Major occasion for Bay band Shoelace

A MOTHERWELL rock band, who borrowed guitars and drums to play gigs in 2009, will be hosting their official brand launch party on Friday – this time with their own instruments.

The five-piece group, Shoelace, boasts an eclectic sound and a host of influences. They have played at a number of Bay festivals, as well as supporting international artists like American megastar Usher in Johannesburg and playing at fan parks during the 2010 Soccer World Cup. Now they are getting ready to launch their unique sound to the public as a product.

Manager Bulelani Matenjwa said yesterday the band had come a long way.

"All the members have very distinct musical influences, and the result of them getting together in Shoelace is a completely original sound.”

Matenjwa defined the band's genre as "rocker soul” – a melting pot of jazz, gospel and soul with a rock music focus. The resulting music is something the group is now marketing to its fans as a product of the "Shoelace brand”.

"Now, after a few years of playing and getting good responses, we want to gauge the response of our fan base to the music as a brand,” Matenjwa said.

The five-man act – Zusakhe Gysman (bass), Sinoxolo Mbuthuma (acoustic guitar), Mvuzo Mnyaka (keys), Shane Botha (drums) and Ndumiso Ntantiso (lead guitar and vocals) – began in 2009.

The musicians all practised individually at the Motherwell Community Arts Centre, using instruments available there. Ntantiso said he was excited about the band's upcoming marketing event.

"This step is important to our careers. We are a product. People want that product.
"And, like with any other product, you have to brand it, and market it, so that people get excited about it.”

In June, Shoelace will perform at the MBay Megafest alongside international stars Ne-Yo, Ludacris, Shaggy and Protoje.

Tickets for Friday's launch are available from Computicket.