We’re proud to announce the launch of Pioneer Unit TV!
Our brand new independent media channel will feature exclusive behind the scenes footage and artist interviews.
To launch the channel we interviewed Ben Sharpa on his recent trip to Cape Town. He talked to us in depth about his current and future projects, breaking down what’s going on in the world of Sharpaganda. We were so busy with recording and shooting that we only had time to interview him as we rushed to the airport, but it’s all good.
The interview is in 3 parts. We’ll be uploading parts 2 and 3 over the coming days so keep it locked.
Rattex was in the studio yesterday recording tracks for his forthcoming album Bread and Butter. While we were busy we thought we’d bless you with some FREEMP3 love, so check out Me No Play - Fresh Spaza goodness, straight out the lab!
After a busy week of recording with Ben Sharpa, we just about had time to shoot the cover for his forthcoming EP which will be released in Europe to promote his tour in June.
The concept of the EP cover is that Ben is under surveillance by secretive forces for his anti-establishment views. We created a fictitious journey for him that started in the centre of Cape Town and ended up at the airport, shooting him covertly from various hiding places.
As always, Anne-Sophie directed the shoot and took the photos. She got some great shots so expect another amazing cover.
Here’s some shots from behind the scenes…
The car park shot (click for larger image).
Anne-Sophie shoots Ben (click for larger image).
Watching Ben in the car park (click for larger image).
Posing in the car park (click for larger image).
Watching (click for larger image).
Watching Ben at the airport (click for larger image).
Chilling during the shoot (click for larger image).
Ben has been in Cape Town for the past week recording material for a big collaboration with UK Bass Music super producer, Milanese. So far they have completed 4 tracks - needless to say, the material is crazy! Ben also spat bars on a heavy new track by yours truly called Off the Rails. He finished off a busy week lacing a new Sibot banger that has a classic old-skool flavour even though Sibot’s trademark Glitch Hop sound is still evident.
A lot of people have been asking me when Ben’s album B. Sharpa is coming out. Don’t worry, we haven’t been sleeping. Ben is determined to make sure that he continues the tradition he established with cult crews Audio Visual and GroundWorks by pushing the boundaries of Hip Hop like only he can - so expect the unexpected! We haven’t fixed a date yet, but we guarantee it will be worth the wait.
Sibot will be touring Europe with Milanese between June and August (summer time in Europe).
Anyone interested in booking Ben and Milanese in Europe should contact paul (at) k7 (dot) com.
On Sunday Pioneer Unit was in full effect at the Design Indaba Expo. One Small Seed had a stand where they were promoting One Small Seed TV so they invited us to come along to be interviewed.
Giuseppe, Annelie and Amelia were the perfect hosts, making sure we were fully refreshed at all times. One Small Seed is sponsored by Campari which I’ve never had before. I have to admit that at first I thought it was bitter and disgusting, but after a few glasses it started to grow on me. Strange how that happens.
On set were myself, Ben Sharpa, Rattex and The Realist talking about our future projects and what we’re up to right now. The interviews were really good and, like everything One Small Seed do, they looked great too.
Stay tuned for more info about One Small Seed TV in the near future.
Giuseppe and Annelie Interviewing The Realist (click for larger image).
The SA Blog Awards showcase the very best of South African independent web publishing in various categories. Show your support for Pioneer Unit Records and vote for us in the Best SA Music Blog category (click the button above).
Check out the new edition of South Africa’s number 1 Hip Hop magazine, Hype. We’re continuing our mission to be featured in every issue of this year, and this month KONFAB is interviewed by the lovely Simone.
You know what to do! Support your local Hip Hop industry and go and buy the magazine. If you feel like Hype isn’t representing your area, or you feel they aren’t featuring the hottest cats from your hood, write to Mizi and tell him! His address is mizi[at]hypemagazine.co.za.
A lot of people are still asking whether KONFAB has actually signed to Pioneer Unit. The answer is that he hasn’t signed but we’re still confident that we’ll be releasing his debut solo album sometime this year. KONFAB is a perfectionist and he wants to make sure that when he drops, his album is exactly how he wants it. This attention to detail is what makes KONFAB the artist he is so hold tight!
Standing on a solo block (click for larger image).
As promised, check out the latest in our series of FREEMP3 downloads leading up to the release of Rattex’s debut solo album, Bread and Butter. This one is called Hamba Nam.
We are proud to present our latest video, runonsentence by the mighty KONFAB.
We shot this video while we were on tour in London last year. One night we went round to see my good friends the Chandon brothers, Theo and Alex. At about 2 am (after a few beers and many blunts) we decided it would be a good idea to shoot a music video.
Anyway,,, we just saw the video for the first time tonight and we love it. It perfectly captures the surreal and relentlessly hypnotic essence of the track. KONFAB’s debut album will be out in the second or third quarter of 2008. Keep it locked for more information.
*(Not many people know this, but I was actually a Ninja in Pervirella (check the credits!)).
