The Assembly Word

Shadowclub are set to perform at Death Or Glory, the official afterparty of the Southern Ink Xposure tattoo convention. We caught up with frontman Jacques Moolman...
 

Shadowclub was without doubt the most-talked-about band of 2011. How does it feel to receive so much attention, and what do you think brought it on?

It’s been absolutely fantastic to have received the media acclaim as well as audience/ fan attention that carried us through 2011 into 2012, and that seems to be holding strong! Bearing in mind that we have been working at Shadowclub for four years, it was good to finally get such a good album out there and on the shelves. We’re most proud of having printed vinyls for Guns & Money, and are quite surprised at how well they’ve been selling! I believe that folks that have been following Shadowclub throughout our career, had been desperate for an album - and I think people that only recently became fans were equally pleased to get their hands on Guns & Money!

Tell us about the recording of that album.

We went straight into studio upon signing to Just Music - our invaluable, trusted and off the hook label - with Matthew Fink at Sting studios in Jeppes Town. Working with Matthew was very exciting and allowed for our true creative potential to come to life in studio. The album was recorded live in nine days, without click, so we were able to harness the live show we're so well known for.

Shadowclub as an outfit work quickly by putting as much energy into the songs as possible from the word go. Simplicity is key and we prefer not to complicate the creative process too much!

How is the creative process for you as a band?

We each share the same impetus when it comes to the overall feel of a track. I (Jacques) wrote all the songs for Guns & Money, and Louis and Isaac provided the rhythm sections. Louis and myself are busy writing new material for the second album together, which is proving to be a fantastic experience!

What bands of old would you love to see in-concert?

I wish I could’ve been there for at least one Nirvana show. Jimi and the Experience!, The Doors, Miles Davis, Janis Joplin, Frank Zappa and most certainly The Beatles!

And who do you see as your allies and kindred spirits in the South African music scene?

To this question I have but one answer - Van Coke Kartel! I also have to shout out to Inge from Lark, Machineri, Cortina Whiplash, Zebra and Giraffe, Peach van Pletzen, Albert Frost, Snake - hell the list could go on forever!

So are you going to be checking out the Cape Town International Tattoo Convention, Southern Ink Xposure?

I’ll be getting my third tatt' at the convention this year. My great friend Manuela Gray will be doing the honours and I can’t wait. I’m getting a full portrait of my hero John Lee Hooker on my left arm!

After this Saturday's show, what’s next for Shadowclub?

After Saturday…The F***ing World!

 

Catch Shadowclub this Saturday at the official afterparty of the Southern Ink Xposure tattoo convention, Death Or Glory, alongside aKing, The Pits, Dead Lucky, DJ Sideshow & Contraband.

Tickets are available now at Webtickets.