Ace producer Gabi le Roux, who is responsible for Mandoza’s smash hit Nkalakatha, is in East London for five days to produce Port Elizabeth kasi rock band Shoelace’s second album at the ECAVC recording studio.
Le Roux is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and prolific hit-making producer who is respected world-wide for his tremendous contribution in shaping a crossover kwaito sound in South Africa.
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch, Le Roux said it was not common for a township band to play rock music and he was very excited to work with Shoelace. Although he has recorded with many Eastern Cape artists this was the first he had come to record in the province, he said. “This is a real treat for me because it has shifted me out of my comfort zone, which is my recording studio back in Cape Town.
“People think you can’t teach a veteran anything but actually I’m learning a lot from this band,” he said.
Le Roux said Shoelace was unique, with strong African music elements in their sound, which made them stand out from their competitors.
The Eastern Cape has an abundance of talent. These Shoelace boys are talented and they are going to rock the world with their new album.
“I want them to bring in elements of isiXhosa, such as the clicks, as these produce a fascinating sound that has popular appeal with both the national and international market,” said Le Roux.
Since their debut their album People of The South in 2014, Shoelace has received several accolades.
The band performed at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival, the Moshito Music Conference and the National Arts Festival and were invited to perform last year at the Indian Ocean Music Market in Reunion.
Lead vocalist Ndumiso Ntantiso said Le Roux had the ability to get the best out the band without pushing too hard.
“We have learnt so much about ourselves, teamwork and discipline. We are really grateful for this opportunity and cannot wait for the world to experience what we have been working on,” he said. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
Gabi le Roux in town to produce Shoelace’s second album
Le Roux is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and prolific hit-making producer who is respected world-wide for his tremendous contribution in shaping a crossover kwaito sound in South Africa.
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch, Le Roux said it was not common for a township band to play rock music and he was very excited to work with Shoelace. Although he has recorded with many Eastern Cape artists this was the first he had come to record in the province, he said. “This is a real treat for me because it has shifted me out of my comfort zone, which is my recording studio back in Cape Town.
“People think you can’t teach a veteran anything but actually I’m learning a lot from this band,” he said.
Le Roux said Shoelace was unique, with strong African music elements in their sound, which made them stand out from their competitors.
The Eastern Cape has an abundance of talent. These Shoelace boys are talented and they are going to rock the world with their new album.
“I want them to bring in elements of isiXhosa, such as the clicks, as these produce a fascinating sound that has popular appeal with both the national and international market,” said Le Roux.
Since their debut their album People of The South in 2014, Shoelace has received several accolades.
The band performed at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival, the Moshito Music Conference and the National Arts Festival and were invited to perform last year at the Indian Ocean Music Market in Reunion.
Lead vocalist Ndumiso Ntantiso said Le Roux had the ability to get the best out the band without pushing too hard.
“We have learnt so much about ourselves, teamwork and discipline. We are really grateful for this opportunity and cannot wait for the world to experience what we have been working on,” he said. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
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