Interview with Pete Devine of Pete’s Rock News and Views – South African Fusion Quartet Always Us
PD: How would you describe yourself or your band as an artist?
A: We are a 4-piece Fusion Quartet from Durban, South Africa, mixing elements of Rock, Funk, House, DnB, EDM & Pop.
PD: Can you tell us briefly about your background – i.e. where you’re from, how you came to make music, etc.
A: 3 of the 4 members of the band are born and bred in KZN, South Africa, and all currently reside there. We started playing music together in lockdown, during which we wrote and recorded the songs off the album Aurum.
PD: Who and what inspires you to make music, both in terms of musical and other influences? What do you like to write about in your songs?
A: Artists that influenced our lyrics for the album Aurum include Nothing Nowhere, Chvrches and The Midnight. The music was a combination of multiple genres. The album ‘Aurum’ was written during a time of heartbreak and most of the songs served as an outlet for both Tanner and Wanine.
PD: What are your aspirations as an artist?
A: To tour the world and perform on large stages.
PD: What is the proudest moment in your music career so far?
A: Daniel’s favourite memory is playing at Splashy Fen, a prominent South African Festival, during prime time to roughly 7,000 people.
PD: Promoting one’s music is such a challenge these days, especially with so many new artists emerging from bedrooms
in the day of the home studio. How is that going?
A: It is a challenge to get your music heard by the right people. Especially since the market is extremely saturated now that everyone can produce music if they so choose. Although with all of the tools accessible to artists these days it also provides us with more opportunities than we would have had in say the 80s or 90s etc.
PD: And how do you book and promote your live shows and tours? Any performances coming up?
A: We don’t have any upcoming shows at the moment. We are aiming to perform at music festivals and venues that can accommodate our gear and performance.
PD: What do you think about downloading music online? What about streaming sites like Spotify?
A: Downloading music without paying for it is definitely frowned upon, taking into consideration that is where we make money for the work and time we put into creating our content. We do like sites like Spotify and Apple, as this gives people access to a vast variety of content at their fingertips globally.
PD: What song do you wish you’d written and why?
A: ‘Gangnam Style’, well because it made a LOT of money LOL!
PD: Is there anything you don’t like about the music industry, which you would change if you could?
A: Opportunities and support from the Government for bands starting out in South Africa aren’t great. Some countries 
have budgets set in place to help with this issue. It would be great if South Africa could incorporate this.
PD: So, what are you working on at the moment?
A: We have been quite occupied with the release and building up our social media following. Although we have been working on quite a lot of new songs in the process as well.
PD: about you and buy your music/merch online?
Website www.alwaysus.co.za
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Alwaysusband
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/alwaysusband/
Twitter https://twitter.com/AlwaysUsband
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD2NnzPHgIhSve3mWIS6dVQ
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@alwaysusband
Streaming Links https://hypeddit.com/alwaysus
Always Us links:
Band/Artist location – South Africa
Website – Facebook – You Tube –
Twitter – Instagram – Amazon – LinkTree – Check our page for Always Us
