NEW ALTUM

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LOEDI VAN RENEN
WEBSITE: www.myspace.com/newaltumband
COUNTRY: South Africa STYLE: Hardcore / Screamo / Experimental

THE BAND’S MUSICAL CAREER HAS HAD A FEW TWISTS AND TURNS BUT YOU HAVE MANAGED TO PROGRESS “FORWARD” VERY WELL OVER THE YEARS, DO YOU THINK THAT ALL YOUR HARD WORK IS FINALLY PAYING OFF?

RASH: I definitely think that ANY hard work pays off eventually; I think New Altum still has a long way to go but I’m pretty stoked on our achievements so far. I think we’ve done as a band & progressed well musically too.

MATT: Well I’m the newest member of the band so I suppose I’m probably one of those twists & turns so I can’t really comment other than to say I really like the direction were heading in right now.

NIC S: We have had some member changes, and naturally people bring a different flavour to the group. I definitely feel we have moved forward with our sound and the new songs we are writing.

YOUR LAST MUSIC VIDEO WAS FOR THE SONG “GRACE FORGOT THE PAST” DO YOU THINK THAT MUSIC VIDEOS STILL HAVE THE SAME POWER TO PROMOTE A BAND AS IT DID BEFORE THE INTERNET CAME ALONG?

RASH: I think it has more power to promote now with the internet. A lot more people have access to the internet than to DSTV & local channels, especially for global coverage as well.

MATT: Not the same power but they definitely hold a very specific place in the marketing of a band. I think that the answer for bands is not to only pursue one direction of marketing but to have a broader perspective on things.

NIC S: Before the Internet you would be lucky if you caught a music video from one of your favourite bands on the tele, now you can simply look it up and stream it on YouTube or wotever. Music videos will always be a powerful way to promote a band, you get to hear the song, and see the guys playing it, get a feel for what the band do and how they look. I think as long as bands exist, music videos will be made.

YOU FEATURED ON THE MK CHANNEL’S TV SHOW MYMK CELEB A WHILE BACK BUT FOR THOSE LIKE ME WHO DON’T HAVE DSTV, WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO FEATURE ON THE SHOW AND DO YOU THINK THE SABC SHOULD ALSO THINK ABOUT LAUNCHING A LOCAL MUSIC CHANNEL THAT IS ASSESSABLE TO EVERYONE?

RASH: SABC should definitely do a show like that! It would be awesome! ... The show was really random, but fun none the less. We’re probably the most “un-celeb” band around so we had a rad time just hanging out & talking crap! – “something we do very well”…plus I had an extra long lunch break that day! Great success!

MATT: It was SO much fun! Loved doing it, loved watching it on TV. The SABC doesn’t have a very good track record when it comes to shows like that. I don’t think their target market is filled with the kind of people that will really watch a show like that. It would be nice though coz I don’t have DSTV either.

NIC S: It was so much fun! I reckon we need more local music channels that cover a wide genre of local acts. MK did so much for our local music scene. The more the merrier.

YOU GUYS HAVE POSTED A FEW REALLY ENTERTAINING VIDEO BLOGS ONLINE RECENTLY. HOW DID THAT START AND WHICH PERSON IN THE BAND DO YOU THINK WOULD BE A GREAT TV PRESENTER / NEWSREADER?

RASH: Myself & Nic F really love watching other bands video blogs, especially about recording new records & things like that & one day we were like, “we should do some random blogs as well” – so we did!.. It’s quite a mission editing it, but I guess I get a laugh out of it once I’m done, then it’s worth it. Also I think Rob in Video blog 3 would make the best presenter!

MATT: Media and video have always played a big part in the band because we have 2 very artistic people in the band (Rash & Nic S.). I think Nic S. would probably be the best presenter.

NIC S: I reckon Matt would be a good presenter; he’s always clued up as to where the Rand is with the Dollar and the Pound!

IN THE VIDEO BLOGS YOU MENTION WORKING ON NEW MATERIAL. ARE YOU PLANNING TO RELEASE A NEW ALBUM OR EP; OR IS IT TOO EARLY TO SAY?

RASH: We are indeed! ... watch this space, it promises to be something in a new direction with a few little surprises! We’re really excited & have been writing songs like crazy! (I just noticed that I use exclamation marks A LOT! – it’s like I’m shouting all the time!) – sorry about that! haha

MATT: We are working on one at the moment. At this point it’s undecided as to whether or not it will be an EP or a full album but the new material is sounding SICK!

NIC S: We are planning to release something new yes. We are slap bang in the middle of recording and writing, so it is an exciting time. We are gunning for a full length so hold thumbs.

WHAT ASPECTS OF THE BAND’S NEW MATERIAL ARE YOU REALLY EXCITED ABOUT AND WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO ACHIEVE MUSICALLY WITH YOUR NEXT RELEASE?

RASH: We’ve played 2 new songs in recent shows & the general response has always been that there is a lot more “substance” to the new material & we actually feel that way as well, there a lot more heart & emotion in it as well along with more thought provoking & honest lyrics as well.

MATT: I think the music will reach a bigger audience as I think it’s a bit more accessible.I think with the last album we just had a whole bunch of rad songs that we wanted to put down and get out there. With this new album were definitely looking at it as more of a flowing thing. Something that’ll take people on a journey.

NIC S: I’m most excited about the fact that this next release will be a collection of all new material, whereas the last was a compilation of old and new. This will really showcase where we are as a band right now, as the songs are being written every week that passes. I’m also excited about the direction our style has taken; it’s definitely different to the last album, but I’m enjoying the direction it’s moving in.

I SEE ON THE BAND’S MYSPACE THAT YOU HAD ONE SHOW ON THE 4TH OF JULY AND THAT YOU ARE ONLY PERFORMING AGAIN IN DECEMBER!?!?

RASH: We usually get asked to play like 2 weeks before a show is scheduled, so just keep checking the Myspace & I’m sure we’ll be playing soon! Probably in 2 weeks time! ;)

MATT: That needs to be updated :P

NIC S: We are always adding new shows to the list; I highly doubt our next show will be in December.

THE BAND HAS ALSO BEEN INVOLVED WITH AN EVENT NAMED “CONTRAST”. PLEASE TELL US MORE ABOUT THAT?

RASH: Contrast is our church’s initiative that is basically a Young Adults church service on a Saturday. It’s really un-conventional & helps people; I believe to get over the bad stigma & mindset that’s been attached to Church & Christianity for so long. It’s an amazing concept & promotes non-judgementalism & celebrates the diversity of people.

Most of us go to that particular church, so if anyone is interested you should come check it out sometime.

MATT: Contrast is essentially our Saturday night young adults service at Tableview Assemblies of God. We’re all heavily involved in our church.It’s great though. It’s not like a normal church service at all. We mix things up every week.

NIC S: We played at the Launch of Contrast. We did an acoustic set, and then ended off with 3 naughtier louder songs.

WAS IT INTERESTING AND FUN TO PLAY SOME ACOUSTIC TUNES FOR A CHANGE?

RASH: I really enjoyed it & it was also really cool to have a more intimate connection with the audience as well. (That might have sounded dodgy)! – but yeah, would definitely do it again. I think Nic S was a bit shy though without his kick drum in front of him. People could see his feet!

MATT: It was rad! Also was good to hear where we needed work. Mistakes and clashing melodies are a LOT more obvious when you strip things down to just acoustics. I highly recommend that every band tries it. Also, this may not hold true to every song, but I generally find that if you can play a song with just an acoustic and it’s still got that something to it that catches your attention and makes you wanna hear more, then it’s probably a good song.

NIC S: Interesting yes.

YOU HAVE PERFORMED OUTSIDE OF CAPE TOWN A BUNCH OF TIMES. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO TRAVEL FOR LOCAL BANDS THESE DAYS?

RASH: It really depends… I prefer to fly if it’s like JHB or Durbs, but if it’s close enough to drive then road trips are always max fun! Especially with other bands.

MATT: Flying with the local budget airlines is cool. Just maybe let them know beforehand that you’ll be flying as a band.

For 2 reasons:
1) They can maybe organize some extra baggage allowance for your equipment.
2) When you have loud guys in the band (*cough* Nic F *cough*) then I think it’s only fair to warn all those that will be travelling with you :)

NIC S: It really depends where you are going and how you are going about it. If you are playing a few shows up a stretch, say the coast for example, then driving in a bus would be better. If one night is in JHB and the next Durban, then definitely fly.

I DON’T WANT TO JINX YOU GUYS BUT HAVE YOU EVER HAD ANYTHING STOLEN WHILE ON THE ROAD?

RASH: Rob has his heart stolen often! – it’s quite a problem.

MATT: My guitar went missing last time we flew but thankfully we found it again. Someone had forgotten to put it on the conveyor belt. But otherwise, no.

NIC S: I had a drum throne stolen... as well as my innocence when I saw robs naked behind.

DO ANY OF YOU HAVE LIKE A BLACK BELT IN KARATE OR SOME HOBBY OUTSIDE OF MAKING MUSIC AND PERFORMING WITH NEW ALTUM?

RASH: Well Nic S & myself are quite involved with media, he does illustration & animation & I do design & film n such. Rob has a black belt in talking crap about his imaginary tattoos, Matt has a black belt in Barter & trading & Nic F has a black belt in loudness! ... other hobbies include fishing, golf, bowling, OH AND POKER! Texas holdem all the way! ... on Facebook though! & occasionally with play play chips.

MATT: With my free time I like to sell diamond rings large diamond rings and then with my other free time I like to buy and sell cameras and guitar gear it’s a salesman thing :) haha

NIC S: I have a black belt in eating Pizza. Fastest in the land.

ANY COMMENTS OR PEOPLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO THANK?

RASH: My wife for being gorgeous! ... Fans are always a huge one! ... our bro’s & sisters from Show & Tell, Crossingpoint, The arrows, Gravity Wins again, A B Turbo & Theatre. Neil our new finance guru & all round rad guy, YOU for this interview, you’re a legend….EErrrr? …

Also I’ll leave you with this profound saying: “FORROW YOUR DREAMS”!

MATT: Just wanna say hi to my beautiful girlfriend, Bianca.

NIC S: I’d like to thank you very much...thank you very much.