Dear blogosphere - what a long time it has been!

There is much to say, and most of it is exciting.

On the 15th of January I signed with my agent, and have been to a few castings here and there in the past few months, and depressingly, only worked on one set (Mad Dogs 4).

Above is a picture of the gorgeous black Camaro we used on set. My role was only as an extra, and I had to sit in my car in a staged traffic jam from 7am until 6:30pm for two days straight. It was very, very boring, and the first day I needed the bathroom so badly that the small waterbottles that they handed out to us started to look very enticing. On the second day I was more prepared, armed with my laptop, series, books and plenty of food and water. Much, MUCH more enjoyable. The man in the suit on the right was one of the main characters. There were four men, and they all wore latex masks with faces on the back and front of their heads. Very cool. The interesting thing about being on a professional set was that I had no idea what they were supposed to be doing... We were all so out of touch with the bigger picture of the scene that all of us extras just sat in our cars and relaxed (and got paid for it!). All in all it was a good experience, and I enjoyed it. Now hopefully I can get some more similar jobs!

I resigned from Butler's Pizza a  month or two ago - which was very sad for me. I had some of the best times of my life working for them, and I enjoyed meeting and establishing friendships with all of the guys I worked with. I will miss them dearly. I did, however, start working for Col 'Cacchio pizzeria in Belvedere Road, Claremont. They're a wonderful Italian restaurant with branches all over South Africa, and the one in Belvedere Square is one of only two branches that do deliveries. Naturally with my people skills and experience in deliveries, I fit in very well and I am enjoying it immensely, sampling the different pizzas shift to shift.

Josh, my cousin, came to stay with us for a week after having shot the argus cycle tour on the weekend before (he's a photographer, not a sniper). Last year when he came down, I was at college and my brother entertained him, and I didn't get to see him at all. This year, however, I was free, and my brother had university. One phrase describes the week. "Turn me over, I'm done!". We partied hard for 4 days straight, going out every night and meeting the most incredible people. Unfortunately his iPhone was stolen on Long St. on monday night, which put a damper on the mood, but he was soon back to his usual self when we found out it was insured.

One more piece of exciting news - I applied for an internship at a PR, Marketing and Brand Growth company - something that's completely out of my comfort zone but it is definitely something I can see myself getting into. Needless to say, I'm excited to see the outcome.

That's all for now
Stay classy, blogosphere.

Beast.

I sit in bed, at 1:13 AM on a Saturday night/Sunday morning, with my customary post-night-out-McDonalds. There is a ringing in my ears that I savour.

Tonight was the night that I attended The Perfect Circle gig at Mercury Live in Cape Town.

The line-up - Glen Hartmann, Woodstock Mafia and Beast (Inge Beckmann's new band - more on that later). The atmosphere, as my brother described it: "They have bum-cushions!". The lighting was soft, the vibe was relaxed and there were a few familiar faces from the Cape Town indie music industry, including Kyle Gray, drummer (not bassist - although it would fulfill my dream of all the band members getting up in the middle of a set and swopping instruments) of Fox Comet.

Black Label in hand, I settled down to witness the first act of the evening. Glen Hartmann's sound was a relaxed tone that left me thinking to myself: "What is the name of this sorcerous genre? I need to get some of this music!". It was a soul-searching, deep performance, with simple, yet extremely effective extras, such as (I forget his name) on drums and Glen's girlfriend (I forget her name as well) on backup vocals. The songs were creatively written, and held a certain enchanting feel.

Next up, Woodstock Mafia. The vibey, dynamic sextet were, once again, on top form, and even in the unusual acoustic setting, they performed admirably with their upbeat songs, relating often to the life of typical Capetonians.

Finally, the audience were graced by the presence of Inge Beckmann's new band 'Beast'. Being a huge fan of Lark in their heyday, I was eager to see the route in which Inge had gone with this new venture. An angelic voice with performances such as 'Lament in G' under her belt, I was curious to see how she would adapt to a heavier setting in Beast. In short, their performance blew me away. This next section, on Beast's performance, deserves its own paragraph.

Ah, there we go. I sat, awestruck, as the heavy sounds erupted from the speakers when Beast began their sound-check. Their interesting use of basses (one acoustic and one electric, later to change to two electrics) was something I was unsure of, and I must admit that I leant towards expecting a sound that was cacophonous instead of pleasing on the ear. The result, however, was miraculous. With a Black Keys style distortion on the electric, their set exploded with the type of intensity that one sees in movies like The Runaways, The Boat That Rocked and Lords of Dogtown. Inge's obvious knowledge of the versatility of her voice shone through, and once again I was impressed by her adaptability and vocal brilliance. An enormous mention has to go to their drummer (I didn't, unfortunately, catch his name). His dexterity was admirable as he built, descended and took us through the hard and fast emotions of the songs. Inge Beckmann is certainly, in my mind, one of those people that would probably be able to achieve some sort of tantric climax purely through the music that she was feeling, and that has always held some fascination for me. Not only does she feel the sheer power of the music, but she portrays that clearly through her singing.

As I said on Facebook when I returned home: "There is none as enigmatic as Inge Beckmann". And that is the truth. For reals.

I'll certainly be at the next Perfect Circle gig at Mercury Live, and I encourage you to do the same.

What's in a genre?

I'm watching The Great debaters as I write this - and it has led me to a new thought.

In the film, there is a social where swing music is blasting from a live band. The contrast in the scene comes when some of the party head down to a small shanty town, where hard-time blues music is playing.

Suddenly, a thought enters my head. I should get some of this music - I enjoy jazz, and I'd quite enjoy having some to listen to when I'm in the mood.

Then a contrasting thought struck me. How can I, sitting here in my comfortable house, think flippantly to myself: "it would please me to have that music to listen to"? The people of that time struggled, and they took refuge in their music. I haven't been through any of those struggles, and I will never be able to understand the difficulties that they experienced. The difference between me and a casual jazz-listener is that I respect their struggle. I may not know everything about it, but I respect it.

Have listeners, over the years, lost respect for music and its surroundings? The melodies and styles over the ages have been pertinent to the people and their experiences of any given age, and this circumstantial music requires respect in order to be enjoyed to its full potential.

Jazz, the anthem of American slave struggle, is a particular example of how this is true. How can we enjoy jazz properly when we don't understand where it comes from and why it exists?

I occasionally feel that modern music is difficult to appreciate because of its lack of roots. Then I think to myself - the roots of these modern genres lie in other genres!

Dubstep's roots, for example, lie in the complex history of the Rastafarians, playing dub music at social gatherings where they would dance, worship Jah and be with their fellow people. These days, however, 19 year old girls in short skirts and young men in collared shirts dance awkwardly in clubs to an adaptation of this once-great social music. Even here, I am not saying that I don't enjoy dubstep. Often, in a club, bass rippling through your veins to remind you of those wonderful, rich Rastafarian roots is refreshing and interesting.

So remember - respect the music!

Afternoon all!

I haven't blogged in a while, I'll be honest. I've been quite busy holidaying etc etc etc. I spent a while in Durban and Pietermaritzburg (two places, the climate of which, I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy). But I am back in the mother city and I couldn't be happier.

I spent a rather wonderful time last evening with two friends of mine, Britt and Laura. We decided to be spontaneous and drive somewhere - so Laura and I kidnapped Britt and we went to the Engen. After this, we played a game whereby we would follow a car, and when it turned, we would turn in the opposite direction, and see where we would end up.We ended up at Kirstenbosch gardens in the middle of the night. yeeeahhh. We then got sopping wet in the sprinklers, acting like a SWOT team running around the fields. We then drove to the airport, and drank coffee while watching planes arrive. A most enjoyable evening.

MIND BLOWN

a special blogpost for a special lady

this is an apology to my friend L.

I'm sorry.

Mind. Blown.

I actually put my hand over my mouth in amazement at this picture. all pictures courtesy of iwastesomuchtime.com.

Epic photobomb!

These are just amazing pictures and funny things from iwastesomuchtime.com

Take Control of The Atmosphere

What a beautiful surrender! I'm listening to Mute Math - Control in studio. What a great song, band, album, everything!

Tonight is the closing night for my latest production, I Know How You Screamed Last Scary Movie. I'm also excited to see a good friend of mine, Megan. Haven't seen her in ages! Here's a publicity shot for the show.

This, below, is what I'm most keen for at the moment. That, and for the year to be over. and the wrap party tonight. Gonna be wicked sick.

Anyhow. I'm off to make people happy through their radios. Have an amazing week, friends!

Tomnus

Why does coco even have to come? Oh...

Hello everyone :)

It's me again! My first post from the new blogger, and I'm amped. I'm in studio - gonna be taking my show a lot more seriously from now on, and I'm full of ideas for where the show can go :)

AND! images no longer pop up to the top of the post like they used to! I can't tell you how excited I am!

 What a cool place - It's a youth hangout spot in the US - awesome!

Awesome spots to hang out for kids - I wish I was a kid again :/

I just left my mic on in studio for one of my favourite songs by accident - awkward. Now Cape Town has heard me sing. Woot :)

I hope that you have an absolutely blessed weekend and week ahead!

Tomnus

I shan't blog about college.

I now have hair like Ben Hill!

Ah I like blogging - you can say things that people don't have to understand.

Actually college just makes me cross.

This guy and his sister and mom came into work today saying that he wanted to say hi on air. Being a kind and generous person, I agreed. He came on air - and he was a super wise dude. He had some incredible things to say. He lives in Delft and goes to church in Belville, and he's training to be a security guard. Interesting. He had such solid faith!

Thanks Jonathan, you've inspired me for this week.

Life is good. My dad's getting better - Thank God. I didn't have a very good week last week, and I'm getting stressed out over random things, so I'm now having a good relaxing weekend. Rehearsals are going well and I feel awesome, which is good.

Little big shoutout to a certain very beautiful Charmy James :)

This, sir, is a divine comedy

Ah Dante - Thank you.

Anyway - I'm not dead! yay!

I haven't been blogging because I'm lazy. Life is good. Pretty amped for my new play - I know how you screamed last scary movie, directed by Jeremeo Le Cordeur. AMPED!

This guy Tyrell phoned me today on my show, and he told me he'd been in pollsmoor, and had listened to my show every weekend for a whole year. He never missed a show. It actually nearly made me cry - he's got such dedication to my show - yet I don't have nearly enough dedication to my listeners. I need to have more dedication to you people - you're awesome!

No pictures today, unfortunately. Just love. lots of love :)

Tomnus OUT! word.

I can't listen to the Apassionata - If I do, I will never finish the revolution.

I've been watching a German foreign language film called The Lives of Others. It's about a socialist spy who spies on a couple in the flat downstairs to obtain incriminating information on them. Crazy stuff. Such a brilliant look into the merciless and cruel operation of socialism in the GDR so many years ago, and the conflict between the east and west. It's a must see.


I recently discovered a new genre - it's called glitch hop. South African readers; if you've heard of Sedge Warbler or Jack Parow, you know something of what Glitch Hop is. It's very swagga-orientated electronic music. More swagga than dubstep. Which is saying something. I also recently found out that the frontman from Sedge Warbler is studying at my college. wadup!

What
else
can
I
Tell
You?

Oh yes.

On saturday night, I met Jessica Jones - a photoblogger from Stellenbosch. She's won awards and stuff and she's awesome. I was super amped. I still am.

Anyway

Look at this hilarious photo. For those of you who've watched arrested development, this will make sense.

Are there no other bloggers out there who get incredibly annoyed at having to drag images down to the bottom of the post? Why do all the images pop up at the top when you upload them? Someone help me? Please?

Bye x

YOU'RE ON A ROLLERCOASTER

Good afternoon listeners, friends, and fans.

This afternoon is one of the rare occasions that I'm in studio for CCFm Scoreboard - I've had so much on in the past few weeks that I've had to pre-record many of my shows. But today, I'm in studio, accompanied by a lot of energy and some amazing music. I've kinda locked myself into studio, turned the monitors up and I'm in my own little world, interacting only with my listeners. What an experience it is - to be able to do this.

"This is my story - this is my song - praising my Lord all the day long" - Blessed Assurance

Last night I went to a friend's 18th Birthday party in Constantia. Such a beautiful house, a bunch of very interesting people, and a wonderful time. We partied and danced till the early hours of the morning, and it was a themed party - something I don't usually enjoy - but this was an exception. Here was my character reference:

Interesting, huh? I enjoyed it. First of all - fishnets are a curse sent from the evil one. That is all.

Anyway - college has been going swimmingly. I'm enjoying almost all of my courses (there's always one or two, you know) and I'm working with the actors of the future, and it's an honour. One in particular that I enjoy working with the most - Ashleigh Burton. She's professional, mature and an all-round good actress. Her blog is cool too. Here's a link to it. visit it. follow it. read it EVERY DAY OR YOU WILL DIE. well... not really. but read it anyway.

I'm off to sing. loudly. in studio. woop.

oh yes, wait...

Hello, Sara. you are nice.

{Sara spelled without an H was getting bored, on a Peavey amp in 1984, while Zak without a C tried out some new guitars}
- Ben Folds

You chase all of my fears away

Sanctus Real - Everything about you. Whew.Good song.

Hello luisteraads. Whatever that means - it's supposed to mean listeners.

So hopefully as I'm writing this blogpost you're listening to my show. It's actually quite a good show. Today, anyway. Thanks for the sms's :)

So I've started going to a new church - with Kevin and Robbie. Oh goodness - this church has got it right. So much fun, awesome people, and incredible Bible teaching.

I'm now 20. Surprised? I'm not. As I expected, it happened, whether I wanted it to or not. I'm actually rather enjoying being 20. Somehow - a 19 year old male with a radio career and a heavy social life didn't contrast very well with his love for cigars, scotch and classical music. Now, however, being 20, I can easily fit into either capacity a little easier than previously.

This morning, the day after my birthday, I woke up reasonably early, showered, shaved, brushed my teeth, made my breakfast, and then looked through some old family photo albums while listening to Orlande de Lassus' Lagrime di San Pietro. 15th Century choral work had never sounded so good. Yes, I think I like being 20.

My neck is sore and my ears are ringing.

Haezer - you beast!

Anyway so I watched Haezer at Assembly last night - and, granted - I'm an Assembly newbie. But you know what - So what. I lopve that place. HAEZER WAS INCREDIBLE. at first there was a strange dj on, and he was good, but then I was like if this guy is Haezer - I don't see the excitement. But then Haezer came on, and I realised what the hype is about. The dude was amazing. Seriously incredible. ELECTRO HOUSE LIKE NEVER BEFORE!

He shook my hand and poured free redbull into my mouth. I like Haezer.

And happy birthday to my Mate CB, Have a great one bud!

Shooting with the camera of life

Well; that title was lame.

Hi everybody! I was on set for a movie yesterday with a girl in my class as my fellow actress, and we had a great time - I'll let everyone know when the movie released.

Here's a picture. It's not related - But it's still a picture.


"They say actors and actresses become so many people they forget who they really are"
- Someone on Oprah.

Well, now I'm worried. Happy, but worried.

My mind is in a blur.

I'm an actor, you crazy goat!

Hello everyone

firstoff

I love you all

Secondly, I have adopted a new phrase: I'm an actor, you crazy goat! (Just think murray from FoTC).

Thirdly. I'm going to go to the Plump Succulent tonight with Casey and Nic and have a good intellectual conversation.

Goodbye?

Live Fast, Die Old

Can I have your attention? What are westarting here?

Good evening friends.

Today is a nice day. There is nice music playing in this studio. It's going out to cape town and I'm loving the fact of that matter.



Thesearethepeopleplayingnow

oneaftertheother

hashtaghashtag

twitter!

I'm in one of those "I'm a blogger therefore I can type things without spaces and write things that no one will understand except me, and even then I don't even understand them fully."

You know?

"Brett? Yes. Jermaine? Yes. Todd? Present? Yes! Very professional."

New Zealand - Better than Old Zealand

So what if most of my blogposts from now on contain quotes from FoTC?

"New Zealand - you can bring your mum"

Thank you, Pam and Christie. Your band The Arrows basically gets me through life.



I am in studio.



I start college on monday. Well - I start orientation. #imexcited

I've been using twingo too much lately. Then again perhaps I've just been tweeting more than usual





I'ma go ya'll, I gots some music to play.