From his grandad singing opera on the beach, to touring Europe

MUSIC runs in Prime Circle keyboardist Neil Breytenbach’s veins.

His grandfather used to sing opera to him on the beach and there was always an organ to play in the family home.

“I grew up in Warner Beach before going to school in Pietermaritzburg. We spent a lot of time surfing, swimming and having fun,” he said.

Breytenbach, 41, but who “surfs like a 21-year-old”, said he discovered his love for music through his family connections.

“I always knew I would be a musician because my grandfather was an Italian opera singer. While walking on the beach he would sing some amazing songs and this resonated within me. “Music was with me from birth.” Had it not been for his parents, Breytenbach might never have become a keyboardist.

“From a young age, maybe 5, I wanted to play the drums, but my parents only had the organ.”

They urged him to try the keyboard before they would consider buying him a drum kit.

“The rest is history. I never looked back since then and I’m still playing the keys.”

Having studied here, Breytenbach considers Durban to be his “musical home town”.

Before Prime Circle, the keyboardist played in a number of jazz trios and did session work, and worked overseas to gain experience in his music career.

“I worked on international tours, helping and shadowing the keyboard technicians from bands like Michael Jackson, Depeche Mode, Crowded House and Alanis Morissette.

“A while later, Prime Circle came together and we are going from strength to strength internationally.”

The band’s latest album, Let the night In – Deluxe, was recorded in Cape Town, with the songs mixed and mastered in the US.

“The writing process was amazing. We all brought some great songs and ideas to the party.”

The idea behind the name, said Breytenbach, “relates to people from all walks of life letting their hair down after working hours and ‘letting the night in’ to have fun”.

They played a number of gigs in Germany, Austria and Italy on their most recent tour.

“Life on the road is cool but can also be hectic,” said Breytenbach.

He added: “Europe has been great to us. The fan base in Germany is very healthy and growing daily. The reaction to the band has been very positive and they love the music.”

The highlights had been waking up to do what they loved, said Breytenbach.

Touring can have its obstacles. “Spending long periods away from the family is a downside.”

With an abundance of support from family, Breytenbach admitted that he was blessed.

“I am very lucky to have family that supports me no matter how tough the situation gets,” he said.

He is married and has a 13-yearold son. He has a house on a golf estate but is not saying where it is.

After being away from home, Breytenbach said he looked forward to winding down.

“When I get back home I always go for a surf to clear my mind and get the blood flowing.”

And, if he’s not at the beach, he can be found golfing or spending quality time with family.

And what’s next for the band?

“We’re going on a South African tour in July called Stripped Down,” he said.

“It will be an unplugged acoustic tour with the singer Ross (Learmonth), the drummer Dale (Schnettler) and myself on keyboards.”

The dates and venues have not been finalised but are scheduled to go up on the band’s Facebook page soon.

“The aim for the future is to spread the music as far worldwide as possible and fly the South African flag high.”