Band Interview: Fourth Son South
South African alternative indie rockers Fourth Son South are back with a catchy new single ‘The Cold’. The track is the first with new member Sarah Gardiner and offers hope to those in need of some light.
Peter Toussaint (Vocals & Lead Guitar) shares that:
I wrote The Cold on the 21st of June, literally the darkest day in the Southern Hemisphere, yearning for the return of the light and warmer days. This also applies to a relationship that is at its lowest point. As always, there is hope, because the light will come again!
Q) As an artist creating and performing music solo as well as with band, how important is it to have a versatile command of various genes and style, like blues and rock, and do you have any personal preference?
A: I think it’s important to listen to, understand and preferably be able to play and or write in as many genres as possible. I’ve grown up playing blues and rock, but I also play pop, funk, country, folk, metal and reggae. I studied classical guitar and have (unsuccessfully) tried flamenco. Jazz has never really bitten though. And my preference will always be rock.
Q) Looking back at the greats of the past, who inspired you most to become the artist you are today, and what have you incorporated most from their contribution into your own style and offering?
A: There have been many and I’ve taken bits and pieces wherever I could. Song writing from the Beatles and Pink Floyd, playing guitar from a lot of guitarists like Gary Moore, Steve Lukather, Joe Satriani, David Gilmour and many others.
Q) You are unleashing your new singles ‘The Cold’. Please tell us all about this single. What can we expect?
A: The Cold is the first single I wrote with the new lineup of Fourth Son South in mind where vocal harmonies are not just an extra colouring but an integral part of our sound. The song is about the yearning for the return of light and warmth both physical (I wrote it on the day of the winter solstice) and in a relationship. But the light will come again.
Q) Give us some insights into your ideation-and-creation process. How do you craft the magic that is a Fourth Son South track?
A: in general I start writing music, recording chord progressions for parts of songs on my cell phone that I later craft into a song. After that, I write lyrics and start arranging melodies.
Q) As a full-time performing artist and music teacher, what are the most important lessons you can share to new artists with the same ambition to make a living from their art?
A: Don’t give up. Overnight success is extremely rare even if you are very talented and skilled. And there’s a lot of hard work that goes into all the aspects besides creating and performing.
Q) How do you believe changes in the Music Industry the past decade influenced Artists, per example the advent of Streaming Services? Do you believe they have been beneficial or adverse, and how have you as an Artist adapted to survive and thrive?
A: New technologies have made it a lot easier for artists to record and release new material. But as a result, there are now 60000 new tracks uploaded on Spotify each day. So to get noticed and played has become a lot harder for the independent artist. And revenue from streaming is very, very low. You still have to create good music, put a lot of effort in promoting it and back it up with convincing performances.
Q) What have you got on your radar, beyond the release of ‘The Cold’? What have you got planned for the near future?
A: There are new songs ready (or in various stages of production and recording) but we are first throwing everything we can at The Cold.
Q) Where can present, and new fans, catch you live, and where should they go to visit and support you online?
A: Of course you can follow us on our Facebook page, Instagram, YouTube or your preferred streaming platform. We are trying to play live shows as much as possible. Dates for shows can be found on our social media.
Q) Any final parting words of wisdom, or nuggets of truth?
A: Life is not always easy. Try to be kind to each other. Try to be the person your dog thinks that you are.
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