When you hear the words satanic, dagga, orgy, what comes to mind?
Are you thinking about taboo drug-fuelled parties, secret ceremonies in abandoned houses, or teenagers looking for attention?
Well, instead try thinking about a Johannesburg band which focuses on having fun and making people question society.
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The NEWS recently met Greenstone residents and newest members of Satanic Dagga Orgy (SDO), Shaun Oliver and Storm Thomas, to talk about SDO and what it’s all about The band, which primarily produces folk and punk-style music, was started four years ago.
It is made up of friends Storm Thomas (drums and percussion), Peter Blackbeard (lead vocals and acoustic guitar), Zam Boney (lead guitar and vocals) and Shaun Oliver (bass guitar and backing vocals). Since it was established SDO has travelled across SA and performed at a number of festivals, including OppiKoppi.
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Shaun said the band’s name originated from a poster headline in The Star newspaper. “Using the name was a social experiment,” said Storm.
“The media had created this headline so we wanted to see how SA would react to it as a band name,” said Storm. Despite the media’s use of the words, the band received some negativity about its name. “Because of the band’s name we run into trouble,” said Shaun.
“The moment people hear SDO they just associate us with negative things.”
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He said when the band recently tried to book a tour, 80 per cent of the venues they had in mind said no.
In June, community members in Bloemfontein wanted to prevent the band from performing. However, shortly after performing in Bloemfontein, the band received an Encore Award at the 2018 National Arts Festival held in Grahamstown. Storm believes the reason people are so apprehensive about the band is because SA is still quite conservative.
“If people push past the idea of our name, they will like our music,” said Storm. In addition to having a good time and never taking life too seriously, the band focuses on producing high-quality music. “To be honest the songs and quality of our music are some of the few things the band does take seriously,” said Storm. The inspiration for its songs stems from current affairs, issues people are talking about, or making fun of things people take too seriously.
Shaun said SDO’s songs try to tackle issues relevant to South Africans, and provide a different view on social constructs.
In August, SDO will take the stage at the Saturday Social Club and play alongside The Narrow, WONDERboom and Newtown Knife Gang. “We are really proud of how far the band has come,” said Shaun.
“We have been given the opportunity to play alongside some of our childhood heroes.”
“At the show, fans can expect a high level of energy and a good time. Community members should come through and have a good time,” said Storm. “Whatever you are expecting don’t expect that,” added Shaun In the near future, SDO hopes to release an album and attend more national music events.
“We want to help grow the South African music industry. There are many talented musicians in our country,” said Shaun.
SDO will perform at the Red Roman Shed at Emperors Palace on August 4. Tickets are available from Computicket or Emperors Palace Box Office.
