Homegrown talent Beatenberg played their last gig for the year along with supporting act Opposite The Other to a sold-out crowd at the Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts series at the weekend.
Drummer Robin Brink, from Muizenberg, said the band has had an exciting year filled with many opportunities; overseas travel and personal growth.
The band comprises Mathew Field, of Tamboerskloor; Ross Dorkin of Muizenberg on guitar and Robin on the drums. “This year we got to travel a lot and played to audiences in both London and New York. We also got an opportunity to perform on the Jimmy Fallon Show. I believe we are well-on our way establishing the band internationally,” said Robin.
Robin attributed the band’s success and popularity to the authenticity of their music. “I have thought about this a lot and I think that our fans respond to the sincerity of our music. It’s not artificial; it’s real.”
He told the Tatler that they draw inspiration from a variety of genres even though their music is predominantly indie pop, worldbeat and Afro pop music.
“As a band, we love music. We enjoy the history of classical music; West African music and also sounds coming out of South America, specifically Brazil. We draw a lot of inspiration from these genres and they help us to be turned-on musically,” he explained.
He said singer and songwriter, Matthew, conceptualises the lyrics to their music by spending alone time at home. “When he has a rough draft; he brings it to us and we three work together to produce the final product.” Since the group formed they have amassed six South African Music Awards (SAMAs) after being nominated for seven awards last year. They cleaned out at the SAMAs last year by winning awards for the best selling RBT (ring back tone); best selling download; South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA) Award for most played song on radio; best pop album; best group / duo and album of the year for The Hanging Gardens of Beatenberg. “We are really grateful for our success as we all started together making music. This year we learnt a lot of humbling lessons and the one that sticks out the most is: To have a positive effect on people; you need to look inside and spend time doing some introspection. You can’t give of yourself to people if your cup is not full.”
The next concert at Kirstenbosch will see the Parlotones take to the stage along with support act Richard Stirton on Sunday December 11.
For details and ticket prices, call 021 799 8783 or www.sanbi.org.za and www.webtickets.co.za
