She loves to play on the beach...

Afrikaans folk-rock is how one would describe Jo'burg based singer-songwriter Gizelle's music.

This week, Streetlamp find out what she’s been up to…

Streetlamp:  Tell us about your background? Where do you come from, how did you get into music…
Gizelle:  I grew up in Pretoria, where I went to school and also studied at the University of Pretoria - I have a degree in Engineering.  I always enjoyed singing in the shower and performed in school concerts, but one day a friend of mine pitched up at my house with a guitar and showed me a few chords...  I wouldn't let her take it with her when she left!

SL:  To those who have yet to hear your music, how would you describe your sound?
G:  My music, in its basic form, is Afrikaans folk, but the production on the album gives it a bit of an electronic vibe.  It is emotional, melodic and very lyrically focused.

SL:  Who are your main musical influences?
G:  My influences include various female vocalists such as Tori Amos, Heather Nova, Alanis Morisette and Sarah Mclachlan. 

SL:  Do you write your own songs?
G:  Yes, all my songs are original.

SL:  What is your music about? Is there an underlying message?
G:  My songs are all about my life, my thoughts, my experiences.  Writing music is my therapy - it's like a diary entry, almost bordering on exhibitionism!  I guess the message to anyone out there who identifies with these experiences of mine is:  you are not alone.

SL:  How do you write music? Do the words come first or the music?
G:  Usually both the words and the music just pour out of me at once.

SL:  If you could collaborate with any musical artist, who would it be?
G:  I'd love to collaborate with Tori Amos.  I love the surrealism of her music, I get lost in the sounds.

SL:  If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it be?
G:  Paradiso!

SL:  Where is your favourite place to play music (venue)?
G:  My favourite place to play is on the beach or in the bush - around a campfire!  Though I haven't performed at many venues yet, I would love to play Tings an' Times in Pretoria.

SL:  Do you play any cover songs when you perform? If so, which ones?
G:  I don't play covers as a rule, but if I had to pick a song to cover it would be "Soms" by Riku Latti.

SL:  What do you do to pay the bills, or does your music earn you enough?
G:  I work part time in manufacturing as a consulting Engineer.

SL:  What's your outlook on the record industry today?
G:  I think it's difficult to get a record deal - especially when you're doing something different and non-commercial.  I've heard many empty promises in my career and so I've decided to finance the recording of my debut album myself.  I choose not to agonize about it too much - modern technology allows artists to take charge of our own destinies.

SL:  What are the biggest obstacles for upcoming bands or artists?
G:  So far my biggest obstacle has been inside my own mind - finding the courage and confidence to believe in my own art.  Once I achieved the belief that I'm an artist and that my work touches people, I had the courage to invest energy, time and money in myself.

SL:  What inspires you?
G:  I'm inspired by people who give of themselves to others, who reach out and touch others - even if it's just by smiling at someone or paying a simple compliment.  People are channels for God's love.

SL:  What music do you listen to?
G:  I tend to listen to a strange variety of stuff - usually exposed to via friends.  At the moment I'm listening to Radio Lawa by Riku Latti, Arnaud van Vliet and Jahn Beukes.

SL:  "You’ll know you've made it when..."
G:  ...I play Oppikoppi and people sing along to my songs!

SL:  "It'll be time to pack up the gear for good when..."
G:  There will never be a good enough reason to stop making music.

SL:  What are your plans for the future?
G:  I'd love to do a tour to the Benelux in time, but for now I'm finishing up my debut album and preparing to start gigging Gauteng.

Watch this space for details on Gizelle’s debut album!

View the full artist profile of Gizelle.

Also visit our artist spotlight archive, or go back to all artist spotlights.