-
10 Questions with ... Ard Matthews
December 7, 2009
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Just Jinger is the biggest selling rock band in South African history and we are only just getting cracking!
1. What got you interested in the music business?
A friend of mine was making more money being in a one-man band than I was being a waiter ... that, combined with a natural love for melody, got me hooked.
2. Who were your favorite bands to listen to when you were a kid?
Guns n' Roses blew my mind. Led Zeppelin was the first concert I ever saw on video. I had completely no idea how they were doing what they were doing. Also had a killer mix tape of Nat King Cole, Elvis and Louis Armstrong -- legends!
3. What may surprise people the most about you and/or the band?
We don't really subscribe to the typical rock 'n' roll way of life. We've had our moments of being rock stars, but we usually end up being very apologetic if we misbehave or get carried away with ourselves. I think it boils down to our upbringing: South Africans are taught manners from a very young age and it kinda sticks with you.
4. How do you get your greatest pleasure in making music?
When I write words that just seem to drop in to a melody like a backflip in to a pool of jello! Those are god-songwriting moments. And when we perform live it's when we click and jam something completely unrehearsed -- good times!
5. What is the toughest part of your job?
The traveling and the waiting; it's always hurry up and wait.
6. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ...
...checking my iPhone!
7. What has been your biggest career highlight?
Being on the same stage as a few of the greats, such as U2, Stevie Wonder and Counting Crows.
8. Things are changing rapidly in our business. Were it up to you, what would you change in our "system" to give bands a better shot?
I would suggest that people start to get their heads around the digital rollout. It's a fabulous thing, but it seems to have scared everyone. We need to embrace the endless potential and make the move happily just like we did from vinyl to CD.
9. What do you see as the next breakthrough step for the band?
We would love a single to hit in Europe or the States, but the most important thing for me is that we keep on keepin' on. We feel we have tons more to offer. I write music all the time. "Writers block, who me?"
10. If you were to leave the music business today and you could choose any other occupation, what would it be?
Anything to do with water sports: Pro kiter, surfer, big wave rider, etc
Bonus Questions
What are your favorite charitable or humanitarian causes?
I am the global ambassador for a charity called www.mylife.org.za. We work with street children around the world and help rehabilitate them off of the hardest drugs known to man and help move them away from the most heinous of lifestyles and living conditions.
I am also an ambassador for Nelson Mandela's www.46664.com AIDS charity. We have done two shows with Queen, Peter Gabriel and Annie Lennox in SA to help raise funds and awareness. I feel it is extremely important to give back regardless of whether you think you're in a position to help or not. Anyone can help ... you just need to make the smallest effort!
Last Non-Industry Job:
I pretended I was a carpenter once in London and worked on a prison near Heathrow. Made great cash while we were finding our musical feet abroad for the first time!
First Record Ever Purchased:
Tracey Chapman (one with 'Fast Car' on it)
First Concert You Saw:
ZZ Top in Johannesburg
Favorite Band Of All-Time:
Led Zeppelin
-
-