THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE FEATURED IN THE Mar 22 2013 EDITION OF Eikestadnuus

HARD ROCK INSTRUMENTAL

Written by Elbe van Heerden (See scanned article)

Riaan Nieuwenhuis has recently released his hard rock instrumental album titled Instigator, recorded locally at the popular Tunes Studio. As a hard rock instrumental album, it’s the first of its kind in South Africa.

The music can be described as energetic, non-pretentious, solid, bold and deliberate instrumental rock, with the guitar as the premier and instigating instrument.

"As opposed to the habitual and comfortable lyrical concept as the norm, instrumentals force the mind into an alternative sphere," said Riaan. "Each one feels it in a different way, with the music being the driving force in this case. The composition of rock instrumental brings with it the challenges of filling music with accompanying music in a verse and chorus format."

According to Riaan, Jean Marais from Tunes Studio based here in Stellenbosch played a tremendous role on the drums. "When I wrote those riffs on the guitar, I had to figure out the beats, but the moment I started playing with Jean, I knew immediately that our styles complement each other.

Beitel van der Merwe from Zinkplaat is responsible for the solid bass lines, while the sound engineer Hartwig Holtzhauzen played his part in putting it all together. "He had limited, and no local references, and had to be extremely creative in his approach. I am very surprised, but happy about the interest in this album, especially amongst the youth. It just makes one feel that you did something right."