The Mitten Fits are a rootsy 2 piece acoustic band that trade in gritty songs with male and female harmonies. Formed as a one-off for a fundraiser, their bond as a musical unit led them to continue writing and performing, incorporating a diversity of unique covers with a strong original set.

The Mitten Fits have found themselves in stellar company. Currently they have played with alt. Country rockers Crystal Park, indie scenesters Shortstraw, acoustic dynamo’s Owl & Simone, the powerhouse One Night Stands and Idols runner-up Mark Haze (just to name a few).

They love spending time with people of note and so they try to incorporate all kinds of wonder and power that is out there in the world in their sound. Their objective is to bring music back to its natural state, to challenge the normal and the mundane in order to find a new voice in song delivery. Choosing rawness over pretension, the Mitten Fits are about having a good time with their music. They believe in the magic of song.

I recently had a chat to Dave from The Mitten Fits about Oppikoppi and a few other things, this is what he had to say:

What comes to mind when I think of Oppikoppi:

Dust. Because there’s lots of it.

Where does the name “Mitten Fits” come from?

I don’t know. I think Jolene came up with it, like ‘if the mitten fits…’ We coined it the same time she got her cat so I always think of him when someone says it – the Kitten Fits.

What is the most interesting thing that’s ever happened to you?

Some people I never knew made me peanut butter toast saamie on a rock heated in a fire and then set their car alight.

What is your favourite quote about music?

I like jazz music, but this quote from the film 24-hour party people always cracks me. It’s from Factory Records boss, Tony Wilson. He said, “Jazz is the last refuge of the untalented. It’s what you do when you can’t get a gig.”

What can music lovers expect from your set at Oppikoppi this year?

Musically, a Modern Talking rap. Aesthetically, a red suite.

I’d like to thank Dave and Jolene for this interview and I wish The Mitten Fits all of the best with their set at this year’s festival. I will definitely be making an effort to catch their set and if you like good music, you should too.

General Admission tickets for Oppikoppi cost R850. Get yours now or you’ll be paying R950 for a late ticket.

Watch this space for regular updates in the Music and Interviews categories on Running Wolf’s Rant.