New kids on the block – Introducing C-Thru [Pics]
Another talented teenage band of musicians has come up in Amanzimtoti, debuting to raucous applause at the open mic at Warner Beach.
A NEW band debuted at the Warnadoone Ski Boat Club’s monthly open mic recently.
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C-Thru, a contemporary rock band made up of talented Amanzimtoti teenagers, has bold plans to keep growing and hopes to start creating original songs in the near future.
The all-girl quintet came about when Zanéll de Meillon and Alexandra van Heerden, who do guitar and drum lessons with the band’s mentor, Gavin Hughes, of Double Beat Drum Studios, brought on two vocalists, Michaela Roux and Makayla Lubbe.
“I heard about the open mic starting again. The girls had only about four quick practise sessions. The first gig went phenomenally, from here, we’re going to start working hard. I have got someone that will be teaching bass guitar and keyboard. Watch this space,” said Hughes.
Introducing the band
On vocals is Michaela, who started singing as soon as she could walk. She said her bandmates are like sisters to her and she would do anything for them.
“I’ve always used songs to express my emotions, to show people around me how I’d been feeling. It’s a good way to calm me down when I’m stressed out or upset. Singing with the band makes it all the better,” said Michaela.
Makayla, who serves as the band’s manager and a second vocalist, was elated and exceptionally proud after their performance.
“It was amazing and everyone has improved so much. We do mostly covers with our own unique sound for now, but there’s already one song we’ve got in the works, which is very exciting,” said Makayla.
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Energetic and outspoken drummer, Alexandra, said that music has always played a significant role in her life and that she was always surrounded by people either playing music or listening to it.
“I believe that without music this world would be so bleak. When Gavin mentioned something about a band called C-Thru, I thought it was the most brilliant idea and I was so hyped up to join. I love each of these girls so much.”
Guitarist Zanéll expressed her gratitude to Hughes, who brought the band together and out of their shells. In 2023, she started learning how to play in a studio with the hopes of one day being in a garage band. She added that growing up, she was a big Metallica fan. She also loved Zombie, by The Cranberries, which was the first song she learnt to play. Afterwards, she branched out to AC/DC, Fleetwood Mac and Eurotrip, among others.
“When Gavin and I talked last year about a potential band, we did not have a vocalist. During a surprise party we planned, we played a karaoke game and Michaela started singing Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton, and my jaw dropped, she was amazing,” said Zanéll.
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