Pixie is one busy lady. She has various spheres to her music career, all of which keep her fairly busy. And sheesh-like, does she get around. Fast. Besides taking the initiative, we like that she’s applied herself in full to her music by being a great multi-tasker, managing all aspects of what she does. Here’s how she goes about life…
Name: Pixie Bennett
Age: 27
Hometown: Right now JHB… but I was born in Canada, lived in DBN until I was 9 years old, then Howick until Matric… 2 and a half years in CPT, about 3 years in Europe and the last 4 years in Durban again!! So where is home? Hahaha!
What was it like growing up in Howick?
At the time I really wanted to be in the city! But looking back now it was an amazing place to spend most of my school years. I was a boarder, and I spent a lot of time outdoors…
We used to tube from the Midmar Dam wall, fish, kayak, play sports.. and obviously I also spent a huge amount of time doing all the creative stuff like my music, dance and drama. Pretty well-rounded environment to grow up in.
What got you interested in music and making a career out of it?
Being someone who always had a love for music, I began writing my own music when I was 14, after seeing a programme on Fionna Apple and being really inspired. I played the guitar at the time so banged out a few melodies and the rest is history.
Funnily enough, I decided to study Musical Theatre at UCT because I equally loved acting, music and dance. A year into it and all the fun for me was taken out of it, and I got offered a contract with a small Ibiza record label and the chance to go work in Ibiza and Italy at just 19 years old.
So I left UCT and began an amazing personal and musical journey, realising that this was my first love and I could incorporate the other elements in my on stage performances.
Do you find that in order to make a career out of music in South Africa you have to wear a lot of hats? What are the things you focus on in order to survive as an artist?
Definitely. You need to be versatile because its such a competitive industry and people are always wanting something new and fresh!
I have The Pixie Bennett Band which is more pop/rock/jazz but still a party band. We do originals and market ourselves in the “Festival” market, as I call it, i.e. your original music platforms like select shows, festivals, radio and TV. We also do covers and offer various packages to the corporate market. Last year I branched into the club scene marketing myself as a “Freestyle live vocalist” where I work with many different DJs like Lady Lea, Erica Elle and Martin Mchale doing ad lib vocals over their sets and that is becoming increasing popular! Now that I am in JHB I can get back into commercials, TV etc and I also have experience in marketing and events so I use my artiliary of skills to face the industry.
Have you studied anything (formally or informally) which has really helped you which you think other musicians should look into?
A have my honours in life skills! Hahaha! I have picked up most of the things I find important along the way and through various situations. I wish I had studied sound engineering, to have known more about the sound aspect for live performance and basic production. I intend to do that part time this year. Basic marketing, admin and small business management are things I find necessary in supplementing good musical knowledge in order to grow your career and be able to hold the power without relying on managers or agents.
After your success in the Idols competition, you seemed to take the initiative in kickstarting your music career – what was your thinking at that stage and how did you go about it?
I entered Idols having my band and original material ready for when I was out of the show. I took part in order to benefit from the millions of rands exposure that the competition gives its contestants and be able to promote myself through that. When I was in the show I had also considered the sponsors that I would approach as soon as I left. You can’t waste any time! As soon as you are out you must strike while the iron is still hot and that is what I had intended to do and what I did!
You’re a busy tweeter – how do you view Twitter and how does it work for you?
I love twitter! Its like being in a room and socialising with people that you want to know, that inspire you or who you would like to form a relationship with and just getting to know each other. Through that every day banter you can form great business relationships and genuine friendships. I met Lady Lea on twitter as well as many industry people that I have since worked with. There is no better advertising than word of mouth and twitter is fundamentally that.
How do you use the online sphere in general and how much of it is personal and how much is business?
I am who I am, I chat openly and share personal aspects of myself because its important for people to realise you are just another down to earth normal person. I have fears and dreams and want to always be real. I find on facebook I am more business orientated because you only really want to update your page once a day so you promote what gigs you have coming up or news… On twitter I am more open because its a refreshing timeline and so has that feel of a chat room, so I am more relaxed there.
What does a typical working week consist of for Pixie Bennett?
Nothing is typical! Every week is different. Last week I learnt new music, some old club classics with vocals for using in my club set. I also listened to various tracks with no vocals writing new melodies and met with some DJs. I met with someone to help organise an event from a concept and design aspect. I organised a photoshoot that I needed done for one of my sponsor’s websites. Met a designer for my MK awards outfit. I flew to CPT for the MK awards, then went to a gig with Lady Lea, the afterparty for MK and flew home! And in between I looked after all my social networks, quotes and e-mails!
Who or what is the most important thing to you?
“The most important thing to me is life itself” …. one of my favourite quotes. And my dogs, I love them unconditionally.
Describe your ideal weekend.
Ideally I wish I was working two events every Thursday to Sunday!
But If I was off – sleeping in, followed by a long lunch with my friends in an amazing setting would be ideal. Good food, good wine, good company. A sunset booze cruise on the river or dam… Ended off with movies on the couch on a rainy sunday afternoon with me cuddling my pooches 🙂
