Rudi Claase set to release his first ever solo album soon
Every song is written through his own pen and tells the story of his life journey.
Rudi Claase (38) needs no introduction when it comes to the music scene.
This well-known musical artist will release his first solo album in nine years, Liedjieskrywer at the AfriForum Teater in Menlo Park on Saturday, September 25.
He has written every song himself and they tell the story of his life journey.
He has written music for many great artists, such as Juanita du Plessis, Theuns Jordaan, Kurt Darren, Bobby van Jaarsveld, Nádine, Arno Jordaan and many others.
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After two decades in the music industry, the 38-year-old has built up an impressive CV – full of highlights – which includes four Huisgenoot Tempos, four Ghoemas, three Vonk awards, an ATKV Afrikoon and a VCR award, as well as a gold and two double-platinum albums.
He was also recently nominated for three Afri-Indie independent artist awards for best male artist, best songwriter and single of the year.
Rekord caught up with Claase to speak about his first solo album.
“I feel I have lost myself over the past few years and the theme of one of the songs, ‘Woordeloos’ is in line with this,” he said.
Did you write the song for someone specifically?
“Not at all.
“I am not someone who sits down and write, songs are born not forced.
“I sat behind the piano, and I was lost with words. I had no idea what to write.
“After the song came along, everything just flowed nicely and that is why the song is also called ‘Woordeloos’.”
How long have you been working on the album?
“I started working on this album last year, and it was the longest journey to be able to complete it.
“Every song had to be 100%.”
Of all the awards you have been nominated for, what is your most special nomination?
“I am grateful for every award, but the greatest honour was to be able to win an ATKV Afrikoon.
“Of course I would not mind a Grammy award! Who knows?”
Do you like writing or singing more? Why?
“I like both as I feel diversity is something every artist need to have.
“The lyrics matter. I want to make a difference with every word. God has given me a voice, my impression is to move you.”
What was some of your greatest challenges since the outbreak of Covid-19?
“It was hard for me to stay positive as I had to make something out of nothing.
“It was a challenge of fighting through it, but I had a lot of support and that is what kept me going.”
What is something that very few people know about you?
“I am scared of big crowds. For some reason, I freak out before the time and I am terrified of it, but as soon as I take to the red carpet, I am much more comfortable.
“Music is my life and everything I feel forms a melody within me. As a young man, I was very shy, but music has always been the soles under my feet. It has always been a great honour for me to have the opportunity to share my journey. I thank our Creator every day for the privilege of making a difference through my music.”
This or that:
Beach or bushveld? Beach
Cats or dogs? Although Claase prefers dogs, he has a cat named Picasso.
Text message or call? Text message
Hot chocolate or coffee? White hot chocolate
Theatre or cinema? If he can choose any theatre to perform, it would be the Amphion Theatre in the Netherlands. He would love to hopefully soon watch the Russian ballet at the theatre.
Book or movie? He adores the British biographical period drama film, Elizabeth.
Boat or plane? Most definitely, a boat. He has a huge phobia of flying.
Superman or Batman? Superman
Piercing or tattoos? Tattoos. He has a tattoo from an excerpt of the poem, “The Moon and the Yew Tree”.
Cardio or weights? Weights
What’s worse?
Laundry or dishes? Dishes! He loves to cook, but he hates cleaning up afterwards. He especially enjoys making lamb curry.
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