Gerald Clark, the nomadic Afro-Boer
After the release of recent album 'AfroBoer & The Golden Goose' Gerald Clark packed his tent and his 'Golden Goose' (his gf) and hit the road, embracing the nomadic life while touring the new album all over the country. We sent him a few questions to find out more.
What has the response to your latest album, 'AfroBoer & The Golden Goose' been like?
I've had amazing response so far. The album is selling very well at gigs and on iTunes, and I'm getting loads of messages on social media - especially on Facebook - about the album. Some people haven't taken the album out of their CD players since the launch. I've also had some very good response from influential people in the industry and have been booked on main stage Oppikoppi because of the album. I couldn't be happier. And the reviews have been very good so far too.
Why the album title?
It started off as just a name for our Afrikaans/funk DJ project and it had a good ring to it. So I've decided to call the album 'AfroBoer and the GoldenGoose'. I've also got a song on the album called How I Met The Golden Goose.
If you had to describe the album as a meal what would it be and why?
My favourite pizza from Ferinandos in Obs, Cape Town. It was made with love and experience. It has the backbone of goodness and truth and the ingredients are always fresh.
You recorded the album in a farmhouse in Wellington; what was that process like and how do you think that venue affected the sound?
It was fun being isolated on such a beautiful property with all the musos tuning into the sacred vibe of such an old farmhouse. I went horse riding every day after the recording, which freed my mind to a new creative process that allowed me to experiment with the sound on the album. The house itself was so old and had very thick walls that aren't completely straight, which allowed the sound to stay raw, unique, and created a kief drum sound.
Photo by Henry Engelbrecht
I hear you are living the nomadic lifestyle; how is that going, what are the best and worst parts about not living at a fixed abode?
Yes, the Golden Goose and I gave up our house and we're travelling the whole of South Africa. Seeing and experiencing the landscape and people every day – it's very exciting. The best part is that we now have the freedom to visit beautiful places in-between show dates without being restricted to her previous nine to five. There hasn't really been a worst part, but I guess I would say whenever we go to a city - it doesn't really accommodates the camper. But luckily we have some good friends in our lives.
What have been your favourite places to travel to?
Lesotho and Baviaanskloof. Lesotho was a great experience starting with the nerve-wracking Sani Pass. From there we had the pleasure of staying at a local woman's house, skateboarding the new road, horse riding, hiking and swimming in extremely cold pools. The people there are of a different calibre: they are humble and always friendly. Baviaanskloof has always been close to my heart. The last time we drove through the nature reserve we encountered massive herds of buffalo and stayed in a camp next to the river by ourselves. It was very special.
What have been some of your personal musical highlights?
I can't just name one. Every time I share the stage with good, talented musicians at a festival or theatre, and hearing on the radio. If the music hits the groove, it's most definitely the highlight.
What up-and-coming local acts are you into currently?
Sanni Fox, Gerry Liberty, and Bye Beneco.
What’s next?
There is loads coming up in the next few months. I'm playing Strab next week. It's my 10th year and I've decided to get there a little differently. I'm cycling from the border to the festival on a Silverback Single Scoop Fatbike, perfect for the dunes. Then I have the pleasure of performing at the Bush Fire festival in Swaziland.
I'm launching a music video soon, it's going to be great. And then, Oppikoppi main stage for a massive extravaganza!