Sure, we’ve all heard great artists from South Africa: Trevor Rabin, Dave Matthews, and producers like Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin) all come to mind. But these names established themselves within the confines of the American music scene, and grew from there; few have crossed the Atlantic, project in hand, to be welcomed by North America’s critical ear . South African band, The Lemmings made a cannonball-sized-splash of success with just their first visit to the US, driving fans in LA crazy and leaving the city of light begging for more of the band’s unique blend of philosophical space-pop mixed with over-tones of relaxed rock and roll. Recently, Song Hookers’ was able to score a brief but insightful interview with The Lemmings lead singer about the band’s current projects and overall psychology of musicianship.
If there’s one single thing that makes or breaks bands more than any other, it’s the time they invest in their art. Bands that have been on the scene for years say of their concerts that they are the rehearsals, and that every show becomes a training ground for exacting new material through musical catharsis. But they had to get there somehow. Perfectly articulated soloing and well synchronized jamming comes with experience with working with other musicians and logging long hours behind the creative wheel of all members, not just one. That’s just which stage The Lemmings find itself in right now. ‘’We rehearse a lot when we are all in the same country, and it’s very structured’’, says spokesman Abri van Straten (lead vocals and guitar). One of the most important aspects of any collective creative project is not putting any one person before the rest. A band is first and foremost a band; individual agendas come second to the collective interest of the group.
So how is it spending so much time with the same people? ‘’You have to like them and they have to drink a lot of coffee!!!’’ chuckles Abri when contemplating the cabin fever of band life. It’s all a matter of finding that aesthetic equilibrium between two separate forces at work, ‘’Ludwig and Brian I have known for many years and each have valuable skills and abilities that I don’t. So, the sum of the parts is really important.’’ Indeed, it’s paramount.
Figure 2 Abri's Wedding Day
‘’A great song pulls you into it.’’ It’s hard to imagine our favorite musicians having writer’s block and even writing material that is only so-so. ‘’I know it’s a great song when I keep wanting to play it! Only about a third of what I write survives, so, you have to be fairly prolific.’’
The Lemmings have certainly a bountiful repertoire allowing them to perform at shows for upwards of two hours. While The Lemmings perform well in the studio and make crystal clear records, they are ultimately a band that truly shows their craftsmanship and musical intuition and prowess while performing live for their audience. There’s something special about the energy in the air when talented musicians can manipulate a live setting to become a one-time-only musical experience.
If the Lemmings made a success of their recent tour of the states, it’s no surprise that they were well prepared for US listeners. ‘’South African audiences are notoriously tough! It’s a great training ground. We have found audiences in the US and Europe to be much more emotive. South Africans are hardy people, they have to be.’’ Having performed over a thousand shows worldwide, this is a band that is road worn and weathered, or perhaps just being broken in.
One of the foulest of foes to any individual and certainly not exempt from casting its haunts upon musicians is regret and dwelling on how things would have happened if …. Sometimes this line of thought can send musicians into depression and I think we’ve all seen it break up an otherwise tightly knit crew. Indeed the Lemmings seem to know where they are headed and certainly strive to not give in to too much negative reflection. ‘’I’ve noticed in life that I seem to end up where I need to be’’, ponders lead singer van Straten ‘’there are pieces of the puzzle that one cannot hope to see until later, so, change nothing about the past and dream forward.’’
It’s been a big year for The Lemmings not only musically but also personally as van Straten has just recently tied the knot with True Blood star Kristen Bauer. ‘’Marriage is great and I recommend it. We’re both artists, so, we understand and support one another.’’ Whether this news will sway the fan tide for The Lemmings for good or bad is yet a mystery; ‘’the True Blood fans are very loyal and enthusiastic. It will be interesting to see what happens there.’’
Figure 3 Abri & True Blood star Kristen Bauer
The Lemmings are currently working on a new album they plan to release later this year. They also hope to tour again in the US and Canada as well.
Sure, we’ve all heard great artists from South Africa: Trevor Rabin, Dave Matthews, and producers like Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin) all come to mind. But these names established themselves within the confines of the American music scene, and grew from there; few have crossed the Atlantic, project in hand, to be welcomed by North America’s critical ear . South African band, The Lemmings made a cannonball-sized-splash of success with just their first visit to the US, driving fans in LA crazy and leaving the city of light begging for more of the band’s unique blend of philosophical space-pop mixed with over-tones of relaxed rock and roll. Recently, Song Hookers’ was able to score a brief but insightful interview with The Lemmings lead singer about the band’s current projects and overall psychology of musicianship.
‘’A great song pulls you into it.’’ It’s hard to imagine our favorite musicians having writer’s block and even writing material that is only so-so. ‘’I know it’s a great song when I keep wanting to play it! Only about a third of what I write survives, so, you have to be fairly prolific.’’
It’s been a big year for The Lemmings not only musically but also personally as van Straten has just recently tied the knot with True Blood star Kristen Bauer. ‘’Marriage is great and I recommend it. We’re both artists, so, we understand and support one another.’’ Whether this news will sway the fan tide for The Lemmings for good or bad is yet a mystery; ‘’the True Blood fans are very loyal and enthusiastic. It will be interesting to see what happens there.’’
