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…)
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Life in South Africa: Politics
Posted on November 22, 2011 by Doodle in
The reason they bury politicians 26 feet under is because deep down they’re nice guys.
If Rudi Engelbrecht was my psychiatrist…
Posted on November 17, 2011 by Ryan in
I have, on occasion, pondered his advisory role, both in my own life and that of the RCB.
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
There’s plenty of beard going on here. Jon Calder didn’t need the beard. The beard needed 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
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.
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
The Future Music Forum director gives his insights on the music industry and how he sees things shaping up.
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
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.
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
Uno, dos, tres, Catorce!
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
Join a band, they said. See the world, they said.
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
Well, here’s a story you may or may not believe…
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
I don’t know how anyone gets any work done here, but anyway…
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…)





