South of Nine

ABOUT SOUTH OF NINE

South of Nine is a new up and coming alternative rock band with its roots etched in Botswana’s sand and its soul in Johannesburg. Here is a band that comes with the intention to play music that appeals not only to themselves but to the listeners they captivate. Since forming early 2011, this four piece band has turned heads by performing around the country, hitting up festivals and jamming alongside the likes of Prime Circle, Fokofpolisiekar, Arno Carstens, Newtown Knife Gang, Tweak and Wonderboom. All considering their relatively short existence as this versatile entity, their music has hushed the weary souls that want great alternative rock music to be back at the forefront of the South African Music Industry.

These talented rockers are no newcomers to music. David Garbers’ (Guitar, vocals, lyrics) former band, USED2Bsyris took full advantage of an overseas move to London, playing many clubs and venues, recording an EP and opening for former major label grunge band, Nine Black Alps. He had already had a history of playing alongside major players in the South African Music scene, at the tender age of 16 he had opened for the likes of Watershed and Johnny Clegg.

After USED2Bsyris parted ways, David Garbers returned to Africa and set out to form a new band. Armed with the inspiration of first -hand experience of the international music scene and a small taste of rock stardom, the search for band members led him to Corne Botha (guitar) and Kyle Williams (drums) in April 2011. Corne Botha, the lead guitarist, has played festivals and shows countrywide for the South African underground metal band Gadabout . Kyle Williams who can only be explained as one of the most exceptional drumming talents in South Africa has played for bands such as Lizban, Kill the Messenger,Unwritten Friday, Facing the Gallows, and Poverty of Ideals. Matthew Bairstow, current bass player is the latest addition to the quartet, joining late 2012.

On March 3rd, 2015, South of Nine released their first digital album “Palindrome’, with songs “Circles” and “Jozi” making their way onto many campus and online stations, attracting attention from various radio and media publications around the country. South of Nine gets its inspiration from a multitude of bands including the likes of Nirvana, Silverchair and Goo Goo Dolls.

The four create an honest sound, which fuses many genres of rock into one. It is as diverse as any emotion is and this is portrayed through carefully crafted songs that span from delicately thought out pieces all the way through to more powerfully driven rock songs. Each song idea is different and is treated in that respect, South of Nine captures a uniqueness that fans and listeners can find themselves lost within, it acts as common ground and transcends through all ages.