CATHERINE GRENFELL, better known for being the ultimate rock chick and awesome 5FM DJ on the fresh drive during the week. She also hosts and produces a show on Saturday afternoons called live(5), whereby she manages to get South African bands, artists and DJ's to perform live on air with a live studio audience. She is hugely involved in the music industry, and I was more than keen to get a little insight as to what goes through a DJ like herself and of her stature's mind.
How long have you been DJ’ing for?
I
have been DJ’ing for the last 2 years and started out playing rock music and
then moved to also playing commercial, electro, and house music. I have been in
the radio industry for 12 years.
What, in your opinion, is the most enjoyable / fulfilling
part of being a part of this industry?
My best is being
sent demo’s and discovering that one that you know is going to be epic!
What would you consider to be your least favourite part of
being in the industry?
The arrogance, the bitchiness
and people being two-faced.
Have you ever encountered any Crazy fans/ incidents with
fans during a show or out in public?
Not really for me,
but I remember Mark Gillman (5fm Breakfast show DJ from a while back) used to
have a lady that would sit outside the studio and bring him wierd presents,
like ceramic owls. And I would have to go and fetch them from her. He wouldn't go and speak to her and she wouldn't leave the studio until someone came and
collected them.
Where are the majority of your performances based (area
wise) and how do you advertise your upcoming shows to the public?
I DJ all over the country, but the majority of the gigs are
in Joburg. I Tweet and facebook about the gigs.
If you could be any super hero, who would you be and why?
Ironman, is just the coolest ever!
What are your views on the current South African music
scene, and is there a particular genre that you feel needs a bit more attention?
I think that the SA music scene is kicking ass at the
moment. I would love to see a bit more growth in the hard rock scene and a bit
more originality in the hip hop scene.
Favourite thing to do when you have a bit of time off.
Reading, cooking and just chilling with my family.
How do you feel about female rockers in South Africa? (In
comparison to the amount of male rock groups /artists there are presently)
I have to be honest and say I’m not always a huge “female
singer” fan. Their voices generally tend to grate me, but hopefully I will be
blown away by a female rocker’s vocals soon J
Favourite Cartoon character
Spongebob
Square Pants
What is your main message you’d like to give out to your
fans/following right now?
Support amazing music, and
don’t have blinkers on to different types of genres. Open your minds to
something you wouldn't normally listen to.
Where can we catch you next (apart from the fresh drive
today ;)…)?
I've got a couple of corporate gigs coming
up, As well as a trip to PE and Cape Town.
It is well known that you stick to your roots when it comes
to rock music, what direction do you see the rock scene going in within the
next few years in South Africa?
I see a lot more
collabs with different genres, new fresh original sounds and moving away from
your run of the mill rock sound. Dated rock music is so annoying.
Favourite Song at the moment by a South African Artist
Haezer – Stars and Jack Parow & PH Fat – Spring Moeder
Fokker
Who is your biggest personal influence?
It has to be Barney Simon. I grew up listening to his shows
and that is where I discovered such amazing bands.
Give a random fact about yourself.
I've had my appendix taken out
What did you want to be when you “grew up”.
It ranged from a vet, to a fashion designer, to an interior
designer, to an architect
Biggest fear.
Bringing my commercial CD bag when I’m playing at an underground gig
Favourite part of each show (both live and on air) you
perform.
Crowd reaction for live and listening to
people’s reaction about a certain band or topic.
Describe your personality using any Movie title.
The Wedding Singer
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