Sludge Underground Podcast

He Has Been Going To Metal Shows For 50 Years

In this episode of Sludge Underground, we sit down with Ernest (Ernie) Pretorius, a lifelong supporter of South African live music who attends shows across the country and isn't afraid to step into the mosh pit. We discuss how the South African music scene has changed over the decades, the advantages and challenges of both the old and modern eras, some of his favourite bands throughout the years, and what keeps him travelling across South Africa to support live music. Ernie also shares his experiences living in Pietermaritzburg for over 40 years, how he stays fit enough to keep up with the energy of live shows, and what it's like watching the next generation carry the torch, including his son, who happens to be in a band in Johannesburg. Whether you're a longtime supporter of the scene or a newcomer discovering South African alternative music, this conversation offers a unique perspective from someone who has witnessed five decades of live music culture firsthand. Support the show Join our Discord https://discord.com/invite/z8fcsPNv Website https://www.sludgeunderground.com Merch https://merchbox.co.za/collections/sludge-underground Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sludgeunderground TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sludgeunderground YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@sludgeunderground Twitter https://twitter.com/Sludge031 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SludgeUnderground

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Has Sean Joined Too Many Bands?

On this episode we look back on State of the Nation, Hilliker's trip to Mozambique with Your Cynical Sanity, and Walk These Skies, the Marilyn Manson tribute controversy, and ATFN's tour. We also look at recent releases, with a special focus on Internet Girl, Ill System, Daisy Arson, and ATFN. We then take a detour overseas and chat about Slipknot's latest single, Arsenal. Marcel shares his throughts on Falling In Reverse's latest single featuring Corey Taylor and Serj Tankian. We close off the global focus with what what went down on Ed Sheeran's Loop tour. In other news, we go over Jack White's South African tour announcement, Middlegrounds being back together, the recent Alt fest Q & A, and Sean Gaisford joining yet another band! Support the show Join our Discord https://discord.com/invite/z8fcsPNv Website https://www.sludgeunderground.com Merch https://merchbox.co.za/collections/sludge-underground Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sludgeunderground TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sludgeunderground YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@sludgeunderground Twitter https://twitter.com/Sludge031 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SludgeUnderground

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What The Music Industry Doesn’t Want Bands To Know

We sit down with Christine & Paul of All This For Nothing, South Africa's longest-running progressive punk rock band. We hone in on vultures in the music industry, the band's upcoming album Nothing Is Punk Anymore, what it actually takes to build a "no-skip" record, how to pick the perfect lead single, why they left Spotify and what it's cost them, and how album releases have changed since 1998. We also talk about the homogenisation of the alt scene. #southafrica#southafricanbands #southafricanmusic #southafricanpodcast Paul & Marcel Interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJxJX0MX5g8&t=482s ATFN Tickets/Merch/Music/More https://linktr.ee/allthisfornothing Presave the album https://orcd.co/nothing_is_punk_anymore Instagram https://www.instagram.com/atfn012 BackAbuddyhttps://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/atfn-new-album-fundraiser Support the show Join our Discord https://discord.com/invite/z8fcsPNv Website https://www.sludgeunderground.com Merch https://merchbox.co.za/collections/sludge-underground Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sludgeunderground TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sludgeunderground YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@sludgeunderground Twitter https://twitter.com/Sludge031 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SludgeUnderground

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GroundUp: The New Generation Taking Over South African Alternative

Ground Up is back for August! Nas and Marcel catch you up on everything that happened in the month of August as well as a bit of July to make up for what we missed talking about. Marcel touches on his experience at that Winterfest and watching the skate community pull through to skate while bands perform, Emalyths July Jol across two stages, and finally getting to catch Man As Machine again after nearly a decade. The lads look into upcoming shows you should be checking out like Durban Rock City's Rockfest, SoBelow's State Of The Nation and more. Nas and Marcel take a moment to chat about the wave of new young bands entering the scene. Bands Like Pinkslip, Die Agenda, Shorebreak, and Blackburn. In international news Spotify has finally decided to flag AI content, and Tyga dropped one of the worst recieved albums in recent memory. Support the show Join our Discord https://discord.com/invite/z8fcsPNv Website https://www.sludgeunderground.com Merch https://merchbox.co.za/collections/sludge-underground Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sludgeunderground TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sludgeunderground YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@sludgeunderground Twitter https://twitter.com/Sludge031 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SludgeUnderground

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The Real Reason Shinesh Left Lefokolodi

On this episode we take a look at what Shinesh has been up to since his departure from Lefokolodi. He also breaks down the reason behind his departure from the band and how things stand between him and his former band mates. Shinesh gives his honest take on South African artists uploading music on Spotify, and gives us a first hand look at two of his latest projects, Violent Frogs & Oversharingmusician. #SludgeUnderground #SouthAfricanBands #SouthAfricanPodcast Violent Frogs: - Music: https://youtube.com/channel/UCrgK5gIo7P6OzCYsyGFjXnw?si=qlMQEEr4eSj4aUcM - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violentfrogs_music Oversharingmusician: - Music: https://youtube.com/channel/UCp4TofNQIbkIQ89TsjSjFmw?si=GnS1CfLxtes-HvQm - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oversharingmusician Support the show Join our Discord https://discord.com/invite/z8fcsPNv Website https://www.sludgeunderground.com Merch https://merchbox.co.za/collections/sludge-underground Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sludgeunderground TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sludgeunderground YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@sludgeunderground Twitter https://twitter.com/Sludge031 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SludgeUnderground

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What Does It Take To Tour Internationally?

They touch on their experiences with recent European tour as well as what they think it takes for a local South African band to make an international tour a reality. There's also new music in the works, as the boys have been hard at work in the studio working on their new album, touching on the direction the bands taking their music, will there be physical media, and the debate as to what digital ownership actually means. Check it all out and drop your thoughts! Support the show Join our Discord https://discord.com/invite/z8fcsPNv Website https://www.sludgeunderground.com Merch https://merchbox.co.za/collections/sludge-underground Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sludgeunderground TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sludgeunderground YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@sludgeunderground Twitter https://twitter.com/Sludge031 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SludgeUnderground

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The South African Music Video Everyone Is Talking About

In this episode we sit down with Vince & Sean to unpack their latest single, The Omnificent. We look at the concept behind it, how it came together, and what the band was aiming for with the song. We also look at whether music videos still matter in 2026. The Omnificent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyw0VImHfEM&list=RDkyw0VImHfEM&start_radio=1 Support the show Join our Discord https://discord.com/invite/z8fcsPNv Website https://www.sludgeunderground.com Merch https://merchbox.co.za/collections/sludge-underground Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sludgeunderground TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sludgeunderground YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@sludgeunderground Twitter https://twitter.com/Sludge031 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SludgeUnderground

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The Misty Waters 2026 Experience

This week on Sludge Underground @Thorns_Of_Sludge shares his experience at Misty Waters Music Festival. This festival was nothing short of a love letter to artist, festival goers, anda most importantly music lovers. Hired along as a second shooter he was front and center for all 27 bands who played seeing familiar faces but also a ton of new ones. This was one of the most diverse lineups imaginable from artists within Indie, electronic, blues, rock, punk to almost everything inbetween. Here's a breakdown of almost everything Marcel experienced, from meeting fans of the channel to Fokofpolisiekar's frontman conveying his thoughts on our videos, to the overall experience of a festival Sludge Underground will definitely be returning to. A massive shoutout goes to @DizzyKhaki for providing all the band footage used in this video and for giving Marcel this opportunity! Artists mentioned and music used: Simeon kriel Absolute Silence Taxi Violence Van Pletzen Swimmer Maxx And Love Indie Dog The Black Cat Bones Fokofpolosiekar Crash And The Void SA Blues Society Tidal Waves Zaan Sonnekus Die Heuwels Fantasties Man Motels DoomFairy Join the discord to be part of the discussion: https://discord.gg/JUDEUeKTPK Support the show Join our Discord https://discord.com/invite/z8fcsPNv Website https://www.sludgeunderground.com Merch https://merchbox.co.za/collections/sludge-underground Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sludgeunderground TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sludgeunderground YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@sludgeunderground Twitter https://twitter.com/Sludge031 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SludgeUnderground

The Gen AI Divide In The Cape Town Alternative Scene

*Disclaimer: This episode is a little late and some of the events mentioned have already passed. This week on Sludge we Introduce our newest host Rowan, joining Marcel for the first time on the May episode of GroundUp. They dive into the wave of AI generated posters, music, and art that has the Cape Town scene divided. We're also proud to introduce SAHARA, the South African Heavy/Alternative Release Archive, a project Rowan and Meagan have been working on behind the scenes, aimed at documenting all of the latest releases within the alternative and metal space! There's been some incredible release's from Human Nebula, Die Gemeente, BCOM, and more! So catch the scoop on those! Give us your thoughts on AI generated content in artistic spaces. What are some of your favourite releases in the month of May? What are your thoughts on SAHARA? Join the discord to become a part of the discussion: https://discord.gg/JUDEUeKTPK Support the show Join our Discord https://discord.com/invite/z8fcsPNv Website https://www.sludgeunderground.com Merch https://merchbox.co.za/collections/sludge-underground Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sludgeunderground TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sludgeunderground YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@sludgeunderground Twitter https://twitter.com/Sludge031 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SludgeUnderground

South African Hip-Hop's Fastest Rising Artist

This is the story of one of South Africa's most promising hip-hop artists, filmed at the places that made him. We start at PEGG's high school, where he found hip-hop, fell in love with drama, and met the late Simon of PosterBoy. We end off at Dropkick Murphy's, the venue where he won an open mic that led to a Cotton Fest mixtape feature and a life-changing performance. PEGG breaks down: Why Glenwood's brotherhood shaped him The Alt vs Hip-Hop venue problem in Durban What makes a lyricist (MF DOOM style) Working with Luukhanyo, Risky T, Mash Beats, and more Why Durban needs its own Cotton Fest or Back to the City Filmed on location at Glenwood High School and Dropkick Murphy's, Durban. Crew: Rowan Deysel Producer: Nasiphi Zwane #PEGG #SouthAfricanHipHop #CottonFest #DurbanMusic #DropkickMurphys #SludgeUnderground #sahiphop 🎧 Stream PEGG's music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0mLscN8soRzzpD5z8WC42B?si=FffcW303SjCaS2TvsgCSPg 🔗 Follow PEGG: https://www.instagram.com/pegg.dbn Support the show Join our Discord https://discord.com/invite/z8fcsPNv Website https://www.sludgeunderground.com Merch https://merchbox.co.za/collections/sludge-underground Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sludgeunderground TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sludgeunderground YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@sludgeunderground Twitter https://twitter.com/Sludge031 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SludgeUnderground

The Real Reason Metal Vocalists Cup The Mic + The Bands That Made These 3 South African Metal Vocalists

Reegan (Facing The Gallows), Myke (Your Cynical Sanity) and Dwayne (Sunken State) open with mic technique, then dive into bands and albums that inspired them to become metal vocalists. The boys cite bands like Bring Me The Horizon, Slipknot, We Butter The Bread With Butter, Infant Annihilator, and more. Later in the episode: Defending Nickelback, listing underrated bands, calling out overrated bands and vocalists, (Ronnie Radke, 90s vocalists, Cradle Of Filth), picking which South African band they'd call in a fight, looking at good show promos by local bands, and thanking supporters. #SouthAfricanMetal #MetalVocalists #3DudesThatCup #MetalPodcast Episode Edited by Nasiphi Zwane Thumbnail by Myke Taylor Support the show Join our Discord https://discord.com/invite/z8fcsPNv Website https://www.sludgeunderground.com Merch https://merchbox.co.za/collections/sludge-underground Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sludgeunderground TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sludgeunderground YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@sludgeunderground Twitter https://twitter.com/Sludge031 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SludgeUnderground

The Doors Pledge To Repay Artists

Your monthly GroundUp for April is here! The segment where Nasiphi and Marcel cover whats been happening within the local music scene. From events like the @GhastZA National Breakdown tour or the @WalkTheseSkiesOfficial Pray For Cyanide show at Railways to upcoming shows like Devilnest's Venom at The Werehouse and Misty Waters Music Festival. They look over some of the new release's from the likes of @moshmallowband and @ManAsMachineTV Nas and Marcel get into a discussion about The Doors community pledge to repay the artists from the 2023 open air fest as well as the Cape Town We Don't Play movement. Help Aiden rebuild his drum setup: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/facing-the-gallows-the-road-to-recovery-theft?fbclid=IwY2xjawReif5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEzdWI2c3FIT3lScXo0T200c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHvA-Vo0WtvUF0Zn3Y91t14zEzH1CB8AHliExwNnOYFcAMB4UZs2MhnwxvSq9_aem_8Vb2SRtxm8lNiXyWsnw3iw Support the show Join our Discord https://discord.com/invite/z8fcsPNv Website https://www.sludgeunderground.com Merch https://merchbox.co.za/collections/sludge-underground Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sludgeunderground TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sludgeunderground YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@sludgeunderground Twitter https://twitter.com/Sludge031 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SludgeUnderground

The Return Of Vulvodynia

This week Marcel sits down with Vulvodynia guitarist Luke Haarhoff to chat about the band and where it's at. Dropping into what's on everyones mind, the open auditons to be Vulvodynia's new vocalist. What are they looking for? Who will take the role and finally free Lwandile from his unending side quest? We get into some tour stories and some of the wildest experiences the band has had, from a close call in Turkey to a wholesome experience in China. Luke also fills us in on Arson Theory, a new music distrubition platform and his role in it. Whose your favourite audition for the Vocalist spot so far? Let us know in the comments! #metal #vulvodynia #vulvoauditions #slam #arsontheory Support the show Join our Discord https://discord.com/invite/z8fcsPNv Website https://www.sludgeunderground.com Merch https://merchbox.co.za/collections/sludge-underground Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sludgeunderground TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sludgeunderground YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@sludgeunderground Twitter https://twitter.com/Sludge031 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SludgeUnderground

South Africa's Most Underrated Metal Vocalist

From his involvement in the scene as far back as the early 2000s, his roots with prolific bands like The Overmind and Divine Affliction, and his present successes with Imperious Vision, Deven has solidified his place as a local scene legend, at a relatively young age. On this episode we discuss: South African Metal: Whether it's in a better place now than "back in the day" Wacken Metal Battle: We break down Imperious Vision's recent victory at the Durban heat New Music: We get updates on the upcoming Imperious Vision album The AI Controversy: We get his take on artificial intelligence in the local alternative scene and more. This is a chilled conversation in Deven's lounge that was shot, edited and graded by Nasiphi. It is visually and tonally inspired by the recent Apple Music interview ft. J.Cole. The setting is meant to invoke a familiar feeling of home and comfort, while the grading aims to be as grounded as possible. Support the show Join our Discord https://discord.com/invite/z8fcsPNv Website https://www.sludgeunderground.com Merch https://merchbox.co.za/collections/sludge-underground Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sludgeunderground TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sludgeunderground YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@sludgeunderground Twitter https://twitter.com/Sludge031 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SludgeUnderground

I Thought Afrikaans Alternative Music Was Dead, I Was Wrong

Have you ever wondered where all the alternative Afrikaans music is? This week Marcel does a deep dive into the new wave of Afrikaans alternative artists that have been popping up. Who are these artists, why Afrikaans, and what was the history leading up to this point? From the origins of Afrikaans Alt traced back to Koos Kombuis, the lasting impact made by Fokofpolisiekar, DJ's getting into fist fights over demo's, to the artists shaping the sound today. Texx And The City Article: https://texxandthecity.com/2024/09/koos-kombuis-a-life-in-music-protest-and-resilience/ Support the show Join our Discord https://discord.com/invite/z8fcsPNv Website https://www.sludgeunderground.com Merch https://merchbox.co.za/collections/sludge-underground Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sludgeunderground TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sludgeunderground YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@sludgeunderground Twitter https://twitter.com/Sludge031 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SludgeUnderground

Three Dudes That Cup Pilot Episode

This week we're bringing you something new! Introducing a new segment hosted by three of South Africa's best metal vocalists. Join in as they talk about their favourite gateway bands, backstage stories, best shows, and more! Let us know what you think in the comments! Would you like to see more of Myke, Dwayne, and Reegan? Support the show Join our Discord https://discord.com/invite/z8fcsPNv Website https://www.sludgeunderground.com Merch https://merchbox.co.za/collections/sludge-underground Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sludgeunderground TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sludgeunderground YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@sludgeunderground Twitter https://twitter.com/Sludge031 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SludgeUnderground

March Recap: IGNITE In South Africa, Upcoming Events, And More

March saw a bunch of releases and events across the country within the alternative and metal scene! This month on Ground Up Marcel and Brynn touch on some of the interesting happenings within the scene: Orange County's IGNITE playing on South African shores for the first time, new releases from Moondaygun, The Fismits, The Medicine Dolls, And Sunken State, as well as chat in depth about bands and their output. Video Edited by: Marcel Smuts #SouthAfricanMetal #SouthAfricanBands #SouthAfricanPodcast #SludgeUnderground Support the show Join our Discord https://discord.com/invite/z8fcsPNv Website https://www.sludgeunderground.com Merch https://merchbox.co.za/collections/sludge-underground Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sludgeunderground TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sludgeunderground YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@sludgeunderground Twitter https://twitter.com/Sludge031 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SludgeUnderground

The South African Band That Disappeared For 20 Years

After two decades of silence, Plum made their comeback in 2025, and they’re louder, wiser, and ready to reclaim their place in South Africa’s alternative scene. In this episode, Nasiphi sits down with Warren to unpack the band’s return, the underground legacy they left behind, and the fire that brought them back together. From wild 90s gigs to their current and future plans, this is Plum like you’ve never seen them before! #PlumReturns #SouthAfricanBands #BandComeback #MusicPodcast #SceneStories #RockInterview #PlumBand Plum's Latest Single: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HBkvplt1Rwhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HBkvplt1Rw Support the show Join our Discord https://discord.com/invite/z8fcsPNv Website https://www.sludgeunderground.com Merch https://merchbox.co.za/collections/sludge-underground Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sludgeunderground TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sludgeunderground YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@sludgeunderground Twitter https://twitter.com/Sludge031 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SludgeUnderground

Orange County's IGNITE Is Making Their Debut Appearance In South Africa

This week on Sludge Underground Marcel talks to Brett from ‪@igniteband‬ leading up to the bands debut appearance in South Africa. Join in as they chat about the band meeting Fuzigish's Malcom at Punk Rock Holiday in Slovenia, the bands over 30 year run, and stories from a band that's played in over 50 countries in its lifetime. Let us know who you'd like to see come to South Africa next! Edited by Marcel Smuts. Support the show Join our Discord https://discord.com/invite/z8fcsPNv Website https://www.sludgeunderground.com Merch https://merchbox.co.za/collections/sludge-underground Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sludgeunderground TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sludgeunderground YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@sludgeunderground Twitter https://twitter.com/Sludge031 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SludgeUnderground

February Recap: Calabash Cancelled, Emalyth Fest Shines, and More

February was jam packed full of highs and lows across the South African alternative and metal scene, we're breaking it all down! On this episode, Marcel & Nasiphi recap the month's biggest stories: The cancellation of Calabash, the success of Emalyth Fest, and the latest releases from Sonder The Africanime, Mouse, and Lucy Kruger. We're also joined by Myke Taylor of Devilnest/Your Cynical Sanity, who gives us a recap of their Durban show featuring heavyweights DOOMTRIGGER & No Closure. It doesn't end there, we'll be looking ahead to the Wacken Metal Battle Africa kicking off this weekend, and share our thoughts on what it means for the scene going forward. #SouthAfricanMetal #SouthAfricanBands #SouthAfricanPodcast #SludgeUnderground Support the show Join our Discord https://discord.com/invite/z8fcsPNv Website https://www.sludgeunderground.com Merch https://merchbox.co.za/collections/sludge-underground Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sludgeunderground TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sludgeunderground YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@sludgeunderground Twitter https://twitter.com/Sludge031 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SludgeUnderground