SA Music & Entertainment Magazine dives deep into the world of Jasper Dan! Uncovering their roots in Southern Rock, the creative process behind their latest single ‘Mama Voodoo’, and their unique contributions to the South African music scene.
Q: Jasper Dan, your music blends gritty Southern Rock with modern twists. How do you incorporate your South African influences into this genre, and what sets your sound apart from traditional Southern Rock bands?
Jasper Dan: Our lyrics are very heavily influenced by our experiences; about the people and places we know. That’s really where our home grown influences really find a place in the music we make. There certainly isn’t too many bands in South Africa playing the type and style of music we play at the moment. It really is a sound we love creating.
Q: ‘Mama Voodoo’ explores mystical themes with dark undertones. How did the concept for the song and its artwork come about, and what do these elements symbolize for the band within the context of South African culture?
Jasper Dan: It was almost as if the song chose its own lyrical content as a theme of traditional and dark magic practices seemed to be the only thought Jamie had while listening to the music when we were putting it all together. Barrett’s riff was a strong influence. Jamie started to visualise the many methods people use for escape and hallucinogenic journeys that all walks of life have been experimenting with for many generations. We’ve always found it fascinating that long before people of different continents had contact or communication with each other they practiced various and different methods for inducing spiritual or out of mind journeying.
The artwork is simply our interpretation of what we envision our Mama Voodoo to look like. We’d be happy to follow her on the journey. She has strong links to the Voodoo of New Orleans but also our more traditional African Hoodoo and the respective traditional medicine and cultures. It really is a traditional and old-world concept. Not really directly linked to only South Africa or our culture.
Q: Your live performances are known for their energy and authenticity. How do you prepare for a live show, and how does performing in South Africa influence your stage presence and connection with the audience?
Jasper Dan: We have fantastic supporters and friends that come to our shows. The scene is small here so we also know most of the bands and performers. We generally spend the evening socialising with our friends and chatting to the people that have come to support us. A few drinks will always be had. It’s easy to interact with our audience because we are all together for the same reason and they soon become good friends of the band.
Q: The visual aesthetic of Jasper Dan, including the iconic cowboy hats, adds a unique flair to your image. How does your attire and stage persona reflect your South African roots and influence your artistic expression?
Jasper Dan: We’re proudly South African, but we’re massive fans of the Americana, Southern Rock and Country aesthetic so we just lean into it. We’re an open book. We wear our hearts on our sleeve. It’s not really a persona, it’s just kinda who we are. Don’t ever be surprised to see us in a Bok shirt and a cowboy hat.
Q: Can you share insights into the gear and instruments that define Jasper Dan’s sound both in the studio and on stage? How do these elements contribute to the band’s overall sonic identity?
Jasper Dan: Our musical roots are relatively firmly set in 1970’s American rock, it’s the tone we really are all about and it really is the tone that we aim for. Overdriven Marshall Amplifiers, Gibson Les Pauls. A Fuzzy Fender Jazz Bass and big classic Tama drums. A Good ol’ faithful SM 58 vocal microphone. This combination is our happy place!
Jason plays Tama Drums and is endorsed by Soultone cymbals. Barrett plays Gibson Les Paul and Fouche Custom Guitars through a Headrush Multi Effects pedal and Marshall Amplifiers. Mark plays Fender Jazz Bass guitars through Hartke Bass amplification. Jamie uses Shure microphones and plays Martin and Yamaha acoustic guitars.
Q: Jasper Dan has made significant strides in the South African music scene. How has your journey as a band evolved over the years, and what milestones do you hope to achieve moving forward?
Jasper Dan: We’ve had a few member changes over the years, with the current make-up being the closest and strongest we have been. We really are the best of mates and just click and get each other on a musical front. The fact that we are so close makes the journey far more enjoyable both for us writing and performing as well as for those who come out to see us. Watching someone having a great time can be infectious.
It’s been a real slog for us and like so many other bands we’ve had the rejections and turn downs but with huge support from local radio stations and personalities, from fellow artists and committed, loyal supporters we really feel like we’re in a great place now. We have more studio time planned with the man, Robin Walsh at Assegai Studio’s in Johannesburg, as we make our way towards our second full length album. A dream would be to press that onto vinyl. On the performance side we have a few dreams and rough plans to spend some time playing internationally.
Q: Now for a bit of fun – If ‘Mama Voodoo’ were adapted into a movie or a play, which actors would you choose to play the roles inspired by the song’s mystical themes, and why?
Jasper Dan: Halle Berry (James Bond – orange bikini) would be our first choice Mama Voodoo for obvious reasons. Nicholas Cage playing everybody else. We are currently working on an idea for a Mama Voodoo music video. We don’t want to give too much away. But do ask Mr Cage to please answer his email.
Q: Finally, beyond ‘Mama Voodoo’, what can fans expect from Jasper Dan in terms of future releases, live shows, and artistic exploration?
Jasper Dan: We are working on two new songs that have a more laid-back feel which we are about to go into studio with. The reaction to our music and performances in South Africa over the past few years has been fantastic. Something we want to explore further. We have a very large country. We still have a good few places to get to which we really want to do.
As Jasper Dan continues to push boundaries with their unmistakable Southern Rock sound, SA Music & Entertainment Magazine thanks them for sharing their insights.
Don’t miss out on ‘Mama Voodoo’, releasing on all platforms from Friday 19 July. Stay tuned as Jasper Dan continues to captivate audiences with their raw energy and musical prowess on stages across South Africa and beyond.
‘Mama Voodoo’ will be available on all platforms 19 July here
