Unravelling the Creative Journey of Neil Sandilands: A Deep Dive into ‘Allegaarkie vir ’n Askeet’
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Embarking on a soul-stirring journey through the cosmos of music, Neil Sandilands presents his latest full-length album, “Allegaarkie vir ’n Askeet”. A cornucopia of passion, self-reflection, and unwavering dedication, the album is the culmination of Sandilands’ exploration into his own existence and identity. Laden with symbolism, the title speaks volumes about the artist’s journey and the transformative power of music.
Sandilands’ creative offering is a testament to his ever-evolving artistry and the relentless pursuit of his passions. The album encapsulates an eclectic mix of influences, encompassing the works of literary and musical greats such as CJ Langenhoven, NP Van Wyk Louw, Ingrid Jonker, Koos Kombuis, Anton Goosen, Bob Dylan, Gert Vlok Nel, Jan Blohm, Johnnie Cope, and Tennessee Whiskey. Steeped in themes of protest, passion, doubt, metaphysics, history, humanity, and friendship, “Allegaarkie vir ’n Askeet” is a powerful and inclusive statement of the artist’s growth and the world around him.
In crafting this remarkable album, Sandilands brought together a constellation of exceptional talent, from musicians working remotely across the globe to collaborators like Theo Crous, who shared in the artist’s pursuit of an authentic sound. Amidst the chaos of a world grappling with a pandemic and societal challenges, the diverse ensemble of musicians and creative minds fused their talents to create a symphony of emotion, self-expression, and resilience.
Delve into the introspective world of Neil Sandilands as we uncover the myriad layers of his creative soul in “Allegaarkie vir ’n Askeet”. This masterpiece of musical storytelling and collaboration is a testament to the artist’s unwavering love for his craft, his fellow creators, and the indomitable spirit of humanity.
In the following interview with Neil Sandilands, I had the unique opportunity to delve deeper into the creative process behind “Allegaarkie vir ’n Askeet”, gaining insight into the inspirations, and triumphs that shaped this monumental work. As you read on, you’ll join me in exploring the mind of Neil, uncovering the inner workings of his thoughts and emotions, while discovering the stories that led to the birth of this powerful and transformative album. Prepare to be enthralled as we reveal the passion and artistry that fuels Sandilands’ creative journey, and the extraordinary experiences that have made him the artist he is today.
Neil, a massive congratulations on your new album. Eager to listen, and excited to hear all about it! Your album is called, “Allegaarkie vir ’n Askeet,” and it’s both creative and thought-provoking. Can you share the story behind the title and what it means to you?
“Thank you! “Allegaarkie” is a “mixed grill”. Let’s start there. The album has a lot on the plate to digest. There are ballads, funky tunes, waltzes, experimental vibes, multiple languages, brass, strings, keys, drums, guitars, and even a saw and a Jewish harp. “Askeet” or Ascetic in English marks severe self-discipline and abstention from indulgence. The mis-spelling of Allegaarkie (with a k instead of a “tjie”) is deliberate. From a design perspective, it offers the two A’s and the two K’s. I was 47 when I wrote and made the album, the second full-length album in two years. So it is an AK47 of sorts. I love the contradictory elements.”
The album seems to be a reflection of your journey during a series of extraordinary experiences. How do you believe these experiences have shaped your music and this album in particular?
“I’ve never been able to do something with a particular “agenda” very well. For example, it is difficult for me to come to terms with the idea of creating for a specific market. With acting you have less control because you’re at the tail end of a very long production line. With music, it is more direct. Just you and the listener. I can only write things which come from experiences and my life has been, well, unusual. Immigrant, away from home, Afrikaans in an English landscape and so on. I write about the anomalous quality of my life. Musically, perhaps because it came quite late in life and I approach it as a “labour of love”, it kinda feels like I can work more freely since I don’t really have a dog in the fight. If people relate and respond to it, it’s a most beautiful affirmation to keep on doing exactly that.”
You mention that you fell in love with music long before acting. How do you feel your acting career has influenced your approach to music and vice versa?
“I think acting helps with the interpretive approach to my songs. I interpret them as opposed to merely singing them. I’m also comfortable with the parameters and strengths of my voice. There are certain things I simply can not do, so I focus on the few things I can. Acting has helped to explore the voice. Acting has also been helpful in understanding the human condition somewhat better. I’ve had the opportunity to play wildly beautiful and varied characters and each one of those were an investigation into the human condition.”
With “Allegaarkie vir ’n Askeet” being your second full-length album in two years, what has changed since your first album, “Sangoma Sandilands & Jou Pa se Posse – Maanskyn”?
“I think like anything, the more you keep at it, the more polished it becomes. As with aging, it’s less a question of knowing a particular truth than knowing precisely what to avoid. It’s a process of distillation. I’d say the first album came about almost randomly, out of the blue. I made the tracks for a particular character I played in “Desert Rose” and suddenly we had a full album. The album was nominated for a SAMA award which led me to believe I should keep on exploring. I made two EPs in between – “Die Groot Niks” & “Die Groot 5”. I realized what I lacked was 20/30 years of songs or previously recorded material. So I challenged myself to the task of deliberately making a considered album. Which is “Allegaarkie vir ‘n Askeet”. It is a considered piece of work.”
You have openly expressed gratitude to the many contributors and musicians involved in the creation of this album. How do you believe their unique talents and perspectives have shaped the sound and message of the album?
“It always struck me as odd that Afrikaans albums, by and large, offers so little in terms of instrumentation. We have such masterful musicians here in Africa, playing in inventive and unusual styles. Why not explore it more? To me it is a gift to incorporate, in the musical offering, a spectacular piece of artistry and mould my vocal offering around that. It’s also why I called the first album “Sangoma Sandilands & Jou Pa se Posse”. The “Posse” was me paying respect to the collaborators. Music to me, truly is a place where I prefer the axiom ‘The more the Merrier’.”
The album features a wide range of instruments, including a musical saw and a vuvuzela. Can you share some of your favourite moments in the recording process and how these unique instruments added to the overall feel of the album?
“No vuvuzela I’m afraid, but yes there is the saw which Jacques du Plessis plays. Dave Ferguson plays the Jewish harp. Ronan Skillen brought all sorts of wonderful percussive instruments. There are even animal sounds. To me, the album feels like contemporary Africa and yet, at the same time, universal. The most beautiful moment (and there were many) was when I had but an hour to record with Zimbabwean legend guitarist Louis Mhlanga. I collected him from Cape Town and drove through to Bellville Studios. He didn’t want to listen to the track again, he just wanted to play and improvise. “Feel”, in his own words. He did it in one take. The song is called “Ditsem”. It was holy.”
It is quite obvious to see that you have a deep connection to the people and places you’ve encountered in your travels. How do you hope this album will resonate with listeners around the world and bring them closer to your experiences?
“What I’ve come to understand in this little while is these offerings has density and layers. perhaps precisely because I’ve had the privilege of working alongside masterful people. I think it will stand over the years. Perhaps even improve as time goes on. I’m still overwhelmed that it exists in the first place. My experience has been a steady growth in offering, listeners and quality and may this trend continue. If I can make friends it’s always a good thing.”
If you were to choose one song from “Allegaarkie vir ’n Askeet” to be featured in the soundtrack of a movie or television show, which song would it be and what kind of scene do you envision it accompanying?
“No. Nope. I just can not. Impossible. The offering is the entire album. From A-Z. Of course people will be partial to a certain track or tracks even, but for me, it is the album and the interconnectedness of the songs. A snapshot of an artist in time. I’ll never make an album like this again. To your question though, I think “Kômmôsêdiesê”, and “Ditsem”….argh fuckit, they can all work in some movie or the other. Let’s hope!”
Neil, your diverse career has spanned both music and acting, captivating audiences in South Africa and around the world through local productions like Soutmansland and 7de Laan, as well as international hits such as DC’s The Flash and Sweet Tooth. Looking ahead, what type of role would you love to explore next? Perhaps something that combines your passions, like a globe-trotting musician on a mission to save the world?
“I think I understand Goëthe’s “Faust”. I can play Mephistopheles too. I’d love to try a biopic on Friedrich Nietzsche. Maybe I can score both films. I’ll definitely phone Theo Crous, because he makes my ideas sound like something.”
Lastly, we have a particularly unique and personal question from my brother Quintin, inspired by your well-known role as Bart. He’d like to know: “Do you still have your pigeons?”
Sure yeah. Mounted on the wall, like a trophy. Don’t be ridiculous Quintin.
Neil, thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to do this interview with me, it was truly appreciated and i cannot wait for the album and to see what you get up to next!
Thanks so much for the invitation. Thanks to the readers for the support. Be on the lookout for “Allegaarkie vir ‘n Askeet”, Neil Sandilands, 5th May 2023 on all streaming platforms.
Here’s the link to pre-save the album and listen previous songs: https://linktr.ee/neilsandilands
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