The Steezies are a full force energy train with an Afro-ish / Funk-ish / Indie-ish vibe from Hout Bay in the Western Cape. They are one of the acts who will be performing at Up The Creek Festival 2019.

I recently had a chat to them about the festival and a few other things. This is what they had to say…

What were the highlights for you as a band in 2018?

Releasing our debut EP, filming a music video, playing live on national TV, and getting the chance to share our music at amazing festivals like Up The Creek.

What was your experience of Up the Creek when you first played there?

It really was a dream come true. We have always been big fans of UTC, and in the course of a year we went from being in the crowd to on the stage – it  was unbelievable for us.

What can fans expect from The Steezies set at Up the Creek?

Lots of dancing, smiling, sweating, and all round enthusiasm.

How does your songwriting process work?

Our frontman George comes up with the basic idea with our frontwoman Katie. They take the idea to the rest of the gang and we add horn-lines, tighten the arrangements, and polish it until we are happy to play it on stage for people.

Sum each bandmember up in 3 words

• George: flamboyant, wild, eccentric.
• Katie: kind, spunky, loopy.
• Bilal: gentle, humble, spacey.
• Lauren: firey, charismatic, energetic.
• Sethu: calm, considerate, diligent.
• Amava: young, positive, ambitious.
• Yolanda: sassy, diva, entertainer.
• Jono: talented, creative, egalitarian.
• Luke: practical, studious, supportive.
• Paulo: easy going, sincere, light hearted.
• Sandile: unique, musical, meticulous.

What is the most entertaining thing that has ever happened to you on tour?

On the way to Splashy Fen 2018 we were caught in a police riot outside of Jeffrey’s Bay. Residents of an informal settlement closed off the N2 with burning tires; police dispersed them with water cannons and stun grenades, and they fought back with rocks.

We were trapped in the middle, driving and swerving around all manner of mayhem. Most of the time was spent screaming in very high pitches from inside the tour van.

What is the worst thing that has ever happened to The Steezies on tour?

On tour to Jeffrey’s Bay the car set on fire with half of the band inside of it. No one was harmed.

Name some essential items that you will be taking to Up the Creek.

Face paint, dress-up clothes, enthusiasm.

Can you write a short limerick/rhyme for Up the Creek?

Here goes…  “Once a year on the Breede River, Musical powers gather to deliver, Performances from far and wide, Transporting the crowd to the wild side.

Armed with fervour and flair, Humans unite to let down their hair. Whether rock, dance, Indie or funk, Floating on lilos in swimming trunks; The Creek is a place where the best can be seen, Just don’t forget to pack your sunscreen.”

I’d like to thank The Steezies for this interview and I wish them all of the best with their performance at Up The Creek 2019 and their future musical endeavors.

If you don’t have tickets for Up The Creek 2019 yet, get yours HERE.

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