Bennett Terblanche, known on stage as Soul Strings, is a third year BCom Marketing student. Armed with his powerful voice and guitar, he is taking on the Pretoria music scene with full force. PDBY spoke to him and about his music.
What made you want to pursue music?
I wouldn’t say that I woke up one day and said to myself, “I want to be a musician.” My parents raised me to have an immense appreciation for music. Since I can remember my dad would quiz me on any track that ever played on the radio. Shazam didn’t always exist right?
How long have you been a musician?
I’ve been playing guitar since 2009, when I was in grade 8. Started off with bass guitar, and realised that I needed an instrument to compliment my voice at an improved level in terms of my original sound. So, I made the switch to guitar and picked up a little bit of piano as well. I always knew I had some musical talent though.
What are your biggest trials and tribulations as an artist?
Good question, singing a diverse kind of music in Pretoria. Sometimes the crowd you play for is hard to read but I try stay true to what I know. I stick to what I’m comfortable playing so that I can give a quality performance to the ears that are listening. We live in such a diverse country so I would love to be able to play a little something for everyone. I would definitely say that’s something I struggle with.
What is your favourite memory of being a musician so far?
Well I could talk about some of the gigs I’ve played at. To be honest though the best feeling a musician can experience is having someone come up to you after your performance and compliment you. It’s the best feeling for me. It’s where you, as someone that spends time and puts in huge amounts of effort to be able to play the way you play, get something back. So, yeah man I play for the audience and I love getting that positive feedback.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Well hopefully I’ll be done with university and stick to my music for sure. I still haven’t given any competitions like Idols or The Voice a shot so I’m really keen to give that a solid effort. I also just want to keep playing for as long as I can. I always say, “If you’re good enough, someone will take the time to mould you.”
In five words, how would you describe yourself and your music?
Powerful, soulful, deep, flexible, and raw.
Where did you get your stage name “Soul Strings” from and what does it mean to you?
Honestly, I came up with it driving back to Pretoria from Nelspruit this year. I just need a stage name because Bennett Terblanche is a little bit lengthy, don’t you think
Do you have any ideas for future music that we should look out for?
In terms of my music? At the end of this year I would like to have a decent social media presence and have some form of an EP or album at the end of the year. Another aspect to look out for is on the streets. I love busking, always have, and I don’t see why I would stop doing it.
How do you find ideas for music that you currently play?
Oh! Love that question. If it’s a cover? I literally go through phases. All the way from the 1950’s through to Justin Bieber’s latest album Changes. I do everything and love playing as many genres as possible. My own music involves some effort. I get ideas from past experiences, people I see in my day to day life, know or don’t know. Music is a timeless phenomenon and I wouldn’t want my music to be any different. I can write a song in 10 minutes, 10 days or 10 months. All depends on the message I’m trying to send to people. I always write lyrics and melody at the same time
What advice would you give someone who is too shy to start playing gigs?
Anyone that is too shy or thinks that they aren’t good enough. Get playing. The only way you improve is by playing as much as you can for as many people as you can. I found my love for music by playing around bushfires and late-night chats after everyone has gone to bed. So just go for it. Someone will hear what they like.
Keep an eye out for Bennett at Aandklas open mic nights.
Image Provided
CASSIDY BESSA
