ME: You guys have over two million streams for several songs individually. How has it felt reaching those numbers
AL FROM SHORTSTRAW: It feels really good! It kinda shows we're doing what we're meant to be doing, you know? There's a slogan 'only a surfer knows the feeling' and it's kind of comparable to being a band I think.
M: Where did you come up with the name Shortstraw?
A: It just came from feeling like pulling the shortstraw I guess!
M: There’s five of you I believe - how did you all meet and what’s your dynamic like working together to create music?
A: So we've been making music since we were in school. Me and the other person who started shortstraw were friends in school but then he went off to do other things. There are now guys who we knew in the years below, above, or brothers of friends that were in our year. We all kind of came across each other through that way - through high school connections! In terms of dynamic, it's very collaborative. I'll throw ideas and lyrics out and the others will throw their own things in and it then all comes together.
M: All your covers for your singles have a nostalgic photo aspect to them. Where did you come up with those ideas and photos?
A: Initially we had some ideas for a playground scene but that ended up not working, and then came what we ended up getting. There's a certain warmth but also sadness that comes with the nostalgia. Nowadays, a part of it is coming to terms with the past and how old we are now. It's happy music for sad people!
M: You’ve been releasing music on Spotify since 2009. What gives you motivation to keep going, over a decade of anything is a long time?
A: It's a matter of loving what you do. Playing music is great but there's also a great chemistry between us when we come together to create. It's selfish in a way, but also weird. I get ebbs and flows of creativity, and currently I'm in an ebb.
M: Your last release was last year. Can we expect anything coming this year or next?
A: There's nothing directly on the horizon, but I do hope so! Whether it's Shortstraw or me myself, I definitely hope so as I'm going through a creative time right now.
M: What would you describe the South Africa music scene as?
A: There's definitely a couple of people who turn a cold shoulder and feel like it's a competition but for the most part, it doesn't feel like that. It feels like a family. We've been in this industry for years and we've met so many people that we still work with and know to this day.
M: What inspires you all to write/make music?
A: There's a bunch of things; the typical love, heartbreak, etc. But also dogs. There's probably too many songs about dogs actually. Death, and ageing too. There we go - love, heartbreak, dogs, death and ageing. The five keys to life.
M: What is your main mission as musicians?
A: I guess we've never really thought about it but now that I do I guess it's to create something people can listen to and enjoy and make their own. To have a good time and forget about your worries and your strife; the bare necessities.
M: Ending on a fun one! Imagine a band called tallstubble; what kind of music do you think they’d make?
A: Children's music polka death core band, definitely.
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