A new heavy festival based in Johannesburg, The Big Smoke is well timed to bring together bands from across South Africa’s varied underground, from the classic boozy songcraft of Evert Snyman to the psych punk of We Kill Cowboys, the raw rock of Caution Boy, Soweto’s Shameless — about whom it becomes much easier to find info when you look for the social media handle ‘shamelessbandsa’ — and long-respected outfit Black Cat Bones. That’s the first lineup announcement from the newcomer event set for June 9, and indeed only one to come, but you’ll note the involvement of Mongrel Records here alongside STFD Live — the acronym is ‘sit the folk down’ — so quality rock and roll is assured. Always nice to have these things covered from the outset, and you can tell they’re doing the ‘test the waters’ edition the first time out, presumably to gauge response and either continue or not from there.

South African heavy has spent the last five-plus years on the ascent — and of course longer than that, but you know, narrative — so to have an event showcasing the current crop of bands and one that might go so far as to bring acts from Europe or maybe even the States on board for future editions is well earned. Looks like a good time as-is. I hope they keep it going.

From the PR wire:

STFD Live presents The Big Smoke, JHB’s new annual rock, stoner, psych event featuring The Black Cat Bones, We Kill Cowboys and more

STFD Live presents The Big Smoke – Joburg’s hottest new event featuring heavy hitters, The Black Cat Bones, Evert Snyman & the Aviary, We Kill Cowboys, Shameless and Caution Boy! Taking place at Sognage on the 9th June 2023 The Big Smoke is set to be an annual event showcasing the evolving South African music scene with a focus on heavy rock, stoner and psych. Doors open at 6pm and the first band is on at 7pm.

Early Bird – R100pp (limited)
Online – R150pp
Door – R200pp

(artwork by Alex Muller)

Quicket link – https://qkt.io/V0XjnA
FB event – https://www.facebook.com/events/6074907765935679

The Black Cat Bones

The Black Cat Bones are a multi-genre conglomerate of likeminded music makers from Gauteng, South Africa. Andre Kriel, Kobus de Kock, Gareth Bunge & Casey Rothman form part of the core founded in 2007 and are regularly accompanied by an array of the countries most talented collaborates and guest artists. The bands captivating performances and diverse repertoire put them in a class of their own as they evolve from sub-culture champions to a group that’s adored nationwide by a constantly expanding, loyal following from all walks of life. BCB is recognised for their hard work ethic and respected among their peers as one of the most driven musical outfits in the country.

Evert Snyman & The Aviary

One rarely encounters that unique sound that draws you in and alerts your senses…that rare quality in a musician that forces you to listen more closely and pay attention. Evert Snyman is exactly that – a multi-talented songwriter and performer who has enthralled many an audience with his galvanic melodies, poetic, yet straightforward lyrics and hypnotic rhythms. What sets Evert apart from other musicians is the raw honesty of his music. He is a fearless and unabated songwriter and lyricist, speaking to emotions we often keep hidden – even from ourselves. Based in Johannesburg, Evert Snyman has launched and collaborated on various projects, cementing himself as a versatile multi-instrumentalist. Perhaps the most well-known of these are alternative rock bands, Pink Noise and Pollinator.

We Kill Cowboys

We Kill Cowboys is a Cape Town based, 4-piece rock ‘n roll band, the brainchild of tattoo artist and singer-song writer, Alex Muller.The band fuses elements of psychedelic rock, punk rock, grunge and stoner blues with an anti-establishment lyrical content, delivered by Alex’s raw, sultry, gritty vocals. Jono’s dirty, wielding guitar riffs, Andrew’s metal drum fills blasting alongside Danie’s fuzzy bass grooves … These guys are here to turn the amps right up and blow ear holes and minds.

Shameless

Shameless Band is a trio from Soweto who plays Rock slightly differently. With the influences of their everyday lives – they have dubbed their sound ‘iRock Yase Kasi’ (Rock from the hood) or ‘Nkabi Rock’ (Hitman Rock). Their creativity is fueled by the music they grew up with: Phuzekhemisi, Stimela, Zola 7, and other South African musical leaders, and then also heavier bands like System Of A Down, At The Drive-In, Thin Lizzie, Deftones, and Tool.

Caution Boy

Somewhere between the highway & the railroads of the Moot (Pretoria, South Africa), smothered by its suburban industrial coma, came a one-man army (Andi Cappo), filled with punk screams, stoner basslines, pop grooves & screeching guitars. Caution Boy was born to tear your eardrums from your skull. It isn’t all mayhem though – Caution Boy also has a sensitive side, which can be seen during acoustic shows and on the acoustic album Misty Bedroom Blues (2017). What started as a one-man karaoke from hell, singing to his original pre-recorded backtracks, or playing solo sets acoustically, has evolved into a full live band that is set on setting souls ablaze with pure energy, passion & enthusiasm. The live band consists of Treveshan Pather (bass), Archie Kinnon (drums) & Andi Cappo (vocals & guitar).

https://www.facebook.com/sitthefolkdown
https://www.instagram.com/sitthefolkdown/

The Black Cat Bones, Book of Miriam (2022)

Shameless, “Impicabadala” (2021)