Season 3

And just like that, season 3 has come to an end and, after 15 episodes, we thought we would just run through our “top 5” highlights of the season for you!

We would love to just give a massive shout out to you, the listener. Texx Talks has continued to go from strength to strength and this is due to your amazing support. Give yourself a pat on the back.

Fear not, Season 4 will be with you from the 11th of February and we can’t wait to share it with you!

A reminder that you can catch up on all of our previous episodes at www.texxtalks.com and remember to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Castbox or wherever you catch your pods!

Follow Texx on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to stay updated with new episodes.

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During these strange times we find ourselves in, experiencing a loss of connection, freedom and normalcy, it’s now time for us to be back on, celebrating life and spontaneous moments of authentic behaviour, where we can all be our truest selves and say to life: YOU’RE ON!

That’s why at Texx Talks, we couldn’t be happier or prouder to be joining forces with Ray-Ban this Summer. Hit up Ray-Ban’s Instagram page at @rayban

We are still on break and quietly pottering around in the background, polishing up a shiny new season for you! In the interim, here is one of our favourites and a true South African siren, Msaki!

Msaki is a singer and songwriter whose deeply soulful vocals and lyrics carry profound messages that resonate with everyone who’s had the pleasure of hearing her sing and seeing her perform.

This Eastern Cape-born musician has created songs that combine soulful folk with symphonic movements, Xhosa lyrics with African poly-rhythms and her raw delivery disrupts your senses as she sings of love and loss, and home and hope.

From speaking about being an advocate for change, to her collaboration on some of SA’s most beloved house tracks, Msaki is undeniably one of the most important modern voices to put thought to bars.

Outro Song: “Blood, Guns and Revolutions”  Apple Music

Featured tracks:

Ubomi Abumanga –  Sun el Musician feat. Msaki Apple Music

Love Colour Spin – Moby Dixon feat. Msaki  Apple Music

Fetch Your Life – Prince Kaybee feat. Msaki  Apple Music

Pearls to Swine – Msaki feat.Tresor Apple Music

limfama Ziyabona – Msaki YouTube

Extra Reading:

Platoon empowers Artists 

Francois Knoetze

Maboneng Womxn’s Month Mural

One Shushu Day

Alt Blk

Unathi Mkonto

Join the Revolution with Msaki: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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During these strange times we find ourselves in, experiencing a loss of connection, freedom and normalcy, it’s now time for us to be back on, celebrating life and spontaneous moments of authentic behaviour, where we can all be our truest selves and say to life: YOU’RE ON!

That’s why at Texx Talks, we couldn’t be happier or prouder to be joining forces with Ray-Ban this Summer. Hit up Ray-Ban’s Instagram page at @rayban

We are taking a little break over at Texx Talks and prepping for our next season, in the interim, we have our Passenger episode “from the vault” in celebration of his brand spanking new album Songs for the Drunk and Lonely Hearted

Setting Suns 

Michael David Rosenberg – better known to all of us as Passenger – is an award-winning, chart topping singer-songwriter who commands the stage and your attention, like few solo acts can and do.

This Brighton-born musician is a master storyteller, seeking out the charming in the seemingly mundane, and spinning songs that remind us of the importance of human interaction in an all too out-of-touch technological world.

With his intimate, folk-inflected sound, this one-man band has built a loyal following, and he chats to us about a recent foul purchase, chasing an endless summer and how commanding a street corner ultimately prepares you to face 65 000 fans.

Outro Song: “Sword From the Stone”  off the new album “Patchwork”

Featured tracks:

Let Her Go – Apple Music Spotify

Hearts on Fire featuring Ed Sheeran – Apple Music Spotify

Pull a Sword From the Stone with Passenger: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Follow Texx Talks on Facebook Instagram Twitter

During these strange times we find ourselves in, experiencing a loss of connection, freedom and normalcy, it’s now time for us to be back on, celebrating life and spontaneous moments of authentic behaviour, where we can all be our truest selves and say to life: YOU’RE ON!

That’s why at Texx Talks, we couldn’t be happier or prouder to be joining forces with Ray-Ban this Summer. Hit up Ray-Ban’s Instagram page at @rayban

Life Vocabulary

Lauv is a one-man boy band whose heartfelt pop bangers have turned him into an international internet megastar, racking up billions of streams, courtesy of mammoth collaborations with BTS, LANY and Troye Sivan.

With a knack for tapping into the issues that plague a new generation who are learning how to deal with the trappings of social media and the concept of loneliness, he expresses his feelings both eloquently and thoughtfully through a barrage of chart-topping platinum-selling singles that culminated in the release of his picture perfect, pop-rooted debut album in 2020.

From defining his own vocabulary to explain his anxiety and depression, to establishing a foundation for discourse around this, to reminiscing on his angsty teenage years, Lauv explains how the unconventional aspects of his identity ended up making him a household name.

Outro Song: Fake feat. Conan Gray Apple Music Spotify YouTube

Featured Tracks:

Wishful Thinking – Somersault Sunday feat. Trevor Dahl YouTube

The Other – Lauv  Apple Music Spotify YouTube

Breathe – Lauv  Apple Music Spotify YouTube

Sad Forever – Lauv  Apple Music Spotify YouTube

Who – Lauv feat. BTS Apple Music Spotify YouTube

Billy – Lauv Apple Music Spotify YouTube

MASSIVE shout out to Lauv for the generous use of his music and support in bringing this podcast to life.

We Like IT Better with Lauv on Facebook Instagram Twitter

Follow Texx Talks on Facebook Instagram Twitter 

During these strange times we find ourselves in, experiencing a loss of connection, freedom and normalcy, it’s now time for us to be back on, celebrating life and spontaneous moments of authentic behaviour, where we can all be our truest selves and say to life: YOU’RE ON!

That’s why at Texx Talks, we couldn’t be happier or prouder to be joining forces with Ray-Ban this Summer. Hit up Ray-Ban’s Instagram page at @rayban

All that Glitters is Gold

Lira is a bonafide South African music legend. She is a multi-platinum selling and 11-times South African Music Award-winning, Afro-Soul vocalist who fuses elements of funk and jazz to create music that is both wholly unique and emotionally stirring.

From performing for Mabida, to representing us on multiple worldwide stages, to having a Barbie doll made in her honour, this woman really has done it all and she is a warm and welcoming inspiration to the next generation of vocalists.  

Unpacking her drive and determination to succeed whilst grappling with being a private person, Lira has forged a generation-defining career peppered with many, many firsts. 

Outro Song: Brave Heart  Apple Music Spotify YouTube

Featured Tracks:

Unique – Lira  Apple Music Spotify 

Dream – Lira Apple Music Spotify 

All My Love – Lira Apple Music Spotify 

Feel Good – Lira Apple Music Spotify 

MASSIVE shout out to Lira for the generous use of her music and support in bringing this podcast to life.

Dream with Lira at Facebook Instagram Twitter

Follow Texx Talks on Facebook Instagram Twitter 

Here at Texx Talks, we constantly strive to spotlight authentic music trailblazers, which is why we’re stoked to have Texx Talks styled by Ray-Ban this summer, helping us in our pursuit of featuring artists who aren’t afraid to be their authentic selves.

Discover your truest self at Ray-Ban’s IG

Previous Episodes: www.texxtalks.com

Karen van Coke

Tasche is a young, vocal powerhouse who became a household name from the moment she was crowned the youngest winner, and the first female winner of South Africa’s The Voice competition, after a now-iconic four-chair turn performance.

After being taken under the wing of some of South African music’s biggest names in music, she’s crafting a career path that is undoubtedly authentic in her pursuit of capitalising on her already burgeoning career. 

Tasche talks about being openly queer in a typically conservative Afrikaans society and how taking risks has allowed her to stand out from the pop pack. 

Outro Song: Tweedehandse Hart Apple Music Spotify YouTube

Featured Tracks:

Die Een – Tasche Apple Music Spotify YouTube 

MASSIVE shout out to Tasche for the generous use of her music and support in bringing this podcast to life.

Be the one with Tasche at Facebook Instagram Twitter

Follow Texx Talks on Facebook Instagram Twitter 

Here at Texx Talks, we constantly strive to spotlight authentic music trailblazers, which is why we’re stoked to have Texx Talks styled by Ray-Ban this summer, helping us in our pursuit of featuring artists who aren’t afraid to be their authentic selves.

Discover your truest self at Ray-Ban’s IG

Previous Episodes: www.texxtalks.com

Styled by Ray-Ban

Here at Texx Talks, we constantly strive to spotlight authentic music trailblazers, which is why we’re stoked to have Texx Talks styled by Ray-Ban this summer, helping us in our pursuit of featuring artists who aren’t afraid to be their authentic selves.

That’s why at Texx Talks, we couldn’t be happier or prouder to be joining forces with Ray-Ban this Summer. 

Ray-Ban is your reflection in the mirror of your truest self, it’s the shade on a hot summer’s day, it is your own focus regardless of any spotlight that may be on you. 

Together, Texx Talks and Ray-Ban are saying: if you’ve got a challenge for us, no matter what it is – You’re On. 

You can’t predict the light. But with Texx Talks and Ray-Ban you are always ready to capture it by living each day in the moment. You’re On.

Discover your truest self at Ray-Ban’s IG

Follow Texx Talks on Facebook Instagram Twitter 

Previous Episodes: www.texxtalks.com

Peter’s Hard Work

Shane Durrant is the frontman of Desmond and the Tutus, the Pretorian DIY indie-rock band that spearheaded an entire scene in South Africa.

Known for their unique style of indie-rock and outlandish onstage antics, just as well as they are for their left-field name, the Tutus burst onto a scene that was more concerned with mainstream rock, ultimately finding a home on MK89 and an audience amongst a growing underground twenty-something community.

Rooted in strong kwela melodies and a DIY indie-punk attitude, they spearheaded an entire new wave of underground bands – from Oppikoppi to Osaka, Japan – and Shane explains their unconventional path to owning the moniker of “three time award-losing” band. 

Outro Song: Hard Work Apple Music Spotify YouTube

Featured Tracks:

Teenager – Desmond and the Tutus Apple Music Spotify 

Lazy Bones – Desmond and the Tutus Apple Music Spotify YouTube

Peter – Desmond and the Tutus Apple Music Spotify YouTube

What Am I Gonna Do With You – Desmond and the Tutus Apple Music Spotify YouTube

MASSIVE shout out to Desmond and the Tutus for the generous use of their music and support in bringing this podcast to life.

Shake off you Lazy Bones with Desmond and the Tutus at Facebook Instagram Twitter

Follow Texx Talks on Facebook Instagram Twitter 

Sing it Loud 

Jackie Queens is a Zimbabwean-born artist and writer who, apart from lending her voice to some of the most scintillating South African house tracks, aims to challenge the status quo of the music industry’s perspective on that role women play in its success. 

With Projects like GIRLS and #WomenOfHouse, she provides a platform to artists that are often unseen, and in doing so, fulfils a crucial role in the education of our music scene at large and for that – we are proper fans.

Leaving her native Zimbabwe for the hustle and bustle of London, this beat siren fell in love with house and upon returning to Africa, gradually began her own musical education after a chance Gumtree encounter set her on a path to become the Queen of Afro-house music. 

Outro Song: Back to Us (Radio Edit) Apple Music Spotify Youtube

Featured Tracks:

Run feat. Core Wreckah – Jackie Queens SoundCloud

Conqueror (Enoo Napa Opaque Mix) – Jackie Queens Apple Music Spotify 

Departed feat. Jackie Queens – Cepta SoundCloud

Interludishness – Jackie Queens SoundCloud

Sphiwe – Enoo Napa and Jackie Queens Apple Music Spotify 

MASSIVE shout out to Jackie Queens for the generous use of her music and support in bringing this podcast to life.

Sing it loud with Jackie Queens on Facebook Instagram Twitter

Follow Texx Talks on Facebook Instagram Twitter 

We got some treats for you courtesy of our friends at Fokof Lager – head over to the Texx and the City IG Page for more info!

When the Bat King Calls

The Lumineers need no introduction but deserve one regardless. This chart-topping, award-winning American folk rock group makes genuine, straightforward music that comes from the heart and has been riveting audiences all over the world for a good decade-and-a-half now. 

With each album they’ve released their storytelling prowess grows stronger and a little bit darker and their last album III cements their status as masters of the concept album, tackling tricky subject matter and shedding light on pivotal societal issues that are so often marginalised. 

Chatting about the removal of ego from their art, Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Freitas talk about their unique songwriting relationship, dealing with writing a new album that is not influenced by a global pandemic, and share their thoughts as to how they’ve remained grounded all these years.

Outro Song: Salt and the Sea Apple Music Spotify Youtube

Featured Tracks:

An Air That Kills – Jeremiah Fraites Apple Music Spotify YouTube

Donna – The Lumineers Apple Music Spotify YouTube

Sleep on the Floor – The Lumineers Apple Music Spotify YouTube

Ho Hey! – The Lumineers Apple Music Spotify YouTube

Gloria – The Lumineers Apple Music Spotify YouTube

MASSIVE shout out to The Lumineers, Dualtone Records and Activist Artist Management for the generous use of his music and support in bringing this podcast to life.

Sleep on the floor with The Lumineers on Facebook Instagram Twitter

Follow Texx Talks on Facebook Instagram Twitter 

We got some treats for you from Fokof Lager! Head on over to Texx and the City for more info!