Matters

Jason Curtis

A place where great music lives, interviews shared and memories rekindled. read less
MusicMusic

Episodes

Milky Chance Matters
11-01-2024
Milky Chance Matters
Milky Chance recently announced their long-awaited return to South Africa with their “Living In A Haze” tour in February 2024 which will see them perform in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban. I chatted to the German duo in December to talk about their rise to fame ahead of their South African return. Their 2019 single “Life Without Fantasies” reached the top of the South African viral charts amassing millions of streams in 2021 during Lockdown. The band connected with tens of thousands of fans online which led to their first sold out headline tour. They have continued to cement themselves in the industry here, having toured the country a number of times over the past few years and return in February 2024 to share the stage with Milky Chance in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban. Sean Koch is one of SA’s most-loved indie-folk artists who brings a mixed bag of African and western, influence alongside messages of home, a connection to nature, the ocean and the people around him; to his storytelling, feel-good music. While rooted in his flowing-folk style, his music is diverse. From dance infused songs like ‘Lift You Up’ the standout single from his collection (including the Double MZK & G DOM remix) to the dreamier songs like ‘Feel the Energy’ that carry deeper messages of connection to the natural world and the people that surround us. There is something for everyone in Sean’s catalogue. Tickets are on sale from https://breakoutevents.co.za/ and are selling fast, so get yours now! Milky Chance “Living In A Haze” South African Tour Dates: 15 February 2024 – Green Point A-Track, Cape Town (supported by Neon Dreams and Sean Koch) 17 February 2024 – Marks Park in Emmarentia, Johannesburg (supported by Neon Dreams and Sean Koch + final opening act to be announced) 18 February 2024 – Durban Botanic Gardens uMphafa Field, Durban (supported by Neon Dreams + final opening act to be announced) Milky Chance “Living In A Haze” South African Tour 2024 details: For more info, go to: Ticketing link: https://breakoutevents.co.za/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abreakoutevent Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abreakoutevent Twitter: https://twitter.com/abreakoutevent
Meng Ru Kuok Matters
24-06-2023
Meng Ru Kuok Matters
Meet Meng Ru Kuok - I had the privilege of spending 40 minutes with the digital disruptor as part of Music Exchange 2023 (#MEX23) in Cape Town this week. There is a lot to take in here, so you may want to listen to this talk at least twice ;-) Meng Ru Kuok is a Singaporean entrepreneur and the Group CEO & Founder of Caldecott Music Group (CMG), a global music industry investor and innovator that spans multiple sectors, including digital (BandLab Technologies), media (NME Networks), and manufacturing and retail (Vista Musical Instruments). He sets the overall direction and leads the product strategy for the group. Meng's first major venture was the acquisition of Swee Lee in 2012, which he transformed into South East Asia's largest retailer of musical instruments and the region’s most trusted house of music expression.  He then co-founded BandLab in 2015, a next-generation social music creation platform that now boasts over 60 million users. BandLab’s vision is simple: A future where there are no boundaries to making and sharing music. BandLab is the next-generation social music creation platform on a mission to break down the technical, geographic, and creative barriers for musicians and fans.  Free-to-use, the mobile-first cross-platform DAW and social network unites the entire creator journey into one place, boasting a suite of features and tools for creators to make music, share their music with fans, earn a living, and even top the charts.  Today, Meng continues to build brands for musicians and fans through CMG's portfolio of brands, which includes BandLab, Airbit, Cakewalk, ReverbNation, MONO, Harmony, Heritage Guitars, Teisco, Swee Lee, NME, Guitar.com, and MusicTech. By integrating the physical, digital, and social supply chain around music, CMG brings together brands and people who are passionate about music, allowing them to deliver authentic content, products, and experiences for all music lovers. #music #musicindustry #entrepreneur #manufacturing #network #supplychain #strategy #content #people #ceo #media#creative #retail #share #musicians #future #digital
William Orbit Matters
21-04-2023
William Orbit Matters
In a near attempt at getting William Orbit to Cape Town, South Africa, just before the pandemic hit, this is our conversation around a road well-travelled and adventures ahead, some of which are still to be realised. But just who is William? William Orbit is an English musician, composer, and record producer who has been active in the music industry since the 1980s. He has had a successful career, working with a range of high-profile artists, and producing innovative and influential music in electronic, dance, and pop music. In 2023, William Orbit continues to be a respected and influential figure in the music industry. He is known for his unique and experimental approach to music production, influencing many other artists in the electronic and dance genres. Over the years, Orbit has collaborated with various musicians, including Madonna, All Saints, Britney Spears, and Blur. He is particularly well-known for his work with Madonna, producing some of her most iconic albums, including Ray of Light and Music. In recent years, Orbit has continued to produce music, collaborate with other artists, and release his solo work. He has also embraced new technologies and trends in the music industry, experimenting with virtual reality and incorporating new digital tools into his production process. Overall, William Orbit remains a significant and influential figure in the music industry, whose legacy and contributions to electronic and dance music inspire new generations of musicians and producers. William Orbit, Ray of Light, Blur, electronica, dance, pop, Britney Spears, All Saints, Blur, Ray of Light, The Painter, Music
Jann Klose Matters
14-04-2023
Jann Klose Matters
With 2023 now in full flight, multi-award-winning pop singer-songwriter, actor and philanthropist Jann Klose releases his seventh studio album, a 12-track collection of arguably his most considered and commanding work yet. Filled with no less than ten original tracks, along with an arresting acoustic version of "Love You the Most" featuring Alicia Madison and an equally intoxicating, passion-filled Spanish rendition ("Te Amaré Más"), Surrender is steeped in pop brilliance. Stream/listen to ‘Surrender’ Album HERE Musically, Surrender is filled with everything from infectious topical Top 40 familiarity, all while teasing the fringes of Americana, flirting with rock, and getting up close and personal with heartfelt ballads. In essence, there's something on Surrender we all will want to submit to, repeatedly. As the next exciting chapter, post-2018's In Tandem stellar success, the bridge to Surrender was littered with cataclysmic encounters. Death, rebirth, collaboration, positivity, and partnerships that, out of the ashes of global adversity, was born and not a moment too soon if only to heal and inject positivity the world so critically needs. With five singles already successfully landed, including “Flesh and Blood”, Surrender has five more ripe and ready tracks to be plucked and played on high rotation well into 2024. "Each song, each album is, if nothing else, an offering," Jann concludes. "That's how I feel about it. This is what I do, this is what I love, and I am offering it. The rest is out of my control."
The Prodigy Matters
24-03-2023
The Prodigy Matters
The Prodigy’s fourth studio album, Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned, was released on August 23rd 2004, and I was lucky enough to chat with Liam Howlett on July 13th of that year. This is that brief encounter. Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned marked a significant departure from the group’s earlier work. It featured no live vocals from frontman Keith Flint or other guest vocalists, instead relying solely on samples and instrumentals. The album was primarily the work of Liam Howlett, who produced, arranged, and played most of the instruments on the record. He was joined by guest musicians such as guitarist Jim Davies, Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher, and actress Juliette Lewis, who provided vocals on the track “Hotride”. Musically, Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned continued to push the boundaries of electronic music, incorporating elements of rock, hip-hop, and even country into the mix. The album’s opening track, “Spitfire”, featured a guitar riff reminiscent of the Rolling Stones, while the track “Girls” used a sample from the Beastie Boys’ “It’s the New Style”. Overall, the album received mixed reviews from critics and fans, with some praising its experimental approach and others criticising its lack of live vocals. Nevertheless, Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned remains an important and influential work in The Prodigy’s discography, showcasing Liam Howlett’s versatility as a producer and willingness to take risks and try new things.
Arthur Mann (Ryko) Matters
17-03-2023
Arthur Mann (Ryko) Matters
In 2004, I had the privilege of speaking to Rykodisc co-founder Arthur Mann. Sadly, he’s been written out of critical modern music history today. What’s tragic is that his role was pivotal and needed tremendous respect.   If you want to commit to this VERY analogue recording of that interview, captured in a busy office (apologies for the ambient noise), there is sage wisdom shared to take away here. For context - Arthur Mann was a record producer and executive who worked at Rykodisc, an independent record label founded in 1983. He joined the label in the mid-1990s and became its president in 1999. While at Rykodisc, Mann signed and released diverse music, including jazz, world music, and classic rock. Mann was known for his passion for music and ability to identify and promote talented artists. He was instrumental in helping Rykodisc establish itself as a leading independent label, earning a reputation for quality releases and innovative marketing strategies. Under Mann’s leadership, Rykodisc released albums by many notable artists, including Frank Zappa, David Bowie, Elvis Costello, and Robert Wyatt. Mann also oversaw the acquisition of Hannibal Records, a world music label, and worked to expand Rykodisc’s presence in the digital music market. Mann left Rykodisc in 2006 to pursue other opportunities in the music industry. However, his legacy at the label continues to be felt, and he is celebrated as a passionate and visionary leader who helped shape the independent music scene.