With a twenty gig line up around Germany and the Netherlands this October, Cape Town’s Taxi Violence will get their first taste of touring abroad. Fresh off a SA national tour for the release of their latest album The Turn, Sue Northam caught up with drummer Louis Nel and bassist Jason Ling ahead of this overseas experience, to find out about their blues infused rock and what makes the Taxi Violence foursome tick.

How has your CT upbringing influenced your music?
LN: It has influenced it in a major way. If I didn't go to school in CT, I would never have met Rian and Loedi (ex bassist). That's where this journey started.

JL: If you have the mountain on your left, you are headed towards town. Life is that simple here, which leaves lots of room and time to write great music.

So you've been together for five years, what have been the highlights?
LN: The SAMA nomination (for best rock album in 2006). Sharing the stage with Hoobastank, Staind and 3 Doors Down... and almost sharing it with Guns 'n Roses. The awesome people I've met along the way.

JL: For me, it’s only a year and a half since I joined the band. Highlights would be discovering our acoustic set, releasing a kick ass album and playing all the major festivals SA has to offer.

How would you describe your music to a) your little kid sister  b) your gran  c) a classical fan
LN: a) I wouldn't have to describe it to her. She would have been forced-fed rock 'n roll from a very early age... by me   b) Well, Gran, it's a little like Elvis  c) Think of the darkest and heaviest piece of classical music. It's slightly similar.

What kind of media attention did the name Taxi Violence bring?
LN: In the beginning we received some attention, as it was around the time when all the taxi wars broke out in the Western Cape. We've never received anything negative. It is a serious problem in our country. Many people get hurt and killed in taxi violence. We always try to be sensitive regarding the actual subject of the name.

What makes you unique and different?
LN: I wouldn't say we're unique. We play rock 'n roll, which has been around for many years. One of the only rock bands who can call themselves ‘unique’, would be Primus. I think what makes us different, is our live shows and our front man. He's a loose cannon... and he can actually sing.

What’s the biggest change to your lives since being a band?
LN: I haven't spent money on an item of clothing! Thank you RVCA!

JL: When I wasn’t in this band, it’s all I ever wanted… and now I have everything I ever wanted!

What do you love most about making music?
LN: When you're writing and being creative, there's this moment that you get to after the work. When you hit that spot, and everything sounds so good, you just know that you've made something awesome. I think I might know what it must feel like to have a G-spot.

JL: Being creative around other creative people.