On the Couch with MEX
By On the couch with MEX
On the Couch with MEXMay 31, 2024
On the Couch - #136 - MEX in conversation with Blue Lab Beats
Enjoy this exclusive interview on Cape Talk, from Thursday 30 May at 9pm with Grammy-winning duo, Blue Lab Beats.
Context:
"Few acts encapsulate the breadth of what’s been happening in London’s jazz and neo-soul worlds as well as Blue Lab Beats” - Loud & Quiet
“Fresh innovation...the duo’s broadest statement yet” - CLASH
“Their sound is a shining example of the youth-driven, boundary-breaking creativity that characterises the blossoming scene which is dominating the capital” - DUMMY
Grammy winning duo Blue Lab Beats one of the fastest-rising production duos in the world right now have just released there fourth studio album, Blue Eclipse.
The prodigiously talented duo who ended 2023 by selling out KOKO and picking up their second MOBO Nomination, got 2024 off to a stunning start with the sumptuous soul groove of their new single “Wait A While”, featuring Grammy-nominated Amber Navran, LA-based singer/producer, and founding member of Neo-Soul trio Moonchild, and rising UK Neo-soul artist Farah Audhal.
Blue Eclipse heralds an exciting new era for Blue Lab Beats and the 12 songs reveal the depth and breadth of producer NK-OK, and multi-instrumentalist Mr DM’s musical ambition.
Featured guests include Mercury Prize nominated Kojey Radical alongside Daley, on “Take Time”, IDK & Jay Prince on “Say Wow”, Amber & Farah on “Wait A While”, and Poppy Daniels on the title track.
“We called this album Blue Eclipse as a nod to Blue Skies, our first EP.
We wanted to embrace some themes and sounds that we’ve used throughout our career and make an album that truly represents us.
Using sky titles acts as a reminder of people in our lives who inspired us and left a very important mark on us.
We wanted to welcome old friends as well new ones onto this project and we are so happy with everyone’s amazing contributions.” Blue Lab Beats.
Listen below
Blue Eclipseopen.spotify.com
Track-listing:
1.Never Doubt
2.Say Wow (feat. IDK, Jay Prince)
3.Rice & Peas (feat. Kyra, Bnny Hunna, Aidan)
4.Cherry Blossom (feat. Ben Jones & Parthenope)
5.Sky Paradise (interlude)
6.Wait A While (feat. Amber Navran, Farah Audhali)
7.Sunset In LA
8.Nights In Tokyo (feat. Kaidi)
9.Take Time (feat. Kojey Radical & Daley)
10.Guava (feat. Poppy Daniels, Richie Seivwright, Camilla George, Kaidi)
11.Blue Eclipse (feat. Poppy Daniels)
12.Brother (feat. Natalie Lindi)
Starting out as bedroom producers, remixing tracks for A-listers such as Dua Lipa and Rag’N’Bone Man, on to supporting the likes of Roy Ayers and Thundercat, and producing on Kojey Radical’s ‘Reason To Smile’, Blue Lab Beats have been dreaming big from the beginning.
Their 2018 debut album XOver, a brilliant blend of analog and electronic sounds, included the track ‘Pineapple’, which amassed over 10 million streams alone, while 2022’s ‘Motherland Journey’ proved a work of great musical ambition and imagination featuring vocals from the late great Fela Kuti, as well as one of a kind artists Tiana Major9, Ghetto Boy, Ego Ella May, Kofi Stone, and Pip Millet.
The last two years have seen Blue Lab Beats emerge from the bedroom, and into the ears, minds and hearts of millions of music lovers with over 50 million streams, a GRAMMY for their production on Angelique Kidjo's 'Fired Up' track from her ‘Mother Nature’ LP, a Jazz FM Innovation Award and now two MOBO nominations.
The pair also contributed the key track "Blow You Away" (Delilah) featuring Afrobeats artist Ghetto Boy, for the hugely acclaimed British film Rye Lane and also made their silver screen debut when they performed in the movie.
Playing two electrifying sets at Glastonbury Festival in 2023, the Blue Note in Tokyo, Love Supreme in Japan , three shows at Jazzaladia Festival in Spain, a sold out show at the Royal Albert Hall’s Elgar Room, a support with Robert Glasper at Jazz A Vienne and straight on to both Montreux Jazz Festival and Montreal Jazz Festival before ending the year at the legendary KOKO for Global Soul Radio in December, Blue Lab Beats are showing no signs of slowing down.
On the Couch - #135 - MEX in conversation with Guy Macleod - Part 2
Guy was back on Thurs at 9pm on CapeTalk
Talking about:
Shortage of training for filmmakers in the business aspects of film.
How are they financed? How do you justify the cost and what is the plan to repay the money.
Lack of institutional financing and the negative thinking around film and television projects
The importance of having the legal issues pertaining to a project resolved from the outset – this extends to chain of title, production and distribution agreements.
#businessofentertainment
On the Couch - #134 - MEX in conversation with Guy Macleod
With a background in corporate law at one of South Africa’s big five law firms, Guy joined the firm in 2002 and seeing an opportunity of an under serviced sector began practicing in the broader field of media and entertainment.
The firm has since grown into a formidable boutique entertainment firm that is often described as “punching above its weight” given its client base in the film and television sector both locally and internationally.
With more than 20 years’ experience in the legal and business end of the entertainment industry and his involvement in the production and/or financing of more than 200 projects, Guy is in a unique position to offer quick and comprehensive advice on all aspects of film, television, development, production, financing and distribution.
Guy’s clients include global financing institutions active in film and television financing, studios, streamers and production companies as well as some well-known individual creatives.
Guy has numerous film and television credits to his name including the Oscar nominated film “Invictus”.
He is highly regarded both locally and internationally as South Africa's leading entertainment lawyer and has been instrumental in securing production work for his clients in excess of three billion rand.
Guy is also a regular speaker at industry events.
On the Couch - #133 - MEX in conversation with Peter Lacey - Part 2
Peter Lacey is a successful entrepreneur who comes from a background in the entertainment software industry, having successfully built S.A's largest independent entertainment software company, Vision Software, before selling it to Electronic Arts (EA) and running the African division for four years.
Peter has always taken pride in the fact that South Africa has tremendous talent, both in software development and musical ability, and that all we ever needed was a channel to the international market to develop that intellectual property offering.
Peter is a huge music fan, having been a DJ at college and he has known Brian O'Shea for 20 years. When he decided to leave EA in 2000 there was only one thing he wanted to do: create a music company with a global reputation for great music.
Peter is a natural risk taker who has brought all artists onto the label under his motto "Pride, Passion, Patience and Persistence". Peter handles all exploitation and other business activities. These include publishing, personal and business management arms to young artists striving to break out of the traditional low income base artists presently have in this country.
On the Couch - #132- MEX in conversation with Peter Lacey
Peter Lacey is a successful entrepreneur who comes from a background in the entertainment software industry, having successfully built S.A's largest independent entertainment software company, Vision Software, before selling it to Electronic Arts (EA) and running the African division for four years.
Peter has always taken pride in the fact that South Africa has tremendous talent, both in software development and musical ability, and that all we ever needed was a channel to the international market to develop that intellectual property offering.
Peter is a huge music fan, having been a DJ at college and he has known Brian O'Shea for 20 years. When he decided to leave EA in 2000 there was only one thing he wanted to do: create a music company with a global reputation for great music. Peter is a natural risk taker who has brought all artists onto the label under his motto "Pride, Passion, Patience and Persistence". Peter handles all exploitation and other business activities. These include publishing, personal and business management arms to young artists striving to break out of the traditional low income base artists presently have in this country.
On the Couch - #131 - MEX in conversation with Greg Cutler
Greg has kindly given me this, in the room, story of that famous recording - Yes, Greg did ALL the work ;-)
The story begins sometime in late 1978 early 1979.
Patric Van Blerk, who was on a sabbatical from the music industry at the time, had shown a great interest in the newly formed trio of Joy. He was at the time planning his re-entry into the music business after the demise of the Satbel record company and troubles at the newly formed Jo’burg records.
He had re-established his connection with his old song writing partner Fransua Roos after years of being estranged from him and had written a new batch of songs.
He was looking for a new breed of artists to form the core of his then emerging label Café Society, named after the very successful café Casablanca on Rocky Street.
Two of the new batch of songs were “Paradise Road” and “Ain’t Gonna Stop ‘Til I Get to the Top”.
Linda Bernhardt and myself were invited to Patric’s house in Orange Grove on several occasions to discuss the potential of his involvement with Joy and Spirits Rejoice. Fransua Roos was present at one of these meetings and played for us, on the piano, an unfinished version of Paradise Road and Ain’t Gonna Stop.
We were both blown away by the songs and from there on forward we knew they were going to be very powerful and perfect for Joy.
It was decided that the recordings would be done as a collaboration with Fransua Roos arranging the tracks in conjunction with Spirits Rejoice. Spirits Rejoice were using a spare room at Satbel Studios for their band rehearsals.
We arranged for Fransua to join them along with Joy in the rehearsal room to start the rehearsals in preparation for the recordings. This was a magic rehearsal session.
Fransua played the songs a couple of times to introduce the band and the girls to the song, Patric had more or less completed the lyrics and after about a couple of hours the arrangements had come together, the girls had worked out their parts and it was sounding amazing.
Felicia had mastered the tone and delivery that Fransua wanted for the verses, Anneline had delivered the power going into the choruses and Thoko had the warm low harmonies that were so much the sound of Joy.
The phenomenal bass line was a natural for Sipho Gumede and the subtlety of the drums/percussion was a result of the amazing techniques of Gilbert Mathews on the drums.
Everyone was so high after these rehearsals, we knew this was going to be a big hit and couldn’t wait to get into studio to record. Unfortunately there were some complications that would hold up the recording.
Patric was still in the process of concluding his label deal with Matt Mann of RPM records and there were questions about where we would be able to record our tracks. We were holding out for the recording to be done at Satbel Studios as they had the most advanced 24 track recording studio in South Africa at the time. The issues were resolved in the fullness of time and we started to record at Satbel studios.
The rhythm section we used for the backing tracks with consisted of Gilbert Mathews on drums, Sipho Gumede on bass, Paul Peterson on guitar, Fransua Roos on grand piano and Mervyn Africa on Fender Rhodes.
The backing track was laid within one or two takes along with two or three other backing tracks. We then proceeded to add the vocals. We were very fussy with the vocals and probably spent more than a day doing this, in fact I think we came back to some parts two or three times as the orchestration developed.
Fransua then went away to write the parts for the string section. The string section took a long time to record as Fransua had not held back on the complexity of the arrangement and the string players found some of the parts tricky to deliver, especially the cello parts on the intro’s and turnarounds.
Once we had completed the string section overdubs we all started to have visions of this being the perfect kitchen sink production. Fransua then went away again and scored parts for French Horns and Harp, he had also had some thoughts about the choir arrangements that were delivered by Joy themselves.
All in all it was sounding big, the voices and orchestration were perfect. The feel of the song was inspiring and the last piece of the puzzle was the solo. With such a huge arrangement it was going to need something very special.
We tried lots of different solos – a burning alto sax, wall of sound guitar and several tenor sax solos – none of them worked for us. We almost settled for a solo than none of us were convinced was the best we could get. I then had an idea, I spoke with Duke Makasi – who had already had one attempt at the solo that didn’t quite work. I asked if he could deliver a solo without being given any ideas of where to take it, just play it and be himself. He said he would but he would like just me and him alone in the studio. We did it one lunchtime during a break I was having recording Harari.
I put the track on, Duke played it once – job done. After all the agonising Duke had delivered exactly what the track needed. I hadn’t told Patric or Fransua what I was doing. The next time we came into the studio to work on the track I played it with the new solo, I wish I had a camera to record the smiles on their faces when they heard it, the final piece of the jigsaw had fallen into place.
The remix went so well, the track almost mixed itself. It was simply a case of letting the dynamics take control. Fransua’s arrangements had been well thought out which made the remix a lot easier.
You can hear the subtlety of the backing track, you can feel the growl of the cello’s and the soaring violin arrangements that interlink the verses. The French Horns that interplay with the power of Anneline’s vocal on the choruses when she sings “the sky is blazing” and the harp that leads out of the solo into the key change.
The way that Felicia’s delicate voice makes Anneline sound twice as powerful on the choruses. After living with this recording for over 40 years now, I don’t think there is anything I would change. It really was a statement of its time and I feel proud to have been involved.
Patric will be the one who can complete the story after the album was finished.
This is the song - Do listen
On the Couch - #130 - MEX in conversation with JP Willson - Part 2
Part two, where I chatted with multi talented production man and lighting designer, Jp Willson about events, shows and weddings, and much much more on CapeTalk, just past 9pm each Thursday, on the #BusinessOfEntertainment. Please enjoy.
On the Couch - #129 - MEX in conversation with JP Willson
We spoke to multi talented , production man , lighting designer Jp Willson about events , shows and weddings and much much more on CapeTalk just past 9pm on the #BusinessOfEntertainment. Please enjoy.
On the Couch - #128 - MEX in conversation with Iain Banner - Part 2
For over 35 years, Iain Banner has co-founded and directed various successful businesses and charitable ventures throughout the world, across the sports, entertainment, luxury goods and hospitality industries.
As co-founder and chairman of E-Movement, Iain and his partners successfully staged Formula E Cape Town in February 2023. Prior to that, they also staged ‘Africa’s Green Economy Summit’, connecting capital with the Green Economy; launched Formula Student Africa and staged the ELECTRIC Festival. GO GREEN AFRICA was launched by Iain at this time too.
Iain’s previous projects include co-founding Sports International, the Gary Player Design Company, and the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
Iain also co-founded the Laureus World Sport Awards and the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, which has raised over €250 million supporting some 300 projects annually, using sport as a tool for social change in the lives of children. Independent assessments have shown that some seven million children have been positively impacted by the work of the Sport for Good Foundation since it was founded in 2000.
On the Couch - #127 - MEX in conversation with OMD's Andy McCluskey
Having just released their latest studio album, Bauhaus Staircase, MEX, and by extension, me, Jason Curtis, was gifted a rare opportunity to speak to both Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys of Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark (OMD) on the eve of the most extensive world tour in 45 years.
The best part is the synth pioneers will be heading to South Africa in April 2024, the third time we get to welcome them back, eager to hear new music and a wall of evergreen classics, too.
While we wait, give this two-part interview a whirl, dust off those seminal records and prepare to be blown away.
Thursday, 18 April 2024 - Green Point A-Track, Green Point, Cape Town
Saturday, 20 April 2024 – Marks Park Sports Club in Emmarentia, Johannesburg
For all the details, head to Breakout Events for tickets and more information.
On the Couch - #126 - MEX in conversation with Iain Banner
For over 35 years, Iain Banner has co-founded and directed various successful businesses and charitable ventures throughout the world, across the sports, entertainment, luxury goods and hospitality industries.
As co-founder and chairman of E-Movement, Iain and his partners successfully staged Formula E Cape Town in February 2023. Prior to that, they also staged ‘Africa’s Green Economy Summit’, connecting capital with the Green Economy; launched Formula Student Africa and staged the ELECTRIC Festival. GO GREEN AFRICA was launched by Iain at this time too.
Iain’s previous projects include co-founding Sports International, the Gary Player Design Company, and the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
Iain also co-founded the Laureus World Sport Awards and the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, which has raised over €250 million supporting some 300 projects annually, using sport as a tool for social change in the lives of children. Independent assessments have shown that some seven million children have been positively impacted by the work of the Sport for Good Foundation since it was founded in 2000.
On the Couch - #125 - MEX in conversation with Arthur Goldstuck - Part 2
Arthur Goldstuck is a popular South African icon as a journalist, media analyst and speaker.
Arthur heads the World Wide Worx research organisation in which he leads ground-breaking market research to how change affects business and society and presents his findings and insights to audiences both locally and internationally.
World Wide Worx is a producer of the most widely accepted statistics for Internet use in South Africa and has piloted research across the African continent since 2001, in which the complexities of operating on the continent is unravelled.
On the Couch - #124 - MEX in conversation with Arthur Goldstuck
Arthur Goldstuck is a popular South African icon as a journalist, media analyst and speaker.
Arthur heads the World Wide Worx research organisation in which he leads ground-breaking market research to how change affects business and society and presents his findings and insights to audiences both locally and internationally.
World Wide Worx is a producer of the most widely accepted statistics for Internet use in South Africa and has piloted research across the African continent since 2001, in which the complexities of operating on the continent is unravelled.
On the Couch - #123 - Understand Publishing with John Fishlock
Having started from rung #1 of the ladder of the entertainment industry, a courier biker for a music company in London, John slowly climbed upwards, from trainee engineer at Air Edel to engineer, then trainee Producer at Air Studios London to Producer.
Shifting focus out of the studio and into the world of Music Publishing, he began his publishing life at Chrysalis Music, moving to MCA Music, to his own company CFM and then back to the corporate world of PolyGram Music. Within the PolyGram Group, John transferred to Germany and eventually South Africa, building PolyGram Music from scratch, shifting to Universal Music and taking the company to being #1 Publisher.
John was also the chief negotiator o.b.o. NORM (during his role as Chairman), securing the first Digital Agreement in Africa, paving the way for a precedent to be set for all Digital agreements with DSPs thereafter. He was also the pioneer and founding driving force behind the first unified mechanical society in South Africa, CAPASSO.
Now joint owner of independent music publishing company, Active Music Publishing, he continues to strive to develop and support composers in this highly competitive area of the industry, adding value in whatever means possible to further their careers.
A Board Member of the Independent Music Publishers Forum (IMPF), a body of over 175 Intl. Independent Publishers, vying to ensure the interests of composers and publishers is heard globally, sitting on various committees, one of which is the current hot topic…, AI.
“Measuring your success in the world of music is not about who you have worked with, it is about who you are working with. It is not about what you have done, it is about what you are doing”.
On the Couch - #122 - MEX in conversation with Brendan "Spike" Ballantine - Part 2
We talked Podcasts and more with Brendan “Spike” Ballantine on Thurs 14 March at 9pm on the Business of Entertainment on CapeTalk.
Since 2015, Spike has focused on podcasting; his company, dbo Media, has provided production services to South Africa’s podcasting pioneer CliffCentral, and overseen the creation of podcast series for BMW South Africa, Investec, WITS and DHL Europe, amongst others.
On the Couch - #121 - MEX in conversation with Brendan "Spike" Ballantine
We taked Podcasts and more with Brendan on Thurs 7 March at 9pm on the Business of Entertainment on CapeTalk.
Brendan “Spike” Ballantine is a media industry professional, with over 20 years experience encompassing audio production for both radio and television, as well copywriting and content ideation.
Since 2015, Spike has focussed on podcasting; his company, dbo Media, has provided production services to South Africa’s podcasting pioneer CliffCentral, and overseen the creation of podcast series for BMW South Africa, Investec, WITS and DHL Europe, amongst others.
On the Couch - #120 - MEX in conversation with Kevin Leo-Smith - Part 2
The Business of Entertainment on CapeTalk, hosted by Martin Myers every Thursday at 9 pm, landed a real coup with this exclusive one-on-one.
Kevin Leo-Smith has extensive experience in developing and growing conservation-based tourism projects. He is the co-founder and partner of Safari Investments Advisory and a non-executive director of Immedia, a South African cloud-computing platform
In the late 1980s, he conceived of the idea behind Phinda Game Reserve, achieving the then biggest private conversion of land use from agriculture to conservation in South Africa at that time, and formed its parent company Conservation Corporation Africa with Alan Bernstein and others, where he was responsible for development and operations until 1996.
In 1997, Kevin established Kwando Safaris from scratch with a partner, constructing 5 luxury camps in Botswana’s Okavango region on over 400,000 hectares of private concession.
In 2006, he co-founded SFM Africa (now African Conservation Development Group) with Alan Bernstein, creating and operating projects in Gabon, Guinea and Rwanda. Most of the projects had a safari tourism component as well as forestry and agriculture.
On the Couch - #119 - MEX in conversation with Kevin Leo-Smith
We spoke to Kevin Leo-Smith on Thurs, 22 February 2024 at 9pm on Cape Talk's, The Business of Entertainment.
Now in its 10th month, the Business of Entertainment on Cape Talk, hosted by Martin Myers every Thursday at 9 pm, has landed a real coup with this exclusive one-on-one.
Kevin Leo-Smith has extensive experience in developing and growing conservation-based tourism projects.
He is the co-founder and partner of Safari Investments Advisory and a non-executive director of immedia, a South African cloud-computing platform.
In the late 1980s, he conceived of the idea behind Phinda Game Reserve, achieving the then biggest private conversion of land use from agriculture to conservation in South Africa at that time, and formed its parent company Conservation Corporation Africa with Alan Bernstein and others, where he was responsible for development and operations until 1996.
In 1997, Kevin established Kwando Safaris from scratch with a partner, constructing 5 luxury camps in Botswana’s Okavango region on over 400,000 hectares of private concession.
In 2006, he co-founded SFM Africa (now African Conservation Development Group) with Alan Bernstein, creating and operating projects in Gabon, Guinea and Rwanda. Most of the projects had a safari tourism component as well as forestry and agriculture.
On the Couch - #118 - MEX in conversation with Laura Vincenti
Meet my most recent guest on The Business of Entertainment on Cape Talk, delivered each Thursday at 9pm.
Laura Vincenti is a highly accomplished and dynamic figure in the art world, currently serving as the Director of the Investec Cape Town Art Fair, a position she has held since 2017.
With a degree in architecture, she has successfully blended Italian design styles with African materials, showcasing her creativity and a keen eye for detail, meticulous attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and natural aptitude for authority which has assisted in taking her to where she is today.Vincenti's career has been marked by significant achievements and diverse experiences.
She earned her architectural education in both Italy, Turin, and England, Oxford, and has been actively involved in artistic and architectural events since the 1990s.
Notably, she served as the Exhibition Designer for renowned art biennales such as BIG TORINO in 2000 and 2002, as well as the Venice Biennale in 2005 and 2013. Her collaboration with influential artists and curators like Francois Confino, Maurizio Cattelan, Mario Merz, Piero Gilardi, and Michelangelo Pistoletto has further enriched her portfolio.As a Project Manager and site managers' coordinator, Vincenti played a pivotal role in the successful delivery of the three Olympic Villages for the Winter Olympic Games in Turin in 2006, demonstrating her ability to manage large-scale projects efficiently.
She then served as the Principal Architect for ARTISSIMA, an international fair of contemporary art in Torino, from 2007 to 2014.One of Vincenti’s aims is to establish a successful consultancy in South Africa that bridges the cultural influences of her birthplace, Italy, and her newfound love, South Africa.
Her vision includes fostering connections between these two countries and contributing to the cultural dialogue.As the Director of Investec Cape Town Art Fair, Vincenti is dedicated to positioning Cape Town as a significant international destination for art and culture.
On the Couch - #117 - MEX in conversation with the late, great Tony Cedras
This interview, made up of three parts, was recorded at the home of Sipho Mabuse, back in 2019. Please give it a listen and celebrate this giant of music's contribution to our collective entertainment economy. RIP, Tony.
On the Couch - #116 - MEX in conversation with Natasha Petersen - Part 2
A love of all things creative and a passion for music and sport and live events.
Over 20 years experience planning and directing activities for large scale projects and campaigns at home in South Africa and cities around the globe.
Events are about bringing people together and creating powerful experiences .
Amazing things happen when people meet; they learn, inspire one another, come up with new ideas and sometimes theyeven change the world.
I feel privileged to work on projects, both home and abroad, visit stunning venues and meet truly inspiring people from across the world.
On the Couch - #115 - MEX in conversation with Natasha Petersen
A love of all things creative and a passion for music
and sport and live events.
Over 20 years experience planning and
directing activities for large scale projects and
campaigns at home in South Africa and cities
around the globe.
Events are about bringing people together and
creating powerful experiences .
Amazing things happen when people meet; they learn, inspire one
another, come up with new ideas and sometimes they
even change the world.
I feel privileged to work on projects, both home and
abroad, visit stunning venues and meet truly
inspiring people from across the world.
On the Couch - #114 - MEX in conversation with Karen Schofield-Nel - Part 2
Do enjoy episode 2 with Karen Schofield-Nel, the UCT Choir Conductor and Artistic Director who was on the Business of Entertainment on Cape Talk.
As Music Director, Artistic Director, Music Lecturer, Choral Clinician, Adjudicator, Scholar, Karen Schofield-Nel’s work spans over a wide variety of ages, abilities, genres.
Karen holds a double Degree in both Music and Education (Thayer Conservatory, AUC - USA), M.Mus in Choral Conducting (Stellenbosch University), which has been transferred into a PhD in Music, which she is currently pursuing.
Her experience as an active Provincial Adjudicator, Choral Clinician, and Choral Pedagogue is vast.
She conducts professional choirs as well as works extensively with Adult and Children’s Community Choirs, of whom many are impoverished and disadvantaged, yet their determination and zeal to sing and develop their abilities in the face of adversity surmounts all challenges.
In her spare time, Karen is a culinary artisan. She has her own International Cooking show where she creates and cooks vegetarian and Plant based recipes. This show is aired in Russia, USA, Australia, Germany, throughout Africa.
Karen is the Founder and CEO of a Whole Plant Based Program called A New Dawn. Karen is the first Person of Colour and First Woman to conduct The Cape Philharmonic Orchestra.
On the Couch - #115 - MEX in conversation with Wayne McKay
Meet Wayne McKay - Mc /comedian and funny man from Cape Town.
We sat down and chewed the fat on what's funny, and what's a joke, enjoy.
On the Couch - #113 - MEX in conversation with Karen Schofield-Nel
Meet Karen Schofield-Nel, UCT Choir Conductor and Artistic Director.
As Music Director, Artistic Director, Music Lecturer, Choral Clinician, Adjudicator, Scholar, Karen Schofield - Nel’s work spans over a wide variety of ages, abilities, genres.
Her experience as an active Provincial Adjudicator, Choral Clinician, and Choral Pedagogue is vast.
She conducts professional choirs as well as works extensively with Adult and Children’s Community Choirs, of whom many are impoverished and disadvantaged, yet their determination and zeal to sing and develop their abilities in the face of adversity surmounts all challenges.
Karen has conducted The Symphonic Choir.
The University of Stellenbosch Academic Choir - Schola Cantorum.
The Cape Town Soloist Choir.
The Nelson Mandela University Choir;
The 200 voice Festival of Hope Choir.
The 300 voice Johannesburg Choir.
She is currently the Founder and Music Director of The Peninsula Tabernacle Chorale in Cape Town.
Karen is the first Person of Colour and First Woman to conduct The Cape Philharmonic Orchestra.
Karen holds a Double Degree in both Music and Education (Thayer Conservatory, AUC - USA), M.Mus in Choral Conducting (Stellenbosch University), which has been transferred into a PhD in Music, which she is currently pursuing.
In her spare time, Karen is a culinary artisan. She has her own International cooking show where she creates and cooks vegetarian and plant-based recipes. The show is aired in Russia, USA, Australia, Germany, throughout Africa.
Karen is the Founder and CEO of a Whole Plant Based Program called A New Dawn.
On the Couch - #112 - MEX in conversation with Billy Monama - Part 2
Billy Monama is a guitarist, author, composer, arranger, producer, and educator. He’s also the founder and the Managing Director of The Grazroots Project.
This is the second part of the interview conducted in December 2023.
In 1997, Monama began his journey with the guitar, inspired by the music of his childhood, which combined traditional ethnic sounds, African gospel and jazz.
In 2016, Billy and Andy Innes released their album Brothers, a collection of original pieces written and arranged for the acoustic guitar in traditional styles.
In October 2017, he released his debut album Rebounce.
Three years later, he released tutorial videos about South African guitar styles, all why accepting multiple invitations to guest on other artists projects.
On the Couch - #111 - MEX in conversation with Billy Monama
Billy Monama is a guitarist, author, composer, arranger, producer, and educator. He’s also the founder and the Managing Director of The Grazroots Project.
I chatted to him of the festive season of 2023.
In 1997, Monama began his journey with the guitar, inspired by the music of his childhood, which combined traditional ethnic sounds, African gospel and jazz.
In 2016, Billy and Andy Innes released their album Brothers, a collection of original pieces written and arranged for the acoustic guitar in traditional styles.
In October 2017, he released his debut album Rebounce.
Three years later, he released tutorial videos about South African guitar styles, all why accepting multiple invitations to guest on other artists projects.
Monama has worked with artists including Themba Mkhize, Abdullah Ibrahim, Andile Yenana, Sibongile Khumalo, Victor Ntoni, Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse, Mbongeni Ngema, Dorothy Masuku, Abigail Kubeka, amongst many more.
On the Couch - #110 - MEX in conversation with Ryan Vrede - Part 2
We spoke to Ryan Vrede this week on the Business of Entertainment on Thurs 21 Dec at 9pm on Cape Talk.
Engaging brilliant and thought provoking do listen please
Ryan Vrede is a journalist that cut his teeth in sport, which continues to form a big part of his professional portfolio.
He joined Habari Media as an intern in 2006, and, under the mentorship of some of the country’s preeminent sports writers, built a career covering rugby and cricket.
Vrede spent 17 years following the Springboks and Proteas, nationally and internationally, before shifting focus to launch a clutch of magazine and digital products.
He later left Habari Media to work as the creative director of a web design company, before returning in 2022, assuming a diverse role that includes overseeing motoring and travel across the company.
He is also part of the team that builds pitches for new business, as well as offering creative direction for existing clients.
Sport, however, remains his first love, with cricket in particular, a passion of his.
His commentary can be found on SA Cricket magazine’s digital platforms, while he can also be found on Twitter/X. (Ryan_Vrede) most likely scrapping with an egg avatar who has irritated him.
On the Couch - #109 - MEX in conversation with Marc Marot
To date, acts Marc discovered or managed have notched up 38 Top 10 singles, including 18 #1 singles in the UK charts.
He has been responsible for over a million album sales in one form or another, including his ten years of direct international responsibility for U2's marketing and sales.
Marc Marot began his professional career in 1982 as the 'Professional Manager' of UK Independent music publisher, Eaton Music ltd, working with film composers George Fenton, Carl Davis and Henry Mancini and pop groups including Status Quo.
He was appointed Managing Director of Chris Blackwell's Blue Mountain Music in 1984, working with U2 and the reggae catalogue.
Marc's publishing signings include, amongst many others, Massive Attack, De La Soul, Julia Fordham, and Shakespeare's Sister (Marcy Levy).
He headed every division of Island until Marc was appointed MD of Island Records in 1990, the youngest MD in the UK music industry at the time.
Amongst the artists signed and developed by his team while at Island Records were:
• Pulp
• PJ Harvey
• The Stereo MCs
• P.M. Dawn
• The Cranberries
• Elbow
• Chaka Demus and Pliers
• NWA
• The Orb
• Ice Cube
• Talvin Singh
• Tricky
• Nine Inch Nails
During his tenure as Island Records MD, Island artists won the prestigious Mercury Music Record of the Year prize three times and 10 Island short-listed albums. Artists signed during the period have subsequently gone on to win 25% of all the prizes awarded in the 20-year history of the competition.
He guided U2's career throughout the 1990s, from the release of Achtung Baby to just before the release of All You Can't Leave Behind, selling close to 60 million albums.
In 1998 he introduced Bono to the concept of Third World debt relief via his involvement in the 'Jubilee 2000' campaign. He oversaw the 'drop the debt' initiative within the music industry. Bono has thanked him on both the stage of the MTV awards and whilst addressing the UN council chamber in New York.
On the Couch - #108 - MEX in conversation with Ryan Vrede
Ryan Vrede is a journalist who cut his teeth in sport, which continues to form a big part of his professional portfolio.
He joined Habari Media as an intern in 2006, and, under the mentorship of some of the country's preeminent sports writers, built a career covering rugby and cricket.
Vrede spent 17 years following the Springboks and Protea's cricket team, nationally and internationally, before shifting focus to launch a clutch of magazine and digital products.
He later left Habari Media to work as the creative director of a web design company, before returning in 2022, assuming a diverse role that includes overseeing motoring and travel across the company.
He is also part of the team that builds pitches for new business, as well as offering creative direction for existing clients. Sport, however, remains his first love, with cricket in particular, a passion of his.
His commentary can be found on SA Cricket magazine's digital platforms, while he can also be found on Twitter, most likely scrapping with an egg avatar who has irritated him. On weekends he spends his time knicking off to medium pacers for his beloved Avendale Cricket Club in Athlone.
On the Couch - #107 - MEX in conversation with Rachel Adams - Part 2
The Brilliance of Dr Rachel Adams - this is part two of a stellar talk about AI, please enjoy.
Tune in to Cape Talk, every Thursday at 9pm, for the #BusinessofEntertainment
Dr Rachel Adams is a Senior Research Specialist: Science in Society Impact Centre at the Human Sciences Research Council, South Africa.
Dr Adams has degrees in Jurisprudence (PhD, University of Cape Town), International Human Rights Law (MPhil, University of Cape Town) and English Literature and Philosophy (BA, Royal Holloway, University of London).
Her research lies at the intersection of philosophy, gender, technology, law and race.
Dr Adams sits on the Independent Expert Panel of the South African Department of Science and Innovation and Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s Centre on Artificial Intelligence Research (CAIR), and she is a member of the Independent Advisory Group of the Surveillance Camera Commissioner for the UK Home Office.
Dr Adams is further an Editor of the South African Journal on Human Rights, and the author of Transparency: New Trajectories in Law (Routledge, 2020).
On the Couch - #106 - MEX in conversation with Rachel Adams
Dr Rachel Adams is an experienced leader in directing large regional and global projects relating to AI policy.
She is currently the Principal Investigator of the Global Index on Responsible AI and the AI4D African Observatory on Responsible AI.
Before taking up her post at Research ICT Africa, Rachel was a Chief Research Specialist at the Human Sciences Research Council of South Africa, and previously the Senior Researcher for Civil and Political Rights at the South African Human Rights Commission.
Rachel sits on numerous boards and expert panels including the UNESCO Expert Group on the Implementation of the UNESCO Recommendation on AI in Ethics, the expert advisory board of an Ada Lovelace project on the future of AI and genomics, as well as on the Independent Oversight Committee of the UK Home Office Surveillance Camera Commissioner on Automatic Number Plate Recognition.
On the Couch - #105 - MEX in conversation with Jason Curtis
Captured on The Business of Entertainment on Cape Talk every Thursday evening, this was one of the earlier interviews from the show.
Jason and I, chew the fat and unpack his side of the business as a music journalist and marketer.
Having spent the last 30-odd years heavily invested the the entertainment economy, Jason remains active in helping push the needle in an economy rich in talent, but light on business smarts.
On the Couch - #104 - MEX in conversation with Jeremy Loops
Jeremy Loops, is a South African singer, songwriter, and record producer.
We discuss: Jeremy Thomas Hewitt – How did 'Loops' arrive?
He graduated in Finance and Property Development – Why do music instead?
The business of Music – Do artists really know what’s going on and how it impacts them? This and so much more in this frank discussion.
Please enjoy.
On the Couch - #103 - MEX in conversation with Wouter Kellerman
This was really good on the #businessofentertainment on Thursday night, 9pm, on CapeTalk ( 16th Nov ) with Wouter Kellerman.
We talked about music, life, inspiration and being a double Grammy Award winner 🎹🇿🇦 🙌🏼🙌🏼
On the Couch - #99 - MEX in conversation with Nick Dall - Part 1
The Business of Entertainment on CapeTalk, hosted by Martin Myers every Thursday at 9pm, has landed a real coup with this exclusive one-on-one.
We speak to Nick Dall who has an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Cape Town.
He’s written about everything from coelenterates to circus acts, but it’s the barely believable tales of our past that get him most excited. He lives in Cape Town with his wife and kids.
My fascination with author Nick Dall is because of the Miriam [Makeba] story in the book.
On the Couch - #102 - MEX in conversation with Nick Dall - Part 2
The Business of Entertainment on CapeTalk, hosted by Martin Myers every Thursday at 9pm, has landed a real coup with this exclusive one-on-one. This is part two of our interview.
We speak to Nick Dall who has an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Cape Town.
He’s written about everything from coelenterates to circus acts, but it’s the barely believable tales of our past that get him most excited. He lives in Cape Town with his wife and kids.
My fascination with author Nick Dall is because of the Miriam [Makeba] story in the book.
On the Couch - #101 - MEX in conversation with Trevor Jones - Part 2
Dr Trevor Jones, one of the Top 5 film composers in the world.
Having recently received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Cape Town, Jones will deliver invaluable insights into his rich catalogue of award-winning compositions in this second part of the interview on Cape Talk.
He has worked on numerous well-known and acclaimed films, including Notting Hill, Excalibur, Runaway Train, The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, Mississippi Burning, The Last of the Mohicans, and In the Name of the Father, collaborating with filmmakers like John Boorman, Andrei Konchalovsky, Jim Henson, and Michael Mann.
On the Couch - #100 - MEX in conversation with Trevor Jones - Part 1
Martin Myers talks to the world-renowned SA-born composer Trevor Jones on Cape Talk's The Business of Entertainment.
Having spent most of his career in the United Kingdom, Jones has worked on numerous well-known and acclaimed films including, Notting Hill, Runaway Train, The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, Mississippi Burning, The Last of the Mohicans and In the Name of the Father.
Trevor has collaborated with filmmakers including John Boorman and Michael Mann.
He has been nominated for two Golden Globe Awards and three BAFTA Awards for Best Film Music.
In fact, Dr Jones gifted the show's opening and closing music .
On the Couch - #98 - MEX confronts the troll
What happens when you celebrate all that's good about ZA? Push back, resistance, negativity and small-minded stupidity - This is a life lesson in claiming the higher moral ground, for the greater good.
https://martinmyersct.com/2023/10/27/playlist-for-rugby-world-cup-final-2023/
On the Couch - #97 - MEX in conversation with Robert Plummer - Part 2
Part 2 of a stunning talk
We invited Robert Plummer Senior Managing Editor | Penguin Non-Fiction to talk about book publishing on the Business of Entertainment on CapeTalk on Thursday 26th October 2023.
His work involves overseeing the process of turning manuscripts into published books.
He has been working in publishing for over 25 years.
He publishes a range of non-fiction: politics, current affairs, history, biography, sport, business and personal finance.
On the Couch - #96 - MEX in conversation with Jason Grishkoff
Born in South Africa, Jason completed his secondary education in the USA and landed a job at Google.
He quit the company in 2013 to take his music blog Indie Shuffle full-time.
After a few ups and downs, his journey led him to start SubmitHub, a website that connects musicians with curators and influencers.
Today it is the market leader in its niche, creating tens of thousands of connections on a daily basis.
On the Couch - #95 - MEX in conversation with Robert Plummer
We invited Robert Plummer Senior Managing Editor | Penguin Non-Fiction to talk about book publishing on the Business of Entertainment on CapeTalk on Thursday 19th October at 9pm.
His work involves overseeing the process of turning manuscripts into published books.
He has been working in publishing for over 25 years.
He publishes a range of non-fiction: politics, current affairs, history, biography, sport, business and personal finance.
On the Couch - #94 - MEX in conversation with Shakatak
The Business of Entertainment on Cape Talk, hosted by Martin Myers every Thursday at 9pm, landed a real coup with this exclusive one-on-one.
We spoke to Shakatak on Thursday 12th October at 9pm. We chatted to Jill Saward (lead vocals) and Bill Sharpe (keys).
The band has firmly established itself as a vibrant live act, combining astute musicianship with a sense of fun that translates perfectly with audiences worldwide to this day.
Shakatak, comprising Jill Saward (lead vocals), Bill Sharpe (keys), Keith Winter (guitar), George Anderson (bass), and Roger Odell (drums) are on a world tour and have a new album coming out on the 27th of October 2023 titled, Eyes of the World . Please enjoy.
On the Couch - #93 - MEX in conversation with Leslie Adams
Great Streaming Boom: the mass move to video on demand (VOD) services, such as Netflix, Disney+ and Viu. We speak to Leslie Adams from Reach Africa
As an expert in the streaming space, Leslie has analysed this shift towards online streaming services in parallel to the decline of live TV.
While this is very much a global phenomenon, Leslie believes that there are certain factors, in particular, that make the SA market particularly amenable to video on demand (VOD).
On the Couch - #92 - MEX in conversation with Suzanne Ackerman - Part 2
The Business of Entertainment on CapeTalk, hosted by Martin Myers every Thursday at 9pm, has landed a real coup with this exclusive one-on-one.
We spoke to Suzanne Ackerman founder of Feed the Nation.(www.feedthenation.org.za ) on Thursday 5 October at 9pm
Suzanne speaks in depth about philanthropy and what it means and what we can all do to be better.
Her ethos of “doing good is good business” is at the heart of everything she does.
Be prepared to be inspired and blown away by the sheer gravitas of what the organisation does.
And find out what you can do with fundraising and what R1500.00 can do.
On the Couch - #91 - MEX in conversation with Suzanne Ackerman
We speak to Suzanne Ackerman founder of Feed the Nation.( www.feedthenation.org.za ) last night Thursday 28 Sept at 9pm on cape talk.
Suzanne speaks in depth about Philanthropy and what it means and what we can all do to be better.
Her ethos of “doing good is good business” is at the heart of everything she does.
Be prepared to be inspired and blown away by the sheer gravitas of what the organisation does.
On the Couch - #90 - MEX talks with Jarrod Aston
A discussion with Jarrod Aston of Audio Analytics and Radio Monitor, about his career in the music industry. music tech, digital media, music rights, broadcast monitoring and serial business entrepreneur.
On the Couch - #89 - Duncan Cruickshank - Part 2
Now in its 21st Week, the Business of Entertainment on Cape Talk, hosted by Martin Myers every Thursday at 9 pm, had a great guest last night.
Duncan Cruickshank is a media consultant in the Sports Industry at large with a focus on Rugby and Golf.
Last week we unpacked the DHL Stormers and now this week 21 September, we got to understand the Business of Golf which is all part of the Business of Entertainment.
On the Couch - #88 - Siphokazi Jonas talks truth
Sara - Jayne Makwala King profiles Siphokazi Jonas on Weekend Breakfast on Cape Talk, Saturday, 16 September 2023.