In our second instalment of introducing the 5 Finalists we picked to be a part of our first Band Or Bust competition in Stellenbosch on Saturday the 7th of March, I chat to singer, multi-instrumentalist and aspiring producer, Cistamatic (real name Gabbi Le Roux).
Making music that she describes as “genre-fluid” because her influences span across genres (more on this later), she strives to create accessible, experimental and progressive music that pushes social boundaries.
She also tried to ask questions about gender, sexuality and other power dynamics within her music and performances, which is one of the reasons we’re incredibly excited to watch her perform.
Texx: So tell me a bit about yourself – who are you and where are you from?
My name is Gabbi, I grew up in Bellville and have been making music for most of my life. I was singing and playing guitar in a couple of bands throughout my teens, but craved the creative freedom of working alone. I always wanted to start a feminist punk band but had never gotten the chance, so I started teaching myself how to produce electronic music in 2017 and Cistamatic was born. Cistamatic embodies that DIY punk ethos and allows me to explore lots of different sounds and genres. Music has always been my main ‘thing’, but I’m also very interested in politics, sci-fi movies and plants.
Texx: How would you best describe the type of music that you make?
The whole idea behind starting Cistamatic was to experiment beyond genres. Electronic music is great because it allows you to make whatever kind of sound you want. If I had to put it in words I’d call it ‘genre-fluid’ because it’s kind of all over the place. The only common thread is my singing. I’m very inspired by artists like Bjork and David Bowie who have managed to make careers out of not sticking to a set genre.
That being said, I like to think I’m making music for sad punks to dance to in their bedrooms. Or soundtracks for indie horror movies.
Texx: Sum up your live show in one succinct sentence?
Vulnerable and badass, at the same time.
Texx: What’s been the highlight of your musical journey so far?
Producing and releasing my first EP, Now Supporting Active Listening, was a huge step for me as I had never put any of my work on a public platform before. There were also a lot of amazing people working on the project, and it was the first time I felt like I was making something true to myself.
Texx: What do you think you bring to the Final 5 that makes you stand out?
Well, I’m the only mainly electronic musician. And I have a whole outfit with tassels and prosthetics planned.
Texx: Which act out of the Final 5 do you rate highly and why?
Venus and the Snake! I’m a sucker for good old fashioned rock ‘n’ roll.
Texx: Which part of the prize package is the most attractive to you and why?
Definitely recording a single with Karen Zoid and Theo Crous. I grew up listening to Karen Zoid, Kobus! and Springbok Nude Girls so it would mean a lot to me to have a chance to work with them.
Texx: If you could pick any of the judges to drink with who would you pick and why – and also what would you be drinking?
Theo Crous. He’s produced so many amazing albums in his career and I’d really like to talk to him about his work and the music industry in general. We’d be drinking beer.
Catch BrotherBrother at the first #BandOrBust on Saturday the 7th of March.
