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The Parlotones

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Biography

The Parlotones originated in Johannesburg during the summer of 1998 when Kahn Morbee (born Dingaan) failed to form a band in high school. He later enrolled at the University of Johannesburg, where he met Neil Pauw, who had attended the same high school in Roodepoort. After recognizing their shared musical vision upon hearing Morbee’s original songs, the duo decided to form a band.[3] Morbee subsequently met Paul Hodgson at university after they were both removed from the campus library for playing guitar. The next day, Morbee invited Paul to join the band. At the time, Paul’s younger brother, Glen Hodgson, was still in high school but was asked to join as a bassist.[1] Their early sound drew inspiration from The Smiths, The Cure, and R.E.M., with Kahn describing their initial sound as “punkish and squeaky”. They chose the punk-influenced band name “Crayon”.[4] In July 2002, well-known underground musician John Boyd joined the band, contributing synth elements and serving as the on-stage engineer during live shows.[1] Around this time, the band signed with Raphael Domalik’s record label, Sovereign Entertainment, prompting them to adopt a more mature name. They settled on The Parlotones, a variation of Parlophone Records, the label that signed influential bands such as Radiohead, Travis, and Jeff Buckley.[5]

News / Ranking / Titbits / Awards

The Parlotones are a renowned South African indie rock band hailing from Johannesburg, formed in 1998. The ensemble features Kahn Morbee on vocals and rhythm guitar, Paul Hodgson as lead guitarist, Glen Hodgson handling bass guitar, keyboards, and backing vocals, and Neil Pauw on drums and percussion.[1] Originally rooted in Britpop, The Parlotones’ music has evolved to encompass a diverse range of genres, with lyrics centered on relatable themes such as love and everyday life, complemented by engaging and memorable melodies. Within just four years of formation, The Parlotones signed with Sovereign Entertainment and released their debut album, Episoda. As one of South Africa’s all-time best-selling music artists, the band boasts ten studio albums and multi-platinum success.[2] They have received nine South African Music Awards and, in 2009, made history as the first South African band to headline at the Coca-Cola Dome.[3] The Parlotones actively support various philanthropic initiatives, including The Little Wing Music Foundation, the Anene Booysen Foundation, and the Africa-Unite campaign.

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