Young, indie and out to chill
● Most bands have tales of wild parties, but for Skyscrapers life is mostly about lunch-time snacks, maths homework and chores.
But all this comes with a sweet reward.
The Cape Town indie-pop group, made up of Mila Smith, 13, and Leo Letschert and Dan Buchalter, both 12, juggle the duties of primary school while also preparing for their show this weekend.
Skyscrapers will be the opening act for Freshlyground at De Waal Park today. Also in the line-up are the Rudimentals and Joe Emilio.
The trio, hailed as South Africa’s youngest indiepop band producing original music, met at school and formed Skyscrapers in 2015.
Smith, the group’s singer-songwriter, is backed by Letschert on vocals and keyboard and Buchalter on drums.
Letschert said: “I’m feeling good. It’s a big show so I am a little bit nervous, but I’m also not that nervous because I’ve done it before. It’s fun, and if we have fun on stage then it’s a good show. We’re just friends having fun on stage.”
Their music, which they described as “very chilled”, would get people in a good vibe, said Buchalter, who was “excited and honoured” to be opening for two of his favourite acts.
In 2017 they performed for thousands at the Littlegig festival, just outside Cape Town.
Smith, who started singing at the age of four in her grandmother’s garden, said the stage was her safe space. “This is definitely a passion that I want to pursue. I’m grateful for the opportunity to perform.”
The group’s first radio single, Just Kids, has aired on community and national radio stations, and their music video for the song has aired on television.
Lyricist Smith said Just Kids was her favourite composition and she still remembers the first time she heard it play on radio.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to be in the band and to perform, and I hope it can shine a light on other kids who also perform,” she said. “I want people to know it doesn’t matter what your age is — you can accomplish your goals.”
It’s a big show so I am a little bit nervous Leo Letschert, 12 Pop group member