MEAGAN DILL
Taxi Violence have come a long way as a band since their first jam session way back in 2004. Their dirty, gritty sound and energetic live performances have made them arguably one of South Africa’s favourite bands. Perdeby got the chance to chat to drummer Louis Nel about their new album, future plans, and his special “Bleeding Louis” shooters …
Your new album, The Turn, has quite a different sound to that of your debut album, Untie Yourself. What was the inspiration behind this change in sound?
I wouldn’t say that the change in sound was a result of inspiration. Ling joined the band right before we started the process of writing material for The Turn. I think this was the biggest reason for the change. He brought a new element to the sound and of course, all his influences.
Your live performances have taken on something of a legendary status. What is your secret to giving a great live show?
We’ve been religiously following a philosophy since day one … It doesn’t matter whether we’re playing for five or 50 000 people. They have all paid good money to see us perform and we’ll try our very best to entertain them.
Last year, you got the opportunity to tour Germany and Holland. What was that experience like? Any interesting “on tour” stories you’d like to share?
It was probably the coolest thing that I’ve ever done. It was an eye-opening experience. The only story I can think of involves the police, Amsterdam and well … Let’s just leave it there.
Back in January, you made an appearance at Hatfield Carnival here in Pretoria. How did you like the Pretoria crowd?
That show was awesome! I love playing in Pretoria. It’s one of my top five places to play in South Africa.
Your music has recently been featured on the MAN series on SABC and is set to be featured on the short film Thanks Dad to be released later this year. How does it feel to have an impact on the local film and television industries?
It feels amazing. It’s really quite an honour. These kinds of things can happen when you work with the right team of people.
What do you think of the current state of the South African music scene? Any particular trends in terms of local music at the moment that you like or dislike?
It’s time for the general South African public to get off their asses and go check out a band at the nearest live venue. You will be surprised. You need to see Joshua Grierson. You need to see Shadowclub. These are real musicians that do not follow any trends. They don’t look like androgynous men that just stepped off the pages of Dazed & Confused Magazine. They don’t spend all their time and effort on looking like eunuchs in their suffocatingly tight jeans and pointy church shoes. They spend their time on writing music that grabs you by the chest and commands your attention.
A little birdie told Perdeby that you are planning to release an EP as a follow-up to your current album. What are your plans regarding that?
Your little birdie tells no lies. It’s coming. Probably this winter. That’s all I can say for now.
If you had to concoct a special shooter for Perdeby, what would be in it?
My famous Bleeding Louis. It consists of 3/4 Jameson whiskey and 1/4 rasberry mix-a-drink syrup.
