Carstens prevails
18 Jul 2014
Arno Carstens, best known as rock god of iconic SA band Springbok Nude Girls, has recently released his fifth solo album: "Lightning Prevails". We sent him a few questions to find out more.
Could you walk us through the recording process for "Lightning Prevails"? Sounds like the end product was quite different to the initial intentions you had.I felt the need to do an album for the people who come to my acoustic shows, which of late have outnumbered the full band shows. I thought an album of my biggest hits done in an acoustic fashion would be pleasing to me and my audience, but little did I know that the process would be so laborious. Soon after Dan Roberts and I commenced, we killed it dead in its tracks and a new album took shape; one that was not totally devoid of the original thought, but maybe just a bit more advanced. Now it consisted of two cover versions, remakes of Another Universe and the Nude Girls' Bubblegum On My Boots and some brand new tracks with some amazing artists.
What was it like working with Dan Roberts?
Dan is a brilliant producer and musician with a cinematic ear who sees a story in the artist and the song at hand. This gift comes in very handy if you offer yourself out to be a producer. His objectivity guided me to a new musical reality.
Why the title?
Along with the actual song it sums up the album in sound and feel and is a powerful statement.
If you could describe the album in one word, what would it be?
Naked.
What's your favourite track off the album and why?
Lightning prevails. It's a sound I'm into at the moment and a very good song with a great brass performance.
How has the album been received so far?
Surprisingly well.
This is your fifth solo album, the same number of albums that Spingbok Nude Girls released. Would you say that going solo is more where your passion lies now rather than being in a band?
No and yes. I love both.
You have quite the catalogue of musical high points and moments; what have been some of your top memories as a musician?
The elation of good news when you have been working hard on something that you don't know if the audience would like is great plus; the surreal phone calls that catch you by surprise, like "do you wanna play a gig with The Rolling Stones or U2".
Great to see your artwork adorning your latest album. How did you get into art and painting? Has this always been something you have been interested in and is it something you will continue with?
I have always painted, just not so publicly - and, yes, I'd like to continue with it in my own time.
Front man, solo artist, actor and artist, you're quite the Renaissance man. What's next?
I'd like to pursue more of the same and always try to make better music. Fingers crossed.
