John McKeown’s online presence required an overhaul to prepare for the release of his official debut album. The brief for the new website was to keep it simple, strong and bold. With the existing content in place, I developed a new custom WordPress theme based around the new press pictures.

The site uses a few custom plugins and widgets. I developed a simple facebook fan box widget that can be configured from the WordPress dashboard making it simple to change the widget size and number of fans displayed.

The “listen” page uses an adapted version of the Tierra Audio Playlist Manager plugin, making it easy to add and edit the playlist.

Adding new live shows is made easier by integrating data from artistdata.com. Artistdata submits event information to numerous sites, including the official John McKeown website.

The new site is configured to display correctly across browsers and monitor sizes. The background image even resizes dynamically to fit larger monitors (see this screenshot of the site on a 27inch iMac).

The first release from Communion Records is a compilation featuring indie-folk’s finest new talent. The initial release strategy meant that each vinyl copy of ‘Communion’ would include a unique code providing access to a free digital copy of the album. I developed a download system to check a user’s code and ensure that it expires after each song is downloaded. The urls of the files are also protected so that the songs can only be downloaded with an access code. I built the system using PHP and MySQL to function within the existing WordPress site.
The label decided on a different delivery route for the album so unfortunately this system never made it into the public domain.

Head over to www.nativenoisecollection.com/desktop-wallpapers to download your favourites.

Back in 2002, Paul Seele launched a radio show on the University of Cape Town’s campus station. Native Noise focused on promoting South African music with an ethos of ‘thinking globally by support locally’. During a two year run, Paul interviewed over 165 local artists, promoting the country’s top acts as well as showcasing upcoming talent. The Native Noise radio show ended on a high note with the release of The Native Noise Acoustic Collection, a free MP3 album featuring some of the best songs performed live on the show.

In November 2009 Native Noise partnered with Musketeer Records for the release of ‘Native Noise Collection Vol. 1 – The Seether Sessions’. The album features a collection of rarities by South Africa’s most successful rock band on a 2CD set available exclusively in South Africa.

Disc 1 of ‘The Seether Sessions’ kicks off with the new song, ‘No Shelter’, a b-side from the gold selling hit album ‘Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces’. The disc continues with recordings from the band’s iTunes Originals sessions, previously unavailable in South Africa. Seether discusses their career from 1999 to 2008 alongside rare acoustic versions of songs including the hits ‘Fake It’, ‘Broken’ and ‘Rise Above This’. Fans will also be treated to covers of The Beatles’ ‘Across the Universe’ and Cole Porter’s ’I’ve Got You Under My Skin’ (made famous by Frank Sinatra) performed in Seether’s unique style.

A second disc captures the band’s live acoustic performance at the Grape Street Club, as featured in the 2006 release ‘One Cold Night’. The session includes hit singles ’The Gift’, ‘Truth’ and ‘Gasoline’ as well as a cover of Pearl Jam’s ‘Immortality’, fan favourite ‘Sympathetic’ and the early Saron Gas song, ‘Tied My Hands’.

No band could be more apt for the launch of The Native Noise Collection. Seether redefined the way people perceive South African rock and thanks to local support they went on to achieve global greatness. This exclusively South African release will be a valued asset to any Seether fan’s collection.

The official John McKeown website is built on a WordPress back-end. I created a custom theme to represent the album artwork for ‘Things Worth Fighting For’ and have used and adapted a number of powerful plugins to enhance the website’s appearance and usability. The website is content-rich, including photo galleries, music videos, lyrics, a gig guide and an integrated streaming mp3 player. The site includes a password protected press area for high resolution images and full album streaming.

A VIP Area also exists to provide exclusive content for fans that become members of the site. The sign-up process has been customized and enhanced to automatically add members to the mailing list. This VIP area was used for an exclusive online broadcast of John McKeown’s album launch showcase.

I built the Musketeer Records website from scratch. The brief called for an easily updateable website to showcase numerous artists. I built a custom CMS back-end to allow the Musketeer staff to easily add and edit information including news, events, artist pages and releases.

The site combines a number of technologies built on an ASP.NET platform to store information in a SQL Server 2005 database. The website is enhanced by a dynamically updated Flash menu as well as Javascript and advanced frames to allow seamless transitions between pages.

Technologies used:
* ASP.NET
* Visual Basic
* SQL Server 2005
* Adobe Flash
* XML
* CSS
* Javascript
* Adobe Photoshop

Tomorrow will be my last day in the Musketeer office. I am off to London for love, fame and fortune.

The last three years at Musketeer have been an incredible experience. I was able to work with a diverse range of artists from new acts to well established ones.

Here are a few of the highlights:

* Launching the very promising career of our pop-starlet Jessika.
* Receiving a SAMA nomination for our first jazz act; The Dan Wilson Mark Huggett Project.
* Finally signing Heroes Wear Red (even if I’m not here to promote the album).
* Making Fevertree impossible to ignore with incredible press coverage, a UK tour and massive performances at Coke Fest, Fall Out Boy and Ellis Park.
* Passing out in Seether’s dressing room while Metallica was on stage at the first Coke Fest tour in Cape Town.
* Seeing my photos appear in numerous publications (even if I wasn’t always credited for them).
* Getting Ian Henderson playlisted on every regional station without having to beg and pester music managers.
* Hearing the crowd sing along during 12th Avenue’s performance on the Seether tour.
* Working closely with Tuks FM for the awesome launch of Scarlet Box’s second album.
* Abusing my position in the music industry to start a backyard festival called JawFest with my mates.
* Working with the inspiring Verity and creating her limited edition multimedia CD.
* Releasing the greatest hits of one of my all-time favourite bands; Sugardrive.
* Replacing our monstrosity of a website with the sexy new www.musketeer.co.za
* Helping Seether earn their first local gold record, first SAMA, first MAMA and first sold-out arena tour.

It has been an incredible journey.

Thank you to all of you in the media for your support.

My duties will be taken over by David Elstins (a good friend, colleague and professional Englishman) and Gavin Wienand (the new guy that is already a legend in the SA music industry).

I’d like to extent an enormous thank you to Peter Lacey. Always more than a boss, as a mentor he gave me the encouragement and freedom to strive for greatness.

Back in 2005 he was the only man in the music industry willing to invest in the potential of a young campus radio DJ. I will always be grateful for that!

In parting I would like to leave you with a photo of my proudest accomplishment. Here I am grinning like an idiot with the award presented to me for gold certified sales of Seether’s latest album. May Musketeer Records have many more gold and platinum albums in the future.

So long, and thanks for all the fish

Paul Harold Seele
——————————-
Paul Seele
Head of Marketing – Musketeer Records
www.musketeer.co.za

Last night South African music channel MK revealed the nominees for the 2009 MK Awards.

Seether’s No.1 hit single ‘Rise Above This’, is nominated in the category “Campus Hit of the Year”

The winners of the MK Awards will be determined by public votes.

You can vote via the following means:
Website: http://beta.mnet.co.za/fanclub/voteCategoryItem.aspx?ClubID=642&catID=25&pID=41 (limited to 1 vote per day)
SMS: Send “Hit4” to 33676 (R1,50 – limited to 5 votes per day)
Mxit: Login to cast your vote (limited to 1 vote per day)
Voting closes on the 13th February 2009. Go to mktv.co.za for full voting rules

“Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces” has been Seether’s most successful album to date.
Local successes over the past year include:
* Three No.1 singles (‘Fake It’, ‘Rise Above This’ and ‘Breakdown’)
* The first Seether album to be certified Gold in South Africa
* Nominated for 3 South African Music Awards – winning Best Rock: English
* Nominated for 2 Mtv Africa Music Awards – winning Best Alternative
* Sold out arena tour (5,000 people per venue) in June 2008

Listeners will be pleased to hear all the classics including 5FM chart toppers ‘Ten Feet High’, ‘Brighter’, ‘Meteor’, ‘Michelangelo’s Holding Hands’, ‘35mil.’ and ‘Disco Lazarus’.

For the first time in seven years all four original band members are back to rock the nation. Sugardrive will be performing key shows in support of the new greatest hits collection “In a place (that takes a little getting used to)”.

Following the 5FM performance Sugardrive will move on to being the celebrity guests in the Do Band Up house. The group will be mentoring future rock-stars in the talent search competition (broadcast on www.do.co.za and MTV Base). The week in the Do Band Up house ends with Sugardrive performing at Tings ‘n Times on Friday 12th December.

The Sugardrive Stories competition will draw to a close this week. Fans have written about their favourite Sugardrive memories on www.musketeer.co.za/sugardrivestories. The five most popular stories all get a signed copy of the new album and VIP entry to the performance at Tings n Times.

South Africa’s most successful rock band, Seether, claimed the award for Best Alternative. The broad genre of the category had Seether up against Coldplay, Goldfish, The Parlotones and Buraka Som Sistema but the public vote made Seether the clear winners.

The award could only be expected with music videos for ‘Fake It’ and ‘Rise Above This’ earning Seether extensive television airplay the world over. The band’s latest single, ‘Breakdown’, was unveiled two weeks ago and is already on high rotation.

Seether was also nominated for the MTV Africa Artist of the Year award but lost to Nigerian performer D’banj. Six of the ten awards went to the host nation so Seether was proud to walk away with two nominations and one award.

Seether could not attend the ceremony due to prior US tour commitments with Staind and Papa Roach. The band pre-recorded an acceptance speech thanking all the fans at home for their support.

Bassist Dale Stewart commented; “We’ve been away from home for a very long time, we miss Africa a lot so getting this award is just great… We can’t wait to come home and play for you guys again. Hope to see you all soon.”

The award adds to Seether’s string of accolades in their home territory. The latest album, “Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces”, earned the band their first gold record in Southern Africa as well as their first South African Music Award. Now with the addition of a MAMA it seems that Seether will need to expand the trophy cabinet for many more awards to come.

The MTV Africa Awards will air on MTV Base (DSTV channel 322) on Saturday 29th November 2008 at 19:30 (GMT+2).

Sugardrive is one of South Africa’s most treasured rock bands. During a journey that would span more than a decade they flew the flag for originality, self-belief and re-invention. It is no wonder that South Africans feel a personal connection to Sugardrive’s music. Each song can trigger a memory (or the déjà vu of a memory lost).

Go to http://www.musketeer.co.za/sugardrivestories to share your Sugardrive story.

It can be a comment on the band, your first gig, last gig, best gig, the first song you heard, your favourite album or even that time you woke up in a place that took a little getting used to.

Then get your friends to vote for your story.

The 5 most popular stories will each win:
* The new Sugardrive collection “In a place (that takes a little getting used to)” signed by all four original band members.
* An afternoon with Sugardrive in the Do Band Up house.
* VIP entry for you and a partner to the Sugardrive performance at The Firkin (Centurion) on Friday 12th December 2008

“In a place (that takes a little getting used to)” is in all good music stores now.

“The band blew the stage apart, all of you blew me away, and I really had the best night of my year…”

“Superglue” has hit the shelves around South Africa. The incredible radio success of ‘Over Now’ paved the way for a phenomenal launch party in Cape Town. The Newspace Theatre was the ideal venue for Ian to showcase his new album, supported by the most incredible band he could have asked for. The launch will be covered by The Showbiz Report this weekend.

Ian Henderson will spend a week in Johannesburg from the 18th November; any media interested in interviewing him should contact David Elstins at Musketeer Records (david@musketeer.co.za).

Help them win by voting online at: http://www.mama.mtvbase.com

Or vote via SMS
Best Alternative:
SMS “Alternative E” to the number below

Artist of the Year:
SMS “Year E” to the number below

South Africa
34002
R2 per SMS

Rest of the world
+45 609 910 232
Standard International SMS rates apply

Voting closes on Tuesday 18 November 2008

www.seether.com
www.myspace.com/seether

In 2006 Verity launched the Lucky Packet Project to achieve her dreams. The ambitious singer would sell her album before it had even been written, a rare feat for established artists, let alone a debut release. Verity calculated that she would have to sell 2000 albums to cover the costs of creating it and off she went to gather the funding one CD sale at a time. Purchasing an advance copy of the album made fans part of the decision making processes in creating the album. Almost three years later 2000 people have made history as future owners of “Journey”; the debut album by Verity.

While Verity’s story is fascinating, it should not distract listeners from the fact that she has produced an outstanding collection of powerful songs. “Journey” is clearly a personal album, dealing with love, loss, insecurity, power and self-actualisation.  Verity enlisted a range of musicians from across the continent to perform on the album. The result is a beautifully mature pop album with lyrical depth and distinct African musicality.

Listeners will find Verity’s very personal songs reassuringly familiar. Her knack for reflecting the human psyche is matched by her ability to inspire and encourage personal growth through songs like ‘Shine’, ‘Don’t Look Back’ and the first single ‘Angel’. “When we released it as the first single off the album,” Verity explains “it felt like ‘Angel’ was the perfect way to introduce my music, message and the journey I have been on to record this album for the world. For me personally, the song is about allowing the strength and beauty we have inside ourselves to shine beyond the fears that hold us back”.

Verity is a truly skilled song writer, presenting very personal experiences in songs that everyone can relate to. She once battled singing ‘Forever in Me’, a song about her father passing away, but the song has grown into a celebration of his memory. Verity says that the song now brings comfort to so many people, “I have been asked to sing it at a lot of memorials and once again have discovered that a song so personal for me has found a way of meaning so much to others.”

She may focus on important aspects of life but Verity has learnt not to take herself too seriously. ‘Love Is’ reflects Verity’s way of dealing with a break-up, “It allows me to have a little laugh about taking things so seriously and just get on with it and accept the way things are.” Similarly ‘Take You Back’ carries an important message in a fun, upbeat song, “This is my song for claiming back your power and walking away from things that no longer serve you.”

Verity’s positive message goes beyond her music. As an inspirational speaker and performer her unique approach to the music industry has made her an expert on the power of thinking and acting out the box.  Verity has shared the stage with top international speakers including Dr John Demaritini, Lisa Nichols, Mike Dooley, Patricia Glynn, Robin Banks and Bruce Muzik. As an ambassador for women empowerment and POWA, Verity has performed and spoken to thousands of women around South Africa, including the annual Women’s Show at CCTIC & Sandton Convention Centre, Lisa Nichols “Ladies Can We Talk” workshop and the GSB Women In Business Conference.

As a result of her work in the community, Verity was made an ambassador for education and as such has awarded 40 Intec Bursaries to deserving South Africans. She has toured with The Standard Bank Rocking Future Road Show and spoken and sang for more than 4500 Matriculants about the power of living their dreams. She has been interviewed by numerous TV shows including The Power Within, Etv Showbiz Report and more recently Morning Live and Carte Blanch. Verity has guest presented for Top Billing and has hosted and performed at the Media 24 Awards, Virgin Mobile Aids Day, The Red Cross Children’s Hospital R1mil Drive, CHOC, The Chaeli Campaign, Africa Institute for HIV/AIDS Management and The Saartjie Baartman Centre to name a few.

The Lucky Packet Project included far more than the recording of “Journey”. 10.6% of every album sold was split between two charities – POWA and the work they do to empower women and Verity’s own Live Your Dreams Foundation to uplift other South African artists. She sold over 2000 future copies in 25 countries around the world before going into studio and was able to pay for two artists to record demos, as well as furnish POWA’s shelters with linen and crockery and three fax machines for their offices. She recorded the album with top producers Paul McIver and Brian O’Shea at the end of 2007 and it released in July 2008 having already made music history.

Verity has kept all her supporters in the loop through her website (iamverity.com) and blog (iamverity.co.za). In July she posted the news that the album was ready to be released, “I feel very fortunate that the gamble I took in starting this project is paying off so amazingly. I have an incredible record label behind me now, a great web team, incredible family and friends, a super supportive boyfriend and 2000 people who are about to receive their CD’s that they helped me record!”

The 2000 future owners of “Journey” were rewarded with a limited edition version of the album. The future owner copies include two bonus tracks as well as a multimedia CD with photographs, videos, press clippings, lyrics and Verity’s comments on each song. The retail release of the album is already selling well through Musketeer Records.

Verity approached the music industry from such a unique angle that she now finds herself back at the start; promoting a brand new album. Yet Verity is starting with 2000 CDs already sold and a story like no other. “All in all as I near the end of the Lucky Packet Project I have to say that I am one very very lucky girl! Here’s to the next part of the adventure…”

It could definitely be tightened up, but I don’t really have time to spend on that.

12th Avenue has grown from strength to strength since releasing their debut EP “Crazy” in 2005. The band’s first album, “Insane” elevated their status even further. In June 12th Avenue will unveil their third release with “Sober”. The group has undertaken the challenging task of carrying a concept through all three releases. “Sober” is the third and final chapter in the tragic love story of Anjee and 12. The tale adds depth to the music as well as reflecting the band’s growth as musicians over the years.

“’Sober’ reveals a new intensity in our music,” says frontman Mark Haze. “We’ve heard that our fans have been hoping, waiting and ultimately expecting us to get a bit fiercer on this new album, and we think they are really going to like it.”

Radio has embraced 12th Avenue providing two No.1 hit singles off previous releases. “Crazy” and “Living in My Life” both topped national station 5FM’s Hi5@5 chart.

The first single off “Sober” is bound to follow suit. “Time Bomb” has just hit South African airwaves with all the glory of 12th Avenue’s power riffs and an incredibly memorable chorus.

Commenting on the song Haze points out, “The single takes on a bit more of a fast paced and cutting edge style compared to some of our previous material, but still manages to keep the sound and energy of what we’ve done in the past.”

“Sober” will be launched in style as 12th Avenue hits the road on a nationwide tour to promote the album in June. Tour dates include a support slot on Seether’s SA Tour. The band is currently planning a UK Tour for later this year.

Scarlet Box made a lasting impression with their self titled debut album in 2004. They embraced the spotlight with smash hits “Everybody’s God”, “Love Hate” and “Just Be”. The band swiftly grew into an impressive live act with a dedicated fanbase. After four years of focused energy Scarlet Box is back with the powerful sophomore release; “And the Rest of Us Die Out”.

The rise to fame has presented many challenges and obstacles for Scarlet Box. The band’s singer and songwriter, Jenna Phillips, chose to transform these challenges into fuel for the creative fire.

“I’ve written this album to tie up the knots of my life until now” recalls Phillips. “We’ve been through a lot in the past few years, and instead of hampering on about it, I decided to write songs.”

The result is a revealing collection of work that will intrigue and captivate a broad range of listeners. Phillips hopes her songs will provide the same release for listeners as they have for her as a writer and performer. Thrusting these songs into the public domain is the best way to untie the knots that inspired them.

“Let it be the last time I focus on it!” She defiantly proclaims. “It’s all about shedding. Shedding old, unwanted skin. Hence the album title, “And the Rest of Us Die Out”, referring to all our old bygones. ”

The first single, “I Knew”, launched onto the airwaves instantly. The song was voted onto the Tuks FM Listener’s Top 10, entering at No.2. In Johannesburg “I Knew” has already started climbing the UJFM charts.

On the 14th June Tuks FM presents the launch of “And the Rest of Us Die Out”. The event takes place at Boston Tea Party in Menlyn. Entrance is R40 and doors open at 7pm.

Following the launch, Scarlet Box will head down to Port Elizabeth to support Seether on their South African Tour.

On Saturday night Seether claimed their first MTN South African Music Award in the category “Best Rock: English”. Seether’s debut album “Fragile”, and their second international studio album, “Karma and Effect”, were both nominated in previous years but didn’t win the judges over. “Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces”, however, went as far as earning Seether nominations in two of the Big Five categories; “Best Group/Duo” and “MTN Record of the Year”.

Since moving to the USA, Seether has grown into one of the top rock bands in the world. The band’s latest single, ‘Rise Above This’ is currently No.1 on international charts with previous single, ‘Fake It’, still maintaining positions on the Top20 airplay charts. Despite the status as world-wide rock stars the band is still most grateful for support from home.

“Were really happy that people still consider us a part of the South African music scene.” Bassist Dale Stewart reflects, “Were really proud of our roots. There was definitely some animosity from certain people when we set off overseas but I think now people are generally supportive and we’re really grateful.”

The group’s latest album is proving that rock is alive and well in South Africa. The SAMA winning album is earning extensive airplay on stations ranging from campus rock to adult contemporary. “Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces” is on the verge of gold status; a first for Seether’s home territory.

In June 2008, Seether returns to South Africa for a full band tour covering Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and Port Elizabeth.

South African fans have been aching to see the full band live since the first My Coke Fest concerts with Metallica in 2006. This past festive season front-man Shaun Morgan Welgemoed performed a few intimate acoustic shows and promised to return with the full band. True to Welgemoed’s word Seether is coming home in all their glory to play four shows across South Africa.

Excited about the tour Welgemoed reveals, “I love coming back to SA to play shows. I always feel so proud walking out onto a stage with SA fans in front of me. It’s a different audience. It’s very powerful. It’s very emotional performing back home. I love it.”

Seether’s South African dates kick off two days after a European tour including Germany’s Rock am Ring Festival and the main stage at England’s Download Festival. White Squall Events has procured the best indoor venues to house as many Seether fans as possible.

15 June 2008, Grand West Arena – Cape Town
16 June 2008, Standard Bank Arena – Johannesburg
20 June 2008, The Wave House – Durban
21 June 2008, UPE Sport Center – Port Elizabeth
Tickets will be available from Computicket from 15th May.

Having had the privilege of musical-training with Kylie Adcock, Jessika is fresh out of the same “Superstar School” as Candice. It came as no surprise that her talent would draw the attention of Musketeer Records’ CEO Peter Lacey.

“Jessika’s unique vocal tone is the type of gem we look for in our artists.” Lacey reveals, “Wrapped in just the right amount of attitude and sex appeal, Jessika clearly has what it takes to be a star”

‘Shout’ unveils Jessika’s fun and adventurous spirit, fuelled with enough punch to thrust her into the limelight. Excited about launching her career Jessika hopes her debut single will strike a positive chord with listeners.

“I feel that ‘Shout’ is an extremely positive song that expresses how people need to just get out there and enjoy life! Take a break from the everyday norm and embrace the things that make you happy.”

The young singer’s forthcoming album will reveal that she’s not just fun and games. “Shout” the album, expands on the title track revealing a maturity that will establish Jessika as an artist with a bright future.

“Making this album has been completely overwhelming for me and I can’t believe it’s finally happening! I have worked with some amazing and talented people who have shared this experience with me. I hope everyone is going to be as excited about this album as I am.”

South African radio is ready to embrace a new star and Jessika is more than ready to rise to the occasion.

The second single off Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces, “Rise Above This” hit the airwaves while the nation was still singing along to the infectious chart-topper “Fake It”.

“Rise Above This” has already hit No.1 on 94.7′s Homebrew Top 10. The song is flying up campus radio’s local charts to Top 10 positions on TuksFM, UJFM, MFM, PukFM and RMR, with global chart positions in hot pursuit. Nationally “Rise Above This” looks likely to top 5FMs Top 40 where it is currently at No.19.

All the support from radio has seen the song shoot to No.13 on the SA Top 100 airplay charts, receiving over 90 spins last week.

The song is expected to keep moving as the music video hits television screens this week.

Having answered her calling as an artist, Verity has embraced the world and committed to making a difference. Scratching the surface of her music reveals uplifting, positive songs but Verity is constantly proving that there’s far more to her than meets the eye.

Her debut album, developed over the last two years, sold 2000 copies before recording even started. Turning to the critics that matter most, Verity called on the general public to be a part of the creative process.

The journey in creating this album is apparent in the depth of Verity’s song-writing. Having learnt to channel and focus her inspiration, the artist recalls how the first single came to be.
“Angel” is the last song I wrote before going into studio to record my album. I dreamt the entire song one night and finished writing it within 10 minutes of waking up.

Verity’s contribution to the world runs even deeper than music. She is actively involved with worthy causes such as POWA (People Against Woman Abuse). Her journey as an actor and musician has equipped Verity with knowledge well worth sharing, making her renowned as an inspirational speaker.

Applying her talents further, Verity created the Live Your Dreams Foundation to develop aspiring artists and launch their careers. The foundation has already enabled two young singers to start living their dreams by recording their demos.

Helping others to live their dreams is an endeavor made possible only because Verity is working to achieve her own. She can inspire the strength within so many by turning inward as “Angel” clearly shows.

“For me personally, the song is about allowing the strength and beauty we have inside ourselves to shine beyond the fears that hold us back. It feels like “Angel” is the perfect way to introduce my music, message and the journey I have been on to record this album to the world.”

As Verity spreads her wings she is inspiring the world to fly with her.

The Dan Wilson Mark Huggett Project has a very unique and refreshing style. The SAMA judges clearly agree that this album is too good to ignore. “Max Roach Park” sits comfortably in the “Best Traditional Jazz” category alongside Carlo Mombelli and the Prisoners of Strange, Johnny Fourie, Mccoy Mrubata and Wessel van Rensburg.

Delighted with the nomination Mark Huggett had the following to say from London, “I feel honoured to be nominated for such a prestigious award and to be in such esteemed company as the other nominees. I would like to thank everyone that has come to see us play in South Africa or bought our CD, I would also like to thank, for their continuing support, our record company Musketeer Records and in particular Paul Seele. I would like to dedicate our nomination to Richard Haslop of SAFM for his interest and generosity”

The album is a truly global product with bassist Dan Wilson based in Durban and drummer Mark Huggett living in London. The duo worked on the project telephonically sending files back and forth, drawing on a diverse range of musical and social influences. The album features guest artists from around the globe including Yngvil Vattn Guttu, a Norwegian trumpeter based in Anchorage.

The album title came from a park in Brixton, London. The cultural diversity that Huggett saw in the park was as much an inspiration for the band as Jazz Legend Max Roach’s drumming.
Dan Wilson was modestly surprised by the nomination, “It’s great to get nominated and to see that our eclectic influences and global approach have drawn fans.”

The Dan Wilson Mark Huggett Project performed a series of shows in South Africa last year. The group is embarking on a steadily-paced world tour, visiting various countries each year. The group will be touring America in August 2008

On Thursday night the nominees for the 14th Annual MTN South African Music Awards revealed “Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces” in the category “Best Rock: English”.  Seether is no stranger to the category, “Fragile”, the band’s local debut as Saron Gas, was nominated in 2001 while “Karma and Effect”, also earned a nomination in the 2006 awards. Seether is yet to win an award, but in three coveted categories it looks like it’ll be ‘third time’s a charm’ for 2008.

Seether is established as one of the top contemporary rock acts worldwide. With humble roots in South Africa, the band truly values the support from home. The second nomination for “Best Duo/Group” has Seether representing rock alongside heavyweights Freshlyground, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Malaika and Soul Brothers.

The first single, ‘Fake It’, shot to No.1 across the country. The infectiously catchy tune is up for the public vote for “MTN Record of the Year”. The current single gained high rotation instantly. ‘Rise Above This’ has already entered campus radio charts as well as sharing chart space with ‘Fake It’ on 94.7′s Homebrew chart.

Responding to the news from another nationwide American tour, Morgan chose his words carefully, “F#$% YEAH BABY!”

The latest album has broken new ground for Seether locally, outselling earlier albums in a few short months. With chart-topping singles and an album fast approaching gold status the team behind Seether is confident that these SAMA nominations are just the start.

Fevertree’s performance at Ellis Park last year got the attention of Lions coach Eugene “Loffie” Eloff while he was building his strategy for a power-house team and victorious season. As Fevertree’s profile escalated, so did the Lions’ game-play.

Eloff saw an opportunity to work with the band, “I’m good friends with Garth Luke and listening to their music, I like their sound and the pureness of their music, and I decided that they were the right band to associate ourselves with.”

Approaching the Super14 tournament, the team needed one final ingredient; the power of rock! Eloff and Rick Alan from The Produxion House approached Fevertree’s front-man, Garth Luke, asking for a song to inspire the team and prepare them for the battle ahead.
“I’m born and bred in Joburg, so the Lions have always been my team.” Luke beams, “I’m so honoured to be associated with them. Playing at Ellis Park was such a powerful experience, and then Loffie asked me to write a song for them, it’s one of the highlights of my career.”

The band has worked hard to make a name for themselves; releasing two critically acclaimed albums, six No.1 singles and numerous nationwide tours. In 2007 Fevertree shared stages with Fall Out Boy, Evanescence, 3 Doors Down, Staind and Hoobastank before heading overseas themselves.

“We went on our first international tour last September and I found myself in the airplane thinking about patriotism and pride when this tune just came to me. I scribbled it down and by the time we landed in London ‘Believe’ was pretty much written.”

Fevertree and The Lions share values and aspirations made apparent by the song’s lyrics. Luke wrote the inspirational lyrics, “If we believe, we’ll be living the dream” only to discover those very words make up the team’s motto.

Eloff recalls, “I love the band and I love the song, and it’s our motto – if we believe it, we can achieve it”.

‘Believe’ has already hit the airwaves with Jeremy Mansfield pushing the track on 94.7′s Rude Awakening. Destined to be a huge radio hit, the song is a welcome departure from the cheese usually associated with sports anthems. The song will be on sale as a CD single at Ellis Park and fans can sms “Believe” to 36993 to download a clip to their phone.

This Saturday Fevertree returns to Ellis Park for the Auto and General Super 14 Lions first home game of the tournament. Having chalked up one victory already, the Auto and General Super 14 Lions are set to dominate, with Fevertree rocking the stadium’s foundations.

“Rise Above This” is an incredibly personal song that front-man Shaun Morgan wrote about his brother Eugene in advance of his tragic death last year. With it, Seether sounds unexpectedly and ironically optimistic, a key theme throughout the new album.

“I used to think more about what the fans thought, but ultimately I wound up stunting myself creatively,” Morgan explains. “The point of being a musician
and writing music and being in a band is that I can write an optimistic-feeling, accessible song if I want. Even though it wasn’t written about an optimistic experience, I opted to see a positive in the situation. Rather than my usual reaction, which would be to get all piss-y and moan-y about it.”

The incredible success of “Fake It”, the first single off Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces, has certainly set the bar very high for Seether. The song topped every rock chart across the US as well as South Africa. “Fake It” was even embraced by more conservative radio, making it impossible to ignore. As a mainstream cross-over song, “Rise Above
This” is tipped to be an even bigger smash hit.

“The opinion that that song is going to elevate the band to a whole new place is awesome,” confesses Morgan, “but thinking about it I’m getting goosebumps because I don’t know what to expect.”

Fans eager to catch these rare intimate performances scooped up tickets instantly. Five sold-out shows with no sponsors and barely a week of promotion on the first two are certainly achievements that few artists could pull off. Morgan’s popularity and dedication to fans were further emphasized when signing sessions lasted thrice as long as the shows.

The final show of the tour will go down in the history books with over 5000 people rocking in the rain at Kirstenbosch Gardens. Contrary to his claims that he doesn’t do much other than play songs, Morgan knew exactly how to get the crowd going. Reworking the lyrics to the classic ‘Take Me Away’ he sang, “I want you to stay and take the rain away”, before jumping off stage to get wet with the fans.

Morgan has promised to bring the rest of Seether back for a full tour as soon as possible. For these shows he was supported by a few local artists including Simon Perry (The Tornados), Nick Argyros (16 Stittch), Dylan Hunt (Pestroy) and Grant Bez (MyEpic).

The local media love Morgan as much as the fans so he was in high demand. Radio interviews on 5FM, Radio 2000, East Coast Radio, Kfm and TuksFM reached almost every possible listener in the country. Reviews, interviews and features filled the pages of the most powerful press. This weekend interviews with Morgan will be screened on MK’s Studio One as well as The Showbiz Report on ETV.

Morgan is back in America now, filming the music video for the next single before heading on a Canadian tour. After such a phenomenal reception he is eager to play to South African audiences again. Commenting on the Kirstenbosch show he said that he was overwhelmed by the crowd and understood what it must feel like to be one of the Springboks.
Not bad for one guy and his acoustic guitar!

Catch Shaun Morgan hosting his Top 5 rock songs of 2007:
MK – Studio One – Friday 11th January – 19:30
Watch an interview and footage of the Kirstenbosch show:
ETV – The Showbiz Report – Saturday 12th January – 19:30