You’re headlining Homelanz – what are you most looking forward to?
We have no expectations of the crowds – we are truly excited to be coming back to the UK and performing for our fans. We’re looking forward to watching the other bands and having a jol – or should I say ‘blast’ for those that don’t understand?
You won a SAMA for Jekyll & Hyde – did that make you proud?
It was really cool to get the SAMA because we’ve been together for 10 years and had never received one. It just proved that we still have a while to go.
Where did the name Jekyll & Hyde come from for album number four?
The title has two meanings. We all have different sides – the hard side and the soft– so it was really about that and we wanted to write songs that would show those twin aspects on the album, so Jekyll & Hyde was born. We wanted the record to stand up with the sound of so many bands we love – such as Incubus, Switch Foot, to name a few. So when [producer] Kevin Shirley and George Marino [mastering] got involved, our dreams came true. We are very happy with how it turned out.
You’ve been working on your fifth album – what can you tell us about it?
It doesn’t get any easier, I can tell you that! As a band, we’re always trying to push ourselves, to keep moving forward and we are having a blast making it.
You’ve been going for 10 years now – what’s the secret to your longevity?
We try not take ourselves too seriously in the practice room and if anyone in the band gets a bit too cool for school we all knock them back down to size, but luckily we are all good friends and all have the same goals.
Your sound has changed from album to album but still been Prime Circle – is it important to evolve?
As a band, we get very bored very quickly so I think if we weren’t at least trying to progress, we wouldn’t last. You played in India recently, what sort of reception did you get? The response from the crowd was really great. We toured all the Hard Rock Cafe’s there, and the surprising thing was how many people there love rock, especially bands like Iron Maiden.
Many groups try to break the States at some point – is that important to you?
We would love to break the States, but our focus has been more on Europe because we have had more opportunities there. In the end, though, it is just fun to play music on the road.
Where else would you like to play?
We’d love to tour Europe more extensively and head to the States as well, at some point.
Is there pressure as the frontman?
Sometimes. I am a band man so sometimes I want to just be in the back with the rest of the guys, but I suppose it comes with the territory.
What was your first gig like as a band?
It was in Witbank in SA, in a room with mates. It was a bit of a ‘rent a crowd’ gig, but it was fun.
What’s your most rock n’ roll moment?
Besides the threesomes, ha? Seriously, playing huge stadium shows, supporting bands we’ve grown up listening to, there’s nothing like it.
What’s your craziest moment on stage?
I was electrocuted while performing. I think people thought it was part of the show at first, though. I managed to pull myself together.
What does touring mean to you?
I have a very nomadic nature so it suits me perfectly. Maybe one day I’ll stay in one place, but I doubt it. It’s life on the road for me, for sure.
Who’s your rock icon?
I have always loved Dave Grohl, he’s one of rock’s greatest legends. He’s managed to balance his life and remained a good person through all the fame from being in Nirvana and Foo Fighters.
What was the first album you bought?
I was given Pantera’s A Vulgar Display Of Power when I was 15, and after that I was hooked. When I heard Silverchair’s Frog Stomp for the first time, I knew that all I wanted to do was be in a band, and I’ve never looked back.
What’s your proudest band moment?
Definitely meeting Pres Nelson Mandela. We performed at the 46664 concert and that was
a day we’ll never forget.
Prime Circle play Homelanz on June 16. £35
Boston Manor Park, TW8 9JX
Tube | Boston Manor
homelanz.co.uk
