Thunderstruck? Even better: Thundermerwe
The Record caught up with Whill van Staden, Thundermerwe's own carebear.
According to Thundermerwe’s Whill van Staden (35) the next big thing in local music is productions – more so than gigs.
The Record caught up with Van Staden who is the vocalist and lyricist for Thundermerwe, in anticipation of their shows at Rumours Lounge (25 January) and Tanz Live (1 February).
“I was involved in the local music industry since the age of 14 and have played with and in many bands since, but what struck me was a then-triumphant band called Manifest.
“I followed their shows and at a point, their vocalist told me about his idea for starting a band called Thundermerwe.”
Van Staden says the idea never was used and when he was able to pursue it at a later stage, he “got the blessing” from the older musician to use the name.
Thundermerwe is a rap/ rock/ electro group formed on the East Rand by members living in Alberton and Boksburg, but Van Staden argues, “the West Rand stole our hearts”.
“Nothing is more powerful than acceptance, and the West Rand accepted us for exactly who we are as a musical group – people passionate about taking real-life bad situations and transforming them, lyrically, into positive musical experiences.
“I personally want people to step out of their negative mindsets, and to date we’ve been able to do that.”
When asked why the group made their songs available for free downlaod on the ReverbNation website, Van Staden said that “sharing is caring”.
When the band is not playing on West Rand and other stages, they’re preoccupied with charity work, having started the Thundermerwe Charity Drive in Potchefstroom and Fochville and sending the donations of food and clothes they collect during their shows, to Helping Hands Ministry in Germiston.
“Support your local music, would be my message to the fans — and respect good music. Don’t just follow what the crowd says is good.
“We’re looking at making our performances more production-based this year, which means it will be bigger and better; shows that you cannot forget.”
Catch Thundermerwe at Rumours Lounge in Weltevreden Park or Tanz Live in Blackheath on the specified dates.
Also download some of their tracks for free at www.reverbnation.com/thundermerwetm or find band information at artistecard.com/Thundermerwe.
