They are authentic, they are angry and they rock!

Afrikaans band Wysdiman consists of Bruce Bleed (Vocals), Poison Piet (Guitar), Perd Botha (Bass Guitar) and Earl Devereux-Quicke on drums.

We chat to Bruce and Earl whilst the band is busy with production of their brand new album.

Streetlamp:  Tell us about your background? Where do you come from, how did you get into music…
Bruce: Piet's from the coast, Pieter from the Vaal and I'm from a town with an airport. Pieter has a musical family and he has been playing in bands since his schooldays, Piet taught himself to play guitar in his varsity days where we met and started a musical journey together as a duo. WYSDIMAN was formed 3 years ago with the addition of Pieter and Earl taking care of the rhythm section and making sure the songs reach their full potential.
Earl: I grew up in Tzaneen in Limpopo Province...folks were big music fans and also artists so it rubbed off onto me....

S: To those who have yet to hear your music, how would you describe your sound?
B: Death Sokkie someone once said but it's all rock 'n roll with Afrikaans lyrics mixed up with a heavy grunge influence. We also try and maintain a balance with an acoustic and electric set, consisting of different songs for each set.
E: Well it is for them to decide...our emotion in the songs can vary depending on the individual's mood....
 
S: Who are your main musical influences?
B: It's not the who but the where when and what. Moments and experiences are absorbed to be re-applied later.
E: Well there are many...but I say it is just life and its curve balls that drive me musically....
 
S: Do you write your own songs ?
B: Yes
E: Well when I get some time alone away from the band I do tend to write my own music....
 
S: What is your music about? Is there an underlying message?
E: Anger and frustration i think....
B: It's about words that rhyme, no actually like Earl said there are words and feelings of frustration and disappointment but we also realize moaning won't help, some songs carry a positive message, some not…
 
S: How do you write music? Do the words come first or the music?
B: A bit of both but mostly Piet will get us started with a riff or melody and then we take it from there.
E: I do write music.....beats come first...
B: says the drummer…
 
S: If you could collaborate with any musical artist, who would it be?
B: Los Lobos
E: Well.......Bob Marley....

S: If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it be?
B: On the back of a truck, cruising through the Free State
E: In Jamaica...but they not big into the rock scene
 
S: Where is your favourite place to play music (venue)?
B: So many to choose from, Steak 'n Ale pops to mind first. Monsoon Lagoon is also pretty grand.
 
S: Do you play any cover songs when you perform? If so, which ones?
B: No, not as a rule, but there are a few Afrikaans classics we can do renditions from. More "after-the-show" anticts.
 
S: What do you do to pay the bills, or does your music earn you enough?
B: Not yet, Pieter works in I.T., Piet in Architecture and I work for an Ad Agency.
E: I work in a music store full time....
 
S: What's your outlook on the record industry today?
E: Pretty insane but all has been made easier for independent labels...
B: Seems like it can get complicated, at this stage indie is working for us, but who would say no for some honest help along the way.
 
S: What are the biggest obstacles for upcoming bands or artists?
E: Getting good exposure and distributing the first album....
B: Getting your name and sound for that matter, out there
 
S: What inspires you?
E: Yesterday....
B: Signs that there's a chance of achieving immortality.
 
S: What music do you listen to?
B: Some lowlife stole my car-radio so at the moment I have to rely on the jukebox in my head, currently on rotation; Beach Boys
E: Heavy ass whiskey rock...
 
S: The best album you ever bought?
B: Afterlifesatisfaction
E: Nat King Cole

S: "You'll know you've made it when..."
B: Mmmm the goalposts always shift, maybe if someone does a cover of a WYSDIMAN song one day.
E: I have no more worries...
 
S: "It'll be time to pack up the gear for good when..."
B: They carry me of stage in a body-bag.
E: My hands can't hold drum sticks anymore
 
S: "I'll never forget the first time I..."
E: Could talk
B: I could hear myself talk
 
S: What are your plans for the future?
B: At this point in time to finish work on the upcoming album with the working title of 2000&NAG followed by the mission of infiltrating as many pairs of ears as possible with it.
E: Well you can't predict the future...I live for today...
 
S: Can you give us a good cocktail recipe?
E: Jack with ice...
B: or even better without the ice, we don't really drink cocktails
 
S: Is there any other info you would like to share with Streetlamp fans?
E: Keep listening.....more to come....
B: Indeed, come check us out at a gig near you, DI MAN might just sway you. Drop us a mail or join us on facebook and we'll keep you updated on our planet of sound.

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