03/09/2026
Who says you can’t have fun and jolly good music on a weeknight? Catch two of our favourite musos, namely Hiles and Kristo Zondagh music , at House Gigs at 2-12th Avenue, this evening, 3 September. Read our interview with Kristo below. We know rain’s predicted, but don’t let that put you off. You can keep comfy and dry on the veranda or indoors. The gate opens at 6.00pm, the music starts at 6.30pm. BYOB and snacks and a camping chair. WhatsApp 0824946597 to book.
Q1: Kristo, please tell us a little about yourself – where did you grow up and how did you get into music?
I grew up in PE and have lived there most my life, as well as a few years in Joburg. My mom was a music teacher and I did my first gig on vocals with her on piano at age 3. Music has just always been a part of my environment.
I started playing percussion in my school wind band at age 11 presumably because I couldn't get a sound out of any brass or woodwind instruments. I sang in the East Cape Youth Choir around the same time. At age 14 I got a nylon string guitar with terrible action for Christmas and was taught cowboy chords by my mom. I decided to attend Alexander Road High School where I was pretty much the main konyn percussionist and drummer for the Concert and Big Bands until Matric.
I thought I needed a "real job" so decided to study architecture at NMMU. All the while I was playing jazz on Friday night, metal on Saturday night, and a random church on Sunday morning. At some point during my Masters studies I decided to stop lying to myself and pursued music full time.
Some highlights thereafter include recording and performing with radio chart topping Stuart Reece Band, and playing at the Cape Town Jazz Fest in 2017.
Now I'm all grown up.
Q2: Which artists or bands inspire you the most?
In the jazz realm, most of the artists signed with Gondwana Records such as GoGo Penguin and Mammal Hands. On the rock front, any good prog, such as Haken, Car Bomb, Opeth, Tool, and Porcupine Tree.
Q3: We last interviewed you in May 2025. How has the last year treated you, and what have you been up to?
The petrol price has treated me very badly! This has obviously affected touring. And it's not just petrol, it's all the second and third order effects such as people not being able to afford tickets. But I'm still touring and playing local gigs and shows in PE. I've also recorded a bunch of singles and albums for various artists.
Q4: You’re not only a musician. Sometimes you’re in the audience at live gigs. What, to you, is the appeal of going to a live gig as opposed to events where DJs are playing or listening to music on CDs, LPs, or streaming sites?
I'd rather watch a sh*t band than a good DJ. I remember a friend and fellow muso asking me why I'm going through so much effort to put on a 100% live drum 'n' bass show, when a DJ can just play a recording. For me the process is the reward, not the product, or how much I can gain from it. I love what I do and despise anyone who disrespects the artform. I don't even like backtracks. If solo muso with a guitar and voice can make me feel something, why can't a trio figure out how to arrange songs with dynamics without a frigging symphony orchestra carrying the whole thing. Limitation breeds creativity.
Don't get me wrong, there are some amazing DJs out there that produce their own tracks, play vinyl, or play proper underground stuff. But I'm reminded of an electronic music festival organiser asking on Facebook if DJs should be expected to promote the event. Like, how lazy can you be?
On a related note, I've been waging a war on AI. I find its use lazy and aesthetically banal. Again, the process is the reward. Its use is also a symptom of deeper issues with people, such as laziness, the unwillingness to learn new skills, and avoiding real interaction with real humans in a post Covid world.
I just think I'm biased towards working with real tangible things such as musical instruments, as opposed to pushing buttons in a virtual world.
Q5: What are your musical plans over the next year?
I'm quite excited to do a bunch more recordings. My hardcore band, Boiling Point, is working on a new single. Aston Wylie is keen to do another EP. My duo with Kerry is designed around working acoustically, so I'm keen to do a video series of our original tracks with only a stereo pair of microphones in the room. If it works, it's beautiful. If it doesn't, it's a disaster.
I'm also keen to work on new shows with Misery Loves Company. We've been touring the same shows for a few years and need something fresh.
Give yourself over to the absolute pleasure of Kerry Hiles and Kristo Zondagh’s incredible music at House Gigs at 2-12th Avenue this evening, 3 September. The gate opens at 6.00pm, the music starts at 6.30pm. BYOB and snacks and a camping chair. WhatsApp 0824946597 to book.
