Matters

Singer-songwriter Phil Higgins releases her long-awaited second EP, Blue + Green. A genre-blending journey through indie-pop, folky introspection, and soft indie-rock, Blue + Green is a heartfelt collection of songs born between continents and crafted across years of personal transformation.I spoke with her in early July 2025, on the day of her graduation, having completed a her Music degree in Rotterdam. Written over the past four years while completing her Bachelor of Pop Music (Songwriting) at Codarts Conservatory in Rotterdam, Blue + Green represents a major artistic step forward for the South African-born musician. Where her debut EP Beautiful Confusion (2020) introduced her voice, Blue + Green expands on it — layered with live band arrangements, 90s indie textures, and a poetic vulnerability that runs deep. “These five songs are love letters,” says Phil. “To friends, to nature, to strangers, and to the end of the world. They’re shaped by my time away from home, adjusting to the grey skies of Rotterdam, missing my community, but also feeling creatively lit up by new surroundings.” Each song reflects a different facet of Phil’s inner and outer world — from letting go (Yours Truly, Julie), to grappling with burnout (Empty Cup), to the longing for connection (Keep You Here), and the collective beauty of existence in the face of apocalypse (Fall from the Sky). Recorded between the Netherlands and South Africa, Blue + Green is a true collaboration across borders. Co-produced by Silas Houtman in Rotterdam and longtime collaborator Tjaart van der Walt in Johannesburg (who also handled mixing and mastering), the EP features a talented band of international musicians — including Nina van Beelen (keys), Ákos Németh (bass), Sofoklis Gkekas (drums), and Bart Versteeg (electric guitar) — all of whom Phil met during her studies. The title Blue + Green is both literal and symbolic — referencing earth, sky, and plant life, as well as the emotional duality Phil explores throughout the project: “Blue for the sadness and heaviness. Green for the curiosity and growth. Together they hold the colours of the planet, and how I feel in it.” With Blue + Green, Phil Higgins invites listeners into her evolving world — one rooted in nature, community, feeling deeply, and dreaming boldly.

JANN KLOSE REVEALS “WHEN I’M WITH YOU” – A JOYFUL NEW ANTHEM CO-WRITTEN WITH EVERETT BRADLEY (BON JOVI, SEAL) - I caught up with him just before the single broke.

𝘔𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘝𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘵’𝘴 “𝘏𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘭𝘶𝘫𝘢𝘩” 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰𝘹𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘢 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘵-𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘦𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦. 𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮, 𝘛𝘳𝘪𝘱𝘵𝘺𝘤𝘩 𝘤𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘴𝘩𝘦'𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳.https://youtu.be/ejsLsofxVHw?

For someone who had pop success, in the sense that his music was topping the charts in the late 1970s, 80s and 90s, Midge Ure has enjoyed an impressive audience long after his greatest hits left the charts.   “That’s probably because a series of events made that possible,” Midge says. “You must rewind to when people bought albums and things like that. A [commercially successful] piece of music would have a shelf life of six weeks if everyone did their job and you were incredibly, incredibly lucky getting your song on the radio or television; it would hang around for a couple of weeks and then drop, probably never to be heard again, except to hardcore fans of course. “We only had radio as a medium [back in the 70s, 80s, and early 90s],” he explains. “Even television offered minimal opportunities for live music performances. We didn’t have the internet. We didn’t have smartphones. We didn’t have 24/7 television or social media – none existed.” So, 30 years into a career, no different to Steve Louw or Cindy Alter, suddenly technology flips, and there’s a plethora of possibilities. “That said, how people listen and consume music at that turning point, and now, is radically different,” Midge points out. “Today, people buy very little; instead, they find and stream content online through games and similar platforms. For example, I recorded a version of David Bowie’s “The Man Who Sold The World” in the early 80s for a pretty dodgy British movie, and a game used it more recently, leading an entire wealth of young people to discover this piece of music. To them, it’s new. They can’t tell whether someone recorded it yesterday or 40 years ago.

Milky Chance recently announced their long-awaited return to South Africa with their “Living In A Haze” tour in February 2024 which will see them perform in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban. I chatted to the German duo in December to talk about their rise to fame ahead of their South African return. Their 2019 single “Life Without Fantasies” reached the top of the South African viral charts amassing millions of streams in 2021 during Lockdown. The band connected with tens of thousands of fans online which led to their first sold out headline tour. They have continued to cement themselves in the industry here, having toured the country a number of times over the past few years and return in February 2024 to share the stage with Milky Chance in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban. Sean Koch is one of SA’s most-loved indie-folk artists who brings a mixed bag of African and western, influence alongside messages of home, a connection to nature, the ocean and the people around him; to his storytelling, feel-good music. While rooted in his flowing-folk style, his music is diverse. From dance infused songs like ‘Lift You Up’ the standout single from his collection (including the Double MZK & G DOM remix) to the dreamier songs like ‘Feel the Energy’ that carry deeper messages of connection to the natural world and the people that surround us. There is something for everyone in Sean’s catalogue. Tickets are on sale from https://breakoutevents.co.za/ and are selling fast, so get yours now! Milky Chance “Living In A Haze” South African Tour Dates: 15 February 2024 – Green Point A-Track, Cape Town (supported by Neon Dreams and Sean Koch) 17 February 2024 – Marks Park in Emmarentia, Johannesburg (supported by Neon Dreams and Sean Koch + final opening act to be announced) 18 February 2024 – Durban Botanic Gardens uMphafa Field, Durban (supported by Neon Dreams + final opening act to be announced) Milky Chance “Living In A Haze” South African Tour 2024 details: For more info, go to: Ticketing link: https://breakoutevents.co.za/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abreakoutevent Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abreakoutevent Twitter: https://twitter.com/abreakoutevent

Australian singer, songwriter, musician, and multi-instrumentalist Xavier Rudd returns to South Africa in February 2024.Before launching his solo career, Rudd began playing music as part of the band 'Xavier and the Hum'. He drew inspiration from artists such as Leo Kottke, Ben Harper, Natalie Merchant and multi-instrumentalist David Lindley, as well as music from diverse sources such as Hawaiian and Native American music.Rudd's songs incorporate socially conscious themes, such as spirituality, humanity, environmentalism, and the rights of Indigenous Australians.

It's not every day you get to chat to someone who defined your professional life. In my case and a music journalist when "Drops of Jupiter" was the biggest pop song in the world. Fast forward a good two decades and Pat and Co. remain as relevant today as they did back then. As they embark on the biggest world tour in what seems like an age, ‘I Know, It’s Been A Long Time Coming Tour’, I got to spend 12 precious minutes with the man who has carved out a space in music that could not, should not be ignored.

Having just released their latest studio album, Bauhaus Staircase, I was gifted a rare opportunity to speak to both Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys of Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark (OMD) on the eve of the most extensive world tour in 45 years. The best part is the synth pioneers will be heading to South Africa in April 2024, the third time we get to welcome them back, eager to hear new music and a wall of evergreen classics, too. While we wait, give this two-part interview a whirl, dust off those seminal records and prepare to be blown away. Thursday, 18 April 2024 - Green Point A-Track, Green Point, Cape Town Saturday, 20 April 2024 – Marks Park Sports Club in Emmarentia, Johannesburg For all the details, head to Breakout Events for tickets and more information.

Having just released their latest studio album, Bauhaus Staircase, I was gifted a rare opportunity to speak to both Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys of Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark (OMD) on the eve of the most extensive world tour in 45 years. The best part is the synth pioneers will be heading to South Africa in April 2024, the third time we get to welcome them back, eager to hear new music and a wall of evergreen classics, too. While we wait, give this two-part interview a whirl, dust off those seminal records and prepare to be blown away.   Thursday, 18 April 2024 - Green Point A-Track, Green Point, Cape Town Saturday, 20 April 2024 – Marks Park Sports Club in Emmarentia, Johannesburg For all the details, head to Breakout Events for tickets and more information. 

In a world dictated to by AI and bots, how refreshing is it that Universal Music and Deezer are investing in the fans, super fans, to take back the power from the algorithm to generate real income and sustainable outcomes.

Meet Meng Ru Kuok - I had the privilege of spending 40 minutes with the digital disruptor as part of Music Exchange 2023 (#MEX23) in Cape Town this week. There is a lot to take in here, so you may want to listen to this talk at least twice ;-) Meng Ru Kuok is a Singaporean entrepreneur and the Group CEO & Founder of Caldecott Music Group (CMG), a global music industry investor and innovator that spans multiple sectors, including digital (BandLab Technologies), media (NME Networks), and manufacturing and retail (Vista Musical Instruments). He sets the overall direction and leads the product strategy for the group. Meng's first major venture was the acquisition of Swee Lee in 2012, which he transformed into South East Asia's largest retailer of musical instruments and the region’s most trusted house of music expression.  He then co-founded BandLab in 2015, a next-generation social music creation platform that now boasts over 60 million users. BandLab’s vision is simple: A future where there are no boundaries to making and sharing music. BandLab is the next-generation social music creation platform on a mission to break down the technical, geographic, and creative barriers for musicians and fans.  Free-to-use, the mobile-first cross-platform DAW and social network unites the entire creator journey into one place, boasting a suite of features and tools for creators to make music, share their music with fans, earn a living, and even top the charts.  Today, Meng continues to build brands for musicians and fans through CMG's portfolio of brands, which includes BandLab, Airbit, Cakewalk, ReverbNation, MONO, Harmony, Heritage Guitars, Teisco, Swee Lee, NME, Guitar.com, and MusicTech. By integrating the physical, digital, and social supply chain around music, CMG brings together brands and people who are passionate about music, allowing them to deliver authentic content, products, and experiences for all music lovers. #music #musicindustry #entrepreneur #manufacturing #network #supplychain #strategy #content #people #ceo #media#creative #retail #share #musicians #future #digital

I captured this interview with Afro Celt Sound System’s Simon Emmerson on the eve of Volume 2 ‘s release in April 1999.   Sadly, Simon passed away in March of this year, one day after his 67th birthday, but this interview keeps his memory alive and the music he made thankfully lives on in his absence.   Afro Celt Sound System, Afro Cult Sound System, Simon Emmerson, Simon Booth, Real World, Real World Studios, Peter Gabriel, Real World Festival, Glastonbury 1997

Meet Charl Kruger, the design mastermind behind some of the last 30-odd years of creative genius to come out of ZA. In this candid interview, I poke and prod to better understand his motivation and obvious passion behind his iconic work, most recently with the reimagining of The Gathering's only ever, soon-to-be released debut album, In The End.

This interview, captured nine months before the group landed in ZA (circa 2004), saw me chatting with the founder member of Basement Jaxx, Felix Buxton.  Kish Kash was the group’s third delivery, a significant album for them, as much as it was for their fans. Listen and enjoy how this album came together. Basement Jaxx, Basement Jacks, Felix Buxton, Independiente, Simon Ratcliffe, Goldie, LTK Bukem, XL, Interscope, PIAS, Daft Punk, OMG, Kish Kash, Oh My Gosh, Crazy Itch Radio, Scars, Glastonbury, Glastonbury Festival Basement Jaxx, Glastonbury Festival, Glastonbury Festival Kylie Minogue, Yoko Ono, Santigold, Hush Boy, JC Chasez, Lisa Kekaula, Me’shell Ndegeocello, Dizzee Rascal

This interview with the one-time member of Savage Garden and celebrated solo artist in his own right, Darren Hayes, was captured in December 2001 and focused on the release of his debut solo album, Spin. Fast forward some 22-odd years later, and he’s back with a new album, his fifth, titled Homosexual, validated by longstanding fans, the LGBTQIA+ community and everyone in between. Give this interview the time, if only to get a sense of this man’s complete professionalism and absolute commitment to his craft, and perhaps you’ll understand his 2023 intent even better.  Darren Hayes, Savage Garden, Homosexual, Darren Hayes Homosexual, Insatiable, Sony Music, Sony Music Entertainment, Roadshow Music Pty Ltd, To the Moon and Back, I Want You, Truly Madly Deeply, Affirmation, The Animal Song

Formed in 1990 by singer, songwriter, and guitarist Jason Pierce, the British band Spiritualized quickly gained a reputation for their unique sound, blending gospel, blues, and psychedelic rock elements.  By 2001, when I was fortunate enough to meet up with my namesake in Cape Town, the band had already released four critically acclaimed albums, including their breakthrough album Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space.   In our time together, Jason spoke about the journey up to the point of Let It Come Down and being suspended from a helicopter while flying over the West Coast dressed up in a space suit 😉 With a dedicated following and a reputation as one of their generation's most innovative and daring bands, Spiritualized continues to push musical boundaries and captivate audiences with their electrifying live performances. Enjoy! Spritualised, Spiritualized, Jason Pierce, We Are Floating in Space, Let It Come Down, Arista, BMG, SONYBMG

In a near attempt at getting William Orbit to Cape Town, South Africa, just before the pandemic hit, this is our conversation around a road well-travelled and adventures ahead, some of which are still to be realised. But just who is William? William Orbit is an English musician, composer, and record producer who has been active in the music industry since the 1980s. He has had a successful career, working with a range of high-profile artists, and producing innovative and influential music in electronic, dance, and pop music. In 2023, William Orbit continues to be a respected and influential figure in the music industry. He is known for his unique and experimental approach to music production, influencing many other artists in the electronic and dance genres. Over the years, Orbit has collaborated with various musicians, including Madonna, All Saints, Britney Spears, and Blur. He is particularly well-known for his work with Madonna, producing some of her most iconic albums, including Ray of Light and Music. In recent years, Orbit has continued to produce music, collaborate with other artists, and release his solo work. He has also embraced new technologies and trends in the music industry, experimenting with virtual reality and incorporating new digital tools into his production process. Overall, William Orbit remains a significant and influential figure in the music industry, whose legacy and contributions to electronic and dance music inspire new generations of musicians and producers. William Orbit, Ray of Light, Blur, electronica, dance, pop, Britney Spears, All Saints, Blur, Ray of Light, The Painter, Music

With 2023 now in full flight, multi-award-winning pop singer-songwriter, actor and philanthropist Jann Klose releases his seventh studio album, a 12-track collection of arguably his most considered and commanding work yet. Filled with no less than ten original tracks, along with an arresting acoustic version of "Love You the Most" featuring Alicia Madison and an equally intoxicating, passion-filled Spanish rendition ("Te Amaré Más"), Surrender is steeped in pop brilliance. Stream/listen to ‘Surrender’ Album HERE Musically, Surrender is filled with everything from infectious topical Top 40 familiarity, all while teasing the fringes of Americana, flirting with rock, and getting up close and personal with heartfelt ballads. In essence, there's something on Surrender we all will want to submit to, repeatedly. As the next exciting chapter, post-2018's In Tandem stellar success, the bridge to Surrender was littered with cataclysmic encounters. Death, rebirth, collaboration, positivity, and partnerships that, out of the ashes of global adversity, was born and not a moment too soon if only to heal and inject positivity the world so critically needs. With five singles already successfully landed, including “Flesh and Blood”, Surrender has five more ripe and ready tracks to be plucked and played on high rotation well into 2024. "Each song, each album is, if nothing else, an offering," Jann concludes. "That's how I feel about it. This is what I do, this is what I love, and I am offering it. The rest is out of my control."

Fin de Siècle is the sixth studio album by the Northern Irish band, The Divine Comedy, released in 1998. Before its release, someone thought it a good idea that frontman Neil Hannon got to tell me all about it, and this is that analogue, 1998, recording, warts, and all (apologies), but do enjoy it. The album received critical acclaim and was a commercial success, reaching the Top Ten in the UK album charts. The album features lush orchestral arrangements and witty lyrics, typical of The Divine Comedy's style. It includes the hit single "National Express," a humorous song about a coach trip around the UK. Other standout tracks include "Generation Sex," which satirizes modern society's obsession with sex and youth, and "The Certainty of Chance," a melancholy ballad about the fleeting nature of life. Fin de Siècle showcases Neil Hannon's songwriting skills and unique vocal style, often compared to that of Scott Walker and Jacques Brel. The orchestral arrangements by Joby Talbot complement the songs perfectly, adding to the album's lush, cinematic sound. This remains a highly regarded album by The Divine Comedy, showcasing the band's signature sound and Hannon's songwriting talent.

In early August 2004, a wonderful time in my life and music in general, I got to chat with Badly Drawn Boy for a second time. This interview caught him on the release of his fourth, highly anticipated release, One Plus One Is One. Badly Drawn Boy, whose real name is Damon Michael Gough, is a British singer-songwriter and musician who gained popularity in the early 2000s for his unique blend of indie rock, folk, and electronic music. For context In August 2004, Badly Drawn Boy had just released his fourth studio album, One Plus One Is One, which received generally positive reviews from critics. The album departed from his previous works with a more polished and cohesive sound and featured tracks such as "Year of the Rat" and "Nothing's Going to Change Your Mind". Around this time, Badly Drawn Boy was known for his quirky personality and eccentric fashion sense, often sporting a distinctive beanie hat and unkempt hair. He had recently completed a successful tour of the United Kingdom and was gearing up for a tour of the United States in the autumn of 2004. Overall, August 2004 was a busy and exciting time for Badly Drawn Boy as he continued to make a name for himself in the music industry with his unique style and sound.