Dan Shout
His career highlights include a seven-year stint with Johnny Clegg and his band, during which he performed both locally and internationally. Currently, Shout works as a part-time lecturer at the South African College of Music at the University of Cape Town, he also presents workshops, and does session work in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
The diverse musical influences that Shout has experienced throughout his life, coupled with the extensive touring and exposure to global styles, reveal themselves in his unique, original compositions.
I caught up with Shout, ahead of his tour of UK.
Emotion, history, opportunity, family, wisdom, unity, diversity, infinity.
When are you happiest?
When I’m around the braai with family and friends, with some good tunes on the boom box, a cold beverage in my hand and my rugby team is winning.What does music mean to you?
My Selmer Mk. VI tenor sax, without a doubt! Windhoek Draught! People seem to remember my surname, as it’s quite unusual. I don’t know of too many other sports-loving, shorts-wearing, grey-chinned sax players roaming around Cape Town, either. I think I’d try my hand at being a live music venue owner. Loyal, social, diligent, impatient, stubborn.Your heroes?
Successful South Africans doing great things on an international scale (especially culture/sport), such Trevor Noah, Pieter-Dirk Uys, David Kramer, Johnny Clegg, Charlize Theron, Trevor Rabin, Neill Blomkamp, Gavin Hood, Kyle Brown, Ryan Sandes, and others.What is your most treasured possession?It’s your round what are you drinking?What makes you stand out?
If you were not a musician what would you do?Pick five words to describe yourself?
Woza Friday by Juluka. Cuba. Or Japan. Bad service. That my son will grow up to become a triple threat (singer/actor/dancer)! No More Mr Nice Guy by Alice Cooper, as covered by Megadeth. A song used in that situation would function as a fanfare or sting… It would need to be punchy, get to the point, familiar to the audience and fill me with confidence before my address. I think the name of the song says the rest! With my feet up at Okaukeujo watering hole in Etosha National Park in Namibia, with an ice-cold Tafel Lager in my hand, watching some big game role in with family and friends.Five desert island discs?
Megadeth - Youthanasia
Michael Brecker - Two Blocks from the Edge
Juluka - Ubuhle Bemvelo
Bedrock - So Where’s the Party?
Kevin Bloody Wilson – 20 Years OfWhat song changed your life?Top of your bucket list?
What do you complain about most often?What is your fear?
If you are walking on stage for a keynote speech, like Barack Obama, what song would you use and why?Where would you like to be right now?
Follow Dan Shout on Facebook or Instagram. Check out his music on his website.
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