WATCH: Saarkie celebrates Women’s Month with new single

Popular female rock group Saarkie has always been unique.

They have been recreating the local rock ‘n’ roll scene in Afrikaans and English for the past 15 years and decided to celebrate Women’s Month with a brand-new member, single, music video and album.

Alouise, also known as Ella, has recently joined the group as bassist and singer. The Free Stater, who has been playing the piano since she was three, has been working in the music industry for 10 years.

“Playing with Adèle and Lila is such a privilege,” she said about this exciting opportunity. “I fell in love with their sound when I started playing their songs and look forward to working with them in the future.”

This Ghoema award-winning musician and songwriter (Bella & Buster) made her debut in 2011 with the group Onbeskaamd, with whom she still performs occasionally. She is also part of Bok van Blerk’s band. In addition to working on her own music when she is not on stage, she is also a music teacher and cyclist.

Adèle and Lila are excited to have her on board and said: “We feel Ella challenges us as musicians and brings something new to the table. Our fans can look forward to what we have planned for the future.”

To make things even more exciting, the girls have decided to release a brand-new single, music video and album, which still features former bandmate Mjön van Blommenstein’s musical skills.

“Mjön started a new business during lockdown that takes up a lot of her time,” Adèle and Lila shared.

“It is always sad to lose a sister, and we are going to miss her.”

Waar lê jou hart? is the third release from their new album and was written by Adèle. According to her, this Afrikaans Afro-pop song is about where your heart is during these uncertain times that force you to do a reality check.

“It invites listeners to go on an adventure with us. To break away, to live in the moment and to forget about problems and stress,” she shared.

“We like the song because it has an upbeat sound and makes you want to get into your car and drive into the sunset.”

The music video, produced by Unbreakable Media’s Marlie van Oudtshoorn, suits the theme of the song perfectly and shows the three Saarkies road-tripping in a 1969 BMW 1602 Bauer LHD Cabriolet. It was filmed in the Rietvlei Nature Reserve and the car was supplied by Wat Swaai Jy?

“The idea was inspired by the song and the message is that you need to know where someone’s heart is when inviting them to go on a road trip with you,” they said.

Waar lê jou hart? follows hot on the heels of Reënweer and River Blues, which were both well received and can still be heard on the radio. All three songs are available on their latest album Waar lê jou hart?, which boasts an impressive combination of 12 catchy tracks.

According to the Ghoema-acclaimed female group, this contemporary pop-rock album is their way of moving forward after a challenging time and for this reason, they decided not to stick to one specific concept or theme.

“Covid-19 gave us a new appreciation for life. We wrote about people, places and things that mean something to us,” the trio explained.

“We want our music to be relatable and make listeners feel both relaxed and excited at the same time. It’s something you can listen to in the car or next to a bonfire with the people you love.”

In addition to two of their existing hits and some exciting new songs, the album also includes a duet with Jak de Priester of his popular track, Sally Williams Nougat. Mozambique is their favourite song on the album.

“It has an up-tempo beat and relaxed holiday vibe. Mozambique is a place where you can let your hair down without too many rules, where you can drive around on the beach with your 4×4, chill around the campfire and indulge in R&Rs.”

Saarkie is already working on content for their next album. An exclusive range of Saarkie merchandise will also be on sale soon.

Waar lê jou hart? is now available on all digital platforms.

• Watch the video here: