Bay band Shoelace signs with new label

NEWLY launched record label Eastern Cape Audio Visual Centre (ECAVC) has signed popular Nelson Mandela Bay rock band Shoelace Rockaz'Soul.

The label was launched by Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture MEC Xoliswa Tom in East London on Monday.

It comes as the five-piece Motherwell band – Ndumiso Ntantiso, 30, Mvuzo Mnyaka, 22, Zusakhe Gysman, 25, Sandile Fuka, 31, and Xola Mrasi, 22, – are working on their debut album, which will be released under the new record label.

Group leader Ntantiso said they first met with ECAVC officials last year. "They were impressed with our music, which is rock with an African feel," he said.

"Because of the quality of our music, they were under the impression we belonged to a recording label. They only found out in December that we were working on our own and they immediately told us about the new recording company. They offered us a contract."

The group's music has only been available for download on their website.

"We believe that by signing with this recording company, big things will come our away. Our album will be released both nationally and internationally. This is the beginning of great things to come. Our aim is to make a great mark in the music industry," Ntantiso said.

Tom said having its own record label was a dream come true for the province.

She said it would ensure Eastern Cape artist were recorded, released, distributed, marketed and promoted nationally and internationally.

"Having a provincial record label will also reduce the exodus of East Cape artists to Johannesburg, and encourage artists to stay in the province.

"We have appointed the best record label staff with great experience in order to make sure that the provincial record label becomes a success," she said.

The record company aims to launch singles by the end of this month, and full albums by next month.