The blues burn strong in Dan Patlansky
Rekord sat down with Dan Patlansky, South Africa’s foremost blues artist and Faerie Glen native, to talk about his new album, playing in front of 70 000 people, and his love for Pretoria.
Q: The reaction to your new album has been incredible. Was it the reaction you were hoping for? Going into the studio, writing and recording this album, was there a lingering thought of “I am going to blow everyone away with this album”?
Not at all, I always try to do the best possible album I can when prepping for the studio. While in the studio you never quite know how people will react to the album. So it is always a weird thing. One day you think you have the best album in the world, the very next you think you should start it all over again because it is not good enough.
Q: Your new album ‘Dear Silence Thieves’ was voted the nr. 1-album of 2014 by Blues Rock Review, a magazine whose opinion is highly respected across the world. How has this fantastic award helped you further your international ambitions?
It has helped majorly. It has opened so many doors for us in the UK and Europe. We are working with a team of people who are top of their game in the Blues Rock scene on that side. This makes life so much easier going forward.
Q: Opening for Bruce Springsteen on his South African tour must have been an incredible experience. How did you experience playing a stadium show in your home country?
It was quite daunting a first. You are playing to 70 000 people that aren’t there to see you, so winning them over was key. When we did that, the nerves eased a bit but went through the roof again when I saw Springsteen himself watching our show from the wings.
Q: Blues music is often very personal and intimate. Where do you think your music is best played live? Stadiums, theatres, or small blues cafés, where the audience is almost right next to you?
I think theatres are best, especially if it is a standing crowd. People come to listen rather than catch up at theatres. If it is too big you sometimes lose the vibe, but it takes a while to learn to play in bigger places.
Q: Blues has never been one of the biggest genres in South Africa. Do you see a new wave of young blues artists emerging in South Africa?
There is some great young blues musicians coming up at the moment. But the major place of growth I’ve seen is the audiences. Compared to ten years ago I see a lot more younger faces in the crowd these days. Good news!
Q: You have headlined some major blues festivals across Europe for many years now. How has it been playing alongside some of your childhood heroes? What have been some of the ‘stand-out’ moments of your international tours so far?
It has been great to see my music being well received that side. A stand-out moment for me was definitely playing on the same bill as Buddy Whittington from the USA. He was a massive inspiration for me growing up, and was epic to see live.
Q: Are there any local or international artists you would like to collaborate with in future? Any specific project in mind?
No specific project, but I would love to share the stage with artist like Joe Bonamassa, Philip Sayce or Rival Sons one day. These guys are top of their game in the blues rock world currently – all great players and musicians.
Q: How would you say your music has evolved over the past seven albums? Is there any specific direction you see your music heading to, or is it a case of recording whatever feels right in the moment?
The big difference for me is certainly the songs and the song writing. That has become a main focus for me over anything else. In the past it was all about the performance, but now the song has to be right before we even think of that. The direction I normally head in with albums is strongly influenced by who I’m listening to and who inspires me at the time.
Q: When abroad, what do you miss most about home?
My family. Especially my wife and daughter.
Q: What is your favourite live music venue, local or international?
So far it has to be Horsens City Hall in Denmark. Great sounding old hall with a lot of history, too.
Q: Where will you be touring next internationally? Any stand-out points people should know of?
Next on the cards is the UK in April and May. The stand out show will be The Borderline on 27 April. What an iconic venue to be launching Dear Silence Thieves in the UK.
Q: What is your favourite lesser-known hangout spot when you are in Pretoria?
Faerie Glen nature reserve.
Q: What is your favourite place to play live in Pretoria?
Always and only lived in Faerie Glen, so I’ll have to say Faerie Glen.
Q: To someone who has never been to Pretoria, what places will you recommend that they visit?
The Voortrekker Monument.
Q: Where is the best place to grab coffee or lunch in Pretoria?
Lucky Bread Company Brooklyn.
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