While some critics may once have said that Gangs of Ballet are too reminiscent of the groups which influenced them, the band’s music begs to concur.
The best way to describe the sounds which amble off the stage and through the speakers would be ‘hauntingly melodic’.
Long after the band has left the stage or their song has stopped playing on the radio, you find yourself still singing, “Hello, sweet world,” or the chorus of, “Don’t let me go.”
To have that much of an effect on listeners not only shows what good artists they are, but also just how much love they have for their art.
This love was proven by front-man, Brad Klynsmith, who although suffering with severe stomach cramps, still managed to give their Newcastle fan-base a thrilling performance when the band took to the stage during the Vodacom Winter Festival 2014.
Bass guitarist, Hardus de Beer explained the group’s passion for music: “Music can really be an expression of who you are as a person. It’s fun, and in it you can take a journey to find yourself. To everyone it has a different meaning, and we love that.”
The group, which began as a side-project between the four friends, has been growing constantly. With the release of their album Yes/No/Grey in August last year, the album has now been nominated by South African Music Awards (SAMA) for five categories in this year’s event.
Yet even amid this growing success, the band is constantly looking to improve.
Drummer Josh Klynsmith added: “We want to be unique, and we love great melodies. We’ve changed from when we started off, because we’ve learnt a lot about music. Music, pictures, anything and everything, it all tells us a story, you just have to be open to see it.”
While the band does acknowledge the artists and other groups which have shaped their style of music, keyboard maestro Jono Rich explained there was a reason Gangs of Ballet would be set apart from everyone else.
“We’ve come from a diverse background. Growing up in South Africa has been kind of like growing up in this giant mixing pot of cultures and varieties of music. It influences us, and because of it we will always be trying to develop our styles,” reasoned Jono.
Hardus agreed with this, saying that music was a bit like fashion; it was constantly changing and moving with the times, and because of the diverse nature of South Africa, Gangs of Ballet would also be changing and moving with the times.
Even with the constant growth of the band, the humbleness of each member of the band is testament to their unity.
When asked what their favourite moment of working together had been to date, Jono replied: “When we hear a song of ours on the radio, and you just get this grin on your face that doesn’t want to leave – it changes your day.”
The bands advice for young aspiring artists is to constantly practise and not be afraid to ask for help when coming into contact with other musicians.
According to many, it won’t be long before Gangs of Ballet become hit international headliners, and their hauntingly unique melodies are felt around the world.
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