Ryan Calder Band

Reasons for music, shows, and related decisions

Posted on June 14, 2011 by Jon in Blog

Jon reflects on the bands shows at the Hexagon Dive and his subsequent decision to stay on in PMB.

Hexagon Dive 2011-1

Music is brilliant at conveying a `feeling’,  creating an atmosphere. It can shape your perception in a powerful way. Imagine a movie without a soundtrack – it just wouldn’t be the same. As a lover of music I continually find myself reminded of the ability that the right kind of music has to put ones thoughts and emotions into perspective. Our recent series of shows at the Hexagon was one of those reminders. (more…)

Hexagon Dive after thoughts

Posted on June 6, 2011 by Ryan in Blog

Ryan reflects on the shows, the music and the audiences from this year’s run of shows at the Hexagon Dive.

RCB at the Dive

“Backstage……” reads Rudi’s tweet from Friday night. “Waiting for the curtain to go up. Where’s a can of doom when you need it? Dang butterflies….”

I chuckled and retweeted. I could so relate. In my own mind, I was thinking “How is this gonna go down?” (more…)

RCB on Weloveyoursongs

Posted on April 21, 2011 by Ryan in Blog

The RCB is involved in a competition with We Love Your Songs. We need the real RCB fans to please stand up, so to speak, and vote for us.

WeLoveYourSongs

Okay troopers, we know you’ve got what it takes. Just a couple of clicks of that mouse…

The RCB is involved in a competition with We Love Your Songs. We need the real RCB fans to please stand up, so to speak, and vote for us. All you have to do is “love” our songs on the website. If you have an account, it’s just two clicks – click on this link, and then click on the “Love” button under each of our songs. (more…)

U2 360 in Cape Town

Posted on February 21, 2011 by Ryan in Blog

As concerts go, you don’t get bigger than U2. And it would take a special kind of grumpy to not enjoy U2 in Cape Town on their 360 tour.

u2360CTcity

Now I know that the Irish, and their frontman in particular, fetch a lot of criticism from the grumpy and the generally cynical. But it really would take a very unique type of anal-retentiveness to not be amazed at this concert experience.

The excitement in the outer hallways of the stadium is as electric as the vibe inside. And all of a sudden, there they are… (more…)

People, connect with us.

Posted on February 15, 2011 by Ryan in Blog

We like you, people. If you’re reading this, you’re more than likely a cool person. And we like to interact with you.

kimaclean

Here’s how we do things in the RCB. It’s not rocket science. Our aim is simple:

CONNECT WITH THE PEOPLE.

That’s YOU! Last time you checked, you were a person, right? (I hope so… otherwise I’m blogging to the wrong cybersphere.)

It’s simple: we like people. In fact, we love people. Like Jesus does. Okay, maybe (more…)

Rock and Big Beats with Prime Circle and people of the Burrah

Posted on November 1, 2010 by Ryan in Blog

A review of RCB’s performance on a big night in PMB, which included headliners Prime Circle, local bands Skylit City and Zephyr, and East Coast Radio’s Damon Beard.

Jon_soundcheck

In our opinion, Big Beat rocks. In all aspects of the word.

The Pietermaritzburg-based production company, who stage most of the big concerts and shows in PMB and the midlands, went out on a limb to bring top South African rock act Prime Circle to perform at the Golden Horse Casino. (more…)

Behind the Song: Loving Every Day

Posted on July 21, 2010 by Ryan in Behind The Song

The story and inspiration behind the song Loving Every Day.

RyanTam

This song was the first one penned for the new album, about four years ago. It was one of those songs which very quickly had a structure, but developed slowly lyrically… so much so that it was only completed last year.

So for those who don’t know, my beautiful wife Tamlyn Mary is the inspiration behind this tune. Without boring you with too many details, Tam and I met at a time when I was fairly rogue. (more…)

Life in South Africa: A Background on the Series

Posted on July 16, 2010 by Ryan in Life in South Africa

Blogs, storyboards, soundtracks and animation…

Doodle

A new series begins on ryancalder.co.za, which will take the form of various stages… and we at the RCB are inviting you along for the ride.

We want your input, your ideas, your feedback… rate it, comment on it, share it – whatever you do, we encourage interaction on whether you think it rocks or whether it sucks. Tell us.

As you know, I am a budding animator and am looking to create a series for this website called “Life in South Africa”. (more…)

Behind the Song: Let It Rise

Posted on June 10, 2010 by Ryan in Behind The Song

The story and inspiration behind the song Let It Rise.

It was around-about August 2009, I think, when the band had just finished a practice and we were talking about that thing that makes some bands so special. After going through all our various likes and dislikes, Roberto pointed out that the common denominator in all of our favourite songs and bands was that they had groove.

I remember milling over this for quite some time, because (more…)

Show Reviews

Posted on June 2, 2010 by Ryan in Blog

Submit your reviews of the Hexagon Dive shows

Were you at a recent show of the Ryan Calder Band?

The RCB is looking for reviews of their performances, and in return will give you a free copy of the band’s Live at the Red Door album, autographed by all of the band members! The first 20 reviews all get (more…)