We caught up with the one and only SPRINGBOK NUDE GIRLS ahead of their upcoming show at Beef Stock 2018
Everybody always asks about musical influences. We’d like to know instead about other influences of the band – art, films, and books. Things that made Springbok Nude Girls before it even started.
Arno:
I can only speak for myself but i observed my 3 older brothers going through their teenage years heavily influence by music and the fashions while i learned to play guitar and sang in Choirs . All this made for me fitting into this world very easily .
Francious:
Arno Blumer and I use to watch a lot of movies. Everything from Woodstock to Clockwork Orange, lots of Month Python..
When I was younger, and I first heard about The Springbok Nude Girls, I was a bit confused to learn that it is actually a band. And I’ve read in previous interviews that the name alludes to the old Springbok Radio hits compilation albums that had bikini girls on their covers, and that it came to your singer in a dream. Were there any other names in the mix before finally deciding on this?
Arno:
Not that i can recall no. The name appeared and stuck .
Francious:
No other names before SNG, there wasn’t any time for options. We had like a week and 3 rehearsals before our first gig.
As we all know in the early 90’s in the small town of Stellenbosch, The Springbok Nude Girls formed. If you think back to that time, did you ever think that you would get this far in your career? Also please tell us what has been the absolute highlight and the most challenging part of your career thus far?
Arno:
Back then we were a machine compared to now . We don’t really play much these days and we are probably more of a studio band going forward . We hit the ceiling long ago then planned to move to NYC but life took us on a different root . Highlights where amazing moments with incredible audiences and wonderful music we came up with . Worst part is trying to keep things together when people and times change to the degree that things become unworkable .
Francious:
Highlights include performing at big festivals both locally and overseas.
Challenge has always been dealing with 4 other strong personalities.
I don’t think we started a band with the idea of supporting U2 or INXS. We just wanted to play live as much as possible.
How would you describe the musical evolution of Springbok Nude Girls since establishing the band? Would you mind to talk us through your musical journey?
Arno:
God it’s a long story bathed in weirdness and unstoppable live energy. In a way it was always about being different and embracing what made us unique the future will be about going back to undoing ourselves embracing new technology without losing our sound .
Francious:
I think the music started out very eclectic and then gradually became more formulaic as we progressed. Not good. I know.
Having played shows internationally and locally, what would you say has been your favorite venues both in South Africa and abroad?
Arno:
London Shepard’s Bush empire and Soweto stadium (best stadium sound when we played there with U2) but it was the club gigs all over the place where we shared sweat with the audience that brings the smiles to my face.
This year you had the Beautiful Evolution tour, what do you enjoy the most and least about touring?
Arno:
It’s the same things that made me happy then makes me happy now. I’m just not use to late nights anymore ha ha
Francious:
Best: Traveling and playing gigs.
Worst: The amount of time you waste.
What advice do you have for your musicians that wish to pursue music as a full time career in South Africa?
Arno:
Enjoy whatever you doing don’t take yourself to seriously. Forget about radio pop idols or any of thoughts reality shows. practice your instruments write real songs and entertain the audience like you are possessed by all the greats .
Francious:
Music is the best hobby you can have in South Africa.
How does the band balance personal life and band life? Having been together for so long, do you still rehearse regularly?
Arno:
We all have our own lives outside the band and we barely see each other but of course before shows we rehearse and shoot the breeze .
Francious:
Everyone is pretty much focused on their own thing currently so we don’t rehearse. We get together when we have gigs or write an album.
What is next for Springbok Nude Girls? Anything exciting happening in the future?
Arno:
A album has been recorded we are just trying to mix it . It was supposed to be out right now but things and plans has change but watch this space i say full album should be out early next year. I see our future as one of creating music for the love of it no. 1 and whatever comes after will be a bonus .
Out of all your released albums, which is the bands favorite? And which was the most fun to record?
Arno:
Afterlife Satisfaction was my favourite SNG album and it has stood the test of time . Personally i believe it to be audible gold although i have not listened to it for a long time.
Francious:
Both would be Afterlife Satisfaction. First time I spent a month in the studio. Best time of my life.
Could you walk us through your process of recording a song or album? What do you enjoy the most about it and what do you despise?
Arno:
The process can sometimes be argumentative and strenuous but to feast on the sweet nectar of success once a song has been recorded and agreeably enjoyable is a pleasure un surpassed .
Francious:
Writing new material is always stressful. It either works quickly or it doesn’t work at all. Same with recording.
What can fans expect from your set at Beef Stock this November?
Francious:
Balls to the wall rock and roll with the odd ballad (for the ladies).
INTERVIEWED BY: SEIRAN