A brand-new South African hard rock and Afrikaans rock band packs a punch as they bring together experience and love for music.
Vabond was only formed early this year but has already made a name, bagging an Afri Indie award last week.
The band was nominated in two categories and won Best Alternative Single for “Roll the Dice”.
Band member Andre Liebenberg, AKA The Traveller, told Rekord that the band was a product of experience and good old hard work.
Liebenberg’s instrumental solo work under The Traveller was nominated for Best Instrumental Single and Best Instrumental Album at the awards, with his single “Time” also nominated in the upcoming Aitsa Music Awards in the instrumental category.
“I have done over 65 shows this year, particularly focusing on my vocal work.”
After completing their stint with the Piet Pompies band, Liebenberg and drummer Jimmy Burger started discussing the possibility of a band.
“After we finished in December, I started working on my solo stuff, especially vocal solos on my own,” he said.
However, he said that the pull of collaborating was too tempting.
“It’s been a busy year, we have been working very hard.
“We have already been nominated, and won – so a pretty good start out of the gate.”
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Vabond had their first rehearsal in January as Steve Doble joined the duo.
Phillip Merensky and Brad Cunningham then joined, completing the band and bringing together the experience and creativity.
Frontman Cunningham, AKA Cunning Brad, adds to the band’s growing accolades as he took home Best Adult Contemporary Album for Big Cigar at the Afri Indies.
“Everybody brings their ideas to the table, and then whatever works out best makes it through.
We have no ego trips, we are all from the same generation.
We’ve seen it all and done it all, so there’s no silliness or jealousy that goes on, just Rock.”
The band has since made it on the charts of several radio stations and released their first music video.
“We have motored, we have worked very hard, and we made it happen fast.
“At the end of the day, it’s all for the love of it,” said Liebenberg.
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