WE LOVE LEARNING ABOUT MUSIC CULTURES FROM AROUND THE WORLD. AS NATIVES OF SOUTH AFRICA TALK ABOUT THE MUSIC SCENE IN YOUR REGION, WHAT YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT IT, AND THE SUPPORT IT SHOWS FOR YOUR MUSIC. ARE THERE ANY SOUTH AFRICAN ARTISTS YOU LOVE THAT WE SHOULD LOOK OUT FOR?

If you haven’t done any digging into Capetonians musicians and South African artists in general I definitely urge you too. We are so lucky to have had a boost in a variety of multiple genre artists. For the size of the city we have a lot to offer. We have alternative, folk, soul, rock, psych, hip-hop and all the things in between. There’s a genre blowing up at the moment called Amapiano, Kabza De Small’s Sponono is worth checking out.

We love Sun-El Musician who makes Afro-House. And then in terms of Indie, Manu Grace and Bye Beneco are two of my favourites.

GETTING TO THE ROOT OF DIAMOND THUG, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE ARTISTRY OF THE BAND AND THE PURPOSE YOU WANT TO BRING TO FANS.? ARE THERE ANY ARTISTS THAT YOU LOOK UP TO THAT PLAY AN INFLUENCE ON THE BAND?

It’s changed over the years but we definitely have what genres these days we get put into are called dream pop, space rock. I love the idea of us fitting into a dreamy space world. Foals, Amen Dunes, Radiohead, Black Keys and Explosions in the Sky are some of our collective influences I’d say.

WHETHER IT’S AN ALBUM, BEING AROUND CERTAIN PEOPLE, OR AN ACTIVITY, WHAT IS ONE THING THAT HAS HELPED YOU COLLECTIVELY AND/OR INDIVIDUALLY MOVE FORWARD DURING THE PANDEMIC? ANYTHING YOU CAN SUGGEST FOR OTHERS?

We’ve continued to find ways to both create and release music even while being apart. I’d suggest finding an alternative if you can’t do what you do or play shows and find creative ways to still make music, still play and never stop creating. So that you feel you are moving forward even if it’s just, upskilling or learning something new that benefits your growth as an artist.

OF THE TALENTED ARTISTS, SONGWRITERS, AND PRODUCERS OUT THERE IS THERE SOMEONE YOU WOULD REALLY LOVE TO COLLABORATE WITH NEXT?

American producer Rick Rubin.

AS WE HEAD INTO THE SECOND HALF OF THE YEAR WHAT CAN FANS EXPECT FROM YOU FOR THE REMAINDER OF 2020?

We’re working on some new songs to lead up to our album that will include some of our singles already released like “Empty Streets” and “BackPush“. We’re super excited to be working towards a body of work and hopefully we’ll be able to start playing live again soon as we have some things we’ve been working on. We also just can’t wait to play some of our new songs live.

IS THERE A CHARITY OR ORGANIZATION THAT MEANS A LOT TO YOU THAT YOU URGE OTHERS TO LOOK INTO? ANY PARTICULAR CONNECTION YOU HAVE TO IT?

We recently played a show where money raised went to the Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children– who are survivors of abuse. It is important for us to support the women of our communities and to make the rest of the world aware of the current situation of many communities in South Africa, especially communities that are struggling with much more than just abuse, violence of all types.

And another organization we feel strongly about is Bridges for Music who are a non-profit organization who gather key players of the music industry to support its responsible development in developing countries, leaving a positive impact in disadvantaged communities and helping to raise global awareness about local issues through music.