Yorke defies gravity and rises to stardom
Universal Music Publishing signs on local band.
WINNING the Converse Get Out Of The Garage Competition in 2013 was the perfect break into the music industry for local indie, pop and rock band, Yorke, who were recently signed on by Universal Music Publishing.
The band, initially called, Jordi, started as a solo project by 23-year-old Kloof resident, Jordi van Dyk (vocals, guitar) and drummer, Bryn Scott. After winning the competition two years ago, Converse flew the talented duo to New York to record a song at Rubber Track Studios. They then travelled to Paris to play in a show at the famous Café Charbon. Joel Kenrick (guitarist) and Dean Wilkie (bass) joined later and Yorke was formed in 2014.
Naming their first performance with Gangs of Ballet as one of their most memorable moments, band members are grateful and ecstatic about their recent achievement, which has always been a dream of theirs.
Inspired by the diversity of South Africa, fellow artists and his marriage, van Dyk, said, “This is a huge opportunity for us. It means that Universal can get our music out to a much larger audience than we would ever be able to do on our own. It’s been a long journey. We all come from different backgrounds in music and have been playing for a long time. We have spent a lot of time working on songs and in studio. We had to be patient too. All of these things add to reaching such a milestone.”
Commitment, passion, good song-writing and confidence form the band’s formula for success. The Durban-based group, known for their popular single, ‘Goodbye Gravity’, is currently in the process of releasing their first album, which is expected to be available by mid-year.
Their advice to aspiring musicians is: “Stick to your guns, dig deep. Surround yourself with people who will not only back you, but will also tell you when you need to work harder. Don’t settle: in every aspect push yourself to make honest music.”
Yorke’s upcoming performance includes playing with Gangs of Ballet and Mickey Burns at Live – The Venue on 7 March. Follow Yorke on Facebook: www.facebook.com/yorkeband, Twitter: @yorkeband or Instagram: @yorkeband.
