Interview with Pete Devine of Pete’s Rock News and Views – Punk Rockers Punkfontein and Meel from Indie Rockers Meel Vignetting
PD: How would you describe yourself as a band and as an artist?
Eclectic. A little bit of everything, carefully put together. We are a bunch of kids stuck in the bodies of 30-something year olds, with music as an escape from the mundane world. We enjoy making noise and sharing that punk rock youth we have!
PD: Can you tell us briefly about your backgrounds – i.e. where you’re from, how you came to make music, etc.
Punkfontein is a band from the western corners of Johannesburg in South Africa, fortunate to only be an hour’s drive from most of the major music spots. We got hooked on going out and watching live music when we were kids. Shortly after, we got involved in music through friends and we never really stopped. That’s where our paths crossed with Meel Vignetting a few years ago, as she comes from Pretoria and probably left the womb singing. Meel started figuring out how to play guitar at age 6, and started her 1st band when She was 10, and wrote her 1st decent song when she was 13.
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?
When listening to a song it must make you feel something, especially in a time where we have access to all music all the time. So, a riff, a vocal melody, a phrase in the lyrics, every now and then something hits, and we get that feeling of joy, which usually is a bit motivator. We feel inspiration comes naturally at the right time. If it hits, it hits! Definite influences across the board are The Cranberries and K’s Choice, Foo Fighters, Incubus, Coldplay, Bloc Party and the legendary South African band Fokofpolisiekar!
PD: What are your aspirations as artists?
Punkfontein: The peak is just to have some amazing experiences, from playing shows and sharing the stage with people that inspired us over the years to just having great times with friends.
Meel: To create music that makes people feel things and think about things … songs they can relate to and hopefully make lots of memories to.
PD: What is the proudest moment in your music careers so far?
Meel: When a stranger told my how much one of my songs meant to her!
Punkfontein: Most Definitely having a party in a hotel room with Francois Van Coke (from the legendary South African band Fokofpolisiekar)!
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?
It’s a challenge, but a beautiful adventure. It makes us think about music differently and think about ways we can improve our product to be different for the rest.
PD: And how do you book and promote your live shows and tours? Any performances coming up?
We book Ourselves and make use of promoters. It takes a village LOL!
PD: What do you think about downloading music online? What about streaming sites like Spotify?
We love Spotify! Many artists complain about Spotify, but there is also so much praise for Spotify as well. We feel it is quite positive and love how they promote new music to listeners. We are not for free downloads, unless a band/artist is willing to give their music away for free. Making music, although it a passion, is still a job and just like any other job, you need to get paid.
PD: What song do you wish you’d written and why?
Meel: There are too many to mention. One that has always stood out to me is Ash ‘A Life Less Ordinary’. I cannot explain it, but the song does something to me. The feeling I get when I listen to that song, is the feeling I want people to get when they listen to my songs.
Punkfontein: ‘Biblical’ by Biffy Clyro. It’s just such a powerful song that has been a big part of my journey.
PD: Is there anything you don’t like about the music industry, which you would change if you could?
Too many sharks in the water. I believe there is enough cake for everyone, but not everyone is willing to share sadly. I 
love working with the crowd that does share the like-mindedness that the world will never have enough music!
PD: So, tell as all about your new collaboration ‘The Leviathan’ you are releasing on 3 March.
Meel: I am a huge Punkfontein fan! Still can’t believe I’m lucky enough to get to work with them! This song is an anthem for the ones that rise above their circumstances!
Punkfontein: We discussed our next single and the idea of a collaboration came up, having Meel Vignetting in mind a few weeks later we spoke and she brings it up out of the blue that she would like to work with us. I just laughed on the inside and saw the universe getting everything into place.
PD: Where can we learn more about you and buy your music/merch online?
All Streaming Links https://hypeddit.com/theleviathan
Meel Vignetting links:
Band/Artist location – South Africa
Facebook – You Tube – Soundcloud – Twitter – Instagram –
Apple – Spotify – Amazon – Deezer – LinkTree – TikTok –
Check our page for Meel Vignetting
