ShowMe Harties interviews Arno Carstens
ShowMe Harties Interview with Arno Carstens
Arno Carstens performed live at Die Ou Pastorie Guesthouse and Restaurant, Hartebeespoort, as part of his Big Band Summer Session Tour. Liezel from ShowMe Harties took the opportunity to catch up with him before he went on stage.
“Lightning Prevails” will be Arno’s 5th Solo Album and is due to be released sometime in May. He explained that the process on this album has been very different one to others. Firstly it is a very different sound to what fans are used to hearing from him but it is something he really wanted to do. Secondly, it was a very on the spot and fresh experience, which he enjoyed.
The album was originally going to be all the greats redone, but in the recording process completely new material was created. These are now the numbers that will grace the album. Songs that have been redone, including “Bubblegum on my boots today” and “Highway to hell” still have the same thought provoking, profound lyrics and melodies that soak into the skin, but this time the marriage of organic sound and electronic beats are made lusher, with a big band section and the powerful backing vocals of Jamali’s Mariechan.
Arno indicated he is very interested to see how the album will be received as it is not his typical commercial sound. The single “Highway to Hell” that has been released is well received by students and is receiving its fair share of airtime on campus radio stations.
Liezel asked Arno where he saw himself going from this point; would it be in the same direction or back to his more rock filled roots? He indicated that he definitely wants to do this sort of album again, but he will also be doing some of the electronic stuff.
He also expressed that he will always go back to the Heavy Rock and where he can still perform with the Nude Girls – his words, “It’s good to get the demons out, with the Nude Girls I get to do that. Then I can use my solo stuff when I want to be mellower…”
Lightning Prevails is more Big Band and Acoustic than rock or pop
ShowMe: How has the music scene in South Africa affected your work and where would you like to see Music in South Africa in the future?
Arno: “I’m lucky to have very loyal fans back from Nude Girls days, this means I can keep going and experimenting with music without falling off the bus, it definitely makes it easier”.
“Radio play is currently very electronic, especially with dubstep being so popular and unfortunately allot of songs have to make it abroad before they enjoy success in SA. I hope SA will move to be Trendsetter in the music world, rather than just following what everyone else is doing.”
ShowMe: What genre of music would you choose if you were forced to take a different direction?
Arno: Laughs, “I thing I’d go Island Style!“ He loves the energy and vibe of the music from Zanzibar and this would definitely be the root he’d take. He’s never really done the African thing either and a collaboration he’s seriously considering doing is with Thandiswa Mazwai (Lead vocalist and songwriter of Bongo Maffin and multi-award winning South African musician). “In fact I think I’ll call her up in the next few weeks and see what we can put together.”
The Tour, featuring Gus Wardent and David Watkyns, has produced a very hectic schedule and Arno will be taking a bit of a break once it’s over. Getting the album out needs his attention and then he will seriously recharge the batteries a bit.
To keep up to date with what Arno Carstens is up to, visit his website, facebook and twitter.