Category Archives: Wicked Mixtapes

Like “albums”, “mixtapes” is a word that’s survived despite the introduction of compact discs. Somehow, they’re warmer words that maybe reach into a collective consciousness that remembers when music was less transitional and more meaningful, when the underground was more real than pose, when cultures included more definitive labels descriptions for Alternates, Punks, Goths, Poppers etc.

Mixtapes are accessible to everyone. Millions of teens and young adults have tried to express joy and pain to a lover through songs that associated them with emotions relevant to their situation. For the passionate and true like myself, making mixtapes is a part of my life and will be forever.

I began as a pimpled youngster with my portable radio hidden under my covers, late at night. It was an exciting period of discovering The Pixies, the Cure etc. Whilst experiencing first love, i became a c0mmercial DJ at Sand Pebbles on the Durban beachfront. Having 2 turntables, 2 CDs players and a tape deck at my disposal was a dream come true. Living with my lover was a rollercoaster which got interpreted through dozens of mixtapes. I left the industry but through twists and turns became a DJ at the original Burn Night Club, the most successful rock club in the city. Ultimately, i DJed the 2 biggest nights, gaining more fuel for my hobby as well as soundtracks for my life of twists and turns.

I spent another decade in the industry. My mixtapes became official compilations boasting South African rock music that i loved. I made 10 of those, two of them double CDs.

I radically altered my life several years ago and unexpectedly rooted myself in the small, incredibly beautiful, town of Knysna on the Garden Route of South Africa. I’ve hosted cool bands such as Napalma, 7th Son, Plush, Stealing Love Jones, Jack Mantis Band, Dan Patlansky etc. but mixtapes has been sorely lacking of late. Continue reading →