Scarlotte Will returns to Oppi

Rock 'n Roll local band Scarlotte Will, will be playing at the Oppikoppi music festival for the second year in a row.

Scarlotte Will band members will return to the Oppikoppi festival this year and encourage music lovers to attend. They are, (from left): Tristan Dos Santos, Xan Swart, Hugene Koekemoer and Brendon Bezuidenhout.

“We played at Oppikoppi in 2015, where we opened the main stage,” said lead guitarist Brendon Bezuidenhout.

The band was formed in July 2014 by the founding and current members, Tristan Dos Santos (vocalist, guitarist and keyboard player), Xan Swart (drummer), Hugene Koekemoer (bass guitarist) and Bezuidenhout (lead guitarist).

Although the band members are not Benoni-based, Bezuidenhout lives in Bredell, which is on the border of Benoni, while Dos Santos and Swart live in Pretoria, and Koekermoer lives in Randfontein.

Bezuidenhout also spent his schooling years on the border of Benoni, attending Laerskool Bredell and Hoërskool Kempton Park.

He also played in numerous bands and was part of other musical ventures on the East Rand.

“Oppikoppi is one of our favourite music festivals,” Bezuidenhout said.

“It is a huge honour to play on that stage, where we have seen so many of our musical heroes, musicians and bands which have inspired us.”

The band members encourage music lovers to attend the festival if they are curious about what to expect.

So far, the band have released EPs (extended plays).

“We have released two five-track EPs, the latest one is called Things Unseen,” Bezuidenhout said.

“Both are available from all major online music stores, like iTunes and Bandcamp.

“There is also a music video for our single – I am the messenger – which you can find on YouTube.”

The band has goals and dreams to produce albums and travel.

“We will have music videos, albums, tours and all the other fun stuff,” Bezuidenhout said.

“Follow us and join us on our journey.”