A roundup of the local rock and metal scene in South Africa includes news on The Ambers, Deadline and Aiden Martin.
The Amblers are a folksy, blues rock duo emerging through the vibrant and diverse music industry in South Africa. Residing in the musically driven city of Johannesburg, the two have a broad range of both local and international musical influences from Southern Gypsy Queen and The Black Cat Bones, to The Rolling Stones and Jack White. Their approach to music is raw but not unpolished, lending an authentic energy to huge drums and dirty, vintage guitar tones.
Acclaimed drummer Jason Hinch provides an accomplished and powerful framework for Justin Swart to deliver his racontuerish ideas of music and lyrics to the listener. The duo have recently released their first body of work together, a collection of hard hitting songs titled “The Dustling Man” and are currently in studio working on a new album.
The Dustling Man is available to stream and purchase on Deezer and iTunes
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Formed in August of 2014 and having recently won the “best new comer” at the South African Metal Music Awards, Deadline are taking the South African metal scene by storm. Consisting of Jessy Switchblade on vocals, Dizzy Styxx on drums and backing vocals, Baz Steel on bass and backing vocals, The Skullprit on guitars and backing vocals and last but not least as 80% of the tunes are his handy work Raven Chaos on guitars and backing vocals.
The band have just released their debut album BLACK WOLF CITY
What started as a fun side hobby, with time has become something bigger than they could have ever expected. The band have been tearing up stages for the last couple year with South African heavy weights like The Black Cat Bones, Zombies Ate My Girlfriend, Deity’s Muse and The Slashdogs. They recently made their big stage debut when they played this year’s Krank’d Up Festival, proving that as a live band they are a true force to be reckoned with.
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Cape Town Blues Rocker Aidan Martin releases highly anticipated new album REFUGEE
A changeling and a chaser of truth, Aidan Martin is forever seeking authenticity when it comes to his craft, and the much-anticipated album Refugee is a true testament to this passion. He believes in creating music that is accessible to everyone, that inspires consciousness, freedom of thought and freedom of creation.
Just as the mesh of genres proclaim, Aidan is a multitalented musician and songwriter, while his work is underscored by an undeniable sense of purpose and soul. In a time when audiences are seeking the next big thing by scrolling through their social media feeds, it has become increasingly hard to find a musician – and band members – who are true to their art; musicians who breathe groovy blues and play to the soul of rock.
At the helm of steering Refugee into world-class production is Graham Ward, award-winning producer, composer and songwriter, who has worked with the likes of Paul McCartney, Tom Jones, Ray Charles, Bee Gees and Toni Braxton, to name a few.
“Graham brings years of industry experience and compelling talents to the table and adds that extra ingredient to the music. We are very lucky to work with someone of his calibre,” Aidan said.
Never one to stand still, Aidan is constantly seeking ways to perfect his craft while he tirelessly gigs across South Africa. It is this drive that makes him one of today’s rare musicians, practicing an unparalleled work ethic and dedication to the art of making music.
“This is it for me. There’s no time for the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, because I have to continue to focus on my craft.” Aidan Martin might see himself as a refugee of life, but he sure knows how to turn his determination into a thing of beauty.
