Autopilot, rocking it in style
Cape Town pop/rock act Autopilot, consisting of Brigette Greybe (vocals), Shane Coomber (guitar/vocals), Kevin Sykes (guitar), Wihan “Dutch” Pretorius (bass) and Nicholas Oebell (drums) is standing tall in the South African music scene. Having won the Battle of the Bands competition at Ku De Ta, Tyger Valley in 2008, signing a major sponsorship deal with Jagemeister shortly thereafter and gigging alongside the likes of Prime Circle and Stealing Love Jones in recent months, has put Autopilot in the driving seat.
This year promises to be an exceptional one for the band with Autopilot already having been confirmed for the Plett Garden Party in July and the Grahamstown Festival the same month. Autopilot will be sharing these stages with the biggest bands in the country. A national tour which will see the band visit East London, Durban, Gauteng and Bloemfontein, amongst others, will follow suit.
These Cape Town rockers are currently in studio with Charles Murder and Theo Crous recording their debut full length album, ‘A Broken Word', scheduled for country-wide release in the coming months. Music has and always will go hand in hand with popular fashion trends. Musicians have always been big influences on youth culture for many decades and Autopilot is thus embracing this philosophy in promoting their new brand of merchandise.
Autopilot's new, Jagermeister sponsored brand of clothing, will be promoted through a fashion show hosted by the Ku De Ta and Rokafelaz night clubs in Edward Street, Bellville on 28 May 2009.
This event comprises a host of exciting features with etv's Paul Snodgrass as MC. Autopilot's merchandise will be modelled by some of Cape Town's new young faces, and together with new-comer fashion designers ‘Demelza', ‘Snortis Tortis' and jewelry maker ‘Heart Africa', promises to be a remarkable show.
‘Demelza' is a new and upcoming label started by Sarah Hareb, winner of 2008's Damelin College Fashion Show. Her look for the first range is inspired by current trends, which have been played around with to create something unique. There is a lot of use of oversized pockets, buttons, colourful lining, rouging and low cowl necks. The colour pallet for her range includes blues, greys, black and orange.
‘Demelza' believes that fashion should be fun; getting dressed should also be fun and being comfortable shouldn't cost looking good. Demelza adds: “Everybody should enjoy making their own look and style, regardless of trends, and should wear what makes them feel beautiful, because it will change the way they present themselves. I strongly believe being comfortable in your own skin is made easier when looking and feeling great. That sentiment has a strong influence on my designs.”
‘Demelza' is also Autopilot's official stylist and has recently worked with the band on their photo shoot for their upcoming album. Snortis Tortis, the new brand by Nicholas Davids, is about freedom of expression. He believes in being one's self with no rules and an “everything goes” philosophy, “It's about funky retro colours within you as an individual.”
This designer draws inspiration from every day life and the manner in which people create their own style. A lot of his inspiration also comes from his father, who has been in the clothing industry for more than 30 years, “I always wanted to create my own label as a kid and to see people enjoying my clothing, creating individuality through my trends”.
Snortis Tortis believes in having a goal and to be focused, “By focusing on our dreams and aspirations and giving it our all we can achieve anything.”
Jewelry maker, Bronwyn Booysen, owner of ‘Heart Africa' will be fitting all models involved in the fashion show with her unique jewelry. This new artist draws inspiration from the people that encircle her life and the beauty that she finds through the many different cultures in South Africa and Africa as a whole, “Love it with your whole heart, which is my motto and inspiration to ‘Heart Africa'. If anyone loves Africa as much as I do, they will surely love my designs.”
The evening will begin with models showcasing the new Autopilot branded clothing, consisting of T-shirts (male and female), long tops, beanies, g-strings, boxers and military caps. This will be followed by the exposition of designs from ‘Demelza' and ‘Snortis Tortis'. Attendees will then be entertained with a live performance from Autopilot.
This event will also be filmed live for etv's Showbiz Report with certain local celebrities on the guest list. Tickets are R50 pre-sold and R60 at the door. VIP tickets are available at R100 a piece and include gift bags with Jagermeister and Autopilot goodies. Tickets can be purchased from Ku De Ta and Rokafelaz night clubs (021 910 2002) or alternatively at 084 439 9326 or mail@autopilot.co.za. All Autopilot, ‘Demelza', ‘Snortis Tortis' and ‘Heart Africa' designs will be available for purchase on the night.
For more information on the event and Autopilot, visit the band at www.autopilot.co.za and connect to their Facebook pages and MySpace profile.
Autopilot Fashion Show '09:
Venue: Ku De Ta & Rokafelaz
Address: 112 Bloemhof Building, Edward Street, Bellville
Date: 28 May 2009
Time: 19:00 for 19:30
Tickets: R50 pre-sold / R60 at door / R100 VIP
Contact: 084 439 9326 or or Ku De Ta / Rokafelaz (021 910 2002)
Artists: Autopilot / Demelza / Snortis Tortis / Heart Africa
MC: Paul Snodgrass
Sponsors: Jagermeister, Platinum Audio & Visual, Alter Collective
Autopilot Photo: Murray Gough
