Boon: PRESS
When marketing that great band, MOVIE55, I witnessed first hand the dynamic charisma of their front man, Garrett Boone. Now he's shortened his name to Boone, joined the multi-talented cover outfit, Dakota (currently setting East Rand clubs ablaze) and begun a solo career. This is the perfect time for Going Places to discover someone going places
Q: What a great trademark all those crazy pants you wear on stage have become. How did that begin and where do you find them?
A: I started performing in my crazy pants at the age of 20.I first had to buy them at ridiculous prices of R500 and up, from special clothing labels. Later, I got the idea of getting people to tailor make them for me. I also help with the design and I'm thinking of releasing my own clothing range into the market under the brand name "Boone Clothing".
Q: Movie55 grabbed so much success on the campus stations so what caused you to leave them?
A: Movie55 ran for 7 years and made many people lots of money; musicians, club owners and music agents. But it is so often the case in a musican's career that they get house bonds, car payments, marriages and children which force them into day jobs. It came to a point where I felt that it is time to go international and follow my bigger dream. I love taking risks in life and at the end of Movie55 we definely never shared enough similar thoughts. I didn't want anyone to blame me for taking risks on behalf of the band so I went solo. I reached my short term goal in Movie55 and I'm happy with everything we achieved. I wish them the best of luck.
Q: Dakota is building a name on the cover circuit, a rather competive arena in Gauteng? How did you come to join the band and who else is involved?
A: Dale and Ryan, from the band Summit ,approached me and were interested flying a new band.
Q: What is your view on cover performances versus original music?
A: We used covers to finance our original music, a procedure which works very well. Covers also help you to see how music is composed by the pros. But I've seen musicians that are 50yrs old still stuck playing covers. Originals are important, a must to feed the soul!
Q: What direction on you taking with your solo career and how do you find time outside of your responsibilities to Dakota?
A: I am in Studio with my debut, solo album. Once done, I will do a cd and video launch, promoting it under my Record label, Boone Music. At the moment I am concentrating in getting the music to advertising agencies and film companies internationally. It is very difficult running Dakota and my solo project. A wise man once told me never to split you talent into two..but I believe that anything is possible so long as you try.
Q: What are the drawbacks to the South African music industry?
A: Great talent, little knowlege and no money to push talent.
Q: What are the highlights?
A: I have got so much respect for Prime Circle.They have got Knowlege, Talent and Money to control their destiny. It takes balls to do what they have done and still be a close unit.
Q: Given three bands to perform live with, who would they be?
A: ACDC, Just Jinger and Coldplay.