KenYan rOck sCene: UP COmiNg EvenTs

It'll be an eventful couple of weeks starting with Ramps and Amps this weekend. the event will include a battle as well as a guest acts such as Murfy's Flaw, PLG, Claymore project and last years tragedy. if you're an extreme sports fan then the French school next to Yaya centre is the place to be. What's the damage you ask; 350 bob only and al proceeds go to charity. Kosa uchekwe!
Next up we have the Nairobi Rockfest on December 8th. The event promoted by the Rumble on STV will be headlined by the Botswanan metal band-- Skinflint. Having released for albums to date and selling 100000 records last year, this internationally acclaimed band has shared the stage with Metallica, Carcass, Wrust just to name a few Metal scene giants. It's understandable if you're air guitaring from excitement. You could always get tickets to the real action at ticketsasa.com or at the venue. Local bands backing up SKinflint include Parking Lot Grass, Last Year’s Tragedy, Rock of Ages, Mortal Soul and Absence of Light are the . The organizers promise the most modern stage, lighting and sound effects to boot, all worth the sh 1000 it'll cost you at the gate(of club Ichonic at Ngong race).

oCtobEr KenYan Rock scEne

Halloween, beer, great music political nut jobs and just outright craziness. This October was just one of those months that you don't forget. It was no different for the local rock scene either. Some days were good others great and yet others disastrous. As it so happens the two most important events in any rockheads calender, the ROckToberfeSt and the OcktOberFesT fall on this month.

Starting with the former, all reports indicate it was a nightmare, and not in a cool dark, goth, metallic sort of way. It sucked (for most people that is). From an inconvenient Venue (volar club), unpaid rock bands, disappointing VIP section and a late sound check. The negative feedback was so much they had to shut down the Rocktoberfest Facebook page. I still cant believe the organizers made all but two bands (Parkinglot grass and last years tragedy) play pro bono. They had nothing but the gratitude of their fans and the love of rock to pull them through the night. That isn't to say it no fun was had. There was lots going on outside in the parking lot where most of the music was played. The DJ's trans and house mix wasn't that bad either.

Away from the gloom, this years Ocktoberfest kicked off with what was dubbed as the biggest battle of the bands in Kenya. Around 20 bands made an appearance including local favourites Music to Overdrive, Dove Slimme and Parkinglot grass. Less known bands such as The Nini, The Njeri kahare project and Corders band were also not left out. With lots of beer flowing and great music the festival made for a great close to the month. And true to form Parkinglot grass carried the day winning the battle once again.

parkinglot grass celebrating their win.

What November has in store for rockheads is still hazy but the next rock therapy will be on December 14th and Murfy's Flaw will be making an appearance in Ramps and amps come November 24th and so will PLG. We'll keep you posted.

DovE SliMmE

This five member Kenyan rock band has taken the music scene by storm over the past few months with hits such as yelele and party at the barn. Composed of Saidimu (rhythm guitar), Migz (lead guitar), Jillian (vocals) ,Ali(bass) and Ronjey (drums) , Dove Slimme cites influences as diverse as Jimmy Hendrix and Muse.This fledgling band having started over jam sessions aims at giving nothing but the best. Here's what they had to say on who they are and their music.

First off, what's with the name? Who came up with it?
Well, the name is a product of an aimless afternoon of pondering the secret to success of a certain musician. The resulting formula was Bird name + adjective + (e). Ten points if you can guess who. Funny thing is no one from the band came up with the name. Its just something the band was dubbed and stuck.

'Yelele' and 'party at the barn' were great hits in the local rock scene. Were you surprised by the response to them? Is there a secret recipe for your success thus far?
Lol, the response to those tracks was just superlative! We knew we were onto something but the reality of it was smug inducing :) Secret to success? Errrr, if we had that we'd be charging exorbitantly for that consultation!! We just try to remain true to who we are in our music.

Rumour has it you might be launching an album before the end of the year. How is it going so far and what should we expect?
Yeah, the EP is an ongoing project. it will have 6 tracks, two of which have already been released on radio. Its sounding good, so we hope our fans and other music enthusiasts will come to love it.

"Dove Slimme is looking for the unknown unknown, the reason to the unreason... excuse me while I kiss the sky..." you guys strike me as a mess of quirky characters , how do you make it work: do you have lots of "creative differences"?
"Special" as we are, music is the place where we just come together without much argument. I guess that's pretty much our strongest point.

What is the future for Dove Slimme?
We are hoping that the response to our EP will be monstrously epic and from that we can start organizing tours and pushing our material across borders, performing for new crowds and meeting new fans. We really want to take the local rock scene to new heights and increase the diversity herein.

What is the band's take on the local rock scene is the competition cut throat or do you get help from other bands when you need it?
The local rock scene is a fairly small one in an even tinier corner of the local music scene, but it is growing everyday. The bands are always very supportive towards each other because we have all been through the same struggles and thus understand the importance of unity. We would also like to let any up and coming bands know that they can always come to us for advice and support.

Does the band have a schedule or time table for events and gigs you'll be performing at?
The next confirmed gigs for this year are scheduled for 26th October (Oktoberfest at Impala), 24th November (Guitars n Grills) and 14th December (Rock therapy).

If you guys could have anything right now , what would that be and why?
BACON!!! Coz everybody loves bacon XD But seriously, i think we want what every other rock band wants: for Kenyan rock to no longer be underground. We want to be pioneers in making that happen

 You could always check out Dove Slimme's reverbnation page to get a feel of their music.

GettiNg geAr for A kEnyAn RocK bANd

 I decided to do something different for this article and get some expert advise on the matter. After all, who better to tell us how to get equipment than those who've been there and done that. Parkinglotgrass and Murfy's Flaw were more than happy to help and here are a few thoughts from their own experience in sourcing music equipment.

Firstly, how did you decide on the best equipment for the band. Was there a brand you really liked and why? 

Murfy's Flaw: We started out not knowing anything about music, and also

  limited by what was available. 9, Jojo and Jozie ended up with Yamaha Electric Guitar, Keyboard and Bass, simply because that was what was available, and Yamaha is a solid, reliable brand that also happens to produce instruments in our budget. Vicky's first drum kit was a chinese brand called Acustica. I think she bought it coz it was cheap and red and massive, there were about 7 drums in that kit. Punky was playing an acoustic she'd had from before, she bought a pick up for amplification.

ParkinglotGrass: It starts with individual tastes and preferences within the band. You have to play an instrument that you're happy playing. Then that must match with the band's overall sound. Third consideration after all those, and which always wins, is budget! Cash is king. If you cant afford the exact gear you're looking for, then you have to settle for 2nd best until you can. Those are the three main considerations.
As far as brands, well there you'd actually have to talk to the individual members given that everyone has their own tastes and preferences. However, Vic & Ali, guitarists, are happy with Ibanez. Good brand, good variety and good value.

 Did you have to know the specialist stuff like how many watts for the amps, tone of the guitars and such?
Murfy's Flaw: When we started out, we didn't have a clue. Nine and Jozie, just bought 15 watt practice amps, which was all that was required to amplify their instruments during practice. Now, they have some larger amps, but these were bought much, much later in the band's career, and are mainly for use during gigs where sound is not provided. For practice, it's still back to those 15watt amps.

Did you experience any difficulties in sourcing gear for the band and gigs?
Murfy's Flaw: Luckily, shortly after we started out, we met an amazing band Rock of Ages, and the front man Mark, happened to have a business for providing sound, Rock Audio. So, at least sourcing gear for gigs is no longer a problem.

ParkinglotGrass: The main challenge in getting gear is getting quality stuff within Kenya. Most shops don't stock quality brands and quality gear. So you end up having to get the stuff from outside the country and unless you have links out there, that can be quite the headache

 What do you think can be done to make it easier to get instruments and equipment?

Murfy's Flaw: Nairobi definitely needs more suppliers. The music "district" in Nairobi is now limited to about 2 shops, mostly supplying middle to low quality instruments. If there were more specialist music shops, things could be better. Also, there is a lack of qualified technicians who can adequately fix gear. Once when we were looking for someone to service some guitars, we got recommendations from about 5 different musicians. They all recommended the same person. And the guy is SO BUSY it's impossible to get him to look at your gear.

ParkinglotGrass: To make getting gear easier, well, to be very frank, unless someone sets up a good store and is not eager to rip people off by putting crazy mark ups simply because they know they are the only ones with that stuff here, we're not going to get anywhere. So thats what needs to happen. Echo Music Gear are doing that but with smaller stuff like picks, tuners, strap-locks, strings and that kind of thing (check out their FB page)

Do you have any advice for budding rock bands in terms of sourcing equipment?
Murfy's Flaw:When you go shopping for an instrument, try to go with someone who actually plays that instrument. Could save you a LOT of money and heartache. You don't have to spend tonnes of cash on a guitar, but then again, usually when an instrument is very cheap, you're getting what you're paying for. Also, don't limit yourself to new instruments. Look on boards at malls for advertisements of people selling instruments second hand. Sometimes, you'll find an instrument that may not look all bright and shiny, but will have unbelievable tone, and is not likely to be found in any shop.
And finally, if you decide to play guitar, you can NEVER have enough plectrums.

ParkinglotGrass: Budding rockers...hmmmm. They should just do their research before they make any purchase. Don't buy a guitar or drums because they are expensive or because you saw a guy in a video using it. Research and ask around from more experienced people then try out as many as you can before you spend. But...also be willing to invest in yourself, your band and your music. You'll get out what you put in.
Music stores in Nairobi...none. Unless you're looking for supplementary gear which Echo Music can provide, for the instruments...there's none that comes top of mind at the moment.

HoW to sTart a kEnyAn roCk BanD

So you’ve been to a couple of concerts or heard a friend or two brag about being part of a band and you want in. No more standing in awe at those in the lime light; its your time to shine, or better yet, you just want to have fun with friends and take your rock experience to a whole new level. Fear not with a few simple common sense steps and determination starting a Kenyan rock band is very achievable.

Now before you and your mate starts bragging about having formed a cool new band over drinks make sure you have the skill to back it up. You might think you’re a great singer but are you really. Get a voice coach music lessons the works. Take up an instrument if you aren’t exactly Chester Bennington and work your fingers to the nub. Make sure you get good even if you’re just doing it for fun: even you’ll get tired of the strangled cat sounds from your guitar after a while.

Recruiting members is next on your to do list. Put the word out among your pals, using flyers and newspaper classifieds would be great start. Don’t take any potential members word for it, be sure to hold auditions. If Tusker Project Fame is anything to go by not everyone who thinks they’re good actually is. Once you’ve gotten the people you want, set down the ground rules in a band agreement. This will come in handy when dispute on content ownership, owner of the name and instruments and such disputes arise. Many Kenyan rock bands have collapsed as a result of having laid down the rules at the start.

You and your band mates can now get started. Choose your music and agree on your repertoire. Do you intend to cover other bands’ songs or compose you own. A unique sound would also go a long way in marketing you as a Kenyan rock band.

Choose your band name carefully. It must reflect the kind of music you want to play as well as be unique. Death to the system for instance might be more appropriate for a metal band as opposed to 1000 daisies.

You’ll also need decent equipment. Amps a drum set, guitars, the basics. You could always get these at various music stores in Kenya like Assanands and Credible sounds in Kenya. Be sure to do your research though. There’s quite a variety out there and you need to get what best suits you. You could also try Dealfish and Mocality for great bargains. Rehearsal space is absolutely essential use your garage, basement or even school hall if they’ll let you.

Now that you have everything that you need its time to get good. Nothing beats practice in improving your Kenyan rock band’s cohesion and sound. After you get good you could make a demo tape to sell yourselves. If this is going to be more than a hobby get a manager who’ll help you get gigs. You could source for these yourself from pubs clubs etc using the demo tape. Contact small labels to produce your music as well. Most importantly though, have fun with your rock band.

the phenominal kenyan rock band parking lot grass

This Kenyan rock band formed gradually over three years picking up and loosing a few members along the way. The first three members, Alistair Gould (guitar), Victor Chweya (guitar/base) and Matthew Hawi (later left the band) met in college back in2006 and although they had little in common their love of rock soon forged a strong friendship. Inspired by emergence of other Kenyan rock bands they decided to start their own. It took tons of hard work, practice, jamming and even guitar lessons to get their dream off the ground. They also had to save up to buy instruments. In the course of getting their guitar lessons Amos Kiptoon(bass guitarist) came into their picture.

Parking lot grass got its first gig as a band in December 2009. They didn’t even have a lead singer at the time but Victor filled in temporarily. Their next chance came in July 2010 at the battle of the bands and this time they’d picked up a new member Raphael Sipalla. He served as the bands lead vocalist. They had a great night coming in second out of four bands.

The band has picked up a couple more accolades since then. In august 2010 they won the battle of the bands. They’ve also featured in the Brew Bistro’s annual Rocktober fest emerging in the top three twice. That these guys are good is not in doubt. Parking lot grass currently consists of 5members; Alistair, Victor, Amos, Raphael and Nick Wathi (the drummer). They released their first EP, Shimo Mfukoni, early this year. Two singles from that album (speed chaser, etched on my heart) have been steadily featured on X fm’s just released chart.

This Kenyan rock band cites some of its influences as Chevelle, Metallica, Bullet for My Valentine and the Foo Fighters. The latter’s influence can especially be felt.  The band however has a unique Kenyan sound uses Kiswahili in its lyrics and takes pride in incorporating local issues in their music. Parking Lot Grass also supports a number of causes including the Afya Kenya Foundation.

You could always check out their website (parkinglotgrass.com) to get the latest news and information on upcoming gigs. They performed at the art and beer festival last weekend and will be at it again at the Two of a Kind show at the Michael Joseph centre on 5^th august.  Clear your calendar.

Murfy's FLaw; have the aliens landed?

Immigrants from Jupiter marooned at the airport? Birthed from a once in 76-year celestial alignment? One is spoiled for choice on myths as to how exactly Murfy's Flaw began. What is clear however is that  in 2007  six people came together to make great music. Murfy's Flaw is arguably the best alternative rock band in Kenya. Its members include Jozie ( bass) ,Reema (vocals ), Jojo (keyboard /vocals) Vicky (drums /vocals) ,Number Nine( lead guitar) and Punky Monkey (rhythm guitar). The blending of its members different cultures ethnicities and nationalities characterizes the band. This gives it a uniqueness that shows up in their music. Described by some as a mix reggae ,funk and rock the only word I can come up with to describe their style is Eclectic.
In october 2008 the the band launched its first album, Makosa. With tracks like Nafasi, contagious and Makosa( the title track) the album has a melancholic sound bordering on Afrofusion. Their latest album however, Hello light ,holds true to the Band's alternative rock tag. Launched in November 2011 it has earned Murfy's Flaw some long overdue attention. Two of its tracks, hello light and in silence featured for weeks on X fm's top ten charts.
Currently the band is is on a tour of Kenyan high schools to promote Hello Light. The tour doubles up as a mentorship programme giving the band a chance to talk to student about music as a career, and the importance of hard work ,passion and education in the industry .
Of course finally, you can catch them Live at Daas restaurant in Westlands every first Fiday of the month. It's bound to be worth your while (Number Nine's guitar skills especially are gaurant to make your night) 

ShiMo mFukoNi

The night started out rainy and gloomy but nothing could dampen my spirits. Having bought the advance ticket for the ParkingLotgrass EP launch nothing was going to stop me from enjoying the best of this phenomenal band. The venue was The Mall’s rooftop at Westlands and I was itching for some live head banging rock.

I arrived fashionably late (by about 30 minutes) .Things hadn’t picked up yet and it seemed like they hadn’t finished setting up. The stage was already set and members of the band seem to be getting an interview on it. Behind the stage hung an epic graffiti background bearing the band’s name. I continued to the audience tent where only a hand full of people had arrived and was beginning to wonder if I could catch a little of the Chelsea vs. Liverpool game. Nonetheless I looked around for some company instead; to while away the time.

All the while water was massing on the tent covering the stage and all the equipment on it. I remember joking that it would be like something out of a cartoon if that bulbous mass burst and soaked everyone and everything on stage. Well, the joke was on me. They kept trying to safely get rid of the water but the rain just kept pouring until the tent finally ripped and trust me it wasn’t funny.

It was a gruelling 5 hour wait before the concert began. In that time I made lots of friends and an enemy or two but that is a story for another day. Rock of ages (who were also supposed to perform ) were a no show and Dove Slimme arrived 3 hours late .Everything seemed to be going wrong but somehow the organizers pulled off a micro miracle and ParkingLotGrass started revving up their guitars at twelve. The concert practically started the next day!

I’m not complaining though the wait was definitely worth it.  ParkingLotGrass opened the stage followed by Dove Slimme. The latter performed  a kick ass rendition of DJ Guetta's bulletproof as well as their hit single Yelele . The head banging began in earnest (still have whip lash from that) as the audience sung along . The Claymore Project a relative newcomer on the scene also took the stage. Although the guitars slightly drowned out the vocals at first, this band sounded like something to look out for. 

Shimo mfukoni, Speed chaser,Coward, Etched on my heart were all performed by ParkingLotGrass that night. Ruff, the band's lead vocalist even free-styled after incessant requests from the crowd. Perhaps he was a rapper in another life hehehe .It was an impressive show of talent and versatility, proof of the mile stones Kenyan rock has made. 

ParkingLotGrass is well on its way to greater things and like I said before, this is only the beginning

This is just the beginning

Rock for me began as a distant echo, something undefined yet mysteriously pleasing, emotional, poetic, magnetic . I cant pinpoint exactly where or when I first encountered it but my interest was peaked by soundtracks from various series' sound tracks especially smallville ; I guess this was my burning bush.In pursuit of more music like the stuff I heard on TV I eventually discovered the fuse (capital FM) and strangely a rock show on radio Waumini (hosted by one Nandika Awamatieku if I'm not mistaken). There was no turning back from that point onwards: my world would never be the same again.

To a large extent rock was a marginalized genre back in the day.It was never interspersed with other types of music:always isolated (if allowed to show at all) in the airwaves, the leper of the music world. either you knew it or you didn't . The infamous devil worshiper or creep tag always a lingering companion of misunderstood rock-heads.

That's all in the past however . Rock has made great strides since capital FM first played it in Kenya back in 96 . Elements of rock culture are seeping into several aspects of Kenyan society  take root and asserting themselves. The number of rock fans has snowballed over the past few years. Sick of the constant cooing and ululating of Rn B singers and the likes Kenyans are opting for something more meaningful relevant and expressive. Where once it was practically invisible, rock can be heard intermittently wherever loud music blares. Even those not fond of it( at least not yet) find themselves swaying to the insistent ,coaxing but pleasant sound of rock. maroon 5, Linkin Park Script ,are but a few bands drawing the masses.

Rocktober fest's appearance five years ago also gave an aveneu for ROck lovers to express themselves. IT indeed gave both rock bands and rock fans a way out of the shadows and into the public's eye. We were here unashamed and unafraid to assert ourselves. its attendance has been growing gradually over the years and 2012 will definitely be the year to watch.

From lingering notions in the mind, dark back alley studios, school auditoriums to dingy pubs and rock head haunts 2012 has proven to be the year of the Kenyan rock band. Murfy's fLaw, Parking Lot Grass (PLG) and Dove Slimme have all featured in X Fm's just released top 10 chart with PLG dominating it for over 5 weeks. All three have also been featured in Zouqka a pull out of the Nation newspaper. This is a great stride considering how hard it has been getting local media attention for local talent.

Bottom line is "tumetoka mbali" and its it is undoubtedly our time to shine. Watch out people rock is coming to get you.