PRISM TATS: SO CAL / SOUTH AFRICA PLAYLIST
Welcome to the World of Prism Tats, the drum machine-fuelled lo-fi garage persona of Garrett van der Spek. The culmination of a creative life spent on the grind, homing instincts and eventually going all-in on a singular dream. Garrett van der Spek’s tunes bristle and hum with electric energy while carving out unique emotional territory all at once. There’s real shades of steam and heat, with comparatively-meditative reverb-laden tracks forming the album. In parts, the album recalls the ghostly throwback groove-stomp and fuzzy warmth of bands like The Jesus & Mary Chain, Dirty Beaches and The Raveonettes.
The well-travelled van der Spek, originally from Durban, South Africa, moved to Seattle in the early 2000’s as part of a university exchange programme and fell in love out there. Once he’d moved out stateside for good, he spent his time between Seattle and Los Angeles, building a repertoire for Prism Tats.
Prism Tats has made us an Underground garage playlist made up of South African and West Coast bands.
PRISM TATS: SO CAL / SOUTH AFRICA PLAYLIST
Spoek Mathambo [Johannesburg]
You’ve almost certainly heard of Spoek Mathambo. You may have heard his version of Joy Division’s Control but just in case you haven’t, you definitely should. Brilliant version of this song and equally impressive video.
Damaged Bug [Los Angeles]
John Dwyer continuing to prove that quantity need not compromise quality, now releasing music under the name Damaged Bug as well as with Thee Oh Sees.
Dirty Paraffin [Johannesburg]
I first heard Dirty Parafin on a mixtape curated by South African band Blk Jks. The video of Okmalumkoolkat and Dokta SpiZee cruising Johannesburg in a Hyundai is priceless.
K Skelton [San Francisco]
Kyle and our now mutual friend Bryan John Appleby slept on my floor last year. To show his appreciation, he left me a copy of his excellent record. I believe I came out ahead in that particular scenario. Cool, yeah dude! Sick so tight. Dope.
Bazali Bam [Soweto]
I just discovered this amazing song on the Next Stop…Soweto Vol 2 R&B, Soul, Funk & Psych 1969-76. I highly recommend this compilation. Another notable track on this comp is Wozani Mahipi by the legendary Mahotella Queens.
Wimps [Seattle]
Rachel was my supervisor when I was an intern at Seattle radio station KEXP and Matt was my neighbour when I lived in Seattle. Always fun to see live and are quickly amassing a catalogue of hilarious videos. I have a 2 second cameo in ‘Dog Pills’.
Get on it!
Prism Tats‘ self-titled debut album is out now on ANTI-Records
