The Parlotones
The Parlotones are a South African indie rock band from Johannesburg. Formed in 1998, the group consists of Kahn Morbee (vocals and rhythm guitar), Paul Hodgson (lead guitar), Glen Hodgson (bass guitar, keyboards, and backing vocals), and Neil Pauw (drums and percussion).[1] The Parlotones' early sound was rooted in Britpop, but eventually grew to incorporate a wider spectrum of musical genres. The lyrics focus on personal themes, of love and everyday life, paired with catchy melodies that engage their audience.
The Parlotones | |
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The Parlotones performing in 2011 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 1998–present |
| Labels |
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| Members |
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| Website | theparlotones |
Within four years, the band signed with Sovereign Entertainment and released their debut album Episoda. The Parlotones have released ten studio albums and are one of South Africa's best-selling music artists of all time, enjoying multi-platinum success.[2] They have won nine South African Music Awards, and, in 2009, were the first South African band to headline at the Coca-Cola Dome.[3] With their success, the band have championed many philanthropic causes, including The Little Wing Music Foundation, the Anene Booysen Foundation, and the Africa-Unite campaign.
History
Formation and early years (1998–2002)
The band formed in Johannesburg in the summer of 1998. Kahn Morbee (real name Dingaan) failed to start a band in high school, explaining that "no one ever gave me a chance", so he decided to enrol at the University of Johannesburg. Shortly after, he was introduced to Neil Pauw, who had attended the same high school in Roodepoort. On hearing Morbee's original songs, Neil realised they shared a music vision and they decided to start a band.[3] At university Kahn met Paul Hodgson, after they were removed from the campus library for playing guitar inside. The next day Kahn asked Paul to join the band. At the time, Paul's younger brother, Glen Hodgson was still in high school, but asked him to join as a bassist.[1] Their early sound was influenced by The Smiths, The Cure, and R.E.M., but their capability was described by Kahn as "punkish and squeaky", and settled on the punk-influenced band name "Crayon".[4]
In July 2002, well-known underground musician, John Boyd joined the band, adding synth elements and doing the band's on-stage engineer during live shows.[1] Around the same time, the band met Raphael Domalik and signed the band to his record label, Sovereign Entertainment. This prompted the band to change their name to something less "immature", as Kahn described it. They decided on The Parlotones, as a variation of Parlophone Records. A record label that had signed their biggest influences Radiohead, who expanded their early influence to include Travis and Jeff Buckley.[5] The group's first release, a South Africa-only EP entitled Superstars, was released in late-2002 and distributed it at performances.[citation needed]
Episoda, Borderline Patrol, and university radio (2003–2005)
"We had a great time in Andrew’s studio and I think you can hear it if you listen to the album. It was quite a rough recording and definitely doesn’t sound as polished as the later albums we recorded. We experimented with a lot of things that were new concepts to us."
By 2003 the band had become prominent in the Johannesburg underground music scene, and had garnered a "small, but loyal" fanbase. John met Andrew Lester, lead singer of 57, who had built his own home studio and had produced his band's debut album. After a short meeting with the rest of the band, Andrew agreed to record a full-length album for R 12,000 (equivalent to $2,405 in 2021). Their record label couldn't afford the studio time, so the band put their money together and went into the studio.[6] After a month, they released Episoda to praise from fellow bands and fans.[7]
At first, the album failed to appeal to national radio stations, like 5FM as it lacked "little commercial potential", explained Paul, and was "definitely too weird for mainstream radio".[6] However, the university radio stations put the album on "high rotation" and it became a regular top download on local music websites. Shortly after regional stations, like Highveld and East Coast Radio, add the song "Long Way Home" to their playlist, which became an "instant crowd-pleaser". This moderate success lead the band to tour in regional music festivals and guest television appearances, on shows like Jip and Good Morning Live.[8]
It was during this time, John decided to retire from music and pursue a career in marketing.[9] The band went on to record and release a second EP, Borderline Patrol, in late 2004.[10] The EP was well received by national radio stations with their first hit-single "Beautiful", charting successfully on 5FM. Closely followed by their second single "Here Comes a Man", a Boom Boom Room cover, entering the Top 20.[8] In April 2005, at a celebration for Cosmopolitan South Africa's twenty-one years of publishing, The Parlotones were invited to share the stage with eight bands.[11] In order to "stand out and be remembered" and fit with the party theme "vintage glam", Kahn suggested the band apply A Clockwork Orange inspired tears with mascara.[3] Kahn later spoke about how he desired a "trademark", noting how he was influenced by "Robert Smith's lipstick [and] Morrissey's quaff".[12]
RadioControlledRobot to now (2005–2009)
The first album to reach mainstream success was their second release, Radiocontrolledrobot through Sovereign Entertainment, which came out in July 2005.[13] It was produced by Dave Birch at Tropical Sweat Studios in Durban, South Africa.[14][15] The album won the "Best Rock Album" award at the 2006 South African Music Awards.[16] The ballad "Beautiful" was used in an Irish Fujifilm television commercial, which led to a European licence deal with Universal Music.[17] The album achieved Gold status in 2007.[18] Their next album, A World Next Door to Yours, was released in September 2007;[13] and became biggest-selling South African rock album of that decade.[19][20] Sign with Universal Music.[21]
They are spokespersons for both Live Earth and Earth Hour, along with Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, Prince Charles, and Rihanna.[22][23][24][25]
Life Design to Stand Like Giants (2009–2015)
The Parlotones' video to the single "Life Design", from their third studio album Stardust Galaxies; was added on MTV Europe. [26]
In 2009, the Parlotones played the Midem Talent Showcase in Cannes, France, where they met the American band Blue October. The Parlotones were subsequently invited to play their first US tour as the opening act on Blue October's Pick Up the Phone Tour for their Approaching Normal album. The match-up proved successful and the Parlotones have gone on to play several more US tours as headliners.
The band performed at the 2010 FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Celebration concert along with Black Eyed Peas, Alicia Keys, and Shakira.
The Parlotones also recorded a song with the lead singer of Freshlyground, Zolani Mahola, called "Stardust Galaxies".
The Parlotones staged an original rock theatre production, Dragonflies and Astronauts, which was broadcast live around the world in 3D via DIRECTV and in 2D on Facebook. The 3D broadcast was so well received in the United States that the satellite provider scheduled 100 re-airings, while more than half of the worldwide viewership on Facebook was from the US. Dragonflies and Astronauts featured songs from the band's catalogue, including 16 songs that were Top 40 hits in South Africa.[citation needed]
Their song "Rock Paper Scissors", featured on the popular American TV series One Tree Hill.[27]
In October 2011, The Parlotones were the opening act for the Cape Town and Johannesburg concerts of Coldplay's tour to South Africa.[28][29]
In February 2012, The Parlotones were introduced to radio programmers, music supervisors and other industry executives at Michele Clark's Sunset Sessions event in San Diego, CA. They also showcased at the South by Southwest festival in March 2012 and their song "Honey" subsequently charted at the Triple-A radio format. They also participated at the Sunset Sessions Rock event in June 2012. Michele Clark became their US manager and was featured in The Parlotone's movie "This is Our Story".
In September 2012, it was announced that the band was officially moving to Los Angeles, California. [30][31][32] The Parlotones relocated to the US in January 2013. The band played two sold-out farewell shows at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and Ellis Park Stadium. The first venue the band played at following their move was The Viper Room in Los Angeles.[33] They toured the US consistently and continued to have success with radio and music supervisors.
In 2014, the band joined both the Sunset Sessions and SXSW industry festivals again before touring Europe and heading back to South Africa.
After 12 years alongside record/management label, Sovereign Entertainment, The Parlotones officially announced their departure from both their record label and South African manager on 10 July 2014. [34]
Later that year, they announced that all touring was postponed until further notice due to lead singer Kahn Morbee having vocal cord complications requiring surgery.[35] Performances missed as a result of the surgery included a fundraising concert for the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital in August 2014.[36] The Parlotones resumed touring in 2015 in support of their new album Antiques & Artifacts in a 21 concert South African tour running from April to May.[37][38] In September 2015, Morbee was announced as one of the coaches for the South African version of The Voice.[39]
Trinkets, Relics & Heirlooms and China (2016–present)
In 2016, the band released the album Trinkets, Relics and Heirlooms. It consisted of new songs from The Parlotones, as well solo recordings from Kahn Morbee and from his side project with Glen Hodgson, Lost & Found.
In 2017, the band issued the live album Orchestrated, which featured orchestral renditions of their previous songs.[40]
The band was nominated for 23rd South African Music Awards for their album Trinkets, Relics & Heirlooms for Best Rock Album and Best Duo or Group of the Year.[41]
In July 2018, the band announced their tenth studio album China, with the first single released being "Can You Feel It?". The album was notable for the band experimenting with their sound, with Kahn describing it as a "new, yet familiar sound to all of our fans".[42] The album was released on 20 July 2018, seeing an international release by the next year.[43][44] Other singles for the album were released, with the latest being "Beautiful Life" on 20 March 2020.[45]
In 2019, the band toured by South Africa on "The Unplugged(Ish) Tour" for their compilation Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue.[46]
In December 11, 2020, the band released a Christmas album named Strike the Harp.[47][48]
Awards and nominations
| Awards | Year | Category | Nominated Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South African Music Awards[49] | 2006 | Best Rock Album | Radiocontrolledrobot | Won |
| YOU Magazine Awards[49] | 2007 | Best Band | The Parlotones | Won |
| FHM Reader's Choice (South Africa)[49] | Best Band | The Parlotones | Won | |
| MK89 Awards[50] | Best Video | Beautiful | Nominated | |
| RESFest[16] | Best Video | Beautiful | Nominated | |
| Caxton's Best of Joburg[49] | Best Band | The Parlotones | Won | |
| People's Choice Awards (South Africa)[49] | 2008 | Best Music Act | The Parlotones | Won |
| The Loeries[49] | Craft Award | I'll Be There | Won | |
| MTV Africa Awards[49] | Best Group | The Parlotones | Nominated | |
| Best Alternative | ||||
| International Songwriting Competition[51] | Music Video | Overexposed | 1 | |
| Performance | Giant Mistake | 2 | ||
| Music Video | I'll Be There | Honourable Mention | ||
| MK Awards[49] | 2009 | Best Video | I'll Be There | Won |
| Best Animation | ||||
| Best Serenade | ||||
| South African Music Awards[52][53] | Best Music Video | Overexposed | Won | |
| Record of the Year | I'll Be There | Nominated | ||
| Best Global Chart DVD | Unplugged | Nominated | ||
| International Songwriting Competition[51] | Music Video | Push Me to the Floor | 2 | |
| Rock | Life Design | Honourable Mention | ||
| Music Video | ||||
| South African Music Awards[54] | 2010 | Record of the Year | Push Me to the Floor | Nominated |
| Best Rock Album: English | Stardust Galaxies | Won | ||
| Best Music Video | Push Me to the Floor | Won | ||
| International Songwriting Competition[51] | Rock | Life Design | 1 | |
| Music Video | Honourable Mention | |||
| Music Video | Stars Fall Down | 2 | ||
| Adult Album Alternative | Honourable Mention | |||
| Performance | We Call This Dancing | Honourable Mention | ||
| Adult Contemporary | Remember When | Honourable Mention | ||
| South African Music Awards[55] | 2011 | Best Music Video | Stars Fall Down | Won |
| Life Design | Nominated | |||
| Best Selling DVD | Live Design | Won | ||
| Best Global Chart DVD | Won | |||
| Best Rock Album: English | Nominated | |||
| South African Music Awards[56] | 2012 | Best Music Video | It's Magic | Won |
| International Songwriting Competition[51] | Music Video | Honey Spiders | 1 | |
| Adult Album Alternative | Honey Spiders | Honourable Mention | ||
| South African Music Awards[57][58] | 2013 | Best Music Video | Honey Spiders | Won |
| Best Live DVD | Dragonflies and Astronauts | Nominated | ||
| MTV Africa Awards[59] | 2014 | Best Alternative | The Parlotones | Nominated |
| South African Music Awards[60][61] | Music Video of the Year | Sleepwalker | Won | |
| Best Rock Album | Stand Like Giants | Nominated | ||
| Best Collaboration | Sleepwalker | Nominated | ||
| Duo or Group of the Year | The Parlotones | Nominated | ||
| South African Music Awards[41] | 2017 | Best Rock Album | Trinkets, Relics & Heirlooms | Nominated |
| Best Duo or Group of the Year | Trinkets, Relics & Heirlooms | Nominated | ||
| South African Music Awards[62] | 2019 | Best Rock Album | China | Nominated |
| Best Music Video | "Beautiful Life" | Nominated |
Wine brand
On 16 September 2009, The Parlotones together with Hands on Wine[63] released a red wine, "Giant Mistake", named after their single from the album, A World Next Door to Yours. The wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (54%), Shiraz (23%), Pinotage (12%), and Cabernet Franc (11%).[64]
In April 2010 a white wine, "Push Me to the Floor", was released, named after their single from the album Stardust Galaxies. The wine is a blend of Chenin blanc (60%), Gewürztraminer (15%), Chardonnay (20%,) and Viognier (5%).[65]
On 5 October 2010 a rosé, "We Call This Dancing", was released, named after the song from Stardust Galaxies. The wine is a blend of Wellington Pinotage (55%), Wellington Shiraz (25%), and a balance – a blend of 30 different varietals from the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley near Hermanus (20%).[66]
Band members
Principal members
- Kahn Morbee – lead vocals, rhythm guitar (1998–present)
- Paul Hodgson – lead guitar, keyboards (1998–present)
- Glen Hodgson – bass guitar, piano, backing vocals (1998–present)
- Neil Pauw – drums, percussion (1998–present)
- Rob Davidson – keyboards (2018–present)
Early members
- John Boyd – synth, sound effects (2002–2004)
Kahn Morbee (2010)
Paul Hodgson (2010)
Glen Hodgson (2010)
Neil Pauw (2010)
Discography
Studio albums
- Episoda (Sovereign Entertainment, 2003)
- Radiocontrolledrobot (Sovereign Entertainment, 2005)
- A World Next Door to Yours (Sovereign Entertainment, 2007)
- Stardust Galaxies (Sovereign Entertainment, 2009)
- Eavesdropping on the Songs of Whales (Sovereign Entertainment, 2011)
- Journey Through the Shadows (Sovereign Entertainment, 2012)
- Stand Like Giants (Sovereign Entertainment, 2013)
- Antiques & Artefacts (Gallo, 2015)
- Trinkets, Relics & Heirlooms (Gallo, 2016)
- China (Gallo, 2018)
- Strike the Harp (Gallo, 2020)
References
- ^ a b c "Biography : The Parlotones". Spirit of Rock. Retrieved 23 March 2016.
- ^ "The Parlotones, The Daylights, Farewell Typewriter". San Jose. Retrieved 23 March 2016.
- ^ a b c Marais, Rick (22 October 2014). "The Parlotones frontman tells his story". Roodepoort Northsider. Retrieved 23 March 2016.
- ^ Scott, Katy (20 February 2015). "The Parlotones UK and Ireland Tour". The South African. Retrieved 6 December 2015.
- ^ Nevitt, Lisa. "Kahn Morbee at the Zip Zap Circus Charity Event". CapeTownMagazine. Retrieved 6 December 2015.
- ^ a b c Hodgson, Paul (20 August 2015). "Recording Episoda". Paul Hodgson's Blog. Retrieved 23 March 2016.
- ^ Mkele, Yolisa (22 May 2015). "Local Legends: Would you take 'em home?". TimesLive. Retrieved 6 December 2015.
- ^ a b . Women24. 29 August 2005. Archived from the original on 6 April 2016. Retrieved 23 March 2016.
- ^ Gedye, Lloyd (20 July 2007). "Rabbit in the headlights". Mail and Guardian. Retrieved 23 March 2016.
- ^ de Olim, Charles (28 July 2005). . Tonight. Zaire. Archived from the original on 19 September 2008. Retrieved 17 September 2009.
- ^ "Cosmo 21st Birthday bash". BizCommunity. 20 April 2005. Retrieved 23 March 2016.
- ^ Davis, Andy (9 June 2011). "Should we just shallow our pride?". Mahala. Retrieved 23 March 2016.
- ^ a b . Archived from the original on 22 February 2010.
- ^ Mail & Guardian, Perfect Control, September 2, 2005
- ^ All Music, Radio Controlled Robot, April 2, 2007
- ^ a b "The Parlotones: 8th Annual Program – Pop/Rock Song IMA Nominee / Video IMA Nominee". MUSIC RESOURCE GROUP LLC.
Key acknowledgements include Best Rock Album 2006 at South African Music Awards, Best Music Act – People's Choice Awards 2008, Best Band – You Awards 2007, FHM Readers Choice 2007, Best Video MK Awards 2007, Best Video nomination Resfest 2007.
- ^ The Parlotones Bio, MTV, Retrieved
- ^ "Parlotones Biography". MTV. Retrieved 10 February 2016.
- ^ "The Parlotones: South African Rock Hits the US". HuffPost. 17 January 2013. Retrieved 15 October 2014.
- ^ "The Parlotones official website". Retrieved 15 October 2014.
- ^ . Pressportal.co.za. Archived from the original on 2 November 2012. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
- ^ "Live Earth South Africa in Johannesburg 15-October-2014". Retrieved 15 October 2014.
- ^ "Parlotones: goodbyes, Grammys then US tour". Retrieved 15 October 2014.
- ^ "Artslink.co.za – The Parlotones – a rocking good time". Artslink. Retrieved 15 October 2014.
- ^ SABC. "SABC News – Parlotones get ready for SA farewell tour :Monday 26 November 2012". Retrieved 15 October 2014.
- ^ "Parlotones single, a hit in Europe". Retrieved 15 October 2014.
- ^ "One Tree Hill Music". One Tree Hill Web. Retrieved 9 March 2012.
- ^ Slender Fungus (5 October 2011). . Coldplay. Archived from the original on 8 May 2012. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
- ^ "Parlotones To 'Journey Through The Shadows'". Pollstar. 16 October 2011. Archived from the original on 7 September 2012. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
- ^ "The Parlotones moving to Los Angeles". Channel. Retrieved 15 October 2014.
- ^ "The Parlotones are set to relocate to America :: Media Update". Retrieved 15 October 2014.
- ^ "The Parlotones Are Moving To America – Rolling Stone South Africa". Retrieved 15 October 2014.
- ^ Vomo, Munyaradzi (14 January 2013). "Parlotones say 'so long' at sold-out shows". IOL News. Retrieved 6 December 2015.
- ^ "THE PARLOTONES PART WAYS WITH RECORD LABEL". The Parlotones. Retrieved 15 October 2014.
- ^ "The Parlotones touring postponed – lead singer to have vocal cord operation". TimesLive. 31 July 2015. Retrieved 6 December 2015.
- ^ "Mandela fundraising performance by The Parlotones postponed". Channel24. 7 August 2014. Retrieved 8 December 2015.
- ^ Roets, Adriaan (9 June 2015). "The Parlotones are back". The Citizen. Retrieved 6 December 2015.
- ^ "New album announced, Antiques & Artefacts". The Parlotones. Retrieved 6 December 2015.
- ^ Roets, Adriaan (28 September 2015). "Meet The Voice SA coaches". The Citizen. Retrieved 9 December 2015.
- ^ "THE PARLOTONES ORCHESTRATED DVD AND CD IS OUT NOW". recordingstudios.co.za. 12 April 2017.
- ^ a b "Here are all the SAMA23 nominees". SABC 1. 21 April 2017.
- ^ "The Parlotones announce brand new album 'China'". Gallo Record Company. 7 July 2018.
- ^ "South African Indie Rock/Pop Band The Parlotones Release New Album, 'China'". Ok!Good Records. 28 June 2019.
- ^ "The Parlotones released their album 'China' through Butler Records on the 29th of March 2019". Butler Records. 29 March 2019.
- ^ "The Parlotones release new single, "Beautiful Life" along with an exclusive B-Side "Maya" on 20 March via OK!Good Records". Ok!Good Records. 20 March 2020.
- ^ "The Parlotones Release Cinematic Video For 'Antidote'". Underground Press. 19 July 2019.
- ^ "EXCLUSIVE: Local legends The Parlotones have released a Christmas album!". East Coast Radio. 11 December 2020.
- ^ "The Parlotones announce Christmas album, 'Strike the Harp'". Jacaranda FM. 11 December 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Parlotones Biography 2016" (PDF). The Parlotones. The Parlotones. Retrieved 16 March 2016.[dead link]
- ^ "MK89 Award wenners". Channel24. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
- ^ a b c d "International Songwriting Competition Previous Winners". International Songwriting Competition. Retrieved 9 March 2012.
- ^ "SAMA 2009: All the Winners". Channel24. 29 April 2009. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
- ^ "SAMA Nominations 2009". SAPromo Magazine. 20 March 2009. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
- ^ "2010 SAMA Winners". Channel24. 18 April 2010. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
- ^ "SAMA 2011 nominees announced". Channel24. 14 April 2011. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
- ^ "First SAMA winners announced". Channel24. 30 April 2012. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
- ^ "SAMA 2013 nominees announced". Channel24. 20 March 2013. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
- ^ Cloete, E. "The Official MTN SAMA 2013 Winners List!". MTN Blog. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
- ^ "Mafikizolo, Uhuru, Davido lead nominations for MTV Africa Music Awards". Sowetan LIVE. Retrieved 17 April 2014.
- ^ "A full list of all the 2014 SAMA nominees". Channel24. 13 March 2014. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
- ^ "Here are all the 2014 Sama winners". Channel24. 28 April 2014. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
- ^ "All the 2019 SAMA nominees". Biz Community. 26 April 2019.
- ^ . Handsonwine.net. Archived from the original on 12 July 2012. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
- ^ Kavita (10 August 2010). . The Parlotones Wine. Archived from the original on 8 February 2013. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
- ^ . The Parlotones Wine. Archived from the original on 8 February 2013. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
- ^ . The Parlotones Wine. Archived from the original on 11 February 2013. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
External links
- Official Website