#MusicExchange: Sean Koch Trio

31 Oct 2017

The Sean Koch Trio call themselves a folk, acoustic, reggae, ambient, singer-songwriter band with three band members, namely Sean Koch, who's guitar and vocals, Shaun Cloete, who's bass, lead guitar and keys; and Ross Hillier, who's on drums and percussion.

Koch, a young, talented musician and songwriter, born in Kommetjie, Cape Town. His music is a fusion of alternative folk, naturally blended into a foot-tapping, fun-loving country surf style. Playing the djembe from an early age taught him the rhythm and beat which subtly speaks through his smooth guitar riffs and softly sung lyrics. It is this fresh and individual sound which has garnered the band and himself a rapid breakthrough into the incredibly rich and diverse CT music scene. The band will be touring in Europe in 2018.

I spoke to Koch to find out more about what music means to him and more…

When are you happiest?

When it’s warm and the sun’s shining, with fun waves and good positive company around! I would say I'm ‘in my element’ then…

What does music mean to you?

At the moment… everything! As passionate as I am about it and fun as it still is, it’s become my fulltime job.

Waking up every morning and going to bed every evening with new ideas, melodies and lyrics in my head. It’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever experienced by being able to put together a piece of music that fulfills me and resonates with others.

Have you had any funny moments on stage?

A marathon of sneezes half way through our last song when people were in it. Wasn’t very convenient at the time but pretty funny! Ha-ha

Which person do you admire most and why?

Madiba, he brought about the biggest change SA has ever had. Peace and equality. I admire him for that.

What is your most treasured possession?

My VW Caddy, I love cruising up the coast in it and sleeping in it. It has an awning that comes off the side, which we pull out for a bit of shade. It’s my little mobile home.

It’s your round, what are you drinking?

Beer! The biggest beers you got!

What is the song you wish you had written?

Would have to be Bob Marley’s Natural Mystic. It’s always been one of my favorite tunes since I was a kid.

What would your dream gig be?

Coachella

What makes you stand out?

My hair when it’s washed. It’s long and curly and goes full Afro. ha-ha

What are your nicknames?

‘Stiff’ and ‘Seani’ still seems to stick. I will always be their baby in a lot of people’s eyes ;)

If you were not a musician, what would you do?

I’ve been thinking a lot about sustainable energy, which would be pretty cool to do if this wasn’t the mission. Also, some kind of healing practice like chiro or physiotherapy.

What would your five desert island discs be?

Angus and Julia Stone, Bob Marley, Bonobo, Milky Chance, the Black Keys, and Jose Gonzales

Who do you love?

I did love my guinea pig, Mason but had to give him up for adoption because I was hardly home. But it’s my family and friends now and anyone who comes into my life. Love is a beautiful thing!

What is your favorite word?

Laka!

Could you give us some real proper slang and what it means?

Suck a couple ‘wettties’ (drink some beers)

What is at the top of your bucket list?

Record a full-length 12-track album that we will tour in Europe in 2018

What do you complain about most often?

People throwing their cigarettes out the window. I’ve had some road rage come out in me because of that, especially when there have been so many fires!