3 days ago
Centurion band charts independent path to success
Centurion band Vabond has been forging ahead since its explosive debut on the South African music scene last year, after winning Best Alternative Single at the Afri Indie Awards for the track 'Roll the Dice'.
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In just over a year, this seasoned five-piece has shifted gears from being the new kid on the block to a serious contender, carving out a unique space in South Africa's rock landscape.
Now, the band is focused on completing its highly anticipated debut album, which is expected to be released soon.
Guitarist and founding member Andre Liebenberg, also known as 'The Traveller', recently told Rekord that the band has poured its heart into crafting something truly special.
'We're focusing more on the album than performances right now. Once it's ready, we're planning a big launch,' he said.
He added that the band has also submitted new music for the next Afri Indie Awards cycle.
The band's journey began just over a year ago when Liebenberg and drummer Jimmy Burger started jamming together in late December 2023.
By January 2024, guitarist Steve Doble had joined, followed by vocalists Philip Marensky and Brad Cunningham, completing the five-piece lineup.
Liebenberg stated that it was evident from their initial rehearsal that they were on a unique path.
Since its formation, Vabond has been making waves despite some notable challenges.
'One of the biggest things we've had to navigate is doing all this without the support of a major record label,' Liebenberg said.
'Getting our name and music out there has mostly been up to us.'
He said much of their promotional work has been spearheaded by Burger, whose understanding of social media and branding has helped the band gain traction.
Despite operating independently, Vabond has maintained a strong work ethic and a clear artistic vision.
Liebenberg explained that winning awards hasn't changed how the group approaches its music.
'We've always held ourselves to a high standard. For me, it's about honest music and striving for excellence, whether it's with the band or my solo work.'
He noted that the band's creative process is a true collaboration, with members contributing lyrics, themes, musical structures, and riffs. Each member brings something different to the table.
'I often handle musical structures and ideas, while someone like Burger might come with a full lyric concept.'
One of the group's defining features is their dual lead vocalists, Marensky and Cunningham, a duo that has added richness to their sound and set them apart from other rock outfits.
Liebenberg shared how their bilingual song 'Staan op en Sing' (Stand Up and Sing/Shout) became a radio hit, reaching #1 on Lekker FM's Top 20 for several weeks.
'We're a bunch of older guys doing a classic rock sound, and the South African music scene has responded really well to that,' he said.
He noted that, while they're not the first Afrikaans rock band, they have a distinct flavour due to their age, experience, and commitment to quality musicianship.
Age has been a quiet strength for the band.
The members range from 40 to 55 years old and bring decades of musical experience.
'The biggest thing we have learnt about the industry is to always leave your ego behind. That's probably something young musicians can learn from us.'
Liebenberg added that this humility and unity have proven crucial to their rapid progress.
Looking ahead, the band has ambitious plans for 2025, including playing at major music festivals and touring to promote their debut album.
'We're not aiming for pub gigs. We want the festival stages, the big venues where bands really belong,' he said.
The group is also exploring collaborations, with one of their upcoming songs currently in production.
'We're open to working with more artists. The local music scene is tight-knit, and everybody knows each other, which makes collaboration exciting,' said Liebenberg.
He also shared a simple but powerful message with their fans.
'You've got one life: live it. Rock out. Have fun. But don't sacrifice excellence,' he said.
'A lot of modern music trades skill for popularity. We want to prove you can still make intelligent, well-crafted music and enjoy every minute of it.'
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