industrie...” vetseun.co.za review

Swaarmetaal is donderweer, bliksemstrale, kopbene en tande wat kners. en dit is cool.” Johnn-Grant Munro, Die Burger JIP.

“K.O.B.U.S! se lirieke vra om gehoor te word, om in jou verstand in te kriewel totdat jou voete begin bewe en jou kop op maat van die tromklanke (en die great kitaarspel) skud. En dis darem vrek goeie musiek daarby.” Clarissa Grobler, Die Volksblad JIP

KOBUS! will perform at Cornercafé in Durbanville on 22 June and will be in JHB and PTA for a short tour at the end of June. Dates TBC.

Valiant Swart & Ollie Viljoen performing live in London June 2007

Afrikaans blues-rock legend Valiant Swart & boeremusiek maestro Ollie Viljoen have recently recorded and release an album Vuur en Vlam together. The album consists of an eclectic blend of rearranged traditional boeremusiek and Afrikaans folk songs, combined with a dozen new original compositions, all delectably spiced with influences drawn from the two musos` shared passion for blues, cajun and jazz. Good news for all in Londen that longs for original traditional music as well as some good old blues-rock Mystic Boer tunes, Valiant and Ollie will be coming to London for two concerts in June 2007.

Valiant Swart has been hailed to have been the pioneering force behind the Afrikaans blues-rock music in the nineties. His fans call him “mystic boer”, a name that has given Valiant cult status in South Africa. He also became a household name after his success as “Jinx” in the popular kykNET television series “Song vir Katryn.” The soundtrack CD of ‘Song vir Katryn’ reached gold status with sales exceeding 25 000. His album “Horisontaal” that was released in 2006, won a Huisgenoot Tempo Award for Best Afrikaans Rock Album and was also nominated for the prestigious SAMA Award in 2007.

Ollie Viljoen has made a huge contribution towards South African Music and Television. Apart from being one of South Africa`s most popular boeremusiek artists , he also worked for the SABC from 1980 – 1995 as director and/or producer of various popular shows including SPIES EN PLESSIS (1986 – 1994), MAAK `N LAS (1996 – 2000) and KYK INNIE POT (2000). He has won various awards including the ATKV Award for Best Television Program: Spies and Plessis in 1988, another ATKV Award in 1988 for Best Traditional Recording and a FNB SA Music Award for Best Traditional Album in 1989.

Ollie Viljoen plays accordion, piano and Hammond organ, while Valiant sings and plays all the guitars.

Vuur en Vlam is the result of these talented two artists` undying love for boeremusiek, and their strong conviction that this truly South African style is as vital and worthy as any kind of folk music from anywhere around the world. They rightfully believe that it should be cherished and nurtured and shared with as many people as possible. This is definitely something not to be missed.

The dates for the shows are as follows:

Friday 22 June 2007: Aardvark Pub, 1 Odessa Street, Rotherhithe, London, SE16 5LJ. Telephone 020 7394 8644, Tickets £12.50 Saturday 23 June 2007: Aardvark Pub, 1 Odessa Street, Rotherhithe, London, SE16 5LJ. Telephone 020 7394 8644, Tickets £12.50

CHRIS CHAMELEON WINS SAMA ( South African Music Award)

Chris Chameleon was awarded a SAMA for Best Afrikaans Contemporary Album for 7 de Hemel at the 13th annual SAMA Awards held at Sun City over the past weekend.

This acknowledgement is a special honor for Chris as 7 de Hemel was created under a lot of pressure in a very short time. Chris literally had to write the songs overnight. He often got the script with instructions on the nature of the song required for his scenes on SABC 2's 7 de Laan, the night before it had to be captured on film. The song ‘Droomland’ was also nominated for a SAMA in the category SONG OF THE YEAR.

Chris Chameleon`s popular English album SHINE was also nominated for a SAMA for Best Alternative Album. The track “Anywhere” reached the semi-finals in the ICS International Song of the Year Competition in February 2007.

The SAMA nominations in three categories were complimentary to Chris`s exceptional ability to produce versatile music that is popular among both his fans and the media. It is a worthy achievement that both his Afrikaans and English albums were noted under South Africa`s best album releases in 2006.

2007 has been an exciting year for Chris Chameleon so far: Apart from the SAMA Award and nominations, he was also awarded two Mk89 Awards in February as winner of the categories: Best Male Solo and Sexiest Artist. In March he received the news that he will receive a medal of honor from the South African Academy of Science and Art at an event in June for his contribution to Afrikaans music. His shows at KKNK, Oudshoorn in April were sold out. The Festival newspaper KRIT named Chris a “phenomenon” and his show VOLKLEURMANNETJIE is nominated for a KKNK Kanna Award. The Award ceremony will take place in Stellenbosch in May.

With his current sell out shows and award-winning successes, Chris Chameleon is set to take the world by storm when he leaves for a tour in Europe next week. Chris will be performing in the Benelux from 26 April to 11 May and in London on 12 and 13 May.

This will be Chris' second solo visit to London (first was 2005) and third solo visit to the Netherlands. He has numerous fans in Europe anxiously awaiting his return as is evidenced by overseas CD orders, digital downloads, and Myspace visits. Last year he enjoyed sold-out shows in Benelux and is looking forward to reconnecting with old fans and bringing new fans in along on his journey. He'll be showcasing some the material that will be available on his forthcoming English album

Chris Chameleon is currently in studio recording his new Afrikaans album that will be released in July. He will also release an English DVD (live show with band recorded in Stellenbosch) in June/July and a new English album in September

FOKOFPOLISIEKAR WINS SAMA

Fokofpolisiekar won a SAMA Award for Best Afrikaans Rock Album: SWANESANG at the 13th annual SAMA Awards ceremony held at Sun City on 13 and 14 April. Francois van Coke (vocalist) and Jaco Venter (drummer) accepted the SAMA on behalf of the band.

SWANESANG received rave reviews after it`s release in September 2006. The title track single “Swanesang” was the first Afrikaans track to have reached the no 1 position on 5fm`s popular Vodacom High 5 at 5 Chart. They maintained this no 1 position for 4 weeks in February 2007.

Their second single “Ek skyn heilig” reached the no 1 position on both TUKS FM and PUK Radio charts

The video of “Brand Suid Afrika” was awarded two Mk89 Awards in February 2007 for Best Group and Best Love Scene.

Fokofpolisiekar will concentrate on individual projects for the first six months of 2007. The band`s members will apply their talents to develop their interests in various aspects of the music industry.

Fokofpolisiekar will be performing at Oppikoppi Festival 2007 on 9 August in Johannesburg, 10 August at Oppikoppi, Northam and on 11 August in Cape Town

Nuwe uitreiking Rhythm Records:

Vuur en Vlam - Valiant Swart & Ollie Viljoen

“Dis albums soos hierdie wat `n mens laat moed skep vir die toekoms.” Mariana Malan, Die Burger

Die boeremusieklegende Ollie Viljoen en die bluesrocker Valiant Swart se eerste gesamentlike album, getiteld Vuur en Vlam, is pas vrygestel.

Die album bevat sewentien snitte, bestaande uit 'n handvol herverwerkte tradisionele boeremusiek en volksliedjies, asook 'n dosyn splinternuwe skeppings. Daar is byna ewe veel instrumentale as vokale nommers, oorwegend in die volks- en boeremusiek idioom, afgewissel met invloede uit die twee kunstenaars se gedeelde passie vir blues en cajun/jazz/sigeunermusiek.

Ollie speel akkordeon, klavier en Hammond-orrel, terwyl Valiant sing en die kitare speel. 'n Groep uitgesoekte musikante, deur Ollie en Valiant gedoop Die Mystic Boereorkes, het kragte saamgesnoer om aan die album 'n onweerstaanbare vonkel te verleen. Daar is, onder andere, die konsertinakaptein Barney van Dyk, die dromme-en-perkussie maestro Barry van Zyl, die viool-fenomeen Wynand Davel, die trompetgeskal van Adriaan Brand en die bobaas blues-bekfluitjie van Dave Ferguson. Verder lewer Laurinda Hofmeyr 'n spesiale gasoptrede op een van die ou gunstelinge.

Die opnamesessies is volledig verfilm vir die vervaardiging van 'n DVD, wat later vanjaar uitgereik word. Redigering hiervan word gedoen deur Neil Sandilands en die vervaardiger is Johan Badenhorst.

Twee sonderlinge insluitings is opnames van liedjies van George Snyman, 'n tuinier en houtkapper van Malgas. George, self 'n kitaarspeler, en Valiant het 'n paar jaar gelede ontmoet en haal gereeld die kitare uit om saam musiek te maak. Valiant en Ollie het besluit om van George, oftewel 'Oom Jolla', se liedjies op te neem, en die resultaat, gesing in die oorspronklike streeksdialek, is werklik iets besonders - aards en eerlik.

Nog 'n interessante toevoeging is Valiant se toonsetting van die G.A. Watermeyer-gedig 'Ballade op die dronkparty'. Die gedig is oorspronklik in 1948 in die bundel 'Sekel en Simbaal' gepubliseer, en was 'n natuurlike keuse vir toonsetting, aangevuur deur Ollie en Valiant se gelyke liefde vir Afrikaanse poësie, Bolandse rooiwyn en goeie ou samesyn.

Daar is 'n aansteeklike vonk tussen hierdie twee legendes. Vra jy hulle uit oor die maak van die album, duik die woorde 'lag', 'dans' en 'pret' voortdurend op. Ollie en Valiant het mekaar vyf jaar gelede op die stel van 'Maak 'n Las' ontmoet, toe Valiant 'n gas op die program was, en Ollie die regisseur. Valiant, 'n groot boeremusiek aanhanger, en Ollie, 'n groot blues aanhanger, het entoesiasties aan die gesels geraak. 'n Onblusbare musikale verbond is sommer gou gesmee.

'n Ruk daarna het hulle altwee aangemeld by die Ukkasiefees in Londen. Valiant was daar vir 'n solo optrede, en Ollie was daar om met sy boere-orkes vermaak te verskaf in die laataand danstent. Valiant het stilletjies begin saamspeel by dié tent-sessies. Dit het oorgespoel na deurnag jam-sessies in hul hotelkamers. Hulle het toe al begin praat oor 'n gesamentlike album. Daarna het die organiseerders van Oppikoppi hulle 'n keer of wat saam op die verhoog gekry, die eerste maal voor duisende studente op Hatfield Square in Pretoria. Valiant word toe in daardie tyd vir twee of drie jaar besig gehou met die verfilming en opnames van sy 'Song vir Katryn' TV-reekse en klankbaan-albums, asook 'n album saam met Koos Kombuis. In 2006 het hy ook werk voltooi aan sy bekroonde 'Horisontaal' album. Ollie het terselfdertyd saam met verskeie jong sterre soos Albert Frost en Karen Zoid opnames en optredes gedoen.

In die lente van 2006 het Ollie vir Valiant gebel en gesê dis nou hoog tyd dat hulle studio toe gaan om daai album te maak waarvan hulle vier jaar tevore in Londen begin praat het. Die twee het toe ywerig begin om materiaal in te samel. Teen die einde van Januarie 2007 het hulle met opnames begin by Jürgen von Wechmar se Sunset Recording Studios buite Stellenbosch, waar Valiant ook die meeste van sy vorige albums opgeneem het.

Vuur en Vlam is die resultaat van hul liefde vir boeremusiek, en hul oortuiging dat hierdie eg Suid-Afrikaanse musiekstyl vir geen ander volksmusiek ter wêreld hoef terug te staan nie, dat dit gekoester en bewaar moet word, en dat dit met soveel mense as moontlik gedeel moet word.

Vir meer informasie, fotos en onderhoude: Kontak Liny Kruger by Rhythm Promo: 021 556 1726 / 082 464 1926 / liny@mweb.co.za

New release Rhythm Records:

VALIANT SWART AND OLLIE VILJOEN – VUUR EN VLAM

Afrikaans rock star Valiant Swart and boeremusiek legend Ollie Viljoen recently joined forces in the studio to record their brand new, just released album Vuur en Vlam ('Fire and Flame', idiomatically meaning 'ready, willing and able').

The album contains seventeen tracks. The 60-40 split between vocal and instrumental tunes consists of an eclectic blend of rearranged traditional boeremusiek and Afrikaans folk songs, combined with a dozen new original compositions, all delectably spiced with influences drawn from the two musos' shared passion for blues, cajun and jazz.

Ollie plays accordion, piano and Hammond organ, while Valiant sings and plays all the guitars. A handpicked bunch of musicians, dubbed 'Die Mystic Boere Orkes' by Valiant and Ollie, join in to give the album an irresistible sparkle. World famous drummer and percussionist Barry van Zyl (from Johnny Clegg's band) brings his special magic to the party, while award winning concertina king Barney van Dyk shakes things up with casual precision. Violin maestro Wynand Davel (BoneKey) lets rip in full gypsy mode, Adriaan Brand (Springbok Nude Girls) tears it up with his magic trumpet, and rockabilly boss Dave Ferguson blows the blues away on his howling harmonica. There's also a special guest appearance by Afrikaans cult chanteuse Laurinda Hofmeyr on 'My hart verlang na die Boland', one of the old classic folk songs given an overhaul on the album.

All the sessions were filmed for a DVD release, scheduled for later this year. The editing is done by Neil Sandilands, with seasoned producer Johan Badenhorst at the helm. Badenhorst was the main man behind a series of highly successful live DVD's for Afrikaans artists, including Karen Zoid and Valiant himself, as well as the very popular 'Voetspore' African travel documentaries for DSTV.

Valiant and Ollie met each other five years ago at a TV recording session. They struck up a conversation about boeremusiek and blues, and soon became firm friends. A few months later, while doing their separate shows at an Afrikaans arts fest in London, Valiant started joining Ollie's boere-band onstage during the latter's nightly sessions in the festival marquee. This led to all night jam sessions in their hotel rooms, and the decision was made to record an album together. Their respective careers and busy schedules saw them wait another four years before this dream could come true.

Vuur en Vlam is the result of their undying love for boeremusiek, and their strong conviction that this truly South African style is as vital and worthy as any kind of folk music from anywhere around the world. They rightfully believe that it should be cherished and nurtured and shared with as many people as possible.

For more information, photos and interviews contact Liny Kruger at Rhythm Promo: 082 464 1926 / 021 556 1726 / liny@mweb.co.za

Rhythm Records nuwe uitreiking:

K.O.B.U.S! ~ SWAAR METAAL

“Hierdie nuwe stuk werk deur Francois Breytenbach Blom en Theo Crous is verbryselend. Dis harder as Metusalem se groottoonnaels. Elke snit sny deur jou skedel met witwarm kitaarsnare en blitsige dubbelbasdromstukke - dis swaar, bebliksemd en vreesloos. In die lewe het Afrikaans nog nooit so in sy dik metaaljas geklink nie. 2007 gaan aan KOBUS! behoort” Carina Laubscher, KATVROU

Theo Crous en Francois Breytenbach Blom se metamorfose van KOBUS! na K.O.B.U.S! neem die swaarste, donkerste elemente van hul vorige twee grensverskuiwende uitreikings en sleep dit diep die skadus in met hul jongste, meer uniformige audio-aanslag Swaar Metaal.

Met Paul André Blom en Pierre Tredoux se talente bygeroep neem K.O.B.U.S! die luisteraar op ‘n briljante, onverbiddelike harsingskuddings-rit na die donker kant van die lewe. Van sosiale kommentaar (Witman, Huigelaar) tot by die drumpel van die doderyk en verder (Kinderhel, As Hul Weer Kom), Swaar Metaal is ‘n toonbeeld van Blom en Crous in die genre waar hulle die gemaklikste en op hul beste is. K.O.B.U.S! se nuwe klank en gedaante sal liefhebbers van die harder sy van musiek nie teleurstel nie. Hierdie eerste volwaardige Afrikaanse heavy metal album is ‘n mylpaal in die Suid Afrikaanse musiekbedryf en dien as toonaangewer vir waarheen die nuwe alternatiewe golf op pad is.

Dat daar groot opgewondenheid oor K.O.B.U.S! se derde album is spreek duidelik uit die feit dat Swaar Metaal dadelik vandat dit gelaai is die no 1 posisie op Rhythm Records se webwerf winkel www.rhythmonline.co.za bereik het. Die snit “Doodstraf” het reeds in 2006 die no 1 posisie behaal met genadelose lirieke soos “doodstraf, bring die doodstraf terug.”

Luister hierdie album so hard as moontlik!

Snitte:

1. Honger 2. Witman 3. Tienerangs 4. N.J.S.A 5. Huigelaar 6. Doodstraf 7. Die Vlam 8. Kinderhel 9. Amen 10. Swaar Metaal

Kort notas oor ‘n paar snitte deur Francois Breytenbach Blom

Huigelaar:

Soos met soveel van die vorige KOBUS! songs, was Huigelaar se lirieke jare gelede geskryf, 1991 om presies te wees. Die oorspronklike titel was ‘Carman’ en was glad nie as ‘n liriek geskryf nie, maar ‘n gedig. Carman was (of is steeds, ek’s nie seker nie) ‘n baie gewilde, perfek versorgde en natuurlik baie ryk gospelsanger. Ek het hom eendag op TV sien optree en gewonder of hy bedoel wat hy sing.

Honger:

Wat ek die meeste van hou in hierdie song is die hoof kitaar-riff wat onder die koorgedeelte herhaal. Dis ‘n regte gatskopper. Ek het hierdie riff vanuit ‘n 8 sekonde weggooi-gedeelte geredigeer wat Theo gespeel het net voor hy sy kitaar neergesit het na een van ons opnamesessies. Dit het geen verband gehou met die stuk wat hy pas gespeel het nie. Dis asof hy iets getoets het, die snare, of sy naels. Of iets. Dis nou wat ek noem MAIN!

Kinderhel:

My persoonlike gunsteling op die Swaar Metaal album. Interessantheidshalwe, die kinderstem op die intro en wat die wiegeliedjie in die middel van die song sing is my 8 jarige nefie, Jacques André Blom.

Witman:

Witman is ‘n onpartydige, onbevooroordeelde waarneming. Dis nie net oor een persoon óf ‘n hele nasie nie, en beslis nie ‘n veralgemening van Afrikaners soos sommige moontlik driftig mag aflei nie. Daar is geen simpatie met, maar ook geen veroordeling van die gesiglose titel-karakter, of -karakters, nie. Witman verwoord die vrese, nagmerries, realiteite, oortuigings en veronderstellinge van ‘n persoonlikheidstipe binne die wit bevolking. Wat as absoluut waar en juis deur een persoon in enige gegewe situasie beskou word mag deur ‘n ander as ‘n totale wanopvatting gesien word. Die werking van ‘n gemoedstoestand en die gevolge daarvan, of dit bloot in gedagtes manifesteer of in die werklikheid volbring word, word voorgestel en konfronteer jou met die vraag: Wil ék so wees? Ek is wit. Ek het tussen witmense grootgeword, dit is my verwysingsraamwerk betreffende Witman se inhoud, so nodeloos om te sê sou dit aanmatigend van my wees as ek hierdie soort song met betrekking tot enige ander rassegroep probeer skryf het.

Eerste radio snit: No 2. WITMAN

Vir meer informasie, fotos en onderhoude kontak: Liny Kruger by Rhythm Promo: liny@mweb.co.za / 082 464 1926 / 021 556 1726

Rhythm Records new release:

K.O.B.U.S! - SWAARMETAAL

In light of its’ 23 March release, the much anticipated new KOBUS! album ‘SwaarMetaal’ has already garnered a lot of media interest and after its’ placement online for purchase on rhythmonline.co.za has immediately shot to the nr.1 download position.

Once again Blom & Crous have created a first in local music. Their metamorphosis from KOBUS! to K.O.B.U.S! takes the heaviest, darkest elements of their previous two border shifting albums and drags it onward into the shadows of their latest, more uniform audio approach, a bonecrunching heavy metal album comprising of 10 tracks which take the listener on a brilliant, unrelenting journey from finely observed social commentary to the metaphysical realm of the dead… and beyond.

With a more uniform approach to sound and lyrical content, as apposed to their previous two offerings, KOBUS! is again at the cutting edge of innovation and the forefront of local rock. The current nature of their music now has the ability to blur the line between historically ‘afrikaans’ and ‘english’ venues and their audiences.

2007 looks set to be the year for KOBUS!

Tracklist:

1. Honger 2. Witman 3. Tienerangs 4. N.J.S.A 5. Huigelaar 6. Doodstraf 7. Die Vlam 8. Kinderhel 9. Amen 10. Swaar Metaal

Swaar Metaal: Brief comments on selected tracks by Francois Breytenbach Blom

Huigelaar:

Huigelaar’s lyrics were written many years ago, 1991 to be precise. The original version was called ‘Carman’ and was not a songlyric at all but in fact a poem. Carman was (or still is, I’m not too sure) a very popular, perfectly groomed and very rich gospel artist. I saw him perform on TV one day and wondered whether he meant what he was singing.

Honger:

The thing I love most about this song is the main guitar-riff that repeats under the chorus. It just kicks-ass. I culled this riff from an 8 second throw-away piece Theo did just before he put his guitar down after a recording session. It had no relation to the piece he’d just played. It was as if he was checking something, the strings, his nails, I don’t know. Now that’s what I call MAIN!

Kinderhel: This is my personal favourite track on the Swaar Metaal album. And, just for interest sake, the child’s voice on the intro and singing the lullabye in the middle of the song is my 8 year old nephew, Jacques André Blom. Witman: Witman is an impartial, unbiased observation. It’s not about just one person, neither an entire nation, and certainly not a generalisation of Afrikaners, as some might hastily conclude. There’s no condemnation of, nor support for the faceless title-character, or -characters. Witman is about nightmares, fears, beliefs, realities and assumptions of a certain personality type within the white population. What may seem to be a total irrationality to one, may seem the complete truth to another in any given situation. The machinery of a mindset and what it sometimes births, whether in the minds eye or in physical reality, is explored and it begs the question: Do I want to be like this? I’m white, I grew up among whites, that’s my frame of reference regarding the content of this song, so needless to say it would have been assumptious of me to try write a song of this nature concerning any other racial group.

First radio single: Track 2: WITMAN

For more information, photos and interviews, please contact Liny Kruger at Rhythm Promo:liny@mweb.co.za; 082 464 1926 / 021 556 1726.

Rhythm Records – New release:

Lara Frances : “High on Life” ( playlisted on Highveld Stereo daytime rotation.)

She’s a New Age Madonna...

She’s only just 21, but newcomer Lara Frances is set to make a dent on the local musical landscape this summer with her refreshing mix of pop and nu-folk.

This pretty pixie girl studying industrial psychology at Stellenbosch, is indeed a welcome antidote to contrived pop – a fabrication too clearly depicted in Idols these days. Her songs balance intensity and craft, eloquence and honesty. In short: a fiery brew in a delicate vessel which is more Missy Higgins than Britney Spears.

Because she is “iets in die twintig en ten volle tweetalig”, her debut consists of Afrikaans and English songs which entertain seamlessly. The binding factor being a young woman’s experience of life and love. Instead of the raw existential angst so often found amongst her peers, hope shines through like a bright light in her unique voice and lyrics. Despite this, bittersweet reality do creep in in songs like “Wyn” – “Jy lyk nog tien keer beter ná nog ‘n glasie wyn”. Dreams of love through a touch of melancholy. But hope always prevails.

The title track, “High on Life”, is pure polished pop celebrating life and independence with an irresistible melody. The upbeat tune stays in your head and puts a spring in your step. It’s going to get serious radioplay!

The thread that binds all of the material on the album together is Lara’s direct lyrical approach ¬– she has an undeniable knack for penning piercingly sincere songs. When this is matched with the no frills instrumentation, it’s a powerful combination of pure and simple.

Also on display on the album is some acoustic guitar driven songs. Her father, who was a bit of a closet muso in his day, taught her the basics of guitar playing. The rest she picked up herself playing around a bonfire on the beach à la Jack Johnson and Tristan Prettyman.

A pure new voice rises...listen and enjoy.

NOMINATED TRACK FOR RADIO: TRACK 3: HIGH ON LIFE

For more information, photos and interviews please contact Liny Kruger at Rhythm Promo: 021 556 1726 / 082 464 1926 / liny@mweb.co.za

Rhythm Records nuwe uitreiking:

TAKE 2 – DOEM DOEM DOEM

Leandi en Lelani is `n 17 jarige identiese tweeling wat vanaf 2000 onder die naam Take 2 optree. Musiekregisseur Theo Crous (van Springbok Nude Girls) het hulle by `n vertoning in 2006 raakgesien en was so beindruk met hulle gemak op die verhoog, stylvolle-pret aanslag en ooglopende talent, dat hy aangebied het om hulle debuut CD Doem Doem Doem te vervaardig.

Doem Doem Doem bestaan uit 10 Afrikaanse liedjies wat deur Take 2 self geskryf is. Dit tref as vars vrolike pop, met die afwisseling van sielvolle ballades en selfs ook`n bietjie gatskop rock.

Leandi en Lelani skryf meestal saam aan `n liedjie. As jy die tweeling beter ken is dit opmerklik wie van die twee se oorspronklike idee dit was. Leandi skryf meer met dieper insigte, terwyl Lelani meer spontaan en die “lawwe” een van die twee is. Hulle liedjies word geiinspireer deur wat daagliks om hulle gebeur: `n Voorval by die skool, `n vriendin se “moods”, `n straatkind wat bedel en om na ander mense se stories te luister.

Take 2 stel Doem Doem Doem by KKNK, Oudshoorn tussen 31 Maart en 8 April bekend. Hulle sal daagliks optree by by Hunter`s Den en sal ook te sien wees op Huisgenoot verhoog en op 4 April op RSG verhoog vir direkte uitsending tussen 10h00 en 11h00. (By KKNK 2004 was hulle optrede op RSG verhoog so goed ontvang dat sekuriteit van die mense moes verwyder. Die aanhangers wou nie loop voordat Take 2 nie `n encore gedoen het nie.)

`n Hoogepunt in die tweeling se loopbaan tot dusver was in 2001 toe hulle saam met verskeie ander jong kunstenaars `n CD ten bate van Vigs wesies “In Rememberance of Nkosi Johnson” uitgereik het. Take 2 het by hierdie geleentheid voor ongeveer 3 500 mense opgetree. Leandi en Lelani het ook al in verskeie TV advertensies, tydskrifte en katalogusse hier en in die buiteland verskyn.

Take 2 beplan ook later vanjaar `n nasionale toer. Hulle skryf hierdie jaar matriek aan die Hoërskool Brackenfell en beoog om vir die derde agtereenvolgende jaar akademiese erekleure te behaal.

Met die jeugdige lewering van dinamiese, ongekunstelde liedjies en die feit dat mens letterlik twee keer moet kyk om dié besonderse susters se talente te ervaar, is Take 2 verseker oppad om `n groot indruk op die Suid-Afrikaanse musiekmark te maak.

Snit vir radio: 3: DOEM DOEM DOEM

Vir meer informasie, fotos en onderhoude kontak Liny Kruger by Rhythm Promo: 021 556 1726, 082 464 1926/ liny@mweb.co.za

Rhythm Records nuwe uitreiking:

FOTO NA DANS – FOTO NA DANS

Foto Na Dans se debuut kortspeler plaat huisves 'n unieke en kleurvolle auditoriese reaksie. Verwag 'n elektroniese rangskikking van vyf karakters se gefragmenteerde gedagtes. `n Geraas met `n verskeidenheid van kombinasies wat poog om jou behoefte aan variasie te voed.

Foto Na Dans het ontstaan nadat Le Roi Nel by Theuns, Dirkie, Neil en Alex (oud-lede van Trompie is Dood) aangesluit het. Oor sowat 7 jaar is daar gesoek, gekam, geslaan en gekoop vir die regte kombinasie van lede vir die beweging. Die lede was voorheen by verskeie projekte en pogings betrokke, maar was nie heeltemal seker dat dit is waar hulle wou wees nie. Foto na Dans is die resultaat van uiteindelike self-skeppende tevredenheid wat manifesteer as`n splinternuwe eiesoortige klank in Afrikaans.

Foto na Dans se debuut video “Huiwerig” het binne `n paar weke die A-lys op MK89 kanaal bereik. Die 4 snit debuut kortspeler is `n produk wat einde 2006 saamgestel is na aanleiding van `n behoefte van aanhangers om die groep se musiek in die hande te kry. Daar word beplan om in 2007 ‘n vollengte album op te neem en uit te reik. Daar word ook landwye toere en optredes by feeste beplan.

Foto Na Dans wil ook graag meer in 2007 vir nie-tradisionele rock gehore speel.

“Foto na Dans se musiek is vars, ‘edgy’, kreatief en `n goeie voorbeeld aan ander voornemende groepe dat ontwikkeling en populariteit van `n eie klank moontlik is.” Victor Edwards, Musiekinhoudsbestuurder, MK89

“Foto na Dans vat die ‘Bellville out there’ in Suid-Afrika aan. Met trompetgeskal, intelligente lirieke en die verbasend sterk en sexy stem van ‘n skraal seun genaamd Le Roi Nel. ‘n Welkome take op die rou angst van Afrikaanse punk bands soos Fokofpolisiekar.” Cornelia le Roux, JIP Redakteur, Die Burger.

FOTO NA DANS is:

Le Roi Nel – Vocals, Kitaar Theuns Schoonwinkel – Baskitaar Neil Basson – Kitaar, Sang Alex Fourie – Trompet, Keyboard, Sang Dirkie Uys – Speel Dromme

Snitte op album:

1. Soldaatvolk (snit gemerk vir radio) 2. Elektro 3. Sindroom 4. Huiwerig

Vir meer informasie, onderhoude en fotos kontak Liny Kruger by Rhythm Promo: 082 464 1926 / 021 556 1726 / liny@rhythmrecords.co.za

CHRIS CHAMELEON EUROPEAN TOUR 2007

With his current sell out shows and award-winning successes, Chris Chameleon is set to take the world by storm when he leaves for a tour in Europe in April 2007. Chris will be performing in the Benelux from 26 April to 11 May and in London on 12 and 13 May.

This will be Chris' second solo visit to London (first was 2005) and third solo visit to the Netherlands. He has numerous fans in Europe anxiously awaiting his return as is evidenced by overseas CD orders, digital downloads, and Myspace visits. Last year he enjoyed sold-out shows in Benelux and is looking forward to reconnecting with old fans and bringing new fans in along on his journey. He'll be showcasing some the material that will be available on his forthcoming English album.

Locally Chris is currently enjoying major success: he has been nominated for three SAMA Awards: Best Afrikaans Contemporary Album for “7de Hemel”, Best Alternative English Album for “Shine” and Song of the Year for “Droomland.” These nominations are evident of Chris`s exceptional ability to produce versatile music that is popular among both his fans and the media. It is a worthy achievement that both his Afrikaans and English albums are noted under South Africa`s best album releases in 2006. SAMA winners will be announced at Sun City on 13 and 14 April.

Chris Chameleon won two MK89 Awards in February 2007 in the categories for Sexiest and Best Solo video. According to MK89 Chris`s votes far exceeded those of other popular nominees including Arno Carstens, Karen Zoid and Louise Carver.

Further good news is that Chameleon reached the semi-finals of the International Songwriting Competition (ISC) 2007 with his entry “Anywhere” from the album SHINE. Impressive judges of ISC among others include Tom Waits, Jerry Lee Lewis, Macy Gray and Robert Smith from The Cure. (www.songwritingcompetition.co.za)

Chris Chameleon has a style all his own and a reputation for mesmerizing audiences with his four octave voice range and irresistible stage personality. He can take anyone on a musical journey that fuels their aural fantasies, simply with a guitar and his magical and unusual voice-work. His shows are continually sold out and collective CD and DVD sales have exceeded 100 000 units.

If the last year is anything to go by, Chris Chameleon seems set to become one of the most important artists in recent years. Innovative, prolific and endlessly creative, it is no wonder that Chris Chameleon is being called a South African phenomenon.

Tour dates in Europe:

27.04.2007 Cafe Tuck, Wageningen, NL 10 pm www.cafetuck.nl

28.04.2007 Binnennach Festival, Theater aan het Spui, Den Haag NL http://www.theateraanhetspui.nl/ http://www.koninginnenach.nl/2007/index1.htm

29.04.2007 De Kelder, Amersfoort, NL 3 pm http://www.dekelder.org/

02.05.2007 Melkweg, Amsterdam, NL seated show www.melkweg.nl

04.05.2007 Theater Pardoes, Midwoud, NL seated show http://www.jcpardoes.nl/

05.05.2007 Amper Elders, Antwerp, Belgium www.amperelders.be

06.05.2007 Plein'79, Den Bosch, NL 4pm www.plein79.nl

06.05.2007 Zaalacht, Roermond, NL 8 pm www.zaalacht.nl

09.05.2007 Theater De Bussel, Oosterhout NB, NL www.filmtheaterdebussel.nl Live show + Movie: uCarmen eKhayatlitsha 8pm

12.05.2007 Aardvark, London, UK - band performance www.aardvarkpub.com

13.05.2007 Aardvark, London, UK - solo performance www.aardvarkpub.com Show includes 3 course meal

For further information on upcoming performances visit www.chrischameleon.com or www.myspace.com/chrischameleon.

The nominees for the South African Music Awards 2007 (SAMA) were made known on Thursday 8 March. Congratulations to the following Rhythm Records artists who are nominated:

Chris Chameleon is nominated in 3 categories:

Best Adult Comtemporary Afrikaans Album for '7de hemel' Best Alternative Album for 'Shine' Song of the year for 'Droomland'

Both Fokofpolisiekar and Valiant Swart have been nominated for Best Afrikaans Rock album: Fokofpolisiekar for 'Swanesang' and Valiant for 'Horisontaal.'

The SAMA AWARDS ceremony will take place on 13 and 14 April at Sun City.

K.O.B.U.S! NUWE CD: SWAAR METAAL ( Word uitgereik op 23 Maart 2007)

Theo Crous en Francois Breytenbach Blom se metamorfose van KOBUS! na K.O.B.U.S! neem die swaarste, donkerste elemente van hul vorige twee grensverskuiwende uitreikings en sleep dit diep die skadus in met hul jongste, meer uniformige audio-aanslag Swaar Metaal. Met Paul André Blom en Pierre Tredoux se talente bygeroep neem K.O.B.U.S! die luisteraar op ‘n briljante, onverbiddelike harsingskuddings-rit na die donker kant van die lewe. Van sosiale kommentaar (Witman, Huigelaar) tot by die drumpel van die doderyk en verder (Kinderhel, AMEN), Swaar Metaal is ‘n toonbeeld van Blom en Crous in die genre waar hulle die gemaklikste en op hul beste is. K.O.B.U.S! se nuwe klank en gedaante sal liefhebbers van die harder sy van musiek nie teleurstel nie. Hierdie eerste volwaardige Afrikaanse heavy metal album is ‘n mylpaal in die Suid Afrikaanse musiekbedryf en dien as toonaangewer vir waarheen die nuwe alternatiewe golf op pad is.

Speel dit so hard as moontlik!

“DIE SIVIELE ONGEHOORSAAMHEID TOER” (CD LAUNCHES)

30 Maart – Hidden Cellar, Stellenbosch 04 April - Bohemian, JHB 05 April – Zanzibar, Pretoria (saam met Architects of Agression) 07 April – Zeplins, Pretoria (saam met Battery 9) 08 April – Oppikoppi Easter, Northam 20 April - Mercury Live, Kaapstad

Improved ordering and payment system on Rhythm Records Online Music Store

'We can now process credit card transactions on the Rhythm website much faster and more conveniently than ever before,' says Petrus Theron, Rhythm Records web developer, 'which makes purchasing and downloading new music a pleasure.'

Alex Fourie, from Rhythm Records International, says, ' Rhythm Records has recently implemented a new payment system making it a lot easier to purchase your favourite SA music from Rhythm Records . The old payment system, which made use of Paypal and converted all transactions into British Pounds, has now been replaced by a new Rand based system. This new system is also a lot shorter and you can now pay and download your music in only 4 steps!'

This new payment system, which runs on a secure server, was put in place at the end of February, due to various client frustrations with the Paypal method. Sales are already improving as visitors discover how easy it is.

Petrus Theron explains how to buy digital music from Rhythm Records in 4 easy steps:

1. Select the music of your choice on the Rhythm Records website and add it to your shopping cart.
2. Click on the nice big yellow Checkout button.
3. Enter your credit card details (after logging in with your e-mail address and password).
4. And now click Confirm to process your order and ... download your music.

It's as simple as that. No more messy Paypal registrations required or foreign exchange conversions – just pick your music, pay and download.

Multiple downloads

'One of the greatest sticking points for many clients – multiple downloads - has been improved tenfold,' says Petrus, 'Clients can now download just about as many MP3s simultaneously as their connections can handle.'

Registering on Rhythm Records is Super-Easy

'It's always been simple. You only need to register once, for the first purchase. All we've ever needed is your e-mail address, name and a personalised password so you can download the music you purchased. The sole purpose of registration of Rhythm is to give our clients secure access to their music.'

MP3 Streaming Demo Buttons

'You can now start listening to a 30-second sample from every digital track on Rhythm within seconds, by clicking on the silver play button associated with each and every MP3 listed on Rhythm.'

Lowered shipping fees for physical orders

'Shipping fees for international physical orders (CDs, DVDs, anything non-digital) are now R17 (1-2 items) for local shipping within the borders of South Africa and R33 (1-2 items) for international shipping to anywhere in the world.'

Resumable downloads and segmented downloading on the way

'Clients will soon be able to resume downloads and use segmented download to speed up downloads.'

Chris Chameleon will be performing two shows at Aardvark Pub in London on 12 and 13 May 2007: one with a full band and the second a solo performance.

Chris Chameleon is one of the most versatile singer-songwriters South Africa has to offer. He has a style all his own and a reputation for mesmerizing audiences with his four octave voice range and irresistible stage personality. He can take anyone on a musical journey that fuels their aural fantasies, simply with a guitar and his magical and unusual voice-work.

Background in brief

In 1997, Chris Chameleon became the bassist and front man of one of South Africa’s proudest musical exports, Boo! In 7 years Boo! acquired an enormous following worldwide by performing 800 gigs in 17 countries, including 14 states in the USA as well as countries such as Hungary and Croatia. Boo! performed at many European and American festivals with the likes of the White Stripes, Limp Bizkit, Slipknot, Franz Ferdinand, Cypress Hill, Coldplay and many more. The band also received a South African Music Award in 2002 for ‘Best Pop Album.’

Boo! disbanded in 2004 giving Chameleon the opportunity to go solo and explore his South African roots by releasing the critically acclaimed ‘Ek Herhaal Jou’ (“I repeat you”) a composition of iconic 60's poet Ingrid Jonker's poetry. ‘Ek Herhaal Jou’ was nominated for a 2006 South African Music Award in the Best Adult Contemporary Afrikaans Album category and has reached gold status in South Africa.

2006 saw the simultaneous release of his first English solo rock album, ‘Shine’, an album that is loaded with power, passion and beautiful melodies, and a second Afrikaans album, ‘7 de Hemel’ which consists of songs performed by the versatile Chameleon as the popular character Liam in the nation`s favourite SABC 2 soap opera ‘7 de Laan’. ‘7de Hemel’ reached platinum status within its first 2 months of release and ‘Shine’ is currently making its way up the charts. Chameleon also received a Huisgenoot Tempo Award for “Favourite Contemporary Artist – 2006” as well as two Vonk Awards for “Best Male Artist 2005” and “Best Male Album – Ek Herhaal Jou.”

Chris Chameleon won two MK89 Awards in February 2007 for the BEST SOLO and SEXIEST VIDEO categories. Mk89 is South Africa`s first video channel on DSTV and the winners were determined by public vote. According to Mk89, Chris Chameleon`s votes by far exceeded other popular nominees including Arno Carstens and Karen Zoid in the BEST SOLO category.

The single “Anywhere” from album`Shine’ was entered for the International Songwriting Competition (ISC) and reached the semi-finals in February.

If the last year is anything to go by, Chris Chameleon seems set to become one of the most important artists in recent years. Innovative, prolific and endlessly creative, Chris Chameleon is set to take the world by storm.

The dates for the shows are as follows:

 Saturday 12 May 2007 (Band Show): Aardvark Pub, 1 Odessa Street, Rotherhithe, London, SE16 5LJ. Telephone 020 7394 8644, Time 20:30, Tickets £12  Sunday 13 May 2007 (Solo Performance): Aardvark Pub, 1 Odessa Street, Rotherhithe, London, SE16 5LJ. Telephone 020 7394 8644, Tickets £25 (Includes 3-course meal) Tickets Limited!

Tickets are available from http://www.sanza.co.uk or from the venue.

www.chrischameleon.com www.myspace.com/chrischameleon

Rhythm Records kunstenaars Chris Chameleon en Fokofpolisiekar het elk weggeloop met twee MK89 Toekennings op 19 Februarie 2006.

Chris Chameleon het die kategorieë BESTE SOLO en SEXIESTE VIDEO gewen. In BESTE SOLO kategorie het hy heelwat meer stemme gewerf as die ander populêre nominasies insluitende Arno Carstens, Karen Zoid en Louise Carver.

Fokofpolisiekar was die wenner van kategorieë BESTE GROEP en BESTE LOVE SCENE. Ander kunstenaars wat vir BESTE GROEP genomineer was het The Parlotones en Freshlyground ingesluit.

KORT ARTIKEL wat op Woens 21 Maart in BEELD PLUS verskyn het:

MK89 maak uiteindelik wenners bekend:

Ná maande van afwagting, het aanhangers van die Afrikaanse musiekkanaal MK89 uiteindelik Maandagaand gesien wie die wenners van die eerste MK-toekennings is. Kykers kon vir die duur van die kompetisie op die internet en per SMS stem vir die wenners. Aanbieder Tanya van Graan en die aanbieders van MK89 het die MK-toekennings aangewys. Met die eerste MK-toekennings het kykers meer as 10 000 keer gestem. Die uiteenlopendheid van die resultate weerspieël volgens dié kanaal wat in die musiekwêreld aan die gang is. Die groepe en kunstenaars wat met die louere weggestap het, is: Beste groepwenner: Fokofpolisiekar (Brand Suid-Afrika) Beste video-wenner: Bok van Blerk (De La Rey) Beste solo-wenner: Chris Chameleon (Die onverkrygbare) Beste animasie/effekte-wenner: Parlotones (Dragonflies & Astronauts) Beste liefdestoneel-wenner: Fokofpolisiekar (Brand Suid-Afrika) Beste truukwenner: Prime Circle (Live this Life) Sexyste wenner: Chris Chameleon (Die onverkrygbare) Beste wiele-wenner: Levi’s (Sunset Ribbon Red) Die “ek-wou-eintlik-’n-porno-ster-gewees-het”-wenner: Snotkop (Vrydagaand) Swakste video-wenner: Sussie Wie (Ring ka ting)

FOKOFPOLISIEKAR`s single SWANESANG has reached the no 1 position on popular national radio station 5fm`s VODACOM High 5 at 5 chart for two weeks in a row on Fridays 9 and 16 February. The chart positions are determined by public vote and is broadcasted daily between 17h00 and 17h30 on DJ Fresh`s afternoon drive show. SWANESANG has been play-listed on 5fm since mid December 2006.

Rhythm Records would like to thank 5fm for having selected this track for their official play-list. It is a great breakthrough for FOKOFPOLISIEKAR.

Chris Chameleon and band - HIDE AND SEEK

Friday 2 March – Stellenbosch Town Hall

Chris Chameleon and his band will stage a one of a kind performance with multi-media effects on Friday 2 March at Stellenbosch Town Hall. This show will be recorded live on DVD and promises to be a spectacular event with Chris and the band`s diversely layered musical talents enhanced by the added effects of intelligent lighting and big screens.

Chris Chameleon is one of the most versatile singer-songwriters South Africa has to offer and is known for his unique style and reputation for mesmerizing audiences with his 4-octave voice and irresistible stage personality.

Chris performs with his band on rare occasions, making this show a unique event. He will perform songs from his English album “SHINE”, as well as a few Afrikaans songs from the albums “EK HERHAAL JOU” and “7deHEMEL”

Chris Chameleon exploded onto the music scene in 1997 as the dynamic frontman of the monki-punk band Boo! After the band broke up in 2004, Chris pursued a solo career and within the past two years rose to currently be one of the most popular and acclaimed artists in South Africa. Both “EK HERHAAL JOU” and “7de HEMEL” reached gold status (25 000 units) in July 2006 and “7de HEMEL” reached platinum status (sales exceeding 50 000 units) a month later. Chris also received a Huisgenoot Tempo Award for “Favourite Contemporary Artist” 2006, as well as two Vonk Awards for “Best Male Artist” 2005 and “Best Male Album” for “EK HERHAAL JOU.”

Innovative, prolific and endlessly creative, Chris Chameleon is set out to continue to be a prominent artist on the SA Music front.

Tickets for Hide and Seek:

Limited tickets available, pre-bookings are advised. Contact Martmarie at Hometown Productions: 021 883 9724 or go to www.hometown.co.za to make a online booking.

Prices:

Balcony seats: R70.00 Standing in hall front: R80.00 Standing in hall back: R70.00 (R50 students on presenting a student card)

Persverklaring

Uitsaaines 'Live' is ‘n unieke Afrikaanse Internet radio stasie, wat 24/7 uitsaai in Afrikaans, met verskeie interessante programme en inhoud.

Uitsaaines 'Live' saai vanaf 21 Januarie elke Sondag www.rhythmrecords.co.za se Top 10 'downloads' vir die week tussen 21h15 en 22h00 uit

Hierdie is die enigste 100% onafhanklike Afrikaanse radiostasie op die internet beskikbaar, met meer as 4500 luisteraars per maand, van alle uithoeke van die wereld. Die luisteraars getal groei daagliks, saam met die jaar oue radiostasie.

Uitsaaines “Live” maak van servers in die VSA gebruik om hulle stroom te huisves, en die program aanbieders is ook van regoor die wereld, onder andere van Suid Afrika, Amerika, Spanje, Holland, Australie, en Engeland.

Die inisiatief vir Uitsaaines “Live” het ontstaan by Kraaipromosies, en aan die stuur van hierdie radiostasie staan die bekende promosie egpaar, Raymond en Hanlie Greenberg, wat ook heeltemal die radiostasie privaat finansier uit hulle eie sakke, met die doel om dit te omskep in ‘n groeiende komersiele internet radiostasie, maar tot dan, sal hulle voortgaan om dit te finansier, sodat dit nooit onder sal gaan nie. Natuurlik maak elke program aanbieder ook sy eie bydrae deur gratis sy/haar tyd en internet kostes op te offer om van hierdie ‘n uiters geslaagde radiostasie te maak.

Uitsaaines “Live” het ook onlangs sy eie kletskamer in werking gestel, en spog reeds met meer as 1000 ingeskrewe kletsers daar, en wat hierdie kletskamer interessant maak, is die feit dat die kletsers ook sommer radio kan luister terwyl hulle klets, en die program aanbieders en sommige kunstenaars draai ook gereeld daar tydens hulle uitsendings.

Besoek gerus die Uitsaaines “Live” se webwerf vir altyd opgedateerde nuus oor die radiostasie, program inhoud, programaanbieders en hulle uitsaaitye. Sommige programme soos onderhoude met bekende kunstenaars, kan ook van die webwerf afgelaai word, mits jy daar geregistreer is.

Skakel na uitsaaines se webwerf: www.uitsaaines.co.za

Skakel na die radio geselskamer: www.gesels.com

Skakel na Kraaipromosies: www.kraaipromosies.co.za

Hanlie en Raymond Greenberg

PAUL WILSON TO SING NATIONAL ANTHEM After great success at the on-field performances, Southern Gypsey Queen are getting ready for the big one. On the 23rd June, they will be performing before as well as after the Vodacom Tri-Nations match between South Africa and New Zealand in Durban.

23 June 2007 – SA vs New Zealand (Tri-Nations game) – Absa Stadium, Dbn

In addition to this, Paul Wilson, drummer for Southern Gypsey Queen, will be singing the national anthem with Durban songstress, Pumi Zondi at this match.

Jenny Wentzel of SA Rugby says, “It has been wonderful to work with the band, specifically because of their willingness to travel but also since there have been no games in the Eastern Cape this has brought a little of the Eastern Cape to the game.

Two of Southern Gypsey Queen’s songs, ‘Souls of Africa’ – from Sweet Voodoo and ‘Shine’ – a song specifically written for the rugby - have been included in the World Cup CD Compilation which is due to be released at the end of June. Southern Gypsey Queen are working on their next album, Be the Lion after the great success and excellent response to their last album, Rise Up, which was released late last year.

CHRIS CHAMELEON - success in the Benelux countries.

Chris Chameleon is back in SA after a very succesful tour in the Benelux countries. He performed 25 shows in 6 weeks, including various shows in which he opened for the popolar Dutch band SPINVIS. Chris has been performing in the Netherlands for the past 10 years and this has been his most rewarding tour up to date.

The record deal with Excelsior Recordings* in the Netherlands makes a huge difference in terms of furthering an awareness and distribution of Chris`s music. Performing with SPINVIS in large theaters ensured a new and growing audience. The reception was fantastic and Chris`s Cd`s flew from the shelves. Reviews in various publications in the Netherlands praised Chris as an “exceptional” artist:

Door Frank Antonie van Alphen (uit dagblad De Gelderlander 12-11-07)

'Het publiek hing aan zijn lippen, gisterenmiddag in café Frowijn. En dat mocht ook wel want de mond waarbij die lippen horen, weet verdraaid mooie liedjes tevoorschijn te goochelen. Chris Chameleon is een stemtovenaar uit Zuid-Afrika, die met zijn vier octaven over een fabuleus bereik beschikt. De ene keer bromt en gorgelt hij als een chagrijnige soulzanger, dan weer knijpt hij zijn stembanden fijn om er een tjilpend hoge castratenstem uit te persen. Maar zijn duikerslongen zorgen voor meer verrassingen. Chameleon laat horen waar hij geboren is. Apen kwetteren tevoorschijn uit zijn borst, de mooiste vogelgeluiden; klokkend water van een beekje.

Frowijn is inmiddels onder de indruk en stil geworden. Dat gebeurt toch niet zo vaak tijdens concerten in die kroeg. Solo is Chris Chameleon op z'n innemendst, en zeker op z'n best. Hij is deze maand voor enkele concerten te gast als opwarmer van Spinvis.'

3 voor 12 website:

'Zij die Chris Chameleon eerder live hebben gezien spreken van een fenomeen. Want behalve een uitstekende en expressieve zanger met een zeer lenige stem, die de ene keer aan Tim Buckley doet denken, en dan weer aan Elvis Presley of The Scissor Sisters, is Chameleon ook stemkunstenaar. Hij wist geluiden voort te brengen die hier onmogelijk te omschrijven zijn. Een bijzondere artiest.'

Chris has already booked three tours in the Benelux for 2008 and will be spending almost half his working time overseas in the next few years. With Excelsior Recordings on his side, rave reviews and a growing fanbase in the Netherlands, Chris Chameleon is set to be a pioneering force for South African music in the Benelux countries.

Fans will also be more than delighted to hear that Chris will be releasing a new DVD 'Klassieke Chameleon' and a new English album ‘Wishbones and Shooting Stars’ early in 2008.

* Chris signed a contract with Excelsior Recordings in the Netherlands for the distribution and marketing of his latest Afrikaans album 'EK VIR JOU.'

Website: www.chrischameleon.com

CHRIS CHAMELEON - success in the Benelux countries.

Chris Chameleon is back in SA after a very succesful tour in the Benelux countries. He performed 25 shows in 6 weeks, including various shows in which he opened for the popolar Dutch band SPINVIS. Chris has been performing in the Netherlands for the past 10 years and this has been his most rewarding tour up to date.

The record deal with Excelsior Recordings* in the Netherlands makes a huge difference in terms of furthering an awareness and distribution of Chris`s music. Performing with SPINVIS in large theaters ensured a new and growing audience. The reception was fantastic and Chris`s Cd`s flew from the shelves. Reviews in various publications in the Netherlands praised Chris as an “exceptional” artist:

Door Frank Antonie van Alphen (uit dagblad De Gelderlander 12-11-07)

'Het publiek hing aan zijn lippen, gisterenmiddag in café Frowijn. En dat mocht ook wel want de mond waarbij die lippen horen, weet verdraaid mooie liedjes tevoorschijn te goochelen. Chris Chameleon is een stemtovenaar uit Zuid-Afrika, die met zijn vier octaven over een fabuleus bereik beschikt. De ene keer bromt en gorgelt hij als een chagrijnige soulzanger, dan weer knijpt hij zijn stembanden fijn om er een tjilpend hoge castratenstem uit te persen. Maar zijn duikerslongen zorgen voor meer verrassingen. Chameleon laat horen waar hij geboren is. Apen kwetteren tevoorschijn uit zijn borst, de mooiste vogelgeluiden; klokkend water van een beekje.

Frowijn is inmiddels onder de indruk en stil geworden. Dat gebeurt toch niet zo vaak tijdens concerten in die kroeg. Solo is Chris Chameleon op z'n innemendst, en zeker op z'n best. Hij is deze maand voor enkele concerten te gast als opwarmer van Spinvis.'

3 voor 12 website:

'Zij die Chris Chameleon eerder live hebben gezien spreken van een fenomeen. Want behalve een uitstekende en expressieve zanger met een zeer lenige stem, die de ene keer aan Tim Buckley doet denken, en dan weer aan Elvis Presley of The Scissor Sisters, is Chameleon ook stemkunstenaar. Hij wist geluiden voort te brengen die hier onmogelijk te omschrijven zijn. Een bijzondere artiest.'

Chris has already booked three tours in the Benelux for 2008 and will be spending almost half his working time overseas in the next few years. With Excelsior Recordings on his side, rave reviews and a growing fanbase in the Netherlands, Chris Chameleon is set to be a pioneering force for South African music in the Benelux countries.

Fans will also be more than delighted to hear that Chris will be releasing a new DVD 'Klassieke Chameleon' and a new English album ‘Wishbones and Shooting Stars’ early in 2008.

* Chris signed a contract with Excelsior Recordings in the Netherlands for the distribution and marketing of his latest Afrikaans album 'EK VIR JOU.'

Website: www.chrischameleon.com

12th Avenue´s latest single 'Crazy' has hit the number 1 for a 4th consecutive week on the Vodacom Hi5@5 Request Chart on 5FM.

Thank you so much to all the fans that have been voting for the band. Please continue to vote for 12th Avenue by SMSing the words: 'Hi5 12th Avenue - Crazy' to 33345. The band really appreciates all the support and urges you to please continue voting for 'Crazy' on 5FM.

Please contact 5fm and demand this song be playlisted -POWER TO THE FANS!!!!!!

Click here to download the songs.

www.12thavenueband.com - www.myspace.com/12thavenueband

BED ON BRICKS 2006

BED ON BRICKS is known to be one of the most original and tightest bands in South Africa. In an era where rock music is chronically lacking originality they serve as an example of true local style. The band’s sound is chunky, funky, smooth and rough, with a lot of hop and lyrics free from clichéd, American accented lamentations. Add to this their phenomenal stage act and it is evident that these guys are on their way to major success.

BED ON BRICKS has had a very successful 2006. This includes playing both Oppikoppi festivals, the Robertson Rocks festival as well as numerous tours to Durban and Gauteng. Their magnificent set at Oppikoppi in August was a definite highlight. They electrified the audience, exuding energy and skill to the very limit of the Bushveld-night, a performance that was perfectly awesome throughout every second of their 45-minute set.

Their second album “If You See Kay” was released in 2005 and continually draws rave reviews from fans and media alike. The band is currently working on material for a new album to be released in 2007.

Esteemed by many leaders in the South African Music industry, these are recent quotes in support of BED ON BRICKS` exceptional talent:

'I have and will always be a huge fan of Bed On Bricks. They are a great original rock band with true South African sound and roots. Nobody else in this country sounds like them. Their lyrics are clever and live shows mind-blowing. In my opinion they were the best and most entertaining live band at Oppikoppi 2006. They are not just another brick in the wall! If the rest of the world only knew about this hidden gem...' Barney Simon

'Bed on Bricks is in my opinion South Africa's tightest live band at the moment and it is no surprise that they were voted best band at Oppikoppi 2006. Their music and performance must surely rate as world-class and no wonder given the talent and experience of these four seasoned musicians. Bricks is a band with gravity and an unmistakably cool edge - watch this band fly in 2007!' Mike Joubert, Managing Director, Levi Strauss & Co SA

Bed on Bricks is without a doubt one of the best rock bands that South Africa has delivered. Their album “If you See Kay” deserves world wide recognition.” Ilza Roggeband, Huisgenoot

2007 might also see Bed on Bricks traveling overseas, with all the local support rating them as a world class act, we cannot wait.

Upcoming gigs:

Sat 23 Dec: Opium, Cape Town - Cuervo Tour Wed 27 Dec: Opium, Cape Town Fri 29 Dec: Mercury Live, Cape Town Sun 31 Dec: Stones Edward Street Tygervalley.

For enquiries about Bed on Bricks and New Year`s Eve Show contact Gary 072 268 1999

Fokofpolisiekar`s current single SWANESANG has been accepted for popular national radio 5fm`s official play-list.

Rhythm Records would like to thank 5fm for their support and aknowledgement of this track. It is a big breaktrough for Fokofpolisiekar and for Afrikaans Rock Music.

Fokofpolisiekar`s second single EK SKYN HEILIG will be submitted to radio in February 2007. A new video of this track has just been released and will be screened on MK89 as from 20 December. The video is also loaded onto youtube, here the link for viewing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wolZPKBcag4

Enjoy!

Press release: Fokofpolisiekar 2006

Fokofpolisiekar`s year kicked off with a bang (or is it ban?) after an incident with the blasphemous signing of a wallet caused a major nationwide upheaval of condemnation from the Afrikaans Christian Community. It is probably the first time ever that a band in SA has had such a profound impact on society: daily press entries, underground email threats, Festival bans, prayer-groups and student marches against the band.

During the same time, Fokofpolisiekar`s drummer Jaco Venter, jumped out of a moving vehicle and broke his arm. He was replaced for six months by Justin Kruger.

Uncompromisingly Fokofpolisiekar remained focused on their plans for the year. They recorded and released a four- track- album, “Brand Suid Afrika” in April. The single “Brand Suid Afrika” reached the no 1 position on various campus radio stations and has achieved the no 1 position on PUK Radio`s Top 100 for 2006. True to their controversial nature of blatant honesty, the video of “Brand Suid Afrika” became a much talked about topic with the portrayal of two “boere-omies making out on the bonnet of a car.” This video, directed by Johan Nel, reached the no 1 position on MK89`s 6@6 chart for several weeks.

In March Fokofpolisiekar was selected as one of the acts for an international Coca Cola Colab concert. The line-up included Simple Plan, The Rasmus and main act Metallica. Fokofpolisiekar played at 14h00 to a packed and very appreciative crowd at Greenpoint stadium. The following quote found on a Netherlands website forum supports what we already know: that Fokofpolisiekar is a world class act.

“Kaapstad was de laatste daarvan en mocht het nou net zo zijn dat wij er toen ook waren J Een concert van 12 tot 12 met allerlei rockbands van binnen en buiten Zuid-Afrika. Seether, Prime Circle, Fokofpolisiekar en Metallica waren de topacts wat mij betreft. Ook Simple Plan en The Rasmus waren er. Ik en Maarten hebben ons meesterlijk vermaakt.” Jan T Breunissen”

The long awaited second full length album, “Swanesang” was released in September. This album has received rave reviews and is considered to be Fokofpolisiekar`s best work up to date. The production, lyrics and musical content is of exceptional standard and the opening sales of the first month exceeded 5 000 units. The first single “Swanesang” charted on various campus radio stations within the first two weeks. DJ Fresh from 5fm loved the track when he heard it on the SA local props slot and opened his drive time show with playing the single “Swanesang” on Monday 9 October at 16h00. (Thanks Fresh!)

In November Fokofpolisiekar did their first extensive tour in Europe, playing 12 shows in 19 days in London, Belgium and the Netherlands. The tour was a huge success and it was evident that the Fokofpolisiekar phenomenon has hit home in all three these countries. Many fans already knew who they were, surprisingly singing along to some of the tracks. Some of them traveled by train or bicycle for miles to be able to see Fokofpolisiekar live. The tour was organized by Alex Fourie of Rhythm International, a new section of Rhythm Records that focuses on international tours and exposure.

Fokofpolisiekar has done an estimated 140 shows in 2006. They were invited to perform as the main act at various festivals of which the highlights include:

Tuks Rag Maties Rag MK89 Campus Tour Kaktus op die Vlaktes, KKNK Splashy Fen, Drekanesberg Opening for Violent Femmes at Coca Cola Dome Oppiaarde, Pochefstroom Oppikoppi Easter, Northam Oppikoppi Rock Paper Scissors, Northam Robertson Rocks, Robertson Waka Waka Festival, Ladysmith

Fokofpolisiekar would like to thank their sponsors for 2006 for their support. “We could not have done all of this without you.”:

Levi's® Original Music JÄgermeister MK89 Music Connection Wildfire Tattoos Audio Quest Pro-sound Von Zipper Punkskelm Records

Shows for 2007: www.fokofpolisiekar.co.za

My Space: www.myspace.com/fokofpolisiekar

Fokofpolisiekar songs and Cd`s available on Rhythm Records music download shop: www.rhythmrecords.co.za

Valiant Swart – 2006

“As Leonard Cohen in die Norton Anthology of Poetry opgeneem is, hoort Valiant lankal in die Groot Verseboek” – Danie Marais, Beeld

Valiant Swart se nuutste album “Horisontaal” is in Junie 2006 uitgereik. Hierdie langverwagte album het beide kritici en aanhangers gaande. Die 12 splinternuwe liedjies is vintage Valiant en neem die luisteraar weer eens op reis deur Valiant se rock ‘n roll landskap. “Horisontaal” is in Oktober bekroon met die Huisgenoot Tempo Toekenning vir Gewildste Rock Album (wenners is bepaal deur publieke stemming).

Die treffer “Tussen die lyne” het die speellyste van RSG, Jacarandafm en OFM gehaal en het op OFM se Top 20 die nommer 4 posisie bereik. Verskeie snitte vanaf die album word ook gehoor op MFM, Puk Radio, Kovsiefm, IFM, Overvaal Stereo, Radio Rosestad, VCR, Radio Pretoria, Radio Rippel, Radio Kragbron, Radio Laeveld etc.

Valiant het net soveel aandag in die geskrewe media geniet met die uitreiking van “Horisontaal”. Hier volg`n paar uittreksels uit artikels en resensies wat weer eens bevestig dat Valiant een van die belangrikste kunstenaars en liedjieskrywers van ons tyd is.

“Na 12 suksesvolle albums wat strek oor `n loopbaan van omtrent 16 jaar is Valiant Swart veel meer as net `n bekende naam op die Suid -Afrikaanse musiektoneel. Valiant se oortuigende boere-rock aanslag het iets diep in die publiek kom roer, en aanhangers kan eenvoudig nie genoeg van sy eksklusiewe klank en verwerkings kry nie. “ – Mandi Jordaan, abouTime.

“Steeds stuitig en steeds aan die brand. Steeds besig om huilende kitare nek om te draai in laatnag-klubs en steeds besig om mense histeries te maak met sy warm woorde en wilde wysies.” Jaco Nel, Tydskrif Rapport

“Belangriker vir my is die lirieke. Valiant kan skryf. Of beter gestel, hy kan beskryf. Sonder pretensie kleur beeldspraak en woordspelings sy songs op Horisontaal in.” – Chutney de Ridder, Die Burger JIP

“ Daar is lank gewag vir Valiant Swart se nuwe album en die wag was elke sekonde werd. Valiant is `n meester wanneer dit kom by lirieke en op Horisontaal wys hy weer hoekom hy bekend is as een van die beste liedjieskrywers in Afrikaans” – Ilza Roggeband, Huisgenoot

Valiant het in 2006 ook ontpop as `n rubriekskrywer en het bydraes gelewer vir onder andere Insig, Wegbreek en Nuwe Wiel.

Valiant Swart het meer as 100 vertonings gelewer in 2006. Feeste en groot produksies sluit in:

KKNK EN KAKTUS OPPI VLAKTES, OUDTSHOORN - Maart OPPIKOPPI ‘EASTER’ – April MK89 TOER (met Fokofpolisiekar, The Parlotones, The Narrow en Brasse Vannie Kaap) – April/Mei CEDERBERG FEES – Mei HORISONTAAL TOER - Junie VOLKSBLADFEES (met Laurika Rauch) – Julie TOER NA LONDEN (vier vertonings) - Julie OPPIKOPPI ROCK PAPER SCISSORS - Augustus HUISGENOOT SKOUSPEL – Oktober ROBERTSON ROCKS – November NICO CARSTENS HULDIGINGSKONSERT - Desember

Valiant het groot planne vir 2007. Hy het onlangs saam met Ollie Viljoen begin werk aan materiaal vir ‘n nuwe boeremusiek/blues/rock fusion album. Opnames geskied in Januarie en ‘n Europese toer word gereël vir Augustus.

www.valiant.co.za www.myspace.com/valiantswart

CHRIS CHAMELEON 2006

Chris Chameleon`s solo career kicked off in 2005 and within a year he has become one of South Africa`s most successful and popular artists. With a tight schedule, performing up to 5 times a week at venues nationwide, Chris Chameleon`s shows are currently fully booked till end of March 2007. His sell out shows inspire new and old fans alike, and his dynamic stage personality and distinctive vocal range of 4 octaves, ensures that his audiences experience something entirely exceptional.

Chris Chameleon`s first Afrikaans solo album “Ek herhaal jou” (in which he set poems of Ingrid Jonker to music) was nominated for a SAMA award for Best Afrikaans Contemporary album earlier this year. “Ek herhaal jou” reached gold status in July 2006, with sales exceeding 25 000. This album was honoured with the Vonk Award for Best Male Album on 30 November 2006.

A highlight for 2006 was when Chris was approached earlier this year by the producers of popular SABC 2 soapie, 7de laan. He was offered the part of homeless musician Liam, which led to apart from acting, him also performing his own songs during his two month appearance on 7de laan. (May- July)

In June 2006 Chris showed his true chameleon colours by releasing two diverse albums at the same time: an Afrikaans album “7de hemel”, with songs as performed by his character Liam on 7de laan, as well as an English pop-rock album “Shine”

“7de hemel” reached platinum status in August (sales exceeding 50 000) Tracks like ‘Sterredank’, ‘Kwaad’ and ‘Droomland’ reached the top of the charts of various radio stations including Ofm, Overvaal Stereo, IFM and Puk Radio. The CD also enjoys regular airplay on RSG. Current sales status of “7de hemel” is 60 000+.

“Shine” is Chris Chameleon`s first solo English album and has already sold more units than any of the popular Boo! albums. (Chris`s previous band) The first single off the album “Blue” was play-listed on 5fm, Highveld Stereo and all national campus radio stations. “Blue” has charted on Highveld Stereo and reached the top positions at Tuks Fm, MFM, Puk Radio, UJ FM and Kovsie FM. “Anywhere” has been play-listed on all “softer sounding” stations including KFM, OFM, RSG and Jacarandafm. The track is currently charting on OFM. The second single off the album “Shine” has recently been submitted to campus radio and 5fm and is currently also play-listed on East Coast Radio.

Festivals and Shows:

Chris Chameleon has done approximately 185 shows nationwide in 2006. Some of the bigger events and festivals include:

KKNK, Oudshoorn (1800) Kaktus op die Vlaktes with the band, KKNK (5000) Old Mutual Encounters: Spier with the band (5000) Oppikoppi Easter (8000) Cederburg Festival (400) Innibos Festival, Nelspruit (900) Wordfestival at the Grahamstown Festival (100) Grahamstown Festival (Old Mutual Acoustic Encounters with Rian Malan) (600) Volksblad Festival, Bloemfontein (Triple M = 3000, solo = 600) White Horse Sessions with Lukraaketaar (3000) Oppikoppi 12 with the band, Northam (10000) Gariep Festival (1000) Cultivaria Festival - Paarl (800) Whale Festival - Hermanus (200) Aardklop (3150) Oppiaarde with the band (9000) Huisgenoot (30000) Rittelfees (2000)

Chris also performed at the Dranouter Folk Festival in Belgium on 6 August and in the Netherlands on 8 August.

Awards 2006:

Won Huisgenoot Tempo Award for Most popular contemporary artist Won Vonk Award for Best Male Album of the year for “Ek herhaal jou.” Won Vonk Award for Best Male Solo artist of the year Nominated for SAMA award for Best Contemporary Album “Ek herhaal jou” Nominated for KANNA award and KKNK for best Contemorary Music performance in “Chris Chameleon sing Ingrid Jonker.”

Next up in 2007:

True to his prolific standards (he’s released three albums and one DVD in the space of one year) Chris Chameleon has begun production of his next English album, Afrikaans album and DVD which are all set to see the light in 2007. In the course of 2007 he will also travel abroad extensively to Europe and the United States to expand his fanbase and serve those fans he had already acquired there as a solo artist and with Boo! This versatile artist seems set to build upon his remarkable successes of the last two years and make 2007 the Year of the Chameleon.

Congratulations to Chris Chameleon and Valiant Swart who respectively won the following awards at the annual Huisgenoot Tempo Awards, held on Sunday 15 October at Sun City Superbowl:

Most Popular Contemporary Artist: Chris Chameleon

Most Popular Afrikaans Rock album: Valiant Swart: Horisontaal

This prestigious awards ceremony is much valued in the Afrikaans music industry as the winners are determined by public vote.

The Huisgenoot Tempo Awards is hosted at the annual Huisgenoot Skouspel Concert at the Sun City Superbowl. This is the largest, world class concert of its kind in South Africa and showcases the most successful musical talent that the Afrikaans music industry has to offer. The concert is attended by 30 000 people annually ( six shows over two weekends, seating 5 000 people per show.)

Both Valiant Swart and Chris Chameleon have been acknowledged to be in the top league of Afrikaans artists by being invited to perform at Huisgenoot Skouspel 2006, and winning these awards have defined both artists to be extremely popular with their audiences.

New CD release

Fokofpolisiekar – “Swanesang”

Released by Rhythm Records

Release date: 15 September 2006

Distributed by Select Music Distribution

Catalogue number RR 071

“Swanesang” is a full length album, consisting of 11 previously unreleased songs, a remixed version of “Brand Suid-Afrika” and a music video.

The album multiplies Fokofpolisiekar’s previous musical experiences by thousands of kilometres on the road, acting on death defying impulses, being banished from festivals, drawing record crowd attendances and a following of revolutionary like-minded cult fans. A fan base that, together with the guys from Fokof, show the need to do a fundamental reality check and to loosen themselves from detached authoritarian instances.

Expect exponential progress in Fokofpolisiekar`s song writing and overall studio production techniques. The intricacies of “Swanesang” cannot be grasped during one sitting alone. Just like the maze of illustrations in the CD booklet, there are thousands of dark alleys that have to be explored at full blast before the music, lyrics and illustrations come together as a whole.

Tracks like “Prioritiseer” and “Vir altyd 07 November” will make you hit the repeat button compulsively. Hunter Kennedy (lyricist and guitarist) is not credited for singing. He screams. Raw and contagious. “Déjà vu” and “Heiden Heiland” will launch your head into random orbit, adding to the number of lost celestial bodies. “Vasbeslote Korporasie (deel 2)” is a super accessible radio friendly harmony-hit, surely to be appreciated by expired hippies secretly wishing for a Beatles revival. “Ek Skyn (Heilig)” displays cynical Bellville - “humour”, clad in symphonic grandeur.

“Swanesang” was recorded by John Paul de Stefani during March and August 2006 at B Sharp Studios in Boksburg. The album was produced by Johnny de Ridder and guest artists “The Electro Muse String Quartet” add an expansive symphonic orientation to the album.

“Fokofpolisiekar is the only Afrikaans Rock Band” – Johannes Bekker, Potchefstroom.

Tracklist:

1. Morning Star, Durbanville

2. Heiden Heiland

3. Swanesang

4. Bel vir Middelvinger

5. Vasbeslote Korporasie (deel 1)

6. Prioritiseer

7. Vir altyd 07 November

8. Ek skyn (Heilig)

9. Brand Suid-Afrika

10. Backstage (as daar een is)

11. Déjà Vu

12. Vasbeslote Korporasie ( deel 2)

Enhanced CD: MUSIC VIDEO: BRAND SUID – AFRIKA

SWANESANG TOUR DATES:

28 Sept: Stones, Bloemfontein

30 Sept: OppiAarde, Potchefstroom

2 Oct: Tings 'n Times, Pretoria

3 Oct: Back2Basix, Mellville. JHB

4 Oct: Steak 'n Ale, Pretoria (Acoustic)

5 Oct: Rock Night, Impala Park Centre

6 Oct: The Doors, Edenvale. JHB – CD launch

7 Oct: Trashers, Pretoria (All Ages)

7 Oct: Zeplins, Pretoria (with The Narrow) – CD launch

8 Oct: Tempo's, JHB (with The Narrow)

14 Oct: Olive Bar, Worcester (with Antipathy and Soulja)

18 Oct: Klein Libertas, Stellenbosch

27 Oct: Mercury Live, Cape Town – CD launch

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Fokofpolisiekar EUROPEAN Tour November 2006 (UK, Belgium, Netherlands)

A Fokofpolisiekar-tour of the UK, Belgium and the Netherlands is on the cards for November 2006 . They will play twelve venues during their twenty day tour which starts in London on 1 November.

“Fokofpolisiekar have challenged mindsets all over the country and made a lot of people angry, but more importantly, they truely rock the nation” – Blunt magazine, 2004, South Africa

The multi award winning Fokofpolisiekar currently ride the wave as South Africa`s favoured head-lining band. Whether by their phenomenal live acts, intelligent lyrics, luring marketing campaigns or by the controversy generated around them in the media, Fokofpolisiekar has become a household name, with the ironic dynamic of also being the most popular underground cult band in South Africa.

Although branded by many conventional South Africans as the bad boys of Afrikaans rock, they have also been noticed in Afrikaans literary circles for the intelligent conveyance of their honest and straightforward Afrikaans lyrics. Their success and popularity among both fans and the media alike shows that they have more substance and impact than just an outrageous name. ( Translate: Fuck off police-car )

Previous performances abroad include representing South Africa at the Pukkelpop Festival in Belgium in 2004 and a tour to London in 2005.

The European tour dates for November 2006 are :

Wed 1 November: Shepherd`s Bush Walkabout, London, UK

Fri 3 November: Zulus, Fulham ( Acoustic), London

Sat 4 November: Zulus Leytonstone 6-9 pm, London,UK

Wed 8 November: RKZ Bar, Groningen, NL

Thur 9 November: JH Mixit, Landegem, BE

Fri 10 November: TAP, Moen, BE

Sat 11 November: JH Djem, Melsele, BE (with Scarrots)

Sun 12 November: JH De Choke, Herselt, BE

Wed 15 November: Pakhuis, Wilhelmina, Amsterdam, NL ( with Stuurbaard Bakkebaard)

Thurs 16 November: P3, Purmerend, NL

Fri 17 November: Iduna, Drachten, NL ( with Stuurbaard Bakkebaard and The Apers)

Sun 19 November: W2, Den Bosch, NL ( with Stuurbaard Bakkebaars and Ottoboy)

More shows to be confirmed

Media quotes:

“Not only does Fokofpolisiekar rock like no one else. They also make music for people, which means that it`s not up it`s own ass, it`s lyrics means something and it stays with you for a long time.” Toast Coetzer, Iafrica.com. SA

“Fokofpolisiekar is het beste wat de Afrikaanstalige muziek is overkomen sinds de democratische verkiezingen van 1994. Hier staat een band met de heibelradar van de Sex Pistols, de branie van The Clash en het popgevoel van The Police. Vijf jonge Afrikaners (leeftijd tussen 22 en 27) uit een doodsaaie braai en boerewors buitenwijk van Kaapstad, opgegroeid met het woord van God en de Nederduits Gereformeerde Kerk en het hedonisme van AC/DC, hetgeen resulteerde in een gezonde dosis vervreemding en agressie.” Rolf Bos. www.volkskrantblog.nl/bericht/46016

“That the album turned out to be one of the best things I heard in the past few months is all the more satisfying. Favorite new bands tend to turn up in the least likely of places, and the Afrikaans speaking community of Cape Town, South Africa wasn`t a place where I kept a close eye on. Only the highest praise goes out to Fokofpolisiekar. I hope for many more great albums to come. – Tim Krysko – review of Fokofpolisiekar, Lugsteuring on Punk International, Feb 2005.

“In its 80 years as an official language, Afrikaans has always found something new in itself. In the beginning there was CJ Langenoven.Today we have Marlene v Niekerk, Fokofpolisiekar and much, much more.” Perspektief, Rapport, SA

“2004 saw the arrival of an Afrikaans punk outfit with the outrageous name Fokofpolisiekar. What followed was controversy, a devoted cult following and a mosh-pit revival.” Laura Twiggs, Femina SA

“Een uur later staan ze op het podium van het propvolle Back2Basix in Johannesburg. Ook al is het zondagavond, het is feest. Links en rechts, voor en achter zingen de fans alles woord voor woord mee. Het concert wordt afgesloten met het allereerste liedje, het schotschrift tegen autoriteit. 'Fokof! Fokof polisiekar, fokof!' schalt het door de zaal. En nog een keer. En nog een keer. Tot ze allemaal hees zijn.” Rolf Bos. www.volkskrantblog.nl/bericht/46016

Tour associates:

CD Distribution in Netherlands and Belgium: Sonic Rendezvous DCM

Promoters in Netherlands: SOZ Concerts

Promoters in Belgium: L&S Agency

LUNA – ‘Four Seasons’ performance at:

Bank Windhoek Arts Festival, Windhoek: 22 – 24 September 2006

Singer songwriter Luna has been noted as one of South African Music`s best-kept secrets. Luna has the powerful combination of a remarkably strong yet soothing voice and together with her finely tuned compositional skills, it is no wonder that she has made it to the current semi-finals of The World Song Contest 2006.

Luna is looking forward to her first visit to Namibia as an artist. Her solo show will entertain with songs about the different seasons of life and love. All songs are original, written and composed by Luna herself. She will be singing songs from her first album 'Luna', her second album 'Missing Pieces', as well as exciting new Afrikaans material (to be released early next year). Luna will also be incorporating South African poetry (works of Eugéne Marais, Elisabeth Eybers, NP van Wyk Louw, Fanie Olivier and English poets) into her show.

Luna at Windhoek Bank Foyer

22/09/06 @ 20:30 Bank Windhoek Foyer; 23/09/06 @ 20:30 Bank Windhoek Foyer; 24/09/06 @ 20:30 Bank Windhoek Foyer.

Ticket sales: Contact The National Theatre of Namibia: 0(9)2 64 61 374 415 Cost of tickets: N$50

Media quote: “Was listening to Luna earlier: this young woman is SERIOUSLY talented! Definitely of international quality. Her album is very well written, produced and performed, one of the classiest albums I've heard for many years. She has a stunning and very pleasing-on-the-ear voice. Proof enough that we have incredible talent in this country. Leon Economides, Radio Today, SA

Chris Chameleon`s second Afrikaans album “7de hemel” has reached platinum status on Friday 18 August (exceeding sales of 50 000 units).

This good news follows after Chris Chameleon`s two Afrikaans albums “7de hemel” and “Ek herhaal jou” both reached gold status in July.

“7de hemel”, an album consisting of songs as performed by Chris Chameleon`s character Liam on the popular SABC 2 series 7delaan, was released on 9 June 2006. This album reached gold status (25 000) within a month of its release. And now, platinum!

“This album is a winner. Chris is an exceptional artist. He has a phenomenal voice, is a remarkable songwriter and if you have been lucky enough to see one of his live performances, you will know that the extent of his talents cannot be measured in gold.” Ilza Roggeband, review in Huisgenoot Tempo, 22 July 2006.

Chris Chameleon`s popularity and success is evident by the fact that his debut Afrikaans album “ Ek herhaal jou” has also reached gold status, two weeks after the first gold for “7de hemel.”

“Ek herhaal jou” was released in 2005 and is a musical journey in which Chris has transformed the poetry of iconic 60`s poet Ingrid Jonker into melodic and accessible songs. “Ek herhaal jou” was nominated for a Huisgenoot Tempo award in 2005 and for a SAMA award in 2006.

When he was congratulated, Chris responded with a tongue in the cheek imitation of Christopher Walken in one of his favorite Saturday Night Live episodes, quoting: “easy guys, I put my pants on just like the rest of you - one leg at a time, except, once my pants are on, I make gold & platinum records hahaha!'

Photo taken by: Eric Uys

Chris Chameleon se twee Afrikaanse albums het binne weke van mekaar goue status bereik.

Die album '7de hemel', met liedjies soos gesing deur Chris se karakter Liam op 7delaan, het op 5 Julie 2006 goue status (verkope van 25 000) bereik. Die verkope het steeds die afgelope week bly styg en het reeds die 38 000 merk oortref.

Fokofpolisiekar`s long awaited second full-length rock album “Swanesang” has been released on 15 September. This 12 track album contains 5 unreleased Fokofpolisiekar songs recorded during their March 2006 studio sessions, as well as 7 songs specifically written for their August 2006 studio sessions. Expect exponential progress in Fokofpolisiekar`s songwriting and overall studio production techniques. Definitely a massive leap forward for these high profile and much publicised South African Rockers.

Dates for the Swanesang Tour 2006:

Main Sponsor: Levi`s Original Music

Also sponsored by: Prosound, Blunt Magazine, Audio Quest, Von Zipper, Wildfire Tattoos, Music Connection, Punkskelm Plate and Rhythm Records.

28 Sept: Stones, Bloemfontein 30 Sept: OppiAarde, Potchefstroom 2 Oct: Tings 'n Times, Pretoria 3 Oct: Back2Basix, Mellville. JHB 4 Oct: Steak 'n Ale, Pretoria (Acoustic) 5 Oct: Rock Night, Impala Park Centre 6 Oct: The Doors, Edenvale. JHB – CD launch 7 Oct: Trashers, Pretoria (All Ages) 7 Oct: Zeplins, Pretoria (with The Narrow) – CD launch 8 Oct: Tempo's, JHB (with The Narrow) 14 Oct: Olive Bar, Worcester (with Antipathy and Soulja) 18 Oct: Klein Libertas, Stellenbosch 27 Oct: Mercury Live, Cape Town – CD launch