Feature Interview

Looking To Secrets: Go The Rodeo

Go The Rodeo’s new video for single ‘Glass Walls’ is perhaps their most straight-forward and analogue song to-date, which features brothers Matt and Trevor Wentworth from post-hardcore group Our Last Night.

I caught up with vocalist and guitarist Corne van Niekerk ahead of their opening slot for Secrets in Cape Town to chat about their experience shooting their first music video.

Tecla Ciolfi: So after four lyric videos you finally decided to venture out to a location shoot for ‘Glass Walls’. Who came up with the sci-fi thriller narrative?

Corne van Niekerk: Given the dark undertone of most of our tracks, it felt like the natural way to go for our first music video. I’ve worked alongside Patrick Garcia for over six years, and sci-fi thriller being his forte, with his guidance we quickly put the concept together.

TC: The track and video also features Matt and Trevor Wentworth from Our Last Night, which is quite a feat. Did you guys hook up with the brothers when they toured SA last year?

CVN: It’s been a very humbling experience to have inspiring musicians like Matt and Trevor feature on our track. Our drummer, Craig, actually organised their tour last year, after which they became close friends. He was invited to join them on Vans Warped Tour, and what started as a suggestion for guest vocals, became reality.

TC: The video ends of a bit of a cliff-hanger, can you give me any sneaky details as to what comes after? Have you guys perhaps filmed a sequel?

CVN: The idea was to have a story that runs over a few tracks, but we first wanted to see what the response would be. For now, we’re keeping it on a cliffhanger.

TC: The Wintercroft masks that you used in ‘Glass Walls’ look familiar, am I right in saying that you used a similar motif in the visuals of your ‘Sea Dog’ video?

CVN: Yes, it started with the idea of ‘Sea Dog;, and grew into somewhat of a brand. The guys from Wintercroft were so courteous as to give us permission to use their masks in the video, and it came out very cool, but we don’t want to profit off of their intellectual property. So this year we’re moving away from those specific masks.

TC: I’ve never had the pleasure of seeing you guys perform so I’m really looking forward to watching you open for Secrets next week. For someone who’s never seen your show before, what would you ideally like them to take away from the performance?

CVN: Some fans have been quite surprised with our live performances, I think they expect a more mellow show, having heard tracks like ‘Vultures’. On stage is where our music comes alive, and where we can truly express our passion. If listeners can connect with the music, with us, or the people around them, then we’ve achieved our goal.

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Tickets still available for Secrets in Cape Town.

Check out our exclusive gallery from Secrets in Pretoria.