The Man behind the Music

Music should be another official language in South Africa. We were lucky enough to come across a Proudly South African musician who speaks music fluently. As far as I'm concerned, if you feel something when you're listening to something...you're tuned into to something a little bigger than you. But enough philosophy from me, we spoke to the expert.

Stephan Dixon is a Cape Town based singer and songwriter, a devout believer in the possibilities that are as inherent to South Africa as gold and diamonds. Described as a combination of Johnny Clegg (minus the dancing) and Dave Matthews, Stephan began his musical journey at the age of seven. From piano to guitar, Stephan's music have been described as highly emotive and thought provoking.

His career kicked off in 2002 as the supporting act for the critically acclaimed Henry Ate. Since then, he's been paving his way in the industry with performances that include the Oppikoppi Easter Show, collaborations with South African music legends Tidal Waves and Stealing Love Jones, as well as the 2005 Oppikoppi Wired Festival.

He has recently come back from a successful tour of Belgium where he took "crowd pleaser" to a whole new level, inspiring audiences from Antwerp to Brussels. Reviewers are describing him as "a performer whose songs speak of his heart, mind and the world outside. A uniquely South African sound, reminiscent of a new age Johnny Clegg...but without all the kicking." If acoustic, melodic rock is something that translates to "so very awesome, i have to listen to that again" than Stephan Dixons' much anticipated self-titled debut album should be at the top of your CD rack. Have a listen, might be time to start speaking a new language...



For more information on Stefan Dixon go to www.stefandixon.co.za www.myspace.com/stefandixon www.facebook.com/pages/Stefan-Dixon/12826159493

What else is killing the Radio Star?

Let's get off the news for a bit shall we? I'm in the midst of a personal crisis, there's a thin person being held hostage inside the "big" me who is causing something of a war. The news is just too depressing today (imagine if journalists said that?) so I thought we'd dissect something tastier than worn out politics and sad gal angst.

I'm a big fan of radio, or at least, I used to be. So, let me cut to the chase, commercial radio is the death of rock and roll. Remember when radio stations used to play music from new or underground or local or new and local underground bands just trying to make it big and hear their hits on the radio. That was the vehicle to fame. The radio. These days its all become so sanitary. Its all clean cut and Pop Idols and what was once the holy grail has now become sleepy hollow.

Ah, for the times when we used to listen to the radio to stay in touch! Now, we have broadband so it seems we don't need bands anymore,you can just google the latest and greatest, check out some one's myspace or facebook accounts to see just what they've been up to musically.

So sad, makes me want to break out into that Punk Rock Girl song and pretend like love and music and social commentary are still alive and well. South African radio is in a bit of a political cul de sac though, there's no way out and in an effort to please all the people, all the time...the audience has gone from curious george's to lazy spongebob's just waiting for the next hit to be chewed up by the radio and spat out into our mouths. Mommy bird radio thinks she knows whats good for us baby birds. But I have to disagree with these feeding patterns? How will we ever learn to go out and fend for ourselves musically if we're so used to getting spoonbill fed?

South African music has changed dramatically over the last 15 years. I remember when Mango Groove was "a sensation" in musical terms, as was PJ Powers. These days, although we have some crazy talent, we also have some piggy backed, mass produced, Brit band wannabe lost souls just looking for a real outlet. An outlet like the radio. One that the marketing managers out there haven't already orchestrated.

Ah, I mourn the loss of the radio, I really do. First it was video that killed the radio star, now its social networking sites and the Internet. My heart is broken and the airwaves won't blow my worries about just who is left in the rage against the machine. Its easier to cooperate, just not as fun.

Long live the radio. Long live Tourism Radio! Tine in on your travels around South Africa and have a listen to some of the bands we're harbouring here. Are they the best of the best? Its for you to decide, but luckily, we're still the station that lets you decide if you digg.com it or not.

Coca Cola Zero Fest let down as two bands pull out

Music lovers are going to be out in force this weekend as the Coca Cola Zero Fest kicks off in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

The annual music festival has been a source of great excitement this year with a line up of amazing international and local bands. There's Oasis, Snow Patrol, Panic at the Disco, Bullet for my Valentine, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Zebra and Giraffe, The Dirty Skirts, Cassette, Foto na Dans, Aking and One Day Remains.

Or at least...there was.

Just this morning it was announced that Bullet for my Valentine and The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus have both pulled out, 48 hours before the festival begins in Johannesburg. Is that bleak or what? There are going to be a lot of upset fans in South Africa this weekend.

The real question though is why did they pull out?

Well, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus said they had some "personnel changes". Fair enough. You can't exactly play if you're missing your drummer or something can you?

Bullet For my Valentine had a bit of a weaker excuse. In a statement issued as an apology by Matt Tuck of the band, it's mentioned that the reason they're cancelling is because they're...writing new songs and have a busy schedule with their new album. I don't know if that's going to be a good enough excuse for fans but we'll see.

Here at Tourism Radio like to look on the bright side of life though and we certainly see the light here. With the two sudden cancellations the other bands may be playing longer sets. That means more of our great local bands. Gotta say, we're excited!

Anyway, if there are any of you who are disappointed by the sudden pulling out of these two bands, you have until Friday April 17 2009 to claim a full refund. All you have to do is take your ticket in its original state (i.e. with no damage what so ever) to your closest Computicket outlet and they'll sort you out.