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In The Zone
Vol 8 November 2020
The Birthday Edition
The birth of Zone Radio
Learn a bit more about the history of the station
Presenter Profile
Rob and Kelly Hoffman
Music 101
City Grooves
Living under lockdown
Looking back at seven months of lockdown
The Voice of the Valley
CONTENTS
November 2020
Page 44
Welcome To Shorties Blue Bottle Noordhoek
Blue Bottle Liquors has been operating successfully since the year 2000. We carry huge
Music 101
ranges of wine, malt whiskies, and are geared for all functions. Our emphasis is on personal
service in a safe environment, promoting responsible drinking.
City Grooves
We pride ourselves in quality products. We haven’t left it there though!! We have now
extended our operation and set up a Traders Association involving several very successful
independent liquor stores who understand their customer’s needs and are extremely aware
of promoting responsible drinking. They have revamped their stores for a better, secure and
informative shopping experience. Being part of the Blue Bottle membership means we offer
better prices, professional advice and don’t forget the personal touch of the owner. Features
22 40
6 Thank you from Zone Radio Tony’s Top TIps
The Birth of Zone Radio Paying tribute to all the adver- Chef Tony Zola bring us more
We take a look back at the tisers that supported Zone. tips.
history of Zone Radio and cel- 26 42
ebrate one year on FM.
Click on the link on the left to Murphy’s Laws The shape you’re in
visit our website. 10 Ryan Murphy is not impressed Dress according to your body
with customer service in South shape.
We must remember them Africa.
Raymond Fletcher examines the 21 & 57
origins of Remembrance Day 28 Quizes
and the two-minute silence. You heard it first... A quiz on local music and one
New music played on Zone Ra- on The Beatles.
14 dio in October.
Living with lockdown 32 Also in this month’s edition
Why now is not the time to be- Health - from page 48
come complacent. The Little Wretches
We chat to Robert Wagner of Sport - page 54
18 this folk rock band. Entertainment - page 62
The Perfect Storm
We meet a talented South Afri- 36
can-born musician who is also Presenter profile
doing incredible things for con- Meet Rob and Kelly Hoffman -
servation. father and daughter.
3
for turning a dream into a re-
ality, and for allowing all of us
the privilege of sharing in that
From the dream.
editor’s
In my humble opinion it is
one of the best radio stations
Bierman Straus
around - if not the best. And
PUBLISHER
desk I’m not saying that just because
Hipe Media
I work there.
Sunvalley C
an you believe that it’s Now on to more mundane EDITOR
already been a year things. As you’ve probably no- Matt Tennyson
since Zone Radio began tice, this is the 11th month of
broadcasting on FM? Time re- the year. That means that next ASSISTANT EDITOR
ally does fly when you’re hav- month it’s Christmas and the Judy Roberson
ing fun. month after that we will be in
I did my very first show on 2021. Where did the year go? CONTRIBUTORS
Zone Radio on Sunday 10 No- It feels like just the other day Raymond Fletcher Richard
vember and what a pleasure it when Uncle Cyril came on Griggs, Ryan Murphy, Matt
has been working with the sta- television and told us that we O’Brien, Judy Roberson, An-
tion. I actually look forward to would be going into a three- nelize van Niekerk, Tony Zola.
Sunday mornings. week lockdown.
We often talk about the Zone It’s been a bit of a strange In The Zone is published on-
We are a family orientated Optometry practice, with Family and believe me, work- year to say the very least and line every month. The articles
professional staff looking after the person behind the ing at Zone really does feel like I’m sure that everyone will join used in In The Zone are copyright-
eyes. being part of a family. And a me in trusting that 2021 is go- ed and may not be used without
Visit us at Sunvalley Mall or call us on 021 785 3141 very special family at that. ing to be a better year. Hopeful- prior permission from the editor.
When I interviewed Rob and ly they will come up with a vac-
Kelly Hoffman, Rob said that cination for the Covid-19 virus The views stated in this mag-
Click on the above link to one of the reasons he enjoys and we can put this nightmare azine do not necessary reflect
visit our Facebook page. working at Zone Radio is be- behind us. Although I think we the views of In The Zone, the
cause of the real people that will still feel the effects of it for editor, the staff, Zone Radio, or
make up the station. It is a sen- a long time to come. Hipe Media.
timent that I can echo. A few weeks ago I went out
I sometimes wonder if people to listen to some live music. I Hipe!
know just how much Richard realised that it had been seven P.O. Box 31216, Tokai, 7966
and Judy put into Zone Radio. months since I did anything like South Africa.
They are two of the most real that. Remember when we used
people that I have met in a long to do things like that on a regu- email
time. Respect and love to both lar basis. editor@hipe.co.za
of you. That’s about it for this month.
I’ve always thought that if Next month we will be bringing Back Issues
Zone Radio was a wild West you a bumper Christmas edi- To view any back issues of
town then Janet Scanlon would tion, so it’s something to look In The Zone, go to www.hipe.
be the sheriff. She takes no forward to. co.za.
nonsense, but she has a heart of
gold. Until next month.
Right click on any
Congratulations to Zone Ra- advertisement to visit
Matt
dio on celebrating one year of
their website or
broadcasting on FM. Congrat-
Facebook page.
ulations to Richard and Judy
5
Zone! cover story and months of red tape which mongpong.
On 4 November we won’t bore you with, a low Richard had spent a month
The birth of Zone Radio 2019 “The Voice
of The Valley”,
powered FM licence to convert
the online station into a com-
mercial community station in
training local people from the
valley to be presenters and the
new additions throughout this
What began as an idea 9,636 kilometres away would eventually grow into ‘The Voice Sun Valley was finally granted. first year were Rob Hoffman,
of the Valley’ - Zone Radio. But turning the idea into a reality would take a lot of com- went live on
With the help for our current Ernie Sierra, Sue Hair, Col-
mitment and hard work. By Judy Roberson and Richard Griggs. 88.5fm. landlady, Susan James, prem- leen van Heerden, Alison Fara-
I
ises were found in Sun Valley. day, Shellee-Kim Gold, Adrian
n the tiny town of Krabi in ious presenters that Richard had morning, after Richard and Blaine Mills (The Canuck) The move and studio construc- Buckland, Matt Tennyson, Alan
rural Thailand, the idea of a worked with in the past. Num- Donovan pulled an all nighter, opened the first show with “We tion was undertaken in October. Marriot, Rob Martin, Bilaal St-
new radio station began to ber crunching, begging and bor- the Facebook page of Zone Ra- Will Rock You” by Queen with Chris Grant and his wonder- ofile, John Verster, Edwin Bar-
take shape in the mind of Rich- rowing, scraping together what dio went live. Judy was in the the whole team beaming with ful team at NetDynamix once nard and news readers, Angela
ard Griggs. resources they had and with the kitchen baking for the present- excitement. again equipped and helped to Timm, Huw Charles and Susan
It would be a radio station help of some wonderful friends, ers as she too could not sleep, That was the start, with many build the studio. James (yes, our landlord reads
that would play the music peo- John, Michelle and Dave, Rich- and was the first one to like the changes in the journey taking Ads were placed for volun- the news!) as well as Ashleigh
ple want to hear, support South ard and Judy took the plunge. page. place, including a couple of teer presenters, Angel Black- Pitchen.
African and Independent musi- Research was done on a num- Tired and excited Richard moves to different studios at wood was approached to sell Janet Scanlon, our studio
cians, offer a training platform ber of ideas for the name, and and Judy and in separate vehi-
for new presenters and focus on the overwhelming majority cles, drove to Park Mews where
the development of small and chose the name “Zone Radio”. Rory Leonard of Meditek Sys-
medium enterprises. Donovan Griggs was asked to tems had kindly allocated space
After brainstorming the idea design a logo for this new on- for the station to operate from.
with his partner, Judy Rober- line radio station. It is a logo Studio construction and for-
son a decision was taken to turn we are still so proud of as if one matting had taken place the few
“the dream” into a reality and looks into the Z and R the mag- days before with the help of
the minute they arrived back in nificent Table Mountain can be Chris Grant at NetDynamix and
Cape Town, work began in ear- seen in the background. under the watchful eye of Brett
nest. On 1 April 2011 (yes! April Kannemeyer.
Meetings were held with var- Fools Day), at 02h30 in the At 08h00 on 1 April 2011,
Edgemead Space: From this..... to this.
Red Shed V&A Waterfront and advertising, and Richard started manager, who has been part of
when that was demolished to training people from the valley our team for many years, was
Damelin College in Mowbray. as presenters. trained as news reader and pre-
Fast forward to 1 March On 4 November 2019, after a senter.
2019. After much soul search- few technical twists and turns This is the story so far and
ing, Richard and Judy decided that were sorted out by Rob with the support of the people
that the best way forward for and Ernie of Tri-Tel, Zone Ra- of the Deep South, we believe
Zone Radio would be to launch dio, “The Voice of The Valley”, that there will be much, much
it on FM. went live on 88.5fm and began more to follow in the coming
Pooling their limited resourc- broadcasting to the good folk of years.
es and with the generous assis- the Deep South. However, nothing ever hap-
tance of a listener who wishes When we started on the 4th pens in isolation and we have
to remain nameless, they took a the only experienced present- so many people to thank for
further leap of faith in the hopes ers we had were Richard , Judy, their contribution over the past
that this would to take them into Ernest Gravett, Shane Malfent, nine and a half years. We have
their twilight years together. Samantha Noon, Chad Davids, compiled a special thank you
After months and months Jacques de Klerk and Greg Sir- edition acknowledging the ad-
6 7
nyson, our In The Zone Maga- teners, old and new, we would deepest gratitude and you are
Without our zine is his brain child and we so have spent the past nine and a the reason that the Zone Radio
loyal listeners, appreciate all the hard work and half years talking to the walls. team rises each day to play “The
late nights that go into each and Your support means the Music You Want To Hear”.
old and new, every edition. world to us and it will never be
we would have Finally, without our loyal lis- taken for granted. You have our
spent the past
nine and a half
years talking to
the walls.
vertisers and landlords who
have believed enough in our
dream to contribute.
But from a past presenter and
staff point of view, we cannot
exclude any of these names and
express our heartfelt gratitude A CLOSE EYE: Beanie Brett watching the setup closely.
to each and every one of them :
Blaine “The Canuck” Mills, Duddy, Given Nkanyane, Nick Lumka Quva, Lebo Magagoba,
Michelle Loxton, Adrian Larg- Snow, Chanel Hurlin, Nale- Martin Venter, Larry Thomas,
er, Brett Kannemeyer, Shirley di Tlailane, Dave “The Pirate” Ayanda Nyati, Michael Owen,
Meyer Jenner, Justin Hoskins, Wood, Alain Howes, Otis Vo- Zikhona Jack, Lydia Motena-
Alister Harrison, Ian Gor- cal, Gabi Pinto, Kelly Wragg, na, Richard Thompson, Babs
don, Mike Combrink, Charlie Deon van Heerden, Tomb- Memani, Dumi Npayapele and
King, Scott Miller, Brett Al- stone Pete Faure, Quentin “The Chad Davids. ABOVE: The new studio in Sun Valley.
len- White, Byron Hite, Eme- Goose” Kotze, Chi Chi Gule, We truly want to thank our
rina Bakkes, Ernest Gravett, Shanaaz Speelman, Danielle current team at the Voice of the TOP RIGHT: The all nighter took it’s toll
Charl Ellman ,Bryan Vally, Si- Scheepers, Dermah van Niek- Valley. You have all shown so
mone Hindle, Simone Factor, erk, Asheeqah Howa, Lor- much dedication and commit- BOTTOM RIGHT: Proud Owners Richard and Judy outside
Nikola Milosavljevic, Nicola en Loubser ,Sarah Summers, ment. Without you, we could Edgemead studio.
not broadcast daily. You are
very special to both of us and
we look forward to growing
with you as our team.
No story about Zone Radio
would be complete without Crn Cape Road And, Buller Louw Blvd,
mentioning Money Zone pre- Sunnydale, Phone: 021 785 1997
senter, Paul Volker from Volker
Consulting, who has been with
us right throughout this journey.
We really thank you for your
friendship and loyalty through-
out the years, not to mention the
valuable insights you have giv-
en us. You and Tracy have been
there for us in so many ways,
ON AIR: Opening show with Blaine “The Canuck” Mills. thank you!
A huge thank you to Matt Ten-
8 9
Zone! feature It was mainly fought between right across Europe. Sometimes
the Allied Powers, which con- the trenches were less that 100
We must remember them sisted of France, the British
Empire (including Australia, In-
dia, Canada and South Africa),
Russia and Italy. The Ameri-
metres apart. The area between
the trenches was called ‘no-
man’s land’.
By all accounts life in the
At 11.00 am on November 11 most countries in the world will observe two minutes of cans joined the Allied Powers trenches was horrific at the best
silence. Raymond Fletcher looks at the significance of Remembrance Day and imag- in 1917 when they declared war of times. Rain would turn them
on Germany. into mud pits. The floor of the
ines what it must have been like to fight in the ‘war to end all wars’.
On the other side was the trench was covered with planks
Central Powers that consisted called ‘duck boards’. Some-
I
f there was one subject that I worst subjects to my favourite, started after World War I to of Germany, Austria-Hungary times the mud would be so
really didn’t enjoy it would along with English. honour the memory of all the and the Ottoman Empire. deep and thick that if someone
THE TIN HAT: The symbol of
have to be history. I’ve al- One of the things none of us soldiers that died during that the Memorable Order of Tin There were a number of things stepped off the duck board they
ways been far more interested could ever work out was the war. Hats (MOTH). that I learnt about World War I would disappear into the mud
in what’s happening now, not badge that our history teacher Charles Alfred Evenden was that left me amazed, shocked never to be seen again.
what happened centuries before always wore on the lapel of his a soldier, cartoonist and author. ly he couldn’t have fought in and sad. The treatment of soldiers was
I was born. jacket. It was a small soldier’s But he will be best remem- World War I. He laughed and One of the things that did often barbaric. If, for example,
Then last year a strange thing helmet. During one lesson we bered as the man that started the told us that after Word War II, amaze me was the fact that the you were on guard duty at night
happened. We got a new history asked him about it. Moths. It was after he had seen those that had fought could also majority of the British Empire and fell asleep, an officer had
teacher at my school and his He told us that he was a Moth. a drawing in a newspaper (pic- join the Moths. soldiers were volunteers. They the right to shoot you. If he
whole approach to history was We all had a good laugh and had tured opposite) that he made a Since then membership has were not forced to go and fight, found you sleeping he could
just so different. He puts things no idea of what he was talking decision that those that fell in been extended to anyone who they did so willingly. take out his pistol and shoot
into context and makes history about. Then he explained. battle should never be forgot- fought in other wars such as Often an entire class from you dead without even bother-
come alive. The word MOTH stands for ten. Korea, the Gulf War, and even a university would go to a re- ing to wake you up.
Since he arrived history has Memorable Order of Tin Hats. We asked our teacher how he our own Border War. cruitment office and sign up. Attacks on the enemy would
gone from being one of my It’s an organisation that was could be a Moth because sure- He then asked us how much Very few of them ever returned always result in massive casu-
we knew about World War I and to complete their studies. alties. The object would be to
most of us, myself included, Officially you had to be at capture a section of the enemies
knew very little about it. least 18 years of age to sign up trench. The normal procedure
I’ve watched a lot of movies as a soldier and go off to fight in would be to bomb the opposi-
about World War II and Viet- the war. Yet as losses mounted tion trench with artillery for up
nam, but I can’t recall ever hav- and replacements were desper- to three days. Then the artil-
ing seen anything about World ately needed the recruitment lery would stop and the infantry
War I. All I knew is that it was a teams began to turn a blind eye
long time ago. to the age requirement.
I was right. It was a long I’m 16 years old and I know
time ago and it began on July that there were many boys my
28, 1914 and ended just over age that fought in World War I.
four years later on November Many were even younger than
11, 1918. By the time it ended that. It is a documented fact that
an estimated 20 million people the youngest person to fight as
had lost their lives. a British soldier in World War I
The war was a true global was only 12 years old.
conflict that took part in Eu- The war on land quickly de-
rope, Africa, the Middle East, veloped into a stalemate that
the Pacific Islands, China and became known as trench war-
off the coast of South and North fare.
America. The war was fought These trenches stretched from
on land, sea and in the air. the coast to the Swiss border,
10 11
‘land battleship’ and were sent third choice was to shoot him- would probably be dead. with the Moth credo which my
to France in crates that were self, which most of them did. Would I have lied about my history teacher told me about. I
stamped ‘tank’ on the outside. It is estimated that more than age to get into the army? Would think it is very fitting.
This was so that people would 14,000 Allied pilots were killed I have volunteered, knowing
think they were water tanks. during World War I. The fig- full well that there was a strong They shall not grow old, as we
The name stuck and everyone ures for the Axis powers is not possibility that I would die? who are left to grow old.
called them tanks. known but it is estimated that it While you can hate war and Age shall not weary them. nor
The tank was first used during was even higher than those of all it stands for, you cannot but the years condemn.
the Battle of Flers-Courcelette the Allies. admire the courage of those that At the going down of the sun,
on 15 September 15, 1916. It World War I ended with the fought, many of them paying and in the morning,
had limited success. They could official surrender of the Central the ultimate sacrifice. We will remember them.
only move very slowly, would Powers at 11.00 am on Novem- At 11.00 am on November
often break down, and were ber 11, 1918. 11 most of the world will ob-
FOR KING AND COUNTRY: At the start of the war men of all used in very limited numbers. It became known as ‘The serve two minutes silence for
ages flocked to the recruiting office to sign up. Many would go Another first was the use of Great War’ and ‘the war to end all those that fell in World War
into “Pals Battalions” and fight alongside their friends. aircraft. The Wright brothers all wars’. Yet a mere 21 years I and other wars.
had only taken the first pow- later they would be at it again This year I will be one of
would launch an attack. Yet even though these tactics ered flight 11 years earlier on in another war that would result those that stands to attention
This was known as ‘go- proved fruitless time after time, December 17, 1903. Yet the in even more deaths. The Great and observes two minutes of si-
ing over the top’. The infantry the generals and war planners aircraft would soon play a vital War was renamed World War I. lence. It is the least I can do. It
would climb out of their trench- on both sides persisted with role in war. I wonder if I would have had is vital that we remember them.
es and advance at a steady walk them. No matter how many Most World War I pilots the courage to go over the top. At the eleventh hour of the
towards the enemy. The only died. would have as little as 10 hours Or climb into an aircraft with eleventh day of the eleventh
problem with this was that the Take the Somme offensive for flying time before being sent only 10 hours training, know- month, we will remember them.
enemy were normally waiting example. It lasted from July 1 to into combat. The average life ing that in less than two weeks I I would like to end this article
for them. November 18, 1916. The Allies expectancy of a pilot was 11
The enemy would have sat in took 60,000 casualties on the days.
their bunkers dug into the side first day of the battle. This was During April 1917, known
of the trench during the artil- the most casualties the British as ‘Bloody April’, the life ex-
lery fire and few of them would had ever taken in a single day. pectancy of a new pilot was 20
have been killed or injured. By the end of it they would minutes.
As soon as the artillery suffer a staggering 623,907 ca- Although the parachute had
stopped they knew the infantry sualties. been invented (they were is-
would be on their way. The war also saw many new sued to balloon observers) they
They would set up machine innovations and weapons be- were not issued to pilots. It was
guns covering no-man’s land ing used. The French were the thought that pilots would then
and wait for the attack. The first to use chemical weapons in be too quick to bail out of a
advancing infantry would usu- 1914. damaged aircraft rather than try
ally be mown down before they They used tear gas against and return it to its base.
had advanced more than a few the Germans, but it was largely Because the planes were made
steps. ineffective. A few months later mostly from wood and canvas
Even if an attack did man- the Germans retaliated by using one of the greatest dangers was
age to succeed and a section of chlorine gas. from the aircraft catching fire.
the enemy trench was captured, In 1917 the Germans intro- A pilot in an aircraft that was
both sides had a second, third duced the far more deadly mus- on fire had three choices. The
and forth line of trenches. They tard gas. first was to bail out and fall to
would launch a counter attack The tank was developed and his death. The second was to
and normally recapture the lost first used during World War stay with the aircraft and burn
territory very quickly. I. It was originally called the to death. Nearly every pilot car-
ried a revolver with him. His
12 13
Zone! feature taverns, bottle stores and all passenger flights were prohibit- down for a total of 207 days.
other stores not selling essential ed, except for flights authorised
goods were to close during the by the Ministry of Transport, for Take it from the top - Level 5
Living with lockdown period. the evacuation of South African How many of you remember
L ckd wn
Schools, already closed a nationals in foreign countries, what it was like at the start of
week before the lockdown pe- and for certain repatriations. the lockdown?
riod, would not reopen until af- A liquor and tobacco ban was From the time the president
ter the lockdown. Non-exempt put in place and it was illegal to announced the lockdown, we
people were only allowed to buy or sell any alcohol or tobac- had three days to stock up on
Most of us can still clearly remember the start of the Coronavirus and the announce- leave their homes during this co products, including e-ciga- essentials.
ment by President Cyril Ramaphosa about the upcoming lockdown. We have become period to access health servic- rettes, and related products. On Tuesday 24 March I went
used to wearing face masks and living under restrictions. Yet now is not the time to es, collect social grants, attend On 9 April the President an- down to the local supermarket,
relax says Ryan Murphy. small funerals (no more than 50 nounced a two-week lockdown only to find a long line waiting
T
people) and shop for essential extension, until the end of April. to be admitted. The supermar-
here is a Chinese curse curred from the disease was re- sa addressed the nation and goods. President Ramaphosa an- ket was only allowing a certain
which says “May you ported on 27 March 2020. announced a 21-day national South Africans were ordered nounced that from 1 May 2020, number of customers in at a
live in interesting times.” On 15 March, the President of lockdown effective from mid- not to take their dogs for a walk a gradual and phased easing time.
And let’s face it, 2020 has been South Africa, Cyril Ramapho- night 26 March through to 16 during the lockdown, though of the lockdown restrictions I remember buying three car-
an interesting time. It has also sa, declared a national state of April, with the deployment of they could walk them around would begin, lowering the na- tons of cigarettes, which I knew
been frustrating, depressing, disaster, and announced meas- the South African National De- their house or apartment build- tional alert level to 4. would last me for the three
and down-right scary. And the ures such as immediate travel fence Force (SANDF) to sup- ing. From 1 June, the national re- weeks that I wouldn’t be able to
reason it has been interesting restrictions and the closure of port the government. Exempt from the lockdown strictions were lowered to level buy them. Little did I then know
can be summed up in one word schools from 18 March. The lockdown rules were people deemed necessary 3. The restrictions were low- that it would be five months be-
- COVID-19. On 17 March, the Na- and regulations to the effective response to the ered to alert level 2 on 17 Au- fore I could legally purchase
Coronavirus disease 2019 tional Coronavirus were strict. pandemic. gust 2020. a cigarette again. But more of
(COVID-19) is defined as Command Council During the All borders of the country From 21 September 2020 re- this later.
illness caused by a novel coro- was established, lockdown, were closed during the lock- strictions were lowered to alert As a journalist I had a permit
navirus now called severe acute “to lead the na- all gather- down, except for designated level 1. As I write this article on to travel and I must confess that
respiratory syndrome coronavi- tion’s plan to con- ings except ports of entry for the transpor- 20 October this is were we cur- it was weird driving around and
rus 2, which was first identified tain the spread for funer- tation of fuel, cargo, and goods. rently stand - Lockdown Level seeing almost no traffic on the
amid an outbreak of respirato- and mitigate the als were International and domestic 1. We have been under lock- road. To be honest with you,
ry illness cases in Wuhan City, negative impact of prohibit-
Hubei Province, China. the coronavirus”. ed. Res-
It was initially reported to On 23 March, taurants,
the World Health Organisation President Cyr-
(WHO) on 31 December 2019. il Ramapho-
On 30 January 2020, the
WHO declared the COVID-19
outbreak a global health emer-
gency. On 11 March the WHO
declared COVID-19 a global
pandemic.
On 5 March 2020, South Af-
rican Minister of Health Zweli
Mkhize confirmed the spread of
the virus to South Africa, with
the first known patient being a
male citizen who tested posi-
tive upon his return from Italy.
The first death to have oc-
14 15
I rather enjoyed it. Strange- ing home schooled and there that from 1 May 2020, a grad- Revenue Service that it would open and on-site consumption that a second wave of the virus
ly enough, I have only been were various e-learning plat- ual and phased easing of the encourage the growth of illicit will be permitted until 22h00. could strike. The effects of this
stopped once in a roadblock forms for those that had Inter- lockdown restrictions would tobacco sales thereby growing From 21 September with the would be devastating. Can you
during lockdown. net access. begin. The phases would range the power and influence of or- lowering or restrictions to Stage imagine if we suddenly had to
Something that I did notice Many people were now us- from Stage 5 (total lockdown) ganised crime. 1, most businesses could open, go back to Stage 5 restrictions?
was that as far as the taxi in- ing various digital platforms to down to Stage 1. Level 4 would It was estimated that about although with strict conditions For many businesses and
dustry was concerned, lock- work from home. begin on 1 Many 2020. one million smokers quit during in place. companies that have managed
down was for other people and The lockdown began to hurt this period. This still meant that Alcohol could now be pur- to survive by the skin of their
not them. From day one of the the economy. Most shops and Restrictions still in place as many of 10 million South chased from Monday to Friday teeth, it could very well be the
lockdown they were operating, many businesses were unable Most places still had to re- Africans were still looking for and the sale of cigarettes and final nail in the coffin.
with many of them carrying a to open. The hospitality and main shut during Stage 4. A their nicotine fix. tobacco was now allowed. With the lowering of the re-
full load of passengers. tourism industry was among curfew was in place from 20:00 Cigarettes and tobacco be- A curfew was still in place striction to Stage 1, many South
the hardest hit. to 05:00. came freely available on the between midnight and 04:00. Africans are under the impres-
Extension Denied of any income, many The good news was that peo- black market. Most brands 250 people could attend indoor sion that it is all over. That life
On 9 April it was announced restaurants and pubs were ple could walk, run, or cycle available were cheap, poor events and 500 people were al- can return to normal.
that the lockdown period was forced to permanently close between 06:00 and 09:00, with- quality cigarettes from China lowed at outdoor events. The wearing of face masks,
being extended for another two their doors, even after five in a 5 km of their place of resi- and Africa, brands that most Sporting events could now washing and sanitizing hands,
weeks until the end of April. weeks. It also meant the loss of dence. South Africans had never heard take place, albeit without any and maintaining social distanc-
While the concept of a lock- many jobs. It was now mandatory to of before. spectators. ing seems to be ignored by far
down may have felt like a bit of While many people were wear a face mask when in pub- A box of 20 cigarettes ranged too many people.
a novelty at first, the reality was earning no income, they were lic. Before entering a shop or in price from as much as R340 Counting the cost In the early 2000s I was lucky
now beginning to bite. still expected to pay for ser- workplace you would have to during the height of lockdown At the time of writing this enough to interview Nikolas
Most businesses and shops vices such as water, electrici- sanitize your hands. to as low as R70 towards the article 43,374,933 Corona- Wallenda. He is a tightrope
were forced to close during ty and rates. Some banks were The ban on the sale of alcohol end of the restrictions. virus Cases have been re- walker and was the first person
lockdown. Not only did if have good enough to freeze HP and would remain in place, but on This meant that someone was ported world-wide. A total of to walk a tightrope stretched di-
an adverse effect on them, it also credit payments during the ini- 23 April President Ramaphosa making a lot of money. For ex- 1,159,472 have died as a direct rectly over Niagara Falls.
had an impact on employees of tial stages of the lockdown. Yet announced that the sale of to- ample, if every one of South result of the virus. When I asked him what the
these businesses and shops. everyone was well aware that bacco would be re-legalised. Africa’s 10 million smokers South Africa has the 12th most dangerous part of tight-
Some larger companies were those payments would have to This was good news for South bought one box of 20 per day at highest number of reported rope walking was, he told me
still paying their employees be settled at some stage. Africa’s estimated 11 million an average of R100, this meant cases with 715,868 cases and that it was the last 10 metres.
their monthly salary, yet many smokers. After five weeks most that the illegal cigarette indus- 18,968 deaths. Because the walk is almost over
smaller businesses were unable Phases of lockdown were running out or had already try was bring in on average one The world-wide pandemic it is easy to lose concentration,
to do this. Towards the end of April Pres- run out of cigarettes or tobacco. billion Rands per day. Not a has caused an economic crisis and this is when you can fall.
Many scholars were now be- ident Ramaphosa announced On 29 April by Minister single cent of this money was that we have still not yet felt the We can learn from this ad-
Dlamini-Zuma contradiced the going towards taxes. full impact of. vice. Just because we are at
president and declared that the Within the first month of the Stage 1 and many feel that the
ban would remain in place until Lowering the stages lockdown three million South end of the virus is near, this is
further notice. By 4 May Presi- From 1 June, the national re- Africans had lost their jobs con- the time we need to concentrate
dent Ramaphosa confirmed the strictions were lowered to level tributing to an increase in food more than ever.
continuation of the ban during 3. The restrictions were low- insecurity and poverty. Make sure you always wear
level 4. ered to alert level 2 on 17 Au- By mid-July wide spread your face mask, wash and sani-
The Democratic Alliance ac- gust 2020. food shortages were reported tize your hands as often as pos-
cused Dlamini-Zuma of lying From 21 September 2020 re- across the country and in rural sible, and maintain social dis-
to the public over the strength strictions were lowered to alert Eastern Cape in particular. tancing. If not, we are inviting
of support for the tobacco ban level 1. Covid-19 is far from over. a second wave of the virus. Re-
and called for her removal from From Stage 2 on 17 August While scientists are working main focused and vigilant for
office. the sale of alcohol was now per- hard, there is still no sign of those final few steps.
The ban raised concerns by mitted. Retailers could only sell any vaccination or cure for the
the Human Sciences Research alcohol from Monday to Thurs- virus.
Council and South African day. Restaurants could now Experts are already warning
16 17
Zone! feature stupidity or mismanagement.
With my new single “Ghost”,
The Perfect Storm I hope to spread awareness on
illegal poaching by singing and
talking about this very contro-
The Perfect Storm was a 2000 movie that starred George Clooney and Mark Wahl- versial topic.
berg. In 2020 Zone Radio interviewed someone that could also be best described as I am fortunate to have a team
The Perfect Storm. of people that have been willing
to help me add credibility and
M y name is Storm.
I was born in South Africa at
ents. I categorically could not
and cannot do it without them.
I have always been passion-
share this message to shed light
on the plight of our vanishing
giants. I am extremely thankful
the turn of the millennium to a ate about animals. I don’t think to Nathan Sanan, an incredibly
South African Mother and Ger- I ever realized how lucky I am talented street artist from Port
man Father. Music has always to have been born in Africa, the Elizabeth, who I commissioned
been my first love. birthplace of some of the most to paint a canvass of a Rhino to
At the age of four, my mother iconic species on the planet and auction off as well as use it for
introduced me to the “Phantom sadly some of the most endan- the cover art of this single.
of the Opera” and I was hooked! gered and vulnerable. The incredible Jo from Root-
My parents always shared mu- My parents instilled in me ing4Rhino and her fellow con-
sic with me by introducing me how important it is to love all servationist Carole, who have
to every genre and of course animals and have always taught supported this from the start
all the oldies. me to make sure I understand and helped me turn this into a
I love and am influ- the background of anything campaign that will benefit The
enced by all types and everything involving Chipembere Rhino Foundation.
of music and have animals before I sup- I would also like to thank
too many spikes port it. long time family friends Meg
to be put into a With so many and Riley, fellow Rhino warri-
box. pseudo sanctuaries ors, for contributing the Rolling
Currently and people exploit- Rhino games and connecting
most of my ing animals in the me to the right people!
music pulls name of CON-ser- Thank you to Joey Lay, Miran-
toward the vation. I am proud da Pierce and Oliver Brown for
After all you may be the very
rock gen- to say that I have the part they played in turning thing that stands between them
re, however never ever visited
remaining a circus that uses
me into a Rhino to help me ex- thriving or going extinct.
press what a poached Rhino
“Genre-flu- animals and never possibly endures and that when who is on the front line of this how we can save them!
id” is most will. we do nothing, we all have their battle to save the Species has Despite the challenges of
likely where I have made plenty blood on our hands! added credibility to this initi- Covid-19 we are putting togeth-
I will always of mistakes and mis- I have been incredibly fortu- ative by allowing me to inter- er an auction/fundraiser event
hover. judged the animal’s nate that Dr. William Fowlds, view him and share important by using music, passion and art
I am current- involvement as “they who I look up to as someone information about Rhino and to raise funds and awareness of
ly living in the don’t know any bet-
USA and have ter” but one thing I have
been fortunate learned for sure, is there
enough to have are no winners when we
access to some exploit animals, not us and
great musicians certainly not them.
who mentor and The animal always pays
nurture my tal- the ultimate price for human
18 19Rhino poaching and a call to Zone! quiz
action for the average person
on the street like myself to use
their God given talents, drive
and determination to stand up
Local is lekker
for and fight for what you be-
Test your knowledge of South African music with this quiz.
lieve in. Local is lekker (nice), or so they 14. I Like 43. One More Angel In Heaven
After all you may be the say. That may not always be the 15. ZX Dan 44. Toy Train
very thing that stands between case, but if we’re honest there 16. The Spaniard 45. Ag Pleez Daddy
them thriving or going extinct. are some really great South Af- 17. When Love Comes Knock- 46. Heart
Reach out to people, you may rican bands and artists around ing At Your Door 47. Lady Soul
be surprised who will be will- at the moment. 18. Woodpeckers From Space 48. Better The Devil You Know
ing to work with you! Yet we’ve also had some in- 19. Born In A Taxi 49. Weeping
teresting bands and artists in the 20. Celebrate! 50. Dear Abby
www.planetstormofficial.com past. All of these songs below 21. My Kind Of Girl 51. Mama Tembu’s Wedding
Facebook/Twitter/ charted on the local hit parades. 22. Man on the moon 52. The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine
Insta @StormSSofficial Now let’s see just how much 23. Picking Up Pebbles Anymore
http://www.chipembere.org/ you know about local music. 24. Sunglasses 53. Kinders Van Die Wind
Nathan Sanan @na041art (ins- We’ll give you a list of 60 25. Seagull’s Name Was Nelson 54. Heaven Is My Woman’s Love
ta) songs, all of them local hits, 26. Put Your Hand In The Hand 55. Haai Casanova
The Single will be on all plat- and you tell us the artist or band 27. Kentucky Blue 56. Burnout
forms from November 15th. that had a hit with the song. 28. Little Jimmy 57. Boy Van Die Suburbs
Here you go then. 29. Hello A 58. The Bushman
30. A Million Drums 59. Die Royal Hotel
1. Taximan 31. It’s Amazing (The Incredi- 60. Don’t Fly Too High
2. Hey Boy ble Dance)
3. Clowns (See Yourself) 32. Whisper Your Secret Answers on page 62
4. Slow Rain 33. Feel So Strong
5. Johnny Calls The Chemist 34. Live On
6. This Boy 35. Paradise Road
7. Charlie 36. I Need A Little Love
8. Substitute 37. The Wonder Of Your Love
9. Mammy Blue 38. How Do You Do
10. Jabulani 39. The Child Inside
11. Venus 40. Master Jack
12. Give Me The Good News 41. Exclusively Yours 39
13. Buccaneer 42. Sally Sunshine
20 21Zone! feature Sharon van Rensburg Liberty Glamore Cosmetics
Properties
Thank you from Zone Radio
We have many people we would like to acknowledge in this Birthday edition of In The
Zone. The magazine is not yet a year old, but the fm station opened a year ago on 4
November 2019. Click on any logo to visit their website or Facebook page. Ngwenya Glass Edge Multimedia Themi Stergianos
Business Coach
Z
one Radio began its jour- As of 4 November 2019 we started operating as an fm commu-
ney as an online radio nity station from our premises in Sun Valley and are now known
station on 1 April 2011. as The Voice of the Valley for the people of the deep south, whilst
still continuing to stream online as well. We would like to thank
Chris Grant and the amazing Susan James for providing us with our wonderful current premis-
team at NetDynamix helped us es with Harry James watching over us daily from above.
build the station and equip it. Somerset Lodge St Lukes Hospice Choice Marketing
The Following advertisers have supported us over the past nine
years and we would like to acknowledge and thank each and every
one of them:
CA Interiors Celestial Gift Experiences
Our very first premises were
in Edgemead Park Edge Mews
and kindly provided to us by
Rory of Meditek Systems.
Indulge Coffee Lounge Boston Breweries iData Services
Joe’s Easy Dinner Nomads Motorcycle Club
We then moved to the Red Shed
in The V&A Waterfront.
EasiHealth Vergenoegd Augusta Villa
After the Red Shed was de- Perdeberg Wines Hill & Dale
molished, we moved to Dame-
lin in Mowbray.
22 23Awake Online Newskoop Easy Pay GForce Mind & Body Global Fabrics JSJ Motors
Our News, Sports and Finan-
cial Reports as well as some
advertising is supplied by
Newskoop and we thank them
for their great support of our ra-
dio station.
AL Garage Doors Liquid Blast Mugg and Bean Leopardstone Hill The Family
Longbeach Mall Counselling Centre
Over and above the current advertisers in this edition, we would also like to thank the following Attorneys West Westpoint Properties Storageland
who supported us as a brand new station in the valley : and Rossouw
Julz Accounting Cape Gas F1 Tyre
Western Cape The Bread Baker
Blood Services Extraordinaire
StarShare IData Cape Dutch
Veggie Gardens
24 25Zone! feature they have spoken to me dur- ample of bad customer service. of the bicycle with a flag that
ing the entire transaction was, Part of the service that I paid read ‘James Garden Service’.
Murphy’s Law
“plastic.” I presume they were for with these guys was that Attached to a piece of rope and
asking if I wanted to purchase a they would not only do that gar- being towed behind him was a
plastic carrier bag. den, but that they would clean lawn mower.
Why is it, asks Murphy, that customer service in South My lawn was getting a bit up afterwards and dispose of I stopped him and told him I
Africa is usually so bad. And why do most companies always out of hand. It was so bad I the cut grass and rubble. This is needed by lawn done. He took
seem to get it wrong? could actually get lost in it. So something they neglected to do. out a small notebook and took
I phoned a professional garden When I called them the next down my address, telling me
services. Their number rang for morning they told me that he would be there at eight the
your product or service is, if denly find that the price has in- ages before going to voice mail. someone would be around that following morning. And guess
you do not have someone to creased from R7.99 to R11.99. I left a message for them to call afternoon to remove the rubble. what, he was there on time.
buy the product or pay for the This is an increase of 50%. You me. To this day I am still wait- Again this was something that Since then I use James every
service then you are not going ask the manager why it has in- ing for them to return my call. did not happen. month and have told all the
to make a profit. In fact you’re creased by so much. The next garden service I tried When I called the following people in my street about him
W
not going to make anything. “I don’t know,” he tells you. told me that they would be at day I was told that the manager/ and quite a few of them are now
hen it comes to busi- So what I’m saying is that the “You must ask the supplier.” my home the following morn- owner of the company would making use of his services.. He
ness there is a saying customer is probably the most Wrong answer! You don’t ing at ten. I waited for them the call me back. I’m still waiting. is innovative, motivated, and
that ‘the customer is important aspect of your busi- buy your chocolate from the entire morning. They eventu- Yet another classic example of offers excellent customer ser-
king’. Yet in South Africa the ness. And if that’s the case, why supplier. You buy it from the ally pitched up just before two bad customer service. vice.
saying seems to be ‘the custom- do so many businesses in South shop. What the manager should that afternoon. The didn’t both- Not long ago I was driving Well done James. You’re
er is an inconvenience.’ Africa have such issues when it have said is, “I’m not sure why er to phone me and let me know to the local shop and I saw a showing your bigger competi-
Most businesses work on the comes to dealing with custom- the price has gone up so much. that they were running late, nor guy on a bicycle. There was a tors how it should be done.
principle that they have a prod- ers? Let me take your contact details did they apologise. Another ex- thin pole attached to the back
uct or service to offer at a cer- The way you deal with your and I will phone the supplier
tain price. People will then buy customers is known as ‘custom- and find out why there has been
your product or make use of er service’. The basic principle an increase.”
your services and pay the price is that if you treat your custom- That’s the right answer. And
that you request. These people er right then not only will the then make sure you do phone
are known as your customers or buy your product or make use the supplier and then get back
clients. of your services, but they will to your customer to let them
If, for example, you are sell- come back. know the outcome.
ing a product then you either If, on the other hand, you Another classic example is
need to manufacture the prod- don’t treat them right then they the till points at most super-
uct or buy it from someone are not going to come back. markets. The person operating
else. The cost that it takes to And if they are really unhappy the till point should greet you,
manufacture the product or the with your service not only will ring up your goods, tell you
amount you spend on buying they not come back, they will how much the total is, and then
the product is known as your also tell other people about it. thank you once you have paid.
cost price. You then sell the So when it comes to dealing Yet how often does that actually
product, or service, at a higher with customers the basic prin- happen?
price and this is know as your ciple of any business should be On far too many occasions I
retail price. The difference be- to keep the customers happy. have reached the till and the till
tween your cost price and your Yet more often than not this just operator has scanned my pur-
retail price is your profit. If you doesn’t seem to happen. Let me chases - all while carrying on
do not make a profit then your give you a few examples. a conversation with one of her
business will not last very long. You go into a certain shop colleagues. They have not both-
This is, after all, basic business everyday and you buy yourself ered to greet me, nor even both-
principles. a chocolate. This cost R7.99. ered to glance in my general
Now no matter how good Then one morning you sud- direction. In fact the only word
26 27Zone! feature Leanne Mayer See Through Lies
Hellz Waiting On The Other
You heard it first Kúlu Biggest Tone
Smash Into Pieces Wake Up
Fonzy & Company Is It Me
Every Monday Zone Radio playlists new music, both local and international, as part of their
Mission Statement to provide a platform for musicians to showcase their talent.
Monday 12 October 2020
P
South African Artists
art of Zone Radio’s Mis- rotational playlist. the airwaves. Artist Song Title
sion Statement is to pro- On Tuesday evenings be- Take a look at some of the Henrico Coetzer Hoor My Woorde
vide a platform for musi- tween 6 and 9 pm these new new songs that Zone Radio Reynardt Hugo Diep Binne My
cians to showcase their talent. submissions are showcased on played during the month of Oc- Lily Hollows Rebuild
Zone Radio doesn’t just talk the SA & Indie Music Zone, tober. Bad Scooter Watching And Waiting
the-talk, they also walk-the providing some insight into the Juan Boucher Ek Dink Ek Mis Maar Net Jou Hart
walk. artists and their songs. NB: Click on any song under- Heinz Wickler ft Worship House Our Nation
Every Monday new songs For the majority of these lined in blue to listen to it. Henri Alant Jy Is Lig
from both local and internation- songs, it is the very first time Zander Voorwaarts
al musicians are added to the that they are being played over Johan Anker Soldaat
Amber Fieldgate Borders
Monday 5 October 2020 OLI Milne Making Me
South African Artists Charlie Void You & Me
Artist Song Title Patricia Rose So Lonely
The Signal Rose Spacer Storm Gypsy
December Streets Last Forever Amersham Cute As A Button
Noa Milan Those Dreams (New Version)
Jan Blohm Levi Jeans
Phil Soda & GoodLuck Freak Like Me International Artists
Gerald Clark Elderflowers Artist Song Title
Future Radio Break Us Xylia Heights
Poster Boy Junkie Weavers Ten Penny Gypsy Lonesome No More
Chris Duvenage Bly By My Shayne Cook Matters Of the Heart
Wit Kasteel Herinnering Mike Ross Don’t Say A Word
Rinel Day Breek Die Mure Af Billy Ray Rock I’m Bringing Rock Back
Christian Heath Mine JJ’s Music Retaliation Slim Beat
Nicole Carlse Are you Alive? The Cranberry Merchants Diosa De La Luna
Pirates Of Radio Glow Sundays Salt Of The Earth
Corné Pretorius Halfvol Efa Supertramp How Far
If By Whiskey Higher Planes
International Artists Sam And Sounds Addicted To You
Artist Song Title The Sea At Midnight Afterglow
PERK Love Is All We Got Dave Molter Band (Really Nothin’ New) Under The Sun
The Reverent Cavaliers Groove Line Shaun Frank Take Me Over
Dustin Wray Stay Close To Me Wily Bo Walker Drive (Mescalito Mix)
Skyfever Americana Fame
The Impersonators Rodeo Monday 19 October 2020
Jakkal The Bones Something About South African Artists
Richard Lynch He’ll Make Everything Alright Artist Song Title
Tiger Kid Ever On Springbok Nude Girls Rolling Thunder
Gulf Stream Riders Old Hannibal Josh Wantie & Conor Maynard Never Let Me Go
Outwave Moving Tangle Vaughn Prangley Oasis
28 29Riaan Smit Hoe Ver Is Die Hemel International Artists
Nicholas Arumugam Label Artist Song Title
This Summer Shadows Wild Horse Time’s Up
Christiaan Baartman Die Beste Deel Larry Jay Drunk On Dreams
Clint Slate The Sixth Trip Plan United Duality ft Caleb Cabiness Cheer Up
Saalim Ismail & Various Artists We Are Survivors (Singabasindileyo) Bill Abernathy More Than Meets The Eye
RAMDAZ Won’t You The Mojo Slide Good Man Down
Gia Mckay I Won’t Ask Why Belau ft Belle Doron Together Alone
Byron Major Finding The Light Blank Pages Nagging Feeling
Venus & The Snake Danger One And A Half Dog Game Over
Mondrey Weerloos Tony Angelo ft Casey Annie
Davey Woodward & The Winter Orphans Warm Hands
International Artists The Cloud Surfers Tumbling
Artist Song Title Tim McDonald Spankin’ Bottom Red
Izzie’s Caravan Stick It To Ya Little Winter Julia
Geary Nelson Replay We Three Kings Savoir Fair
Joe Matera Only One NOPRISM Happiness
TBelly Tired of Listening Bone Caper Clowns The Club Of Humanity
308 Ghost Train Love You More
Kirby Runaway
Basic Television Fade
Julo Rain Of Tears
Tarraska Trailblazer
Pulse Park Apollonian Heart
Kellindo Long Gone
Ethan Gold The Last Drive
Liberty Do You Feel The Same Way I Do
Erin Bloomer Sad
Interns Mac User
Monday 26 October 2020
South African Artists
Artist Song Title
Beverly Jayne See You There
Headfury Pantomime
Jesse Clegg Speed Of Light
Stefan Jansen Verdienste En Genade
Gerduan Kemp Sesde Sintuig
Stand Against Man Ft Melanie Kincaid Dont Leave
Titus To The Heroes False Bay Firearm
Midget Submarine Lola The Steamroller Training Academy
Celine I Don’t Miss You (Sloani Remix)
Chris J Clarke Never Be The Same Shooting range, Shooting lessons, Handgun training, Rifle shooting, Hunting accessories
Saving Oliver I Can Be The Devil In You including Telescopic Sights, Sports shooting, Target shooting, Gunsmith services, Arms
James Deacon Take Control and ammunition. Team building programs offered. Gun club. Clay Pigeon Shooting, Clay
SonOfOld Whiskey And Plastic Targets
Future Radio Run Baby Run
Shop: 021 782 0107 or Cell:073 865 3307
Mail bookings@firearmtrainingacademy.co.za
30 31Zone! feature title means, etc. you, you see it everywhere. that he wished some younger
So anyhow, The Little Wretch- bands he was working with could
The Little Wretches Undesirables & Anarchists gets
its title from a line in the song,
“All of My Friends.” It says, “All
es had been on the verge of wid-
er success on a few occasions,
but each time, some cataclys-
have seen us at work.
That might never happen
again. And I hope Undesirables
We chat to Robert Wagner, founder of Pittsburgh’s folk rock band The Little Wretches. of my friends are on somebody’s mic life-event snuffed it out. I’d & Anarchists serves as a testa-
list of undesirables and anarchists all but given up hope. Then the ment to all the people whose sup-
H
i Robert! Little the lyrics to our single, Brooks ie-Mellon University, Point Park / It’s not even safe to admit that band that recorded Undesirables port and encouragement made
Wretches is a very Robinson’s Camp, is a mono- University, Carnegie Museums you’re one of my friends.” & Anarchists just kind of threw the band possible, people who
unique name for a logue delivered to us by a home- of Pittsburgh—Where I lived, I I was trying to write a song that itself at me. John Carson, Mike gave me food, gave me cars, kept
band. How did you come up less veteran in an all-night coffee could walk to a screening every evoked my world - me, my fami- Madden, Rosa Colucci, H.K. a roof over my head, allowed me
with it? shop off the campus of the Uni- night of the week, something ly, my friends, and our position in Hilner. There’s a story behind to live like a useless parasite, all
versity of Pittsburgh. classic. society, the world, eternity, grop- each of them becoming part of in the hope that my songs would
There are layers to it. My first We were involved in politi- Carnegie Museums had a se- ing along for purpose, as the song my life and part of the band. amount to something.
band was called No Shelter, and cal activism, and we were con- ries featuring the films of Fran- says, “Carving a niche between Dave Granati, the engineer and
sciously trying to draw attention cois Truffaut. The movie was The the dust and the ether / Walking studio-owner, from G-Force, an Any plans for a music video?
to people in need, outsiders, the 400 Blows. That’s the movie that in circles / Limping along /Stuck amazing band that toured with
dispossessed. We subscribed to gave us The Little Wretches. in a ditch, but I’m a Believer.” Van Halen, he knew as soon as Our band takes its name from
the belief that a people are to be The movie has subtitles, right? Trying to use a little humour, try- he heard us how he was going to a classic film, right? We have
judged by their treatment of the The story revolves around this ing to keep it light and not too record the project. dreams of a music video, but no
least among us, a religious belief, young kid who gets involved in ponderous. I had this killer batch of songs plans. What we need is a film-
really. mischief, something my brother There is not time to tell you that had yet to be heard by the maker, a visual artist who hears
No Shelter was kind of like an and I know very well, and I for- about the full cast of characters world - woodshedded, work- our songs and recognizes a ve-
apprenticeship, a dress-rehears- get the specific scene, but I think behind that song, but let’s just say shopped and road-tested. We set hicle for making a sympathetic
al, a process of discovering what the kids had just stolen or shop- that I’m alluding to people who, up in the studio like we were statement. I personally think the
I am, my capabilities, how to lifted something, and as they run in their own ways, have learned doing a live show. Dave miked songs are cinematic. But I’m not
and how NOT to do this mu- away, their victim yells, “Come how to weaponize their disabili- each amp, hung some overheads, a filmmaker.
back, you little wretches! Come ties and weaknesses. and said if we could go without
back, you little wretches!” And Did you ever come across the a headphone mix and just played With all that has been going
I looked over at my future band Sam Shepard play, The Tooth of like we did in our rehearsal space, on in the world as of late, what
mates and said, “That’s the name Crime? It’s kind of like a gen- he’s be ready to record as fast as is your take on how it has af-
of our band - The Little Wretch- eration war between a rising we could set up. fected the music industry?
es.” rock star and the king at the top, We did the impossible, real-
sic-making song writing Of course, the name appealed kind of like Johnny Rotten ver- ly. We nailed every single one Well, I’m not going to com-
thing. to us because of our world- sus Elvis Presley in a rap battle. of those songs on the first take. plain about the weather. If it
I started The Lit- view, you know, The Beatitudes, Amazing play. Fun. We were on. Nobody does that. snows, I’m making a snowman.
tle Wretches with my “Blessed are the meek,” “Amaz- I was lucky enough to be the I’ve used the analogy of testing If it freezes, I’m skating.
brother, Chuckie. He ing Grace, how sweet the sound music director and bandleader for your Black Belt. We’d spent I’m stunned that people have
agreed to play vio- to save a wretch like me.” for a production of The Tooth our entire lives till that point ac- gone into shells in the USA. I
lin with me, and I tried Sorry if that’s a bit much, but of Crime at Pittsburgh Labora- quiring the skills, and this was us don’t enjoy sitting in front of a
to build a band around that’s the story. I love the name. tory Theatre. The founder of the putting on a clinic. laptop and playing to a picture of
my song writing. I had Sometimes, the name reminds company, Bill Royston, told me You’d think, “One take? Has to myself. I did my first live-show
this batch of songs and a me of who I am and what I’m he saw a production in which be a compromise. Nobody does in what felt like an eternity a cou-
small circle of true believers. supposed to be doing. the rising character, a character that.” Listen for yourself. We did ple of weeks ago. I see people are
Everything was coming togeth- named Crow, walks with a crutch it. No compromise. starting to do outdoors shows.
er, all we needed was a name. You’ve got a great new al- and uses the crutch in his battle Of course, we overdubbed the But for me, personally, the
I grew up and went to college bum out, “Undesirables and with Hoss, the kingpin. Royston vocals, some percussion, and lockdown response to the pan-
in Pittsburgh. Every college in Anarchists.” Tell us about the was talking about how people doubled and added some guitars. demic has levelled the playing
town had a film series. The Uni- album, the recording process, use their crutches as weapons. It isn’t a “live” album. field. I want to wake up in the
versity of Pittsburgh, Carneg- the writing process, what the Once that idea manifests itself to Dave Granati said afterwards morning thinking about where
32 33You can also read
