Bubblegum Club

Tag: Leeu

  • The Pontifications of Big Space

    “My girlfriend tells me there’s an SABC job to be done, I’m the assistant stylist, R1000 a day for 8 days, that’s R8000, I firmly agree. We wait for production budget of R21000 to be deposited. It never arrives. We have no electricity, we drink wine, I smoke weed and play 30 seconds in the dark until we fall asleep.”

    So begins one of the stories that form part of the novella Big Space is releasing along with his latest album. “To pontificate is the stillborn child of the union between solitude and loneliness. These are my pontifications in text and sound, a collection of moments entrenched in my pursuit to not only make music, but to create a world inside myself where I can be King, ruler of the troglodytes, the lord of the flies. I have lived a thousand lives and I have died a million deaths, behold my truth and eat my shit.”

    When it comes to producers forging their own path through South Africa’s music landscape, there are few who are as firmly committed to producing original music that pushes boundaries as Big Space. Over the years he has worked with the likes of Schlachthofbronx, Scratcha DVA, and Spoek Mathambo, local producers 7FT Soundsystem, Leeu & Jumping Back Slash as well as having a slew of original releases under his belt.

    “PONTIFICATIONS”, out on the 8th of February, continues this tradition of seeking originality and is an insight into the world he has created for himself. Released through his label, Wet Dreams Recordings, which he runs with label-mate Rose Bonica, “PONTIFICATIONS” is electronic music, but refuses to stick to the limits of this genre. Taking bits and pieces from well-known and not so well-known musical genres, it has an underlying familiarity while still managing to sound like nothing before it.

    With a playtime just short of 90 minutes, the album is filled with diverse tracks that still form a cohesive collection, a testament to Big Space’s relentless pursuit of originality. Highly layered, with non-traditional structures, the music on “PONTIFICATIONS” requires a few listens before the nuances become apparent. From touches of drum ‘n bass on “Innocent Hands” to the psych-rock tinged “Serpent Moon” featuring Young Om, it’s impossible to know what is coming next on the album, which is precisely the point. It’s clear that “PONTIFICATIONS” is the product of solitude and loneliness because it sounds like nothing else.

    Have a listen below to ‘DAT SINKING LIFE’ from “PONITFICATIONS”

  • Hadedah – Taste Experiences

    Collaboration has become a buzzword, although not everyone who uses it takes full advantage of the possibilities of working with a wide network. In contrast Hadedah, a Johannesburg based collective, is using this framework to deliver unique conceptual experiences. Their curated experimental events are not just feasts for the eyes and ears, but also for the taste buds. The flavour of their work was evidenced in the latest of the Well Spent Sunday series. Along with electronic sets from Hadedah members Leeu and Behr and new duo Rooiknek and Vox Portent, guests were offered a culinary mix of gourmet burgers and flatbreads.

    hadedah event

    The mix of great food, experimental beats and visual eye bombs is characteristic of the collective’s approach.  With their first event being held in 2014 the core membership- Pebuh, Leeu, Behr and Polarimpala- combine food and music with costume making, stop motion film and art installations.  These highly stylised happenings are accompanied by carefully thought-out advertising, with detailed stop animation short films being used to promote each. Rather than just another live show, the audience is made to feel like they are attending a never to be repeated novelty.

    As a result the imaginative scope of each has grown. For instance, 2015’s Nerve took sit down eating to a sumptuous new level.  The evening saw a five course meal served with live electronica, beautiful décor and installations.  But the group puts as much emphasis on music as they do on eating. Last year they were involved in curating Churn festival. Described as a boutique mini- festival, and held in a disused dairy factory, it featured an eclectic line-up from Los Angeles scenester  Daedalus to Durban qqom pioneers Rudeboyz.  They also maintain a regular Soundcloud presence, provided mixes in conjunction with events.

    In the next month they will be holding another Nerve, which promises to be an unmissable dining experience. Watch their website for more information on this sensory experiment.