Steve Meise on music… his very first love

It’s been a good while since we caught up with East London’s Steve Meise and so recently sat down with him and chatted about his very first love, music. And as no introduction is needed, we hand over to the man himself…

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in East London (in Vincent and later years, Cambridge).

How old were you when you developed an interest in music/playing music?

I was about 11 or 12 years old and myself and some friends would drum on buckets with sticks. Then as soon as I started Standard 6 I joined the school cadet band as a tenor drummer and then the snare drums in Standard 7. We used to march down Oxford Street playing and I loved it (nothing to do with marching behind the drummies, of course). In Standard 9 I convinced my mum and dad to buy me a second hand drum kit and I taught myself how to play. By Matric I was in my first band.

Which instruments do you play?

Percussion, guitar, bass guitar, drums, djembe. I am also a songwriter for Can of Worms.

What was your first instrument?

Drums. My first love.

What was the very first song you learnt to play?

I believe it was a cover of The Smiths – How Soon Is Now.

Is your family musical?

My Dad played the side drums and my mum, brother and sister played a little guitar. My grandfather was also a very good concertina player.

Which famous musicians do you admire and why?

My favourite band is Pink Floyd, I love the way they think outside the box with such interesting lyrics. David Gilmour is also my favourite guitarist. As far as drumnmers go, I love Stuart Copeland from The Police…I love his energy and drumming techniques. I also love Talking Heads and Midnight Oil.

Which famous musicians have you learned from?

Bob Marley, The Beatles and John Ellis from Tree 63… for many different reasons.

Is there any genre of music that you dislike?

I’m really not a fan of Hip Hop and Rap music. I guess I don’t understand it enough.

Did you have a music teacher to encourage you from the start?

My bandmaster at school was Mr Buitendag. He encouraged me with a drumstick on my backside quite a lot! He was strict but a very fair teacher.

What are your fondest musical memories?

Playing at the Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City in Jo’burg with Can of Worms. Feeling excited but very nervous in front of a panel of international judges.

What was the first record that you purchased?

Men at Work ‘Business as Usual’ – I played it to death! I used to spend all my pocket money at the music sales in Oxford Street’s OK Bazaar.

Tell me about your first ever public performance.

I was in a band called Boy and took part in a school talent extravaganza. We played three original songs and I felt like a proper rock star – we even wore makeup!

Your most memorable performance?

Opening up for Desmond & The Tutus at The C Club – it was an awesome gig.

How do you handle mistakes during a performance?

I look at the bass player and pretend it’s his fault! Seriously though, if I happen to drop a drumstick or something, I whip out the spare one that I have in my back pocket…

Do you get nervous before a performance?

I used to but not any more. There are some healthy butterflies but that’s about it.

What advice would you give to beginners who are nervous?

I would suggest that they have a shot of Poncho and say a prayer beforehand!

What is your typical rehearsal schedule when you have a show coming up?

We practice twice a week every week whether there’s a show coming up or not. We’ll then squeeze in more rehearsals closer to the time.

How do you balance your music with other obligations?

In addition to playing in a band, I also teach music for a living so I consider myself fortunate that my obligations encompass my passion.

When did you start teaching music?

I started teaching private classes (drums and guitar) around three years ago and was then offered a position at Legends School of Contemporary Music teaching drums, guitar and bass guitar.

Have you been asked for your autograph yet?

I have actually! I was rather taken aback but hopefully it’s something I will have to get used to.

Would you say you’re pretty much the same guy off stage as on?

Yes, totally.

When composing your own songs, do you find it easier to write the lyrics or the music? Where does your inspiration come from?

I sometimes find the melody first and then put the lyrics to that but other times I do the opposite, it all depends. Lately I’d say the melody comes first. My inspiration comes from my spirituality, for example with the song ‘Seeds’ from our upcoming album.

What you like most/least about being a musician?

I love the creativity of being a musician, the way that music can bring people together. And actually, there isn’t anything that I don’t like…

How hard do you push yourself?

I think I’m a committed and a hard working musician so yes, I definitely push myself pretty hard.

When not entertaining others, how do you like to spend your time?

I love spending time with my daughter and, being a Potter too, I like to relax in my workshop, tinkering around with new ideas and creations. I also find gardening extremely therapeutic and spend a lot of time outdoors.

What’s next for Steve Meise?

Can of Worms’ debut album is due for release soon, the prospect of which is very exciting. And then we are also heading to the USA next March to play in the South by Southwest Festival in Texas, a trip that we won through IMEXSA auditions held in Johannesburg in October 2015. The band has a very busy December coming up too, which I’m looking forward to.