WATCH: Introducing the band Kidnapped by Gypsies

THE CHRONICLE had the pleasure of meeting a new band from Alberton bursting with potential called Kidnapped by Gypsies. The bandies (who call themselves “gypsies”) were more than keen to share their unrated, funny and deep thoughts with the community.

This psychedelic rock band, formed in 2016, is probably unlike any other local band you’ve heard of. Nevertheless and despite being such a young band, they ooze potential and talent. Drummer Travis describes them as “a dessert rock band, because it’s so sweet”.

Four members make up the band. These include Colleen Helberg (vocalist), Edwin Odendaal (rhythm and lead guitarist), Jayson O’Brien (bass guitarist) and Travis Burrows (percussion/drummer). The fifth “gypsy” is Kamogelo Mohale, who is their biggest supporter and never misses a band practice. It was through social media and friendly connections that they all met up and decided to create Kidnapped By Gypsies.

Add some mystery

Ironically, they have their band practices at least once a week at the church above Mitzy’s Pub. “It’s such a paradox, since we practice our psychedelic rock music in a church, right above a pub where someone (Ludi Vink) got murdered,” said Travis (whose father also happens to be a pastor). Sometimes they also practice at a small recording studio in Alberton North.

The band’s name was decided after the bandies saw a two-piece female drum-and-bass band who were dressed like gypsies. They thought the gypsy lifestyle looked really cool and mysterious and wanted to add that element of mystery to their name.

In it to enjoy it

They are very much inspired by music groups such as Queens of the Stone Age, Kyuss, Nirvana, Arctic Monkeys, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Radiohead and others. Their music follows themes of anti-establishment, anti-consumerism and anti-politics, breaking the human condition, nostalgia, introspection, self-expression and how people relate to society and the status quo.

As a band, they look down upon extremism, misogyny, racism, homophobia, ignorance and narrow-mindedness. When it comes to their opinion on selling out for money and fame, they say that they will always make music that they enjoy and they will never change to please the crowd.

If they could choose any musician or band in history to perform with, they decided it would be a tough competition between Jimi Hendrix, Alex Turner, Kurt Cobain, Josh Homme, Paramore, Arctic Monkeys, Fokofpolisiekar and PHFAT.

Get to know them

So far, the band has around eight original songs and they’ve performed a few small gigs. They’re most proud that they were able to perform at the recent annual Smoking Dragon Festival in Drakensberg, but their ultimate goal as a band is to play in Glastonbury, UK, or do a world tour after achieving international success.

The song that they’re most proud of is called Ghosts of the Good, due to its “fun rhythm” and Radiohead-inspired sound.

Listen to their song called Lazy Boy: 

Their next gig will be on February 2 at Sundowners, so be sure to check it out! For news about Kidnapped by Gypsies be sure to follow their various social media profiles. Facebook: Kidnapped By Gypsies; Instagram: kidnappedbygypsies; Youtube: kidnappedbygypsies; Sound Cloud: Kidnapped By Gypsies Band.

In conclusion, their message to the world: “Wake up. Think for yourself. Do what makes you happy!”

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