The Graeme Watkins Project

With his unique personality and edgy song-choices, Graeme Watkins became a fan’s favourite in SA Idols 5.  Being the official “Runner Up” on this widely viewed reality entertainment show, Graeme vowed to return to the big stage, on his own terms, as a fully-fledged musician, which is exactly what he has done, with a bang!

Graeme created a stunningly edgy initiative – The Graeme Watkins Project (GWP) - by teaming up with some of the most highly regarded and accomplished musicians in South African music, namely Ryno Zeelie (famed for playing with Danny K, We Will Rock You and Rent) on Lead Guitars; bassist Rudo Pieterse (who has played for Karen Zoid, amongst others) and drummer Matthew Marinus (famed for his work in Fevertree, Zebra & Giraffe and Skouspel shows).

GWP brings a dirty, edgy, rough approach to a medley of pop, indie, rock and electronic genres. “A Masterpiece is a stroke of genius in a moment of madness… So live life like a madman” is Graeme’s motto, and this “madness” definitely finds a strategic place in his music.

Channeling influences such as “The Springbok Nude girls”, “Boo!”, “The Killers” and even a hint of “Depeche Mode”, this unique sound is bound to inject a splice of energy into every listener. With the ADHD inspired beat, the music is designed to get the crowd into the mad-capped mindset of the band members, to break out of their comfort zone and rock out to the all-encompassing movement of the melody.

The dedication and commitment of this fierce foursome has seen the fan base rise by 1,500 after GWP’s first televised performance of an acoustic version from one of the new original tracks, “Light That Shines”. Since that Performance on Kyknet’s, “Glitterati – Valentines special 2010”, GWP’s YouTube upload has far surpassed any other artists that have been uploaded on the Glitterati You Tube channel.

This unit has managed to break the mould of stereotypically SA Pop-Rock by producing a handful of fresh, new original tracks – each lined with raw, pure emotion.

With the release of their debut album “Corridors of The Mind” in February 2011, and the single “Music Affair” being charting across SA radio, GWP has been catapulted into the limelight both locally and beyond, and has been hailed as one of SA’s freshest new acts by many industry giants.