Sue Northam spoke to the menn about the new album, life on the road and what next for this London-based band with Southern African roots.
What was the best gig on the SA tour?
For the only South African in the band, lead guitarist Justin Cocks said that his home city of East London was a highlight – and their old gigging ground of Cape Town was a welcome surprise for Mann Friday as many nostalgic fanns made the most of this Southern African band who have been in London for the past six years! But, without a doubt, all the menn agreed that the gig at the 20th Splashy Fen Festival in the Drakensberg was their ultimate.
Justin Cocks (JC): A lot of our songs have streaks of Africa running through them and playing in such a naturally beautiful setting seems to magnify these things. Playing the same songs in London can evoke nostalgia amongst the expats in the audience, so it was quite weird playing a song like ‘Trees’ to an entire audience who just gets it.”
How was the first official SA tour?
JC: We were on the move all the time and loved the focus of the tour where every day was about making music or travelling to make music. Playing every day also tightened us up… something we hope to show at the official UK album launch on 9 July.
Robbie Burrell (RB): In all truth, bloody tiring, but a great learning curve! Handling so many media interviews was exciting, but draining on your psyche. Sheer Music, the label that signed us in SA, were outstanding!
Ryan Koriya (RK): The interviews and media we got was a refreshing taster of what it’s like to be on the road and be a successful band that is established enough to enjoy media attention.
What was it like playing to SA audiences again?
JC: This was a ‘South Africa meet Mann Friday’ tour. We had no idea who would come to our gigs since it is difficult gauging your presence in another country where you have not previously had airplay. What we didn’t consider was the hundreds of people that have seen us in London over the years who have gone home with our music and created new fanns all by themselves.
What did this tour mean to you?
RK: It was an affirmation that the band has come a long way since leaving SA. It also showed that moving to London was a good move career wise and added value to our heritage!
RB: The tour ticked a lot of personal boxes for each band member and brought the band much closer. We haven’t spent so much time with each other since The Zimbabwe Ruins ran for 28 nights in Edinburgh in 2003.
JC: As the only Saffa, it was a validation of our decision to go to the UK. In many ways it was a bit like that feeling when you return to your childhood home and reflect on what has happened since you were last there and how you have grown.
What does the album mean to you?
RK: The album is a step higher than our previous releases in that it’s a more complete product overall. From the production, having used a proper studio and a full time producer, to professional artwork design, photography and live strings.
RB: The album is an acknowledgement to what Mann Friday could have been with label support in so far as the ‘product’ is concerned. On Blue Sky Science (05), Apple Source (03) and The Orchard (02), we were always constrained by budget and time. That’s why I’ve always believed so much in Mann Friday’s potential, because, despite the recordings, people still love it.
Where to next for Mann Friday?
JC: What it proved to us was that if we play our cards right and set up the right licensing and distribution deals in other countries, we can still keep artistic control of our music while spreading it. We are hoping to come to similar arrangements in France, Germany and Holland. Who knows, maybe soon we will be big in Japan.
RB: The band is at the top of its game, the new album we feel is packed with singles, and the overhaul of our online presence has all come together beautifully. We want to try and crack new territory, but for now we look forward to shows like the one at the 02 Empire as we take pride in delivering the goods – visuals, video, fantastic lighting and other extras. We also like to unleash a few surprises on the night!
