Dee-Sharp rocks its way to number one

Dee-Sharp may be a name that will be heard for many years to come. This band of four young and talented musicians from Rand Park High School in Randpark Ridge won the Battle of the Bands competition at St Mary’s School in Waverley on 17 February.

Dovanya Govender (17), lead vocalist and writer of their winning song, Hostage, said, “I write songs about personal experiences or things that happen to people around me. That is where I get inspiration. I don’t write something out of nothing.”

Pasja Schneider (17), bassist, said that he would describe their band as a pop, rock and jazz fusion. “I have my own record company and would say that I make enough money to at least buy myself a pair of shoes,” said Schneider. Twins, Keagan, lead guitarist, and Calvin Lotter (17), drummer, said that their father is very musical as he had his own band and naturally they picked up on the talent. It is also the twin’s father AJ, who suggested the band’s name, Dee-Sharp.

Schneider said that they were definitely the underdogs at the Battle of the Bands. “Our support group at the competition was mainly our parents,” said Govender. All four band members, however, agreed that their friends, family and teachers are very supportive. “Miss Tracy Workman-Davies, the deputy principal and dean of the cultural department, as well as Fiona Hebrard, our music teacher, was very committed to our band,” said Govender.

“At the Battle of the Bands I heard that it was a unanimous decision for Dee-Sharp to win,” said Schneider. He further explained that as part of their prize, they will record a three-song extended play (EP) at a studio in March. “It will be released on iTunes, probably in September,” said Schneider.

The band members agreed that if young musicians have passion for music, then they should keep on following their dreams and working hard at them.

Details: Rand Park High School, 011 791 7774.

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