The recent Lira Capture Tour brought Port Elizabeth fans to a stand still in the sweltering heat on Sunday 9 October 2011 as the sold out show took place at The Boardwalk.
One of the band members took time out to answer some questions and engage with his home-based fans. Earl Baartman had the following to say about himself.
When did you start playing instruments, and what are they?
I started playing instruments at the age of 10 (He’s 20 now). I play the Bass Guitar which is my main instrument and acoustic guitar. I also play the piano and drums.
What’s the name of your previous band and how many members were there?
The band I played with here in PE was called Kompliite (pronounced Complete). We were seven members, five guys and then two girls who were the lead singers.
How many times a week do you practice?
I started playing for Lira in January and since then we’ve been rehearsing minimum three times a week but if there are bigger shows or tours ahead it goes up to 5 days a week.
Your favorite place you used to visit while living in Port Elizabeth?
Definitely the beach! One really knows what you have once it’s gone and it’s so true.
Do you enjoy traveling to different places?
I love traveling. I’ve always wanted to travel and play music as a career. Now I get to do both at the same time. We were recently on tour around Europe as well as in United States of America during July!
One moment that stood out for you in your music career?
My first performance with Lira, performed at Kirstenbosch in Cape Town, probably the most beautiful performance venue in this country
The most valuable advice you’ve received recently from a music artist?
The best advice I received was from Lira. She told me it’s the little shows that not much people attend that shapes your character to become the musician you want to be and always keep your head up.
And lastly…A message for the fans?
I don’t believe I have fans but I have people who follow me on social networks such as Facebook and Twitter and friends. My advice would be to make your dream happen! More than often, we have dreams but we sit back and wait for it to miraculously happen while we are lazy and not do anything about it. Dream big and make your big dream a reality! And “Follow me as I follow Christ, there’s no greater example than Jesus.”
You can follow Earl Baartman on his Facebook fan page www/facebook.com/EarlBreezyBass as well as Lira on her fan page www.facebook.com/Lira
Earl Baartman – Bassist for Lira
