The northern suburbs-based quartet are relatively new to the Joburg music scene, but are fast gaining a devoted following of “wolves”, as the band affectionately refers to its fans.
Frontwoman Carmen Bekker said she played her first gig two years ago.
“It was good, but I felt something was missing. Not long after, my best friend asked me to jam with her brother Guido Assmann. I agreed, just to appease her. But within seconds, he and I clicked,” she said.
A friend later introduced Bekker to two guitarists.
The four went away for a weekend, and it was during that trip that Bekker asked them if they would like to form a band with her.
One of those guitarists, Brendon Bezuidenhout, is still a member of the band, while the other relocated to New Zealand.
“We started off doing private gigs at home, but had no percussionist. We had a tambourine and a bass drum, so during our gig, we’d have to switch instruments for different songs,” said Bekker.
After trying out five different drummers, a friend of Bekker’s, Johan Botha, jammed with the band, and was promptly asked to join.
While Bekker loves folk and tribal-influenced music, Bezuidenhout listens to blues and rock, Assmann has a predilection for classic rock, and Botha a taste for guitar-based music.
Botha explained that Bekker’s dislike for standard drum kits led to the band’s use of djembe drums and the tambourine in addition to a drum kit. The band also works with session musicians, bringing in instruments like the didgeridoo and violin.
“My lyrics are often inspired by pain and vengeance. I can really express what I’m feeling and what I’d really like to say to people… especially men,” joked Bekker.
Botha said, “Everytime we’re on stage, at least one of us will pull out something different. When that happens and we make eye contact, there’ll be a smile and we’ll know that this is it. We’re having fun. It’s an exciting dynamic.”
The band are in the process of recording their first album, which they hope to release in early March.
Catch Carri Wolfe’s gig on 2 February at Fourways Farmers Market, corner of William Nicol Drive and Montecasino Boulevard, at 12.45pm.
Details: Facebook – Carri Wolfe; Twitter @CarriWolfe; carriwolfe@gmail.com
