Ok, so maybe this is just how us non-musician folk tend to picture the life of rockstars – but when one sees the latest photos of Die Heuwels Fantasties frollicking on the beaches of Mozambique, how can one not be jealous of the lifestyle of making music and hanging out with cool band mates.
The Heuwels trio all play in other popular SA bands already (aKING, Fokofpolisiekar) – but together they have formed something magical, something fantastical – where the hills are enlivened like those in the Sound of Music. As expressed perfectly when asked about the name, ‘It represents more than a band name, it’s more of a mythical place.’
If you’re Hunter Kennedy, Johnny de Ridder or Pierre Greef, you’re balancing quite a few gigs and things on the side. In true rock ‘n roll style, they also own a record label – Supras Familias – sounding Latin for some sort of super head of the family, as if the root of many branches, as well as being rockstars in the band.
Die Heuwels has been together for about two years now, and yet have only played lives 12 times. By the time they launched their EP ‘Pille vir Kersfees’ in December last year, they hadn’t even performed live yet! And then they were nominated for an MK award for Best Video for the track ‘Vinger Alleen’ before you’d even released their self-titled album. This kind of visual connection has clearly worked for the band who has been played across all campus radio stations and across MK.
But back to Mozambique and the envious lifestyle of a rockstar. The Hunter, Johnny, Pierre trio form the much talked about music video kings of the moment. Their music is Afrikaans and electronic and they are alive with the sound of music and together they are Die Heuwels Fantasties, recently returned from the tropical Mozambiquan beach paradise of Villan Culos where they filmed their latest video ‘Sonrotse’. The video has been charting at number one on MK for the last few weeks.
We spoke to Hunter about life as a rockstar.
You are becoming well known for your music videos – how many have you created so far?
I get confused as to how many we have done. I think like six? We wanna do a video for every song on the album. It’s received high rotation on MK and Tambotieboom had a some exposure on Kyk Net but nothing to write home about. Next Ireland, Japan, Northern Lights …
What was it like to live like a rockstar and film in Mozambique?
Hahaha! It was totally awesome!
What is the best thing about being a rockstar?
I wouldn’t know … but if I had to guess I reckon it would be the lifestyle!
Which is the most artistically pleasing part of the music for you?
The songwriting, definitely.
What have been the highlights for Die Heuwels in 2009?
It’s basically been one long highlight! It was amazing winning a Huisgenoot Tempo Award. The music videos are fun, shows are rad and we generally love having a good time!
What is the next mountain to climb?
We want to go gold and we want to start writing the next album!
For Heritage Day in September, Die Heuwels created a song called ‘Our heritage’ featuring the Soweto Gospel Choir, Hip Hpp Pantsula and JR. It was created to unite all South Africans around fires. Download the song for free www.braai4heritage.co.za
