George local, Justin, and Andre, who comes from Knysna, met lead singer Peter Crafford (27) six years ago but it took another two years before the band was established. After a practice or two in someone's lounge and some "vampire folk music" moments, lead bass guitarist, and youngest member, Louis Kuhn (20) joined them 14 months ago and Justin jokingly says that "his probation period has never ended!"
Charming and funny, the guys are very serious when it comes to their careers. Since being signed to Universal Records last year, they admit they had to "up our game and get serious." This has meant a lot of touring across South Africa whilst still holding down full-time jobs and studies. Peter is a senior graphic designer, Justin a sound engineer, Louis a mechanical engineering university student and Andre a professional drummer and music teacher.
With no plans of being a flash in the pan act, 3rd World Spectator is run like a business, reinvesting profits into the band and staying focused on what they want to accomplish, which is playing Wembley stadium. Living the 'rock n roll' lifestyle is not their main goal and having a serious relationship is difficult when you are balancing two careers. There is time for fun and "we enjoy a good party but that is different to going crazy and getting drunk," they say, admitting they usually prefer chilling after a concert and playing XBox.
With their music contract came access to contacts in the UK and Germany, avenues the band hopes to explore next year. Having found a sound that they want to stick to, these talented young men are currently working on their second album. Their debut album The Theory of Everything was released in 2011.
Musically influenced by everything from Coldplay, RadioHead and Queen to Robbie Williams and Abba, Peter simply defines 3rd World Spectator as "a rock band in the traditional sense". And when asked about their name, Peter admits it was birthed out of an experience his mom had at a store in Joburg by the same name. The tale she told him turned into one of those life-defining moments.
Based in Stellenbosch, the band enjoys expressing the theatrical aspects of their chosen careers through their alternative and intellectual music. Their concerts, which are 'an experience to take in' embraces theatrical elements and is best displayed during their live stage performances, like the one scheduled for Saturday at the Kalahari Theatre with SA Idol, Dave van Vuuren. The band has already shared the stage with international heavyweights Maroon5 and OneRepublic.
After a discussion about the South African music scene, piracy and record sales, and before the guys have to rush to catch their bus back to Cape Town, they agree on one thing that sums up their hard work: "We just want people to hear our music!"
Visit www.3rdworldspectator.com or the band's facebook page for more information. They guys will also be performing at Knysna High School on Friday night.
3rd World Spectator, including Southern Cape locals Justin Versfeld (back left) and Andre Wentzel (front left), are performing in George this weekend as part of their national touring programme. Photos: Paul Lee Lötter
