Miles Keylock
Miles Keylock is an arts journalist who has been writing on music for the past 18 years. His features, interviews and reviews have appeared in a variety of publications including GQ, SL, the Mail & Guardian, The Cape Times, The Black Business Quarterly, Obrigado Magazine and more. He is currently the Contributing Music Editor at GQ Magazine, the Music Editor of Channel24.co.za and the Cape Town correspondent for the Mail & Guardian. He is also a South African Music Awards judge. Before giving himself over to a lifetime of print deadlines he taught English language, literature and drama at the University of Cape Town and the Western Cape.
MUSIC EXCHANGE Q&A
The benefits that may be gained by attending Music Exchange.
QUESTIONS:
1) Which internationally acclaimed bands have you worked with?
Lionel Richie, Rod Stewart, Abdullah Ibrahim, Simphiwe Dana, Zim Ngqawana, Zola, Skwatta Kamp, Henry Rollins, Korn, Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse, Seether….the list is 18 years long.
2) In what capacity did you work with these bands?
Met them, interviewed them, wrote about them.
3) Regarding your work in the music industry, what is the biggest mistake you have ever made and what did you learn from it?
Biggest mistake: missing a deadline. Learned: never to miss a deadline.
4) Of which achievement are you most proud?
Being the only full-time music journalist in South Africa.
5) In a nutshell, what are the primary requirements needed by a young band who want to enjoy a successful music career?
“The 4 Ps”:
1. Passion
2. Professionalism
3. Perseverance
4. Patience
6) Who is your favourite SA band at the moment and why?
The Blk Jks. Besides their uniquely Pan African “psyche-rock” sound, they know what they want. They’ve got the “4 Ps”. They’ve paced themselves. After 8 years of honing their live chops and 1 demo EP they got noticed. The hip indie deal followed when they were ready.
7) In your opinion, what is the significance of something like Music Exchange to the South African music industry?
Instead of ‘players’ fighting to protect their piece of the pie/corner of the market, embracing that spirit of Ubuntu is needed.
Pooling of resources is required for growth and sustainability of a music market that can - and has been - described as “the wild west” (at best) and “amateur hour” (at worst). A conference that openly initiates two-way discussion and debate is a start. Getting industry speakers and so-called “players” to share their experiences, advice and knowledge is fantastic. However, it is up to the delegates – the bands/artists and interested parties – to grab the veritable bull by the horns and take advantage of the opportunity for debate, question and comment on elements that form the complete industry.
8) Overall, what needs to happen to the South African music industry in order for it to make more inroads into the international market?
“The 4 Ps”. Hell, this applies not only to bands, but Management, Promoters, Media, Venue/club owners and so on and so forth.
9) Which specific area of the music industry will you be discussing at Music Exchange and what benefits do you expect to be gained by your audience?
The role of the media in music: our audience should learn why the media is an invaluable resource for the artist.