Richard Wouters of South Africa’s Civil Twilight is ready for The Cutting Room, talks New York City and more

by | Nov 4, 2015 | Coming Up, Culture, Events, Music

Originally hailing from Cape Town, South Africa, the trio of vocalist/bassist Steven McKellar, guitarist Andrew McKellar and drummer Richard Wouters formed in the late 1990s as students. After experiencing some success and local acclaim, the group known as Civil Twilight relocated to Los Angeles in 2005 and put out their first proper album in 2007. Songs from that first album were placed on network television shows like One Tree Hill, House and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, and the band eventually relocated to Nashville.

Things really picked up for Civil Twilight with the release of 2012’s Holy Weather. The second full-length album for Wind-Up Records — the label responsible for big bands like Strange Talk, The Griswolds and The Revivalists — Holy Weather debuted at number three on the Billboard Heatseekers album chart. That same year, North Carolina native Kevin Dailey joined Civil Twilight, making them a four-piece. Major festival appearances were made at Austin City Limits and Bumbershoot, and touring was done alongside Mutemath, Young The Giant and Morning Parade.

Story Of An Immigrant, Civil Twilight’s third album for Wind-Up, was released this past July and in support of that, the band headlines at The Cutting Room on Nov. 5. I was able to conduct a Q&A with drummer Richard Wouters over e-mail, which was a pleasure indeed.

Photo: Mason Poole

Photo: Mason Poole

How would you describe the band to someone who hasn’t heard Civil Twilight before? 

Richard Wouters: We try to write music that’s passionate and that moves us, and to create an atmosphere when we play together onstage that invites people into an experience that we are sharing. Music is one of the greatest communicators and can bring people together in a way that few other things can. We want to have a connection with our audience and each other on stage, and connect us all to something beyond our day to day lives. Outside of that, we’re just another rock band.

When was it that you realized that you could pursue Civil Twilight as a career?

R: (laughs) I’m still wondering if we can do that! But we always believed that we could be successful and so far we haven’t had a bad run of it. I’m not sure when that happened exactly, but probably after we arrived in the U.S. and got such a good response to our music from audiences, we figured we had a shot at it.

The original lineup of your band has stayed together for 10 years, which is a rare feat for most bands these days. Why do you think that is?

R: I think because we started playing together so young and moved to the U.S. together, we were already kind of like a band of gypsies or something, which is half of what being in a band is. We’ve learned to live and work together and have grown close, and I think we just enjoy playing together and have had the opportunity to keep going so we have!

What do you remember most about your first gig in New York City?

R: I remember that it was the middle of winter and that there was no one there! I think it was at Arlene’s Grocery, on the Lower East Side. It was before anyone knew who we were, and we were playing to maybe seven people in the middle of a snowstorm. We almost quit after that.

What the most shocking thing about our country for you on your first U.S. tour?

R: I remember being shocked by the size of everything. Everything was huge! From the size of the houses, cars and freeways to the coffee cups and food portions. And also all the options in the grocery stores. So many choices of cereal! It sounds strange but it was really overwhelming for a kid from Africa.

For someone who hasn’t yet experienced Civil Twilight in concert, what should they expect from your Nov. 5 performance at The Cutting Room?

R: It’s where we thrive, the stage is like no other place. What’s happening there at that moment with the band and the audience can’t be reproduced, fixed or faked. It’s a truly unique and irreplicable experience. We also try to leave some room in our set for spontaneity. It keeps it fresh for both us and our audience so no two shows are exactly the same. We’re excited about playing The Cutting Room. We like intimate environments and we love New York City!

Civil Twilight has had a few songs used by the WWE. Are any of you fans of wrestling, or was that because your label or published pitched your music to the WWE?

R: Yeah, that just happened coincidentally. They asked to use our music and have done so a few times, but none of us have any idea about wrestling I’m afraid!

In general, a lot of your songs have been used in film and TV projects. Has there been a usage that you were especially proud of?

R: The scene in Harper’s Island was pretty cool and the use of “Quiet In My Town” in One Tree Hill was quite moving. It seems that our music fits in film and TV because it lends itself to cinematic, emotional pieces. It was also cool working with D.J Caruso on the closing scene of I Am Number Four. It was the first time we’d got to see behind the scenes on a movie and it was a fun process.

When you’re not busy with the band, how do you like to spend your free time? 

R: I like to read, surf, play soccer, go on walks, hang out with friends and family. Nothing too crazy.

Who is the best South African band that our readers may not know?

R: Gangs Of Ballet are a cool band. They’re from Durban and just released a new record. Check them out.

Finally, Richard, any last words for the kids? 

R: Do what you do with everything you have. Whether it’s a show, a performance, a job or anything else. Be present, be aware and don’t hold back.

-by Darren Paltrowitz

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