#MusicExchange: Arno Carstens releases new single

During the lockdown, Carstens kept himself busy in his home studio, writing and recording new music. Following on from the singles of 2019 and early 2020, Carstens is offering fans of “Out of the Blue” and “Empire of the Night” more of where that came from.

Working remotely with Fred den Hartog and Dane Taylor of Taylor Soundworks, Carstens says this of the new track: “Go Easy Love” is a confessional song, the reflections of an unhappy partner; it’s about a relationship that’s on the edge and yet still salvageable through simultaneous acts of selflessness and tenderness.”

“Although the song is pretty straight forward, it still had its challenges, especially working around our collective lockdown restrictions. That said, we managed to deliver a fun, emotionally complex and beat-driven song that a lot of people will possibly relate to.”

“Go Easy Love” forms part of a 10-part collage of music that Carstens will continue to release over the remaining months of 2020. The previous releases of 2019, which include the tracks “Lift my Spirit”, “Empire of the Night” (a finalist at the 2019 US International Songwriting Competition), “Don’t Let it Be”, “Out of the Blue”, “Midnight Screams” and “Erupt” will be included in this eclectic assembly.

To celebrate not only the launch of the new single but also the amazing spirit of South Africa in general, coming together during this otherwise devastating year, Carstens has put together a four-part storytelling and live music performance series that explores the themes of inspiration and collaboration.

The Carstens And Co. Lab series has its final show on 3 October 2020.

Carstens, along with a guest artist, performs in an intimate setting, exploring the stories behind the music.

The event will be filmed live at Lionel Smit Studio in Cape Town, South Africa.

Tickets cost R150 and are available now through Webtickets and will be available to watch, globally. The performances will be available on-demand for 72 hours after the event.

I caught up with the sublime Carstens last week.

The new decade means:

Embracing change, moving forward.

Fame is about:

Perception.

Retirement will happen when:

I had a taste of retirement in lockdown and realised that I’ve actually been retired for years now. I love what I do. There is nothing to retire from.

I don't do:

Extreme sport.

What does music mean to you?

It's been a very generous friend to me. I always think of it as an unfathomable mathematical equation, the melodies twisting and turning, empowering great statements or stories. Writing songs is like being dropped in the middle of the ocean. You can swim in any direction but it does not mean you are always going to reach land.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?

Creating projects with talented people. The warm feeling of contentment when something works.

Any funny moments on stage:

A friend once had stomach problems and a broken leg in a cast. An accident happened and we had to take a break in the middle of the show. It left me with crippling laughter.

Your heroes:

I like the underdog that blows the lights out.

Which living person do you admire most and why?

Dr Imtiaz Sooliman from Gift of the Givers Foundation. The man might be a saint.

What is your most treasured possession?

My family, health, all of the things a man of my age holds dear.

It’s your round, what are you drinking?

I’m serving Aandblom Gin by Arno Carstens.

Dream gig to do:

The Royal Albert Hall in London, with a full band and orchestra.

What makes you stand out?

I guess I have a unique voice and career determination.

Nicknames:

Arrie. Cassie. ARnoooo. Arnuuu.

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

Waiter or career villain.

Pick five words to describe yourself:

Humorous, excitable, weird, optimistic, realistic.

Five favourite SA albums of all time? 

Johnny Clegg - Third World Child
Johannes Kerkorrel en die Gereformeerde Blues Band - Eet Kreef
Koos Kombuis – Niemandsland
Sugardrive - Navelgazer
Eviode - Worldwide
Fokofpolisiekar - As Jy Met Vuur Speel Sal Jy Brand
TKZee - Halloween

What song changed your life?

Springbok Nude Girls - “Bubblegum On My Boots”, and “Another Universe” from my solo career.

What do you love?

Going down the supertube with my son; humming the Superman movie soundtrack.

What is your favourite word?

Words are my craft, I love them all.

Favourite fashion garment:

When we do dress up for Nude Girls shows I buy cheap colourful Chinese dresses. Only wear them once. It’s a vibe.

Give us some real proper slang and what it means:

I’m dyslexic so, for me, proper English is slang.

Top of your bucket list:

See more of the USA.

Your greatest achievement:

The part I played in making my son.

What is your fear?

To not be able to work anymore.

Happiness is:

Spending time with family. Catching a wave on the boogie board. Nando’s, kudu biltong, water, electricity. Doing an incredible show. Surprising myself in a painting endeavour.

On stage, I tend to:

Think about the audience as willing participants, where each night turns out differently. Sometimes it’s a war situation with technical problems, weather, generators or momentarily loss of talent and rhythm. The fight back is always impressive and together we always end on our feet.

Where would you like to be right now?

Floating on my back; staring at the clouds somewhere in Zanzibar.

Do you do charity work and, if you do, what do you do?

Over the years, I have worked with various charities. At the moment, I’m working with Music for Meals; providing meals to the community of Khayelitsha from the kitchens of Ellerman House and Fyn Restaurant.

Wishes and dreams:

I wish for this country to be stable and prosperous.

Follow Arno Carstens online:

Official Website | Arno Carstens Fine Art Website
Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube