Skyscrapers are on the rise
SKYSCRAPERS ARE South Africa’s youngest indie-pop band producing original music.
The band is comprised of singer/songwriter Mila Smith, 13, keyboardist Leo Letschert, 12 and drummer Dan Buchalter, 12, who met at school and formed the band in 2015.
The Cape Town trio play infectious pop with soul influences – from the hopeful ballade There’s A Light to the smooth-sounding, harder-hitting Politicians.
Their first official radio single: Just Kids has had a few spins on 5fm and is playlisted and charting on Jacaranda fm (no 5 on SA Top 20) and Algoa FM (no 21 on Top 30.) It is playing on campus and community radio stations.
Skyscrapers write and compose their own music. Mila writes the lyrics, while the composition of songs is a team effort.
She says: “I randomly think of melodies when I am in the shower or on my way to school. Words corresponding with the tune come naturally.” Then Leo, who learns piano at the Jazz Workshop adds the keys, and Dan adds the song’s backbone with drums.
The band is assisted by vocal coach Sade Ross and musician Nathan Woodman who is part of Jeremy Loops’s band. They keep their love of music fresh and varied.
“Working with Skyscrapers is an interesting balancing act”, says their manager Georgia Black, who is also the founder of Littlegig music festival and the mother of band-member Leo.
“They’ve got the confidence of youth and think it’s completely normal to share the stage with Freshlyground, or regularly go on live TV at 12 and 13. But it’s not.
“So we are very careful not to push them and to let them set the pace,”says Black.
Skyscrapers will be the opening act for Freshlyground at De Waal Park on Sunday. The Rudimentals and Joe Emilio are also on the line-up.
They have been featured by Superbalist, performed on on Expresso Morning Live SABC 3 and Hectic Nine9 SABC 2, and appeared in several campaigns for Woolworths brand and the US.
*Skyscrapers will be opening for Freshlyground at De Waal Park in Cape Town on Sunday.
Visit: www. concertsinthepark. co.za.
Connect with the band: Instagram @skyscrapers_bandsa
Facebook: Skyscrapers