Local musos share their ‘helluva ride’

MUSIC has a fascinating way of creating an escape for those who need it. Providing a space, even just for a few moments, where you become completely lost in yourself, the lyrics and the beat. Parable Fifteen set out to achieve this with their second full-length album, Through the Storm.

During the writing process, the brothers, Marc Skarda and Bryce Breeds, poured their hearts into writing 90 songs. Through a difficult process of elimination, the duo slashed this down to 10 and after 18 months of hard work, an album was cut. “In our previous record we were both going through tough times and this album is a lot more rock n roll and a lot happier. We’ve fought our way through the storm and are now on the other side,” said Marc.

There has always been a country undertone to their work, but have instead gone full on country with this one. This decision was an easy one for them as their fans would request this. They have, however given it a more modern spin, adding in banjos and fiddles. “It has been a long journey,” said an easy-going Marc.

This was also the first time their work has been mixed and mastered by someone else. “We decided to make the best possible album we could from a quality perspective and realised there are people out there with a lot more experience than us. We want this to be a hit record.”

A few local musos also lent their sound to the album, from local drummer Mali Sewell to bass player, Jason Andrew.

The band has submitted a few songs to radio but and has been in talks with record companies overseas. Two of their singles have been reviewed by 21 professionals in America, garnering them a host of recognition as well as nomination for an international country award.

The first single off the album, Helluva Ride, is about a relationship. “Relationships are tough and this is just a fun way of looking at them. They can be frustrating but at the same time, one of the most amazing things in the world,” said Marc.

Once the album was complete, Marc said they felt incredible. “We set out to write an album to showcase how we sounded live. We wanted to make it acoustic with some pads and shakers underneath. As we were writing the songs came into themselves and needed to be what they are, bigger and better.”

The band’s short term plan is to tour as much as they can, firmly believing in their music, the message they are spreading and the hopes they have to achieve something great with their latest track list.

Through the Storm is available in hard copy at their shows for R100 or is available on every digital platform at a reduced price of R79.

On their to-do list is to create a piano album, a combination of songs from the first and second albums but each song will be completely stripped down to its basics. This, he said, would be one for the die-hard Parable Fifteen fans. He hopes to launch this side project near Christmas time and hopes to call it the Piano Chronicles.

Catch Parable Fifteen perform alongside Zazz, Angelique and Ren Veldman at the Comfortably Country music experience at Musketeers at the German Club in Westville (7 Barham Road) from 7pm. Entry is R100 per person. Contact Charmaine on 031 266 0836.

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