#MusicExchange: Ruff Majik release first single for new album The Devil's Cattle

The track is a high octane, riff fuelled round-house kick to the head, but in a good way. When asked to comment on the inspiration behind the track, vocalist and guitarist Johni Holiday laughed: “Sometimes you just want fast.”

I caught up with Holiday last week.

The new decade means:

Nothing specific. Time is an illusion.

Fame is about:

For me, I would hope it's about the recognition of art.

Retirement will happen when:

Most likely when I'm dead. And that isn't any time soon.

I don't do:

Naps. In fact, I like to limit sleeping to the bare minimum.

© Christelle Duvenage Photography

© Christelle Duvenage Photography

What does music mean to you?

 It's a hard question to answer in short. Music is what keeps me moving, which keeps the gears turning. It's a religion.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?

Getting to play music live with my friends all around the world.

Any funny moments on stage?

Yeah, a few. But memorably, we once smoked a little too much of the Devil's lettuce before going on stage. I remember standing on stage, watching our bassist play the intro to one of our songs, and thinking: “Woah, that's a fantastic riff. We should do something with that riff someday – I really want to learn how to play it.” Well, turns out it was a riff that I wrote, and I'd missed my cue completely.

Your heroes?

Another tough one, as there are many in all spectrums of life. If we're talking strictly musical, I'd say Josh Homme or Jack White for their work ethic and influence. If we're talking overall, I'd say, my dad, for the same reasons.

What is your most treasured possession?

The guitar my dad built for me.

It’s your round, what are you drinking?

A nice glass of scotch. Neat.

Dream gig to do:

I've managed to do a lot of them already, and it seems there will be chances for more in the future. But right now, the next one's on my bucket list are the Reading or Download main stage.

What makes you stand out?

Musically, I think the band stands out because we fuse a bunch of different genres but always keep it high octane and fun. Physically, I'd say we stand out because our fashion sense is terrible.

© Christelle Duvenage Photography

Nicknames?

Johni Holiday is, in fact, my nickname. The question is: What's my real name?

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

I wanted to become an archaeologist actually – but then I got a guitar when I was 13, and that was it.

Pick five words to describe yourself?

Aggressively motivated and stubborn. Also, bad at following directions.

Five favourite SA albums of all time:

K.O.B.U.S. - Swaar Metaal
Hugh Masekela – The Emancipation of Hugh Masekela
Fokofpolisiekar – Lugsteuring
aKing – Dutch Courage
Jan Blohm – Melkstraat Confessions

What is your favourite word?

Am I allowed to include swear words? Hahahahaha. Let's go with Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia.

Favourite fashion garment:

The velvet bell-bottoms that my wife made for me.

Give us some real proper slang and what it means:

Boet – not meant to describe a brother, but to jokingly refer to a subculture of battle-ready bar crawlers. For reference, see “Boet Fighter”.

Your greatest achievement:

Taking a garage band and turning it into an international touring band.

What do you complain about most often?

The fact that hangovers seem to get worse and worse each year.

What is your fear?

I have many, but if I have to narrow it down – I absolutely hate flying.

Happiness is:

Being onstage ripping through a set-list.

On stage I tend to:

Become a whole different person. Johni is the alter ego. So I do a lot of stuff that I wouldn't usually do.

The best life lesson you have been taught:

No matter how much you plan, the universe can always screw you over at the last minute. That's not always a bad thing though, but it's always humbling.

Where would you like to be right now?

Somewhere in Bavaria.

Wishes and dreams:

Win a Grammy?

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