Blog

Life in South Africa: Politics

Posted on November 22, 2011 by Doodle in Life in South Africa

The reason they bury politicians 26 feet under is because deep down they’re nice guys.

Politics in SA

If there’s one profession that the majority of citizens in any country are sceptical of, it’s politics. I think it’s got to do with our obsession with power and control. (more…)

If Rudi Engelbrecht was my psychiatrist…

Posted on November 17, 2011 by Ryan in Blog

I have, on occasion, pondered his advisory role, both in my own life and that of the RCB.

Rudi Engelbrecht

As you know, I am intrigued by people’s stories. I much prefer autobiographies over anything else. There’s nothing more interesting, I find, than hearing someone’s story and their own personal journey: what they’ve been through and what are the things that have made them who they are.

And if our drummer Rudi had a biography, it would be well worth the read. (more…)

Forget Chuck Norris… Jon Calder is the man for the job

Posted on November 15, 2011 by Ryan in Blog

There’s plenty of beard going on here. Jon Calder didn’t need the beard. The beard needed Jon Calder.

Jon Calder

They say that Chuck Norris grew a beard at the age of 18. Seconds.

Now, I’m not here to diss Chuck (we all know what kind of suicidal mission that would be)… but I just can’t help wondering whether Mr Norris ever considered world domination? (more…)

Five reasons I would invite Roberto Hemmero to dinner

Posted on November 12, 2011 by Ryan in Blog

It’s always comforting to me when I meet someone besides Jesus who has a clue about this life, and besides… no one re-enacts a funny story like a bruin ou.

Roberto Hemmero

We often get asked at gigs (mostly by white people) where Roberto comes from. The answers are wide and varied.

Rob, Berto, brother, bass ou, bruin ou… whatever you want to call him, seems to have mystifying power over our audiences. (more…)

Music industry observations by Niall Doorley (Future Music Forum)

Posted on October 17, 2011 by Ryan in Web Buddies

The Future Music Forum director gives his insights on the music industry and how he sees things shaping up.

Niall Doorley

The Future Music Forum, which I attended in September in Barcelona, is the brainchild of events co-ordinator Niall Doorley. Niall is an energetic personality, and has created a important space for the music industry to come together and share ideas. (more…)

Future Music Forum – a social business

Posted on October 13, 2011 by Ryan in Blog

Some reflections and highlights of keynote addresses and panel discussions from the second annual Future Music Forum, held from 22-23 September 2011 in Barcelona.

mike mcready

One of the wonders of the modern world is that we’re all so connected, and yet also not. To illustrate the point: here I sit, typing this blog post on my Blackberry, in a cafe full of people. Go on. Judge me. But this is the world we live in. (more…)

Locals, music and the city of Barcelona

Posted on September 26, 2011 by Ryan in Blog

Uno, dos, tres, Catorce!

Calders, Barcelona

Barcelona is intoxicating. Several times I have come close to getting a tattoo, and every night I have ended up in some obscure little carrer (street) after mixing it up with the locals. I have butchered their Catalan (the native language) to death, but I am obviously enough entertainment value to warrant the amount of free drinks I have garnered from them. (more…)

Spain and the future of the RCB

Posted on September 6, 2011 by Ryan in Blog

Join a band, they said. See the world, they said.

Sales_Chart6

Well, it turns out that five years on and two albums later, that’s beginning to happen.

It’s been quite a process and a learning curve in faith for me, but still the story unfolds. Last week the UK visa was approved (for the journey home) and we are currently awaiting news of the Spain/Schengan. (more…)

The international doors open

Posted on August 18, 2011 by Ryan in Blog

Well, here’s a story you may or may not believe…

Sales_Chart5

I am normally circumspect when it comes to statements such as “living by faith” or “God will provide”. But as I type this, I find myself in the middle of an unfolding miracle. You may or may not believe it, and I am still trying to come to grips with it myself. It all started on Monday. (more…)

A week in Cape Town

Posted on August 17, 2011 by Ryan in Blog

I don’t know how anyone gets any work done here, but anyway…

SeaPoint

I’ve spent the past week in Cape Town as travelling salesman for the band, getting to meetings, doing general PR, sorting out Schengan and UK visas… and would you believe, performing a couple of shows. (more…)