Urban Strings to reach the sky

Urban Strings is a nine-piece musical wonder that is creating a new sound of glam-electronica.

The ensemble which includes Melville resident Azra Isaacs, Llewellyn George and Christi Swanepoel from Randburg, was officially formed in 2014 bringing together musicians who were no strangers to the music industry, having worked on Idols SA and with artists including the legendary Vusi Mahlasela.

The group’s creative director and manager, Larah Eksteen said every member always brings their A-game because they are individually experienced and continue to work on different projects. Surprisingly, they do not always perform together.

“Sometimes we perform as just a trio or a quartet. Our other members are in Grahamstown right now performing there, so we mix it up,” she said.

Although classically trained, Eksteen added that she enjoys different genres including jazz and electronic. Urban Strings has taken the contemporary genre and infused it with classical instruments to create a one-of-a-kind sound.

“This is a great way to show the audience that a violin doesn’t have to sound like a violin. Make it contemporary and mix it up so that everybody can appreciate it,” she added.

The vocalist and violinist has been playing the violin since she was three years old and comes from a musical family. She has worked and performed with musical heavyweights including Arno Carstens and RJ Benjamin and of course, travelled across the globe.

Urban Strings has a distinct upbeat groove and natural rhythm to their sound and the distinct African sound catches your ear from the very beginning. The group is gearing up for a performance on 1 August at the Craft Beer, Food and Wine Fair, where they will be performing as an all-female trio.

“We want to take this everywhere and create a new sound. Where someone might be intrigued – ‘It’s a violin and cello but they sound so different and so good’. We would love to collaborate with rappers, we would love to work with Cassper Nyovest,” she said excitedly.

The group is currently working on their first album and Eksteen said having nine members who already play instruments makes the process much easier.