…..SoSuterBill…..

BILLY SUTER presents an occasional column in which he chats to popular musicians about their musical likes and dislikes. The spotlight is on Cape-based singer-songwriter ROBIN AULD, hugely popular in the mid-’80s and still making good music at age 65, whose hits include All of Woman and Baby You’ve Been Good to Me. He is to perform in Durban at 7.30pm on Saturday, November 9, and 2pm on Sunday, November 10 – at Umbilo’s Rhumbelow Theatre in Cunningham Road. Tickets cost R180 each. Take a picnic basket, if you wish, for seating at tables – but note that all beverages must be bought at the theatre pub. Book for the show at Webtickets or mail Roland Stansell at roland@stansell.co.za

WHAT can music-lovers expect from your Durban shows at The Rhumbelow Theatre on November 9 and 10?

I’ll be playing a selection of my old hits, songs from my latest album, a couple of covers by other SA bands, and telling humorous stories of my time in the industry.

Latest news from you, either personal or professional?

I’ve been playing a variety of shows, from solo to collaborations, with artists such as Albert Frost, in the Cape. I am also currently working on an album of South African covers. I also have other dates planned in KwaZulu-Natal so visit robinauldmusic.com

I understand your 2022 album The Everlovin’ Wind, has had two No 1s on the Mix fm National Top 20? Tell me more.

I recorded the album at home in Kalk Bay with a bunch of my favourite musicians. I spoiled myself actually… I took a fair amount of time to arrive at an album that has a lot of counterpoint and harmony in it. 

Drums were provided by Kevin Gibson and Paul Tizzard, bass by Schalk Joubert and Roger Bashew and backing vocals by Nhoza Sitsholwana and Fancy Galada. We had several guests, including Rikku Latti on accordian and Rayelle Goodman on violin.   

A lot of the material I wrote in an extended stint by myself in Hogsback, where I had nothing but butterflies and monkeys for company. I think they helped! 

What do you miss (and not miss) from your early days of fame when All of Woman was huge?

I miss playing the big shows. Also, for some reason, the big shows were a lot more diverse than now. I also miss the camaraderie of the band and the fun we had on the road. 

I don’t miss the ’80s period of clothes… where, even though we didn’t sound like Depeche Mode, we were obliged to dress like them. I also don’t miss having to mime for TV shows!

What are three highlights of your career from those early music-making days?

Big shows, really! The second Concert in the Park, where we played to around 90 000 people; a KZN tour we did with Hotline and Tribe after Tribe; and listening to Radio 5 in my wetsuit, in the car, before a surf, to find out where All of Woman was on their charts. It hit No 1 and I then went out to surf. A good day! 

What is your favourite song right now?

I’m enjoying playing Underground from my latest album. The lyrics just seem to reel people in, and it always goes over well live.

The last album you bought?

I’ve been buying the odd vinyl album. The last one was Roxy & Elsewhere by Frank Zappa, which is one of my  favourite live albums.

Two of your favourite songs of all time?

Across the Universe by The Beatles and Mr Tambourine Man by Bob Dylan. 

Three of the finest albums ever?

Abbey Road by The Beatles, Live at the Fillmore East by Jimi Hendrix and Hejira by Joni Mitchell. 

Song you hate the most right now?

I don’t really hate anything right now, but when it comes to a lot of South African radio, “underwhelmed” is more the expression.  

Worst song in history?

I Was Made For Loving You by Kiss. 

Song you most associate with your teens?

Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond was everywhere. Still is, actually!

Songs you most associate with your early childhood years?

Leaving on a Jet Plane by Peter, Paul and Mary and Something is Happening by Herman’s Hermits. 

The size of your music collection and the artists represented most there?

I have a lot of cassettes… but nothing to play them on. I have a bunch of vinyls and I listen mainly to ’70s artists and earlier and later singer-songwriters. I like Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell, CSN & Y, Little Feat, Frank Zappa, The Beatles, Ry Cooder, Jimi Hendrix, Tom Waits, Stevie Wonder, Burt Bacharach, Prince, XTC, Beck… 

Favourite radio station and DJ?

I don’t really listen to radio much anymore. But I’ll have to say Mix FM because they support SA music.

The local artists you most admire?

Arno Carstens, Beatenberg, Tananas, Philip Tabane, Steve Newman and Wendy Oldfield.

Artists from abroad that you most admire?

Paul McCartney, Patti Smith, Stevie Wonder, Donald Fagen… the ones still truckin’.

Pet hate/s about the music scene in South Africa?

It is very ageist in a way the UK and other overseas markets are not.  There is still far too little play for South African artists on radio.

The satellite stations that play in every bar and venue play ’70s, ’80’s, whatever… but are not obliged to have SA artists included.

I travel a lot overseas and it’s always a contrast.  Also, the radio and general scene in South Africa is against roots music and presents the idea that real people playing instruments in non-pop genres is somehow out of date. All of which is nonsense as these forms are thriving overseas.   

The one music act you would give the world to see perform live?

Not sure I’d give the world, but I’d like to see Pink Floyd.

Ever asked a music personality for an autograph?

No. I did shake David Gilmour’s hand once, though!

Music acts you have seen live and loved?

Tom Waits, Prince, Jeff Beck, John Martyn, Bob Dylan, Frank Zappa and Ry Cooder. 

Best singing star ever?

Aretha Franklin.

The greatest musician of all time?

Jimi Hendrix.

Best band in history?

The Beatles.

The styles of music you most enjoy – and least enjoy?

I most enjoy ’70s singer-songwriters. My least favourite music is ska.

The one song that will always be guaranteed to get you on to a dancefloor?

The song has not been written that can guarantee that! 

The first song you ever performed for an audience?

Ain’t No Sunshine.

Guilty pleasure: a song you really feel you shouldn’t enjoy, but secretly do?

Tons of them, but I’d probably go with Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline.

Worst decade for music?

No call on that. They’ve all had great stuff.

Instruments you can play?

Harmonica, guitar and keyboards.

The song you’d like to be played at your funeral?

Mr Tambourine Man.