My good mate Brad and I were sitting on the patio outside at my in-laws’ farm near Albert Falls, jamming and fiddling around on our acoustic guitars. It was one of those real lazy afternoons, where kids and adults were all over the place doing their own thing in the afternoon winter sunshine. Continue reading Behind the song: Feels Like Home
It was around-about August 2009, I think, when the band had just finished a practice and we were talking about that thing that makes some bands so special. After going through all our various likes and dislikes, Roberto pointed out that the common denominator in all of our favourite songs and bands was that they had groove.
I remember milling over this for quite some time, because Continue reading Behind the Song: Let It Rise
This week’s Caption Competition photograph is supplied by Rudi. Pic was taken while waiting around for soundcheck at the Royal Rock concert 2010. Continue reading The Royal Rock Stage
It takes a split second to push through from paralyzing fear into the confidence that makes you step out on stage and try own it. Waiting for the moment when we would kick off the Royal show concert was much like getting wax treatment from a snail with narcolepsy, as the deadline kept being moved back in 10 minute increments to accommodate the sloth like arrival of what would ultimately become the crowd Continue reading Royal Rumble
So there we were. Five against 5000. A freezing cold Friday night in Maritzburg. Continue reading Royal Rock 2010
Were you at a recent show of the Ryan Calder Band?
The RCB is looking for reviews of their performances, and in return will give you a free copy of the band’s Live at the Red Door album, autographed by all of the band members! The first 20 reviews all get Continue reading Show Reviews
The last song to be written ended up as the first song on the album.
I enjoy some of the chords in Jim Croche songs, and for this song the inspiration was the same sequence from the chorus of Time In A Bottle, which runs down the D scale. Except for On The Edge, the rhythm is more upbeat.
I remember it so clearly, sitting on my bed in my room with pen and paper on my lap, trying to finish the song by putting words that matched the mood of the rhythm and the chords. I knew what I wanted the song to be about, but just couldn’t find an opening line. Continue reading Behind the Song: On The Edge
Play along with the chorus of Hakuna Matata from the Lion King.
Play along with the first half of the song “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran.
We had a meeting on Saturday. It was scheduled for 8am. Yes, yes, I know, that’s not very rock ‘n roll. I even baked muffins. Seriously. Burnt them a bit, but insisted that on principle the rest of the band eat them. They politely, if uncomfortably, consumed my first attempt at chocolate muffins.
By 8.40am, we’re ready to begin. In attendance are Rudi, Roberto, Rachel Grace and yours truly. Apologies from Tam, who has work commitments, while Jon, we assume, is still slumbering in CT. Continue reading Planning for the Hexagon Theatre
