An Interview With The Color Blew

Welcome to SA Music Zone’s interview with the trailblazing South African Indie Alternative Rock sensation, The Color Blew. With a musical journey spanning back to 2014, this four-piece powerhouse has redefined the boundaries of sound, blended genres and leaving an indelible mark on the local and international music scene.

In this interview, we delve deep into the band’s chart-topping successes, explore the evolution of their unique sound, and get an insider’s perspective on their unforgettable live performances.

Join us as we uncover the inspirations, motivations, and future plans of The Color Blew, offering our readers an intimate look into the heart and soul of this dynamic musical force. Get ready to embark on a journey through their triumphs, challenges, and the exciting projects they have in store for 2024.

The Color Blew, you’ve been making waves in the South African music scene since 2014. Looking back, what do you consider as the pivotal moments or successes that have defined your musical journey thus far?

“Thank you for the kind words, I think the scene was massively different when we started in 2014. We set micro goals for ourselves and tried to achieve them along the way. Pivotal moments would be Tim joining in 2015 and finding our “live” raw sound during the ‘Light Switch’ album era.”

“Then reinventing the how we do things after the pandemic … I think that was a crucial point for us and our sound, it allowed us to turn the focus of our writing more inwards. We play and write what we want to hear without the external noise of expectation.”

Your sound has been described as a fusion of Alternative Rock, Grunge, Punk, Jazz, and African beats. How do you manage to seamlessly blend these diverse influences, and what role does each genre play in shaping your distinctive sound?

“This was never something that was planned … it simply just happens when we get together and jam. I think it’s the organisms DNA if I can put it that way, there is no conscious decision to sound a certain way. The influences and sounds that shaped our musical education simply come out.”

Your rendition of ‘Under Pressure’ paid homage to Queen and David Bowie, earning recognition on the SA Top 40 and international indie charts. How did the idea for this tribute come about, and what significance do these iconic artists hold for The Color Blew?

“We were really blown away by the reception received after we recorded the tribute! I remember sitting in the studio, unsure if we should release the song, and the guys all agreed that we have done these incredible artists justice. That was my biggest concern, Queen influenced all of us massively growing up and as such we wanted to do something special and the world at that point just lined up for us to record it.”

From ‘The Canvas’ to ‘Light Switch,’ your music has undergone a noticeable evolution. Can you share insights into how your sound has developed, and what inspired the incorporation of Jazz and African beats into your more recent releases?

“Yeah definitely, evolution is great right? ‘The Canvas’ was essentially a “production” album the songs were written and then recorded before we hit the road playing them live. It was a great entry point for us. With ‘Light Switch’ it was a completely different animal … these songs were written basically on the road, during sound checks and in between gigs.”

“It was the craziest most incredible time for the band, and you can hear it in the music, momentum was insane and BOOM … three months after releasing the album, the pandemic hit and it all just stopped. Both those albums where honest reflections of the time they represent.”

‘Love in Space’ garnered significant success both locally and internationally. How does it feel to see your music resonate with audiences worldwide, and what impact has this global recognition had on the band’s perspective and future goals?

“‘Love in Space’ was the first song we wrote in the new cycle. It was different and absolutely captured everything we felt when we got together after the 2020 break. The success and reception the song got blew us away and made us realise that the future path for us, at least this cycle, will look much different to what we know from before. We have very clear targets and goals to expand our listenership this year and bring the band to the fans in a way that we have never done before.”

Known for your impassioned live performances, can you share some memorable moments from your shows, and how do you ensure that the energy and connection with the audience are consistently maintained?

“We identified early on that we won’t take a stage and simply stand there. We live through our songs, and we want to share that energy with everyone there in that moment. I mean when you are there on that stage only the moment matters right. We bring the passion, and we bring the intensity, the day that stops is the day we stop.”

Your studio in Springs serves as the creative nucleus for The Color Blew. How does this space contribute to the band’s creative process, and do you find that having your own studio enhances artistic freedom?

“Absolutely it is the secret sauce to self-analysing and reflecting on what we do with our time, time is scarce, and the studio allows us to use what we have wisely. The ability to record ideas and rehearsals on the fly is something that every musician must aspire to if they are serious, its more accessible than ever before now and must be used.”

As you gear up to release new music in 2024, can you offer a sneak peek into what fans can expect? Are there specific themes or influences that will be prominent in your upcoming work?

“We don’t want to give away too much, but there will be a continuation of honest direct thoughts in a whimsical wrapper … the process of writing the music and sharing those intimate moments might also be shared.”

What motivates The Color Blew to continue pushing musical boundaries, and are there particular artists or experiences that consistently inspire your creative endeavours?

“We think we have come to the point where we know what we want, and we know what legacy we want to leave behind one day. We will continue to explore the themes we create in the Audio Vibez Studio and we build on that story, chapter for chapter.”

Looking ahead, what aspirations does The Color Blew have for 2024? Are there specific goals or projects that you’re particularly excited about, and what can your fans anticipate from the band in the coming year?

“We have decided to approach the year with a mindset of “one thing at a time“… and as we speak we are finishing up the next single. All focus is on that for this first quarter. We can’t wait to share that with the world.”

In closing, our journey with The Color Blew has unfolded a rich tapestry of sonic exploration and artistic evolution. As they gear up for the music-filled year ahead, we invite you to be an integral part of this exhilarating ride. Follow The Color Blew on their social platforms, immerse yourself in their musical canvas, and stay tuned for the vibrant melodies that 2024 is set to unveil.

Join the community, experience the passion, and let The Color Blew‘s compelling narrative become a shared symphony. Connect, follow, and stream their music—be a part of the ongoing saga of innovation and creativity. The Color Blew awaits, and the adventure continues.

More info about The Color Blew

The Color Blew, an Indie Alternative Rock band from South Africa, distinguishes itself in a music landscape often dominated by overproduced commercial sounds. Formed in 2014, the quartet showcases a blend of talent and passion, offering a refreshing alternative free from conventional musical constraints. With a collective band experience exceeding 65 years, the members, including Liaan Horton, Marius Cronje, Timothy James Lotter, and Armando Santos, craft their music in Springs, Gauteng. Their commitment to excellence is evident in their studio work and live performances.

The Color Blew‘s music, broadly categorized as Alternative Rock, defies easy sub-genre classification, drawing inspiration from Grunge and Punk in their debut album ‘The Canvas’ and evolving to incorporate Jazz and African beats in their sophomore release, ‘Light Switch.’ Their versatility was highlighted in 2022 with a successful rendition of ‘Under Pressure’ and the subsequent release of ‘Love in Space’ in 2023, which gained international recognition on radio stations.

As of 2024, The Color Blew anticipates a new musical chapter, promising fresh compositions that push the boundaries of South African music. With an unwavering passion and a commitment to innovation, the band continues to make a dynamic impact on the Indie Alternative Rock scene, leaving an indelible mark on their musical journey.

Watch this space for updates in the Interviews category on SA Music Zone.

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