LAUNCH OF RAY-BAN NEVER HIDE COMPILATION ALBUM
Ray-Ban, South Africa, 14 October 2011: For the love of South African music, Ray-Ban has put together a compilation CD, which includes original music from some of SA's most influential bands and artists. The NEVER HIDE Playlist album features aKING, Die Heuwels Fantasties, JR, Lark, Locnville, The Dirty Skirts, Thieve and Van Coke Kartel. This unique compilation will be available as a limited edition throughout South Africa during October and November.
The album launch rocked the house at the Bijou Iron Forge in Observatory in Cape Town. It was a visual and musical feast with ample beats and live footage that made the rockers stay on their feet with a complete underground experience. The evening's bands and DJ's included aKING, Die Heuwels Fantasties, Lark, JR, Toby2Shoes, Francois van Coke and The Wedding DJ's.
The compilation is a mix of various genres of South African music: Indie Rock, Pop, Hip Hop & Electro. All artists featured on the album are Brand Ambassadors for Ray-Ban and can be seen wearing their latest Iconic styles as they tour throughout the country over summer.
aKING, tuneful rock band from Cape Town, have toured extensively throughout South Africa, playing at major festivals such as Oppikoppi Music Festival and Coke Zero Fest. "It's not like we want to become one-trick-ponies, we want to keep on producing, keep on changing our sound and try new things," explains Laudo Liebenberg, lead singer of aKING. They have shared the stage with international musicians such as Oasis, Snow Patrol, and Panic! At the Disco.
The Dirty Skirts, also Cape Town-based, have built an impressive underground following. They have also performed at big festivals. They toured America, United Kingdom and the United Emirates and have been on stage with Oasis, Snow Patrol, Panic! At the Disco and Evanescence.
Die Heuwels Fantasties describe their music as melodic songs written on acoustic guitar, interpreted with electronic and organic instruments. "Music discovery has changed, anyone can go huge now, the smallest indie band can go number one. It all depends on how many people share it with you," says Pierre Greeff lead singer of Die Heuwels Fantasties.
Van Coke Kartel is known for their diverse live performances. "It is cool that someone takes the time to listen to what you've created, it's kind of an honour I guess," says Francois van Coke. They have shared the stage with international acts such as Muse, 30 Seconds to Mars, Korn, Chris Cornell, Good Charlotte and Billy Talent.
The rising hip hop artist, JR, lives for music and beat, and has collaborated with some of South Africa's coolest acts. "I mastered the moonwalk. Did I master it, yes I did, says JR." Locnville is a South African Electro Hop music duo formed by identical twin brothers Andrew and Brian Chaplin. The twins are singer-songwriters, song producers and musicians, in addition to being guitarists, drummers and business entrepreneurs. "You can never suss a band or artist by a single, it's important to check out their stuff that is not necessarily being punted by the market, says Andrew"
Lark is a four-piece alternative electronica band, has won a SAMA award and created a solid grassroots following in South Africa, England and Germany.
Thieve is a three-piece band and describe their music as an unashamed combination of elements from varied popular genres, however still consider themselves as a rock 'n roll act.
Ray-Ban and music have always evolved together. Icons in music have a long history of making Ray-Ban eyewear a part of their identity, and in turn Ray-Ban has become a musical icon in its own right. Still today, musicians of all genres choose to see the world through Ray-Ban lenses, and share the spotlight with them.
Cape Town-based illustrator Jarryd Kin was chosen as the winner for designing the NEVER HIDE playlist cover. Jarryd used the iconic Wayfarer frame, made popular by Bob Dylan and movies such as Breakfast at Tiffany's, The Blues Brothers and Risky Business, and re-interpreted it for the limited edition album cover.
This limited edition CD will be available in over 400 retail outlets nationwide as part of the summer campaign. Anyone purchasing a pair of Ray-Ban eyewear between 15 October and end of December (while stocks last), will be able to get their hands on this unique compilation.
For more information on Ray-Ban, visit
www.ray-ban.com/southafrica