We chat to Cape Town-based band TheCITY about their new EP

Cape Town - We recently had the opportunity to ask Cape Town-based band TheCITY a few questions.

A lot has changed since we last saw them. They are now a 4-piece band - consisting of members Bonj Mpanza (Vocals), Clement Carr (Keys/Synth), Ryan McArthur (Bass) and Ruby Crowie (Drums) - and recently released their debut self-titled EP.

We find out more:

Channel24:
You recently released your debut EP, tell us more about it – what influenced the songs, what did you write about?

TheCITY:
Thanks for having us again. The last time we spoke, the band was still a duo with Clem and Bonj. Yes, as a four piece band this is TheCITY's first offering. It took a while to commit our songs to disk because we were going through the process of finding our sound as a band. The songs are about love and aspiration and subtly hinting at the shared experience of being an artist of colour trying to juggle life in Cape Town.

Channel24:
Describe your music in one sentence.

TheCITY:
Future Afro.

Channel24:
How did the band get together?

TheCITY:
Clem and Ryan have been playing in bands since high school, but the connecting thread for all of us has been the South African College of Music where we all studied.

Channel24:
If you could collaborate with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

TheCITY:
Little Dragon because they have a mystical calm about their arrangements that we'd love to tap into. Okmalumkoolcat because he is just the flyest MC in the world right now.

Channel24:
What has been a highlight for the band so far?

TheCITY:
The Cape Town International Jazz Festival.

Channel24:
What’s next for you guys?

TheCITY:
We have some cool colabs in the pipeline and we will be touring Durban and Jozi so look out for us in your city!

TheCITY’s EP is available from iTunes and keep an eye on their Facebook page for upcoming gigs.