“I think Afrikaans rock music has reached a point where it has to evolve drastically in order to stay current”

Awash with melodic melancholy, Die See’s music crafts sonic nostalgia. Formed in 2009, the alternative 5-piece, comprising Henry Ferreira, Dean Basson, Dylan Graham, Jaco Mans and Justin Smit are well known for lyricism in both songwriting and instrumentalism.

What inspires your songwriting?

Various things. Being four people in the band, and all of us bringing material to the table, I think it’s difficult to say what it is exactly that inspires us. Music? Nature? Science?

Describe your musical affiliation with the sea…

Oh ja, I suppose the ocean serves as inspiration, hence the name. Lyrically our first album was filled with references to the sea. Sound is a natural occurrence, as is the ocean. I think most people have an affinity with the ocean.

Die See was nominated for a SAMA this year. What do you think of music award ceremonies? Did the nomination mean anything to the band?

We were quite happy to be nominated. Seeing as we don’t have a record deal with a record company and we do all our marketing ourselves, we quite like that people notice us.

What’s your opinion on the current state of Afrikaans rock and alternative music? It seems like the only Afrikaans bands who’re still bringing out albums are Die See, Van Coke Kartel, Ryno Velvet and Akkedis.

I think Afrikaans rock music has reached a point where it has to evolve drastically in order to stay current. It might be tricky for some bands. Being Afrikaans, you might be associated with most Afrikaans commercial pop acts which have no plan or will to evolve culturally. Obviously this is not only a musical issue.

It is easier for an act to survive if it plays to the masses. This only perpetuates the problem. Rock music needs to be subversive and rebellious.

Do you guys get any radio airplay?

Barney Simon played our first album in the evenings when he was at TUKS FM. (Thanks Barney!)

The other day someone told me they heard a song on RSG. Bush Radio also plays our music (thanks Toast Coetzer and everybody there). We really appreciate it when someone plays our music. When someone plays it, we think that they might really like it. Other than that we don’t get much airplay. I think it is a strange thing to create music only to get airplay. Our music is slow and atmospheric.

Does the dynamic of the band onstage develop organically, or is it more planned out?

The shows are organic. Once in a while we plan things out but we always end up improvising at some point. Music is a language.

What can fans expect from your set at STRAB this year?

We have big castles in our heads. Maybe we can destroy them completely.

STRAB – The Subterranean Rhythm & Blues experience – is one of kind music festival in Mozambique will take place from 21 – 25 May 2014.