Holly and the Woods did not get washed away by the waves of indie and folk music that hit South Africa – they’re fighting back.
The rock band that started in Benoni recently released their new single, Fighting back. In an interview Honeydew resident and vocalist Melissa Conradie (34) said that it was one of many singles still to be released.
“We’re busy planning the Fighting Back Tour and have already booked venues in KwaZulu-Natal, Potchefstroom, Bloemfontein and the Eastern and Western Cape.
“Fighting back probably eventually will lead to an album but not right now.”
Conradie said that Fighting back came from hardship both within the band and in their personal lives; however, the hardship wasn’t all too recent as she said that the song has been with them for roughly four years. The single was recorded with Dale Schnettler from Prime Circle at a studio in Krugersdorp last month.
“We’re fighting back for the band,” she said, as since its inception in March 2006 it has gone through many changes and members came and went.
“Now we finally have a solid line-up.”
Having a solid fan base backing them doesn’t hurt either.
With other founding member Craig Henning on rhythm guitar, Darren Drawbridge on lead guitar, Martin Jooste on bass and Lee-Jaime Havenga on drums, Conradie is excited about their musical future. They’re an improved version of the band, and she includes herself in saying so.
“Women in their 30s still can rock.”
