I have been in contact with Jean for a good while now, and he is definitely such an awesome guy that there was no way I wasn’t going to interview him.

Jean is a booking agent for Southern Pulse and is highly instrumental in many local bands’ success. I managed to get him to answer some questions for us in between his busy schedule!

Hey Jean,

Thanks for doing this!

No worries…its rad

So you’re a booking agent at Southern Pulse, how’d that happen?

I’ve always loved South African music. Since I was in high school, I had a strong fondness for it, fighting for its validity amongst my school friends, who were more interested in international punk and metal bands. I would buy a lot of South African bands’ CD’s ( I remember being a huge Taxi Violence fan, right from the start and their EP, being one of my first South African purchases.) I think it was in grade 11 that I attended a Dear Reader concert at the Rustic Theatre and noticed that the person at the door spoke German. Being Swiss, I sparked up a conversation with her and found out her husband was in charge of one of the biggest booking agencies in South Africa. After seeing my passion for South African music, he offered me an internship and later a job on the spot.

From getting to know you, you’re quite well travelled. Tell me about your epic journeys, favourite moments and places?

I have travelled extensively through Europe, but I must say that my favourite trip was my trip to America last year. I say this because, whilst in New York, I had the opportunity to meet and hang out with Vampire Weekend and The Black Keys. It was after I went to a live screening of The Colbert Report.

What bands are you currently involved with?

At the agency we all help each other out in terms of bookings and shows. I am currently working with Fire Through the Window , a great pop indie outfit from Durban and Rambling Bones , the most amazing and fun folk band in South Africa.

What’s your favourite album this year?

There have been so many great releases this year including The Strokes , Incubus , Death Cab for Cutie , Foster the People , Beastie Boys , Childish Gambino, and many more. But I must say, thus far my favourites are Bon Iver – Bon Iver and Foo Fighters – Wasting Light . Locally I am loving the new Rambling Bones – Rambling Bones and Taxi Violence – Long Way Home , but am also anxiously awaiting the new Ashtray Electric – Measured in Falls . The new Tumi and the Volume album is rad too

How do you keep your passion alive for your job?

That’s easy. There is a constant stream of creativity coming from all sides. Agents and Managers are always abuzz with new shows and exciting acts that they have seen, as well as bands coming out with new music. as music is my passion, my job allows for me to constantly be around new and interesting sights and sounds.

What advice would you give to people pursuing a similar career path?

It is not for the faint of heart. There is a constant negotiation that takes place been agents, bands, promoters and venues. It’s never easy negotiating with bands and venues, but when you get it right, the sense of fulfillment is awesome. I’m also a full time student, so juggling my time between varsity and work is tough. As said, it’s not for the faint of heart.

What has been the proudest moment in your career thus far?

Defining one specific moment is tough. I pride myself in searching for and finding great local talent, and working with some great new interesting artists, such as Dance, You’re on Fire . And so I think, one of the cooler moments was getting them a prime slot at Oppikoppi last year, and watching the crowd’s reaction from the stage. But my all-time favourite experience has been going on a nationwide tour with Taxi Violence and Ashtray Electric, living the rock ‘n roll life style with two of my favourite SA bands. Also, going on tour with possibly one of the coolest bands ever, Balthazar ( Belgian band that toured in SA) was amazing.

How do bands get in touch?

Bands can e-mail myself or the agency directly and we can take it from there

What kind of band get your attention?

If a band has something special, that x-factor (as lame and conceited as that sounds), I immediately pay attention. In the past it has been bands like Taxi Violence, Ashtray Electric, Westlerish, Rambling Bones, Fire Through the Window, Dance,You’re on Fire, Alan!Let’s move on, and many more. Recently having watched Holiday Murray(CPT) and The Frown(JHB), I feel bands starting out need to up their game to the level of these guys. They are amazing live… The Frown are probably one of the coolest live acts I have ever seen, and I watch a lot of bands.

What is your favourite word?

Rad…

There you have it folks! Thanks Jean it was my pleasure!