Rocking in Afrikaans

This week we chat to the man behind the Afrikaans rock tunes, Agter toe deure and Kyk vir my.

Streetlamp:  To those who have yet to hear your music, how would you describe your sound?
Duislig:  I perform in Afrikaans but I really write more in English, a more alternative rock! My music sounds more like me everyday, I try to sound different and unique.

SL:  Who are your main musical influences?
DL:  Whoa! there is a lot of artists and bands that influence my music, I listen to all kinds of music but I listen to ALL rock music! so my answer is ROCK influences me!

SL:  Do you write your own songs?
DL:  Yep!

SL:  What is your music about? Is there an underlying message?
DL:  Sometimes, I would say there isn't always an underlying message but there is always a story!

SL:  How do you write music? Do the words come first or the music?
DL:  At the same time most of the time... and other days the music comes first

SL:  If you could collaborate with any musical artist, who would it be?
DL:  You may not know them yet, GOSYSTEMATIC, they’re from my town! These guys and one girl ROCKS the hearts out of pubs and they are a Christian band.

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

SL:  Where is your favourite place to play music (venue)?
DL:  Well to be quite honest I have only gigged at a few places but to answer your question I would say Parys and Potch wins hands down!

SL:  Do you play any cover songs when you perform? If so, which ones?
DL:  Oh... my favourite cover song is "weak" from Skunk Anansie, but I only do that when I am asked to, lol.  I don't really like performing cover songs, only the real artist can do their songs they way it should be done, although I must admit there are a bunch of artists out there who do cover songs pretty damn good!

SL:  What do you do to pay the bills, or does your music earn you enough?
DL:  Lol! I work for myself, me and a friend have a graphic design business.  We design CD covers for bands!

SL:  What's your outlook on the record industry today?
DL:  I don't think some people would like what I have to say but here it goes:  All over most record companies sign left right and centre, there is no support for unsigned artists from them whatsoever! No one can deny that it has become more about the money than the music! I would like to change that though - that is why we started our design business.

SL:  What are the biggest obstacles for upcoming bands or artists?
DL:  Finance! Most unsigned bands can't even afford a proper CD cover design, so most of them drop out because they can’t afford to promote themselves and with the rise in all our costs around our country it has become increasingly difficult.  But that should make us realise why we must be consistent in whatever we want to accomplish - there is always someone watching, someone that might be able to help you!

SL:  What inspires you?
DL:  People’s stories of success, love and loss!

SL:  What music do you listen to?
DL:  All music, but my IPod’s playlist consists of Skillet, System of a down and Flyleaf.  There is a huge difference between these bands but I like them all!

SL:  The best album you ever bought?
DL:  Flyleaf!

SL:  "You'll know you've made it when..."
DL:  I have a studio where unsigned bands can come to record at no cost and when I will be able to promote them from my own pocket!

SL:  "It'll be time to pack up the gear for good when..."
DL:  When I die! It is part of my being

SL:  "I'll never forget the first time I..."
DL:  ...forgot my lyrics at a funeral! lol I was 16 at the time, I felt like a total idiot!

SL:  What are your plans for the future?
DL:  I want to help other musicians that is in my position by getting their image ( CD cover ) straight

SL:  Can you give us a good cocktail recipe?
DL:  I am more of a cook than a barman! lol

SL:  Is there any other info you would like to share with Streetlamp fans?
DL:  Our cover design company's name is Intricate Imaging, you can contact us at intricateimaging.blogspot.com. Our website will only be ready in July! we want to design a 1000 covers globally for UNSIGNED bands at an unmatched price! Believe me you need to have a great design to attract the attention of those who have not listened to your music!

View the full artist profile of Duislig.

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