BY TOM LEE
The easing sounds of “Peanut Butter” and “Beat 11” have been playing through countless sound systems of Stellenbosch students in recent weeks. The artist who lays claim to these tracks is none other than Steven Clack, a third-year BCom (Management Sciences) student at Stellenbosch University (SU).
Clack has been creating sound since the age of 14 and throughout the years has taken a liking to various genres of music. “It’s difficult to name just one of my favourite genres, but I’d like to say jazz fusion, boom bap, hip-hop, and alternative rock,” he says.
Clack’s music brings an atmosphere ready for any relaxing evening at home. His recent releases were inspired by his stay at home during the mandatory COVID-19 lockdown, where his music skills developed two-fold. “Lockdown was massively influential. I was able to focus a lot of time on my music and it allowed me to develop some ideas I had. I also learnt how to produce,” says Clack.
Clack hopes to perform live as soon as an opportunity presents itself. However, he seems to think COVID-19 has been a spanner in the works. He says, “I was really hoping to play a few live gigs this year, but Covid didn’t help me out there.”
The experience and influence that Clack has had, can mainly be attributed to his dad as well as the heavy metal band, Halvar, which he played in during his high school years. “My biggest inspiration is probably my dad, who has always been passionate about music and has been in a few blues bands throughout my childhood. This allowed me to join a band and play in a heavy metal group when I was only sixteen,” says Clack.
According to Clack, students supporting up-and-coming artists, by listening to and promoting their music is a vital part of SU and its culture. “Stellenbosch has a strong youth culture, which is massively influenced by music. People in this town love music and are naturally supportive of new creatives.”
We will have to wait and see what the future holds for Clack and the lo-fi sounds he so beautifully manages to create. For now, it only seems right that we continue listening.
Soundcloud account: Steven Clack (https://soundcloud.com/user-542155262/peanut-butter-bread)
