Inbound Giants

oland Albertson is a Joburg born singer songwriter who after a few years of surfing and studying a commerce degree at the University of Cape Town, did a ski season at Vale in Colorado, before moving to London where he studied guitar and got into making music. He has recently released his new EP, Legends of the Sun.

Are you a full time musician?

I'm currently working in IT to support the dream! My work is very flexible and I've got a great boss so it works perfectly for fitting in rehearsals and gigs. I want to do music full time!

Are there any other South Africans in the band?

I'be got three guys in the band. Dan Szymcak (prounounded 'shim-shack'), the durmmer, is also South African. He is one the nicest, coolest people you'll ever meet. We met in music college in London and instantly wanted to make a band together.

Do you promote yourself as a South African artist?

Nah, I'm an international man of mystery! I prefer to think in global terms about my image. I've been heavily influenced by international artists my whole life and I think it is reflected in my music.

What is the concept behind justforthemusic.com?

I needed to come up with a URL that was easy to remember. The name just popped into my head and fits in with my ethos and reason for doing music. It's always been about making music and never for fame or fortune. It also reminds people to focus on the music and the way it makes you feel.

Most of the photos on my website I took when in Cape Town or of cool cars I walk past in London. I put up photos that will remind people of the sea, the sun and beautiful, cool places. My songs are also always influenced by my surroundings so they tie in nicely with my tunes.

What can we expect from your new EP?

I've put together six of my best tracks and got them polished by a cool studio in town. It's sounding very fresh! I'm only ever going to make 5,000 of these so I wanted it to be top quality and a cool collectable album. I also paid a lot of attention to the packaging and artwork. An old SA friend in London has done an amazing job, he's taken some of my photography and splashed on slick graphic design. It's going to remind everyone of home and I hope it makes them feel better through the winter!

Roland’s favourite…

- Holiday place in SA: Cape Town my bruuuuuu

- Holiday place abroad: San Diego, California

- Restaurant in London: Thai Girder, Southfields



You can buy a copy of Legends of the Sun from Roland's website for £5 or for £3 from a gig. - SA Promo