Welcome to the enchanting world and soulful harmony of “Another Ghost”, the captivating musical collaboration by Onlogies (Erasmus Hendrikse) featuring the sublime vocals of TomyV (Thomas Sibusiso Mthembu).
This exquisite collaboration falls gracefully into the realm of Vocal Adult Contemporary, offering a timeless exploration of imperfection and embracing authenticity.
I had a chat with Onlogies and TomyV about their careers and collaboration on “Another Ghost”. This is what they had to say…
Onlogies, your name embraces the illogical. How does this concept of embracing the illogical influence your creative process, and how does it manifest in the music you produce?
“The name was chosen to offer me artistic freedom. That artistic freedom was not required for ‘Another Ghost’ but on my new projects where I write songs in different genres with little theoretical knowledge. In a weird way, the name has given me the freedom I wanted.”
TomyV, your journey involves overcoming personal challenges. How has this journey sculpted your musical expression, and in what ways do you infuse your personal narrative into your music?
“Being an artist who grew up and got exposed to different sounds from different ethnic groups, tribes, and cultures, my sound and understanding were shaped and managed to grow over time as I’m constantly doing music and perfecting my craft each day. Everyone has had a challenge they had to overcome; it’s not the history that defines us but how we react and overcome challenges that define us.”
Onlogies, If “Another Ghost” were a time capsule representing your musical journey, what elements within the song encapsulate the essence of your artistic evolution? Are there specific lyrics or musical nuances that serve as a snapshot of your growth as artists?
“From writing with a guitar to producing within a collaboration is the epitome of my (Onlogies) evolution.”
Onlogies, considering ‘Another Ghost’ was written 13 years ago, how did you approach modernizing the track while preserving its timeless qualities?
“The song, in its most basic form, brought forward the message the most. Because the song meant so much to us, we tried many different versions and overproducing it. We stalled for nearly 8 months and then we returned to the original basic version which featured TomyV’s vocals, which in turn featured the message of the song.”
Onlogies, “Another Ghost” transcends genres. Can you share an instance from the song’s creation where you consciously decided to push the boundaries of a specific musical genre, and how did it impact the final result?
“This song was not written in a popular genre, but it pursues to convey a message through this timeless genre.”
TomyV, in collaborating with Onlogies, how do you navigate the challenge of fusing your versatile style into a harmonious musical composition? Are there specific elements you believe contribute to this successful fusion?
“I have the ability to adapt. I have not done this specific genre coming from an Afro-Pop background. It was inspiring and a breath of fresh air to try something new. I am now excited to do more in a variety of genres and explore as much variety as possible.”
Onlogies and TomyV, being South African artists, how does your proud South African identity influence your music? What elements do you incorporate into your work?
“We are most proud of our successful collaboration coming from different musical, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds. We hope to inspire musicians to do the same. South Africans always refer to sports events bringing us together, but we feel that the arts and music have a similar outcome and opportunity.”
Onlogies, how do you see the South African music landscape influencing your artistic direction, and in what ways do you contribute to the local musical identity?
“If ‘Another Ghost’ and our other collaborations can satisfy the need of a mature audience, it will be great. We are driven more by the music itself and the process of writing and producing music rather than writing for a specific audience.”
Share an interesting or unique ritual you both have in the studio that contributes to the collaborative magic. How do these rituals impact the energy and creativity during your recording sessions?
“We operate in a very relaxed environment. One thing that we do these days is to keep the mic on even on the first informal take. For some reason, the first take is often the best take.”
Onlogies, as an artist and a music producer, do you have any specific studio techniques or practices that define your signature sound?
“I am still learning and developing my craft. I am very far from developing my signature sound. I learn something every day. From where I was 1 year ago to where I am now differs like day and night, but I feel as if I am still trying to pursue just the basics. Production takes many years to resemble perfection and I’ve done this for about 2 years now. It is exciting to know that there is still so much to learn.”
Onlogies & TomyV, in the age of digital connectivity, how do you use online platforms to engage with your fans? Are there specific interactions or messages from fans that have left a lasting impact on you?
“We should do more on social media. This will be our goal for 2024. We do have engagement from fans, and we hope that we could kickstart our exposure through the current campaign especially with this interview you are affording us. We are thankful for this opportunity.” (Onlogies)
“I’ve had funny experiences with fan reactions. Due to the fact that there are genres which are listened to more in the black communities I am also stretching their imagination. For example, people will ask me, “is that really you singing?”, and so on. I believe this shows we are doing something right.” (TomyV)
TomyV, in collaboration with artists like Mr. Jack Mojapelo, how has this influenced your connection with your audience, and what unique perspectives have such artists brought to your creative process?
“It is inspiring to work with legends in the industry. One realizes what it takes to make it in the industry, one realizes what passion for music really means.”
Onlogies, considering your emphasis on creative freedom, what external influences or experiences serve as catalysts for your artistic inspiration?
“The opportunities for creating music are limitless these days, having access to production software. The beginning of my writing process usually starts with practicing and playing guitar. With any incorrect chord or chord change, one hears something new.”
“These days one gets these differences and unique sounds from a variety of clips which starts the creative process. In this fashion, you may find yourself in a metal or rock track whilst you wanted to write a classic ballad. In this way, one allows for the music to create itself and test your musical ear to find something new while playing around. I love this surprise when such a small part then develops into a song it is magical.”
TomyV, who are your musical influences, and how do you ensure that these inspirations remain fresh and innovative in your work, avoiding emulation?
“There is an array of people that inspired me, but I was most inspired by the “breaking into natural singing” in our communities. This would happen after a soccer match, church, school, community choir, and so on. All the unorganized singing is just an inspiration.”
“I believe it is a cultural thing. We just sing; we have a lot of folk songs and songs that developed over centuries that are just part of our culture. Music is therefore in us and most certainly in me. I can guarantee you, if you are in a black community and you sit around a fire without electricity, you will hear someone singing, and we will just start singing together. We have the “umzabalazo” struggle songs” and it’s as if the whole community is in tune breaking into song.”
Onlogies & TomyV, reflecting on your musical journey so far, what’s the most significant evolution you’ve witnessed in your approach to creating music?
“I did a course that Ryan Tedder offered, which is so far removed, I presume, from the classical way of writing. Like writing a poem and then writing music to support the emotions of that poem or writing music and then trying to add lyrics. The way he wrote the music is so freeing and open and allows for making mistakes and encourages musical freedom and expression.” (Onlogies)
“I have a lot more confidence now. I am bolder now to try different things. I am now seeing my voice as an instrument in the band and willing to try different things without hesitation.” (TomyV)
TomyV, how has your sound evolved since your early singles, and what pivotal moments contributed to this evolution?
“Most certainly. My vocal ability has improved and matured over the last 10 years or so. Being involved in a choir, then in smaller ensembles then our current band and now being exposed to new and different genres I can’t wait to see how this further develops into writing new music combining genres and challenging our ability and my vocal range.”
“The pivotal moment was when our band started getting more attention and when I got invited back to a few venues where I performed. It gave me a lot of confidence, and confidence goes a long way in almost everything but especially music. I was signed by a label in 2017. I had to try and come up with songs and hits almost at random. It taught me to be brave and to explore without hesitation.”
Onlogies and Tomy V, if you could collaborate with any artist, living or deceased, who would it be, and how do you envision that collaboration shaping your musical landscape?
“I would have liked to work with Leonard Cohen. I wrote an ode to him which I haven’t released yet. The depth of his music and the simplicity is what draws me to him. I have become a bit more electronic and digitalized, and I think one can easily fall into the trap of not keeping up with your skill on an instrument or become lazy vocally when you have all these settings and functions and corrective ability on software.” (Onlogies)
“I would have loved to work closely with the late Zahara, Hugh Masikela, Robert Kelly, Busi Mhlongo Jabu Khanyile and Michael Jackson, also on those who are alive to date Vusi Nova, Black Coffee, Shekinah With their diversity and uniqueness.” (Tomy V)
Onlogies, in your pursuit of collaboration, what unique qualities or styles do you look for in potential creative partners?
“I am open for collaborations. In every attempt to make music, there is always something to take away in terms of learning and development. I would like to collaborate with all genres and all types of musicians. As long as someone is passionate about making music for the sake of making music, I am in. I’ve had failures in collaborations but even that was fun.”
Onlogies, after a live performance or studio session, do you have any specific rituals or routines that help you unwind and reflect on the experience?
“I think it is good to talk about the experience, about the possible improvements and to dream big.”
TomyV, having performed on national television, how do those experiences differ from studio sessions, and what emotions do you carry from the stage to the studio?
“Wow, that experience was amazing but very stressful. That experience inspired me to have it again. The studio is less stressful, but I want to emulate the live experience to try and bring out the best of myself in the studio.”
I would like to thank Onlogies and TomyV for this interview. Thanks for sharing your insights and perspectives with SA Music Zone (and our readers). Your responses will undoubtedly offer our readers a distinct and enriching perspective on “Another Ghost” and your individual journeys as artists.
More info about Another Ghost
“Another Ghost” is a melodic journey that transcends genres, with Onlogies infusing his illogical creativity into every note. Written 13 years ago, the song found its voice when TomyV lent his soulful vocals, creating a harmonious blend that resonates with the essence of being human. The lyrics weave a poignant narrative, urging listeners to appreciate the beauty in imperfections and see others for who they truly are.
“Another Ghost” is available on all streaming platforms. Listen and indulge in the soulful symphony HERE.
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