Interview: Count Drachma

You'll recognise them from Oxford folk-poppers, Stornoway, but Oli and Rob Steadman have also recently been playing music native to their home country of South Africa, with their Zulu influenced side project, Count Drachma. I got in contact with Oli to discuss writing in Zulu, the rise of 'world music', and Wikipedia.

First of all, how does the lineup differ from that of Stornoway?
     We've got the StornoBrothers Oli and Rob Steadman. O plays guitar/sax and sings, R is on percussion and harmonies, and they're joined by lifelong bassplaying compadre Alexander Badamchi-Zadeh plus Kirini Helga Kopcke on Maskandi violin.

I understand you were brought up to speak Zulu - isn't this quite unusual amongst white South Africans?
     That's generally true of our generation and the ones before. Rob and I were fortunate enough to go to a progressive school that challenged the politics of the time, and encouraged Zulu in addition to the usual Afrikaans/English lessons. In hindsight I'm not quite sure why Zulu was chosen - there are 11 official languages in S.A. and in Johannesburg you encounter all of these plus many European languages! I studied for six years at a basic level before we arrived in Oxford - not long enough to become fluent, but I'm able to slowly piece together translations and I'm starting to create my own Zulu songs.

You've covered a variety of different songs, from Zulu nursery rhymes to folk songs, but do you think you'll eventually start writing your own songs in Zulu?
     We've been following the folk approach to learning traditional songs and imitating other musicians. Now I'm discovering how liberating it can be writing music in another language. Having a restricted vocabulary helps me to think more clearly about what's being said. The words are taking a while, so the focus right now is on the rhythmic side of things - the Zulu Maskandi guitar style is very distinctive, and I'm enjoying seeing what happens when it collides with the Celtic Jig and the more West African percussive sounds Rob is bringing to the group.

Will we see any recordings from Count Drachma at all, or are you focusing on gigs at the moment?
     We have some demos up, which were recorded to give an idea of what we're like live. For now we just want to perform.

With popularity rising for groups like Tinariwen and Amadou and Mariam do you feel world music is coming into a wider acceptance?
     My experience of music has always tended to the international because of the country I grew up in. Until recently the music we had access to from outside was restricted, so people treasured anything that was harden to get their hands on. When I came to the UK the only European music I knew was Pink Floyd (Piper At the Gates of Dawn - at the time I thought they were Italian). I remember being more into Orchestra Baobab (Specialist In All Styles), and the young S.A. bands Tweak & Freshlyground.
Here's a video of Johnny Clegg talking about the Migrant Tradition - growing up in many places and being exposed to different cultures growing up:

Do you have any plans to play in Africa at some point? Either with Count Drachma or Stornoway?
     That'd be a dream come true. I've realised that both bands are in a position to do so because of our personal connection to home. When I lived in S.A. no international bands ever came to play - I don't want us to follow that trend!

Have you been able to collaborate with any African musicians over here at all?
     Count Drachma is still a very new project - once we're confident with a sound of our own, we want to take things to the festivals, WOMAD and Larmer Tree especially, to share what we're doing and invite collaborations with others.

You've made it your mission to update the Zulu Wikipedia to stop its closure - how did you first get involved in the project?
     This started at the same time as the band began playing together. Both were the result of a trip home to South Africa, where I started hearing the language and music again. Out of curiosity I found the Wikipedia , and was shocked to hear it was due to be shut down because no Zulu speakers were using it. It's been four months now and we've managed to pull through - the site has over 500 articles and several regular contributors. If any Zulus out there can lend a hand it'd be hugely appreciated.

For those of us who aren't as tuned in with South African culture, what bands/singers would you recommend? 
     Both of these Zulu language projects have led me to discover much more about South African music. I've been writing the English Wikipedia articles on Maskandi bands, and found out some great stories. Musical rivalries, Maskandi guitar battles, political songs about things happening in the country right now. my favourites of the current crop of Maskandi stars are Inzingane Zoma, Imithente, Bhekumuzi Luthuli (recently deceased), Thokozani Langa, and David Jenkins. For an older sound - and perhaps more familiar because of their international success - I'd recommend Johnny Clegg's bands Juluka/Savuka and the saxophonist Dudu Pakwana.

And finally one which I'm sure many people are eagerly waiting to hear the answer of: when can we expect to see Stornoway's sophomore album on the shelves?
     We're in the later stages of this endeavour and can promise its arrival this year. It'll be worth your wait!

Count Drachma will be playing a number of gigs in Oxford and London in the coming months - for more information visit: www.countdrachma.bandcamp.com

Read my interview with Rob Steadman here

Review: Yard Sessions - Modern Art Oxford, 31st August

      The Yard at Modern Art Oxford is the perfect setting for hosting a series of summer gigs, and featuring some of Oxford's finest bands of the moment, with the addition of headliners, Treetop Flyers, (winner of Glastonbury's Emerging Talent Competition) the third Yard Session was an evening filled with a diverse range of musical genres and sounds.

Oli Steadman, Count Drachma

      The evening got underway with local Oxford lads Broken Bedsteads. Despite their young age, the confidence they exuded made them seem much older than their years, and with a sound similar to The Vaccines and Razorlight, their infectious basslines filled the room with glittering janglings.

      Billy T'rivers followed, with his americana twinged folk music, performing what was in fact his debut gig. For someone who lacks in experience playing live, he certainly executed an impressive set. Although the vocal harmonies could have been a little tighter, his music was easy listening, with gentle guitars and a soulful voice.

      Count Drachma transported the audience to their native South Africa with their zulu beats, ironic considering the 'colonial moustache' lead singer, Oli Steadman, pointed out that he was sporting. Comprising members of Oxford band, Stornoway, it was a somewhat smaller gig than they perhaps are used to, however their melodies flowed in a sea of colour and with saxophone grooves and bass-harmonicas aplenty, the set featured a medley of various folktunes, lullabies, and even a song about a shape-shifting lizard.


      Headliners, Treetop Flyers' relaxed folk rock was a perfect end to the evening, with lead singer, Reid Morrison's gritty voice gleaming with a rawness that many aspiring country artists can only try to emulate. Despite it being the last day of August (and therefore in my view the last evening of the summer), the band's soulful music had a summery feel to it, and in the semi-openness of the yard with its hanging baskets and cosy atmosphere, it was an intimate set, brought together by the obvious enthusiasm of the audience - a small one, but appreciative nonetheless. Unfortunately the call of London's last tubes meant the set was cut short for myself, and it was sad not to see the band through to the end, but the first half I saw was magical with its close harmonies and americana infused guitar hooks.

Treetop Flyers

www.modernartoxford.org.uk