Unarguably the largest band in South Africa, Johannasburg based, The Parlotones, wrapped up their conquest of the country in 2009 with their sold out concert at the 20,000 seat Coca Cola Dome. In a country where selling 600 tickets to a show is quite the feat, the Parlotones have broadened their fan base with smart pop sensibilities in their alt rock sound and brilliant business strategy that has seen them placed with everything from fast food restaurants to wine. 

    Manager Raphael Domalik (see the companion interview here) has devised a corporate like business structure and employs lead singer Kahn Morbee, drummer Neil Pauw, guitarist Paul Hodgson, and bassist Glenn Hodgson from the seat of his company. The band then is run as a corporation, with its members receiving salaries and finding themselves under the companies contract. 

    The band relates that it takes much self discipline to adhere to seeing substantiial sums of money going into the corporation with the understanding that they will still only be receiving their regular salaries. However, Domalik has sold them the big picture and they credit this business model with their sustainability and success. 

    Their success is more than a slick business model. Their music has been critically acclaimed in South Africa and brought them a "Best Rock Album" award at the South African Music Awards in 2006. Their second album Radio Controlled Robot was certified Gold in South Africa and their follow up, A World Next Door to Yours was a multi-platinum smash, becoming South Africa's biggest album of the decade. 

    With openings on the South African leg of Coldplay's 2011 world tour and performances with the likes of Alicia Keys and the Black Eyed Peas at the South African World Cup Kickoff, the Parlotones are poised to conquer the rest of the world, just as they have South Africa.

    Play Music City sat down with the Parlotones at DeLuna Fest in Pensacola, FL, before they were off to New York and points beyond. 

Connect with The Parlotones

Web: http://www.theparlotones.net/home.php

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