The Parlotones- A band from Johannesburg, South Africa
Interview conducted on Oct. 22, 2019
by Dan Locke
The Parlotones is a South African indie rock band from Johannesburg. Formed in 1998, the group consists of Kahn Morbee, Paul Hodgson, Glenn Hodgson, and Neil Pauw. The Parlotones’ early sound was rooted in Brit-rock, but eventually grew to incorporate a wider spectrum of musical genres. The lyrics focus on personal themes, of love and everyday life, paired with catchy melodies that engage their audience.
Dan Locke: How did The Parlotones form?
The Parlotones: We met just out of High School and were some very people in our area that were interested in starting a band, and somehow, we found each other. (Glen was actually still in High School when we first met!)
How was The Rand Afrikaans University?
It was a great educational institution, although Kahn and Paul probably spent more time trying to learn how to play guitar than focussing on their studies. The university has changed its name to UJ (University of Johannesburg)
What bands influenced you growing up?
The Smiths, The Cure, Violent Femmes, R.E.M., Rancid, Collective Soul, Radiohead, Coldplay, Muse, and many more… the list is way too long!
How was it to be the first South African band to headline at the Coca-Cola Dome?
It was an amazing experience for all involved, but it’s almost like your wedding; it took so long to plan and put together and then the actual event is over in a blink of an eye!
You have been around for over 20 years. How has the music business changed?
The biggest difference is probably how everyone can stream music now, and hardly anyone buys actual albums anymore. But also, technology has changed the way we record music, perform music, and even release music.
Tell me about your first US tour with Blue October in 2009?
Touring with Blue October was one of our many awesome experiences. They had become very popular in South Africa after “Hate Me” and they were definitely one of our favorite bands. We met them in MIDEM in France and then did a short tour in the UK with them. The next year we did the tour of the US for about 6 weeks with them, and it was one of the best tours we’ve ever had. Besides getting to watch Blue October every night, but we also got to become friends with them and tour across the whole of America playing to large enthusiastic crowds!
What did you think of the US?
We really enjoyed touring the US. We met so many cool people and got to see the whole country. It’s amazing how each State can have different geography, different accents, different food, and even different speed limits.
How different is touring in South Africa vs. the United States?
Mostly the size. Our drives across America were always 6 to 8 hours a day if we were lucky it would only be 4 hours. In South Africa, we’re lucky to mostly fly, which is only ever 40min to 2-hour flights, and if we drive it’s 4 to 6 hours at max, usually much less. The longest drive is Joburg to Cape Town which is 14 hours but only do that every now and then if we aren’t able to fly.
How did you go about getting a rock theatre production “Dragonflies and Astronauts”? And why 3D?
It was quite an ambitious project, but it all came together really well. We had the help of dance choreographers, costume designers, and makeup artists. The show ran for a week in a theatre and was also broadcast live in 3D to movie theatres. We had met someone while we were in America who was very involved in the world of 3D television and he helped us implement the 3D aspect of the show.
Here most people know you for the song from One Tree Hill “Rock Paper Scissors” Can you tell me about the recording of the song?
This song was off our second album “Radio Controlled Robot” and we were still a relatively young band at this time and somewhat inexperienced in the studio. We recorded most of the album in Durban and some of it up in Joburg in our drummer’s house at the time.
Tell me about your fundraising?
By fundraising, we assume you are meaning that we are a self-funded band? Generally, our funds come from playing LIVE shows and selling merchandise at those shows. We do earn some royalties too. There is very little money made from music streaming platforms, and no one buys CDs anymore. Sometimes there is a song featured in a TV show or an advert which brings in a bit of money, but it’s not a regular income source.
How did you get your Wine brand? And how is it?
In an interview, the band was asked what their dream would be. Kahn answered that he would love to own a small wine farm and make wine. A winemaker read this interview and couldn’t offer us a wine farm, but he was able to help us make 3 different wines. “Giant Mistake”, “Push Me to the Floor”, and “We Call This Dancing”. The wine was delicious and did really well in retail, but alas, it is all finished now….
How do you see the band in 5 years?
Massively rich and world-famous, but still touring and recording music. 🙂 – We would love to develop in other territories worldwide
Who would you like to open for on tour?
Wilco, Coldplay, Muse, Manchester, Orchestra, Killers … any rock band bigger than us, in general. And of course, we would love to do another tour BLUE OCTOBER.
How do you stay healthy on the road?
We start well and then we don’t… We try a bit of exercise, Neil always brings a push-up bar (not a push-up BRA, that’s something different), and Kahn, Rob, and Glen try to get in a run whenever there is time. We try to stay away from junk food, but on the road, these things are difficult to organize sometimes. And the tour feels like a holiday, so who wants to be healthy on holiday?
Any favorite junk food?
In the US specifically, we like In-N-Out, Wendy’s, Subway, Chick-fil-A, but I think our absolute favorite was Chipotle.
Anything in closing for your fans?
Thank you for all your loyal support and love over the years. You have given us the best job in the world!
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