CATCHING UP WITH KAHN

He's best known as the singer of legendary SA band The Parlotones, but these days KAHN MORBEE is focusing on his own projects.

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He recently dropped his first solo work in four years - the EP Buzzhead. Woven with folky-rock sounds, it's a follow up to his 2021 album, A World at Suicide.

We caught up with the 47-year-old singer-songwriter, who now lives in the Netherlands.

Why the title Buzzhead?

It just happened to be the title of one of the tracks, and I like how it rolls off the tongue.

I'm constantly learning new guitar parts, and I'm learning more and more about production. These discoveries are often a creative springboard, as is the journey and observation of life.

When did you move to the Netherlands, and why?

I moved four years ago. My wife, Candace, had a great work opportunity, and we both felt like it was an adventure. We live in Amstelveen with our three sons: Jaxon (10) and eight-year-old twins Thom and Gus.

What would you say is the biggest difference between your songs as a solo artist and your songs with The Parlotones?

My solo stuff is more chilled and introspective. Parlotones is generally a bigger sound.

Describe your average day.

I'm more of a full-time dad executive. In my downtime, I write, produce and record my own stuff and send out demos to the Parlotones guys. I'm also the football coach to my sons' teams so that keeps me busy and helps me practise my Dutch.

Do you still visit and perform in SA?

Yes, I come back at least three to four times a year, mostly to perform but always to visit what I still consider home.

You're touring with Ross Learmonth (ex-Prime Circle) and Arno Carstens (Springbok Nude Girls) in Europe soon. Tell us a bit more about that?