Alice Phoebe Lou returns

How has living and performing in Berlin influenced your music?

Berlin has an incredible music scene in the sense that there is a really strong and uplifting community of artists and I find there to be so many genuine intentions in the way people approach making art, not just for commercial or profit orientated goals, but for something deeper and more real.

Image by Robert Paul Kothe

How has the experience of busking and performing on the street formed you as a musician?

Being surrounded by this wholesome artistic community, especially the street music community, from a young age really shaped the way that I make music, my ideals and how I structure my career in order for it to be individualised to my goals and ideas, rather than a prescribed formula. I feel strong and proud of my independence and I have a different way of viewing success than what one believes growing up. When someone tells me that they wish me success in the future, I tell them thank you, but I feel successful right now. I am travelling with my music, employing my friends and running my own business. That is success to me.

Why the decision to return to Cape Town?

Cape Town is home and always will be. I was never running away from anything and I love it here. I make sure to come back here at least three months a year, as it’s good for the soul and helps me stay connected to important things like friends and family. I’m incredibly proud of the huge things that my friends are a part of right now in terms of uplifting the music scene here and I am always incredibly happy to come home and see the leaps and bounds that are happening here musically.

Image by Lucas Fiederling

What are your thoughts on our local music scene?

I think that in the past, there was not enough support for local artists. People complaining about paying 50 bucks to go see a good and established band. People only going to a concert cause it’s the hippest thing in town, and then talking loudly through an entire acoustic set. These things are still a problem, but I feel like people are getting it more and more. Radios are starting to support the local scene. People are starting to understand the worth of supporting local concerts. And there are so many things worth supporting!

If you had to describe your album Orbit as a meal what would it be and why?

Haha, this is a great question! I would definitely describe it as one of those 10 course gourmet vibes, where each course is paired with a special wine and has some sort of story and you would have to sit down and experience it from start to finish to understand it all. Also, it would be vegan and supporting the local community ;)

What was it like supporting Rodriguez?

It was a huge surprise and an incredible experience of course. I was very grateful for the opportunity of being able to spread my music on that level in South Africa, but it also made me aware that playing big stadium shows to 12,000 people is not where I want my career to go, as I much prefer more intimate and connected atmospheres.

How did it come about that you played at TEDxBerlin?

Like many incredible opportunities that have fallen in place the last few years, someone simply saw me playing on the street and thought I’d be good for the job.

What current local acts have got you excited?

Ufff, there’s so much magic happening! My top South African artists right now are: Thor Rixon, Gourmet, Cute Couple, Bongeziwe Mabandla, Felix Laband, Amy Ayanda, Fever Trails and Bateleur.

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by people and businesses that are creating their own thing and fiercely independent as opposed to prescribing to structures that are already created. I’m inspired by artistic communities that are uplifting and supportive of each other rather than competitive. I’m inspired by artists that use their platform to spread ideas and speak up for what they believe in.

What scares you?

The political climate right now and the rise in the right-wing political parties. They are using a currency of fear and hatred to manipulate the masses for their own personal profit, protecting big businesses and corporations while making education and medical care something more and more difficult to reach for the masses. This is not some hippie bullshit. This is something that is happening all around the world. And I admire artists and people in the public eye that are standing up to it.

What’s next?

I have an incredible band right now that I am so happy with! We will be playing some shows in Cape Town and Joburg and then festivals and shows around Europe and the USA this year. I have also set aside time for recording my next album, which I am really excited about!

Image by Robert Paul Kothe

Alice Phoebe Lou will be touring Cape Town this month check the line-up below:

Cape Town lineup

Date: Thursday, 2 February 2016
Venue: Cape Town Central Methodist Church
Address: Longmarket Street and Burg Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000
Time: 19.00
Line Up: Alice Phoebe Lou & Olmo (Germany)
Entrance: R150
Tickets
Facebook Event

Date: Friday, 3 February 2016
Venue: Cape Town Central Methodist Church
Address: Longmarket Street and Burg Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000
Time: 19.00
Line Up: Alice Phoebe Lou & Olmo (Germany)
Entrance: R150
Tickets
Facebook Event

Date: Sunday, 5 February 2016
Venue: The Goodluck Bar
Address: 1 Fox Street, Johannesburg, 2048
Time: 16.00 - 21.00
Line-Up: Alice Phoebe Lou, Bongeziwe Mabandla, Kajama
Entrance: R120
Tickets
Facebook Event

www.alicephoebelou.com