http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGFGcWYOrD0

http://graemewatkins.posterous.com/

12 Months ago, the world was pretty “safe” – the economy was
still in tact, the future was bright and in SA Music, Season 5 of Idols was in
full swing. Little did we all realise that someone, and something, special was
being unearthed – Graeme Watkins.

With his unique personality and edgy song-choices, Graeme
soon became a fans favourite in Idols. And despite achieving “Runner Up”
status, Graeme vowed to return to the big stage, on his own terms, as a
fully-fledged musician … and that time is now!

Graeme has since teamed up with some of the most highly
regarded and accomplished musicians in South African music to create his new
initiative – The Graeme Watkins Project (GWP). Ryno Zeelie plays Lead Guitarist
(famed for playing with Danny K, We Will Rock You and Rent); Rudo Pieterse on
Bass (having played for Karen Zoid, amongst others) and Matthew Marinus on
drums (notorious for his work in Fevertree, Zebra & Giraffe and Skouspel
shows).

Despite being a simple “3-piece band”, GWP produces one of
the biggest sounds around. GWP brings a dirty, edgy, rough approach to a medley
of pop, indie, rock and electronic genres.

“A Masterpiece is a stroke of genius in a moment of madness…
So live life like a madman” is Graeme’s motto, and there is definitely madness
incorporated into his music. When listening to the first three recorded demo’s,
it’s hard to believe these songs were written and recorded over a 2 week
period!

Channelling influences such as “The Springbok Nude girls”,
“Boo!”, “The Killers” and even a hint of “Depeche Mode”, this unique sound is
bound to inject a splice of energy into every listener. With the ADHD inspired
beat, the music is designed to get the crowd into the mad-capped mindset of the
band members, to break out of their comfort zone and rock out to the
all-encompassing movement of the melody.

The dedication and commitment of this fierce foursome
progressed has seen the fan base rise by 1,500 after GWP’s first televised
performance of an acoustic version from one of the new original tracks, “Light
That Shines”. Since that Performance on Kyknet’s, “Glitterati – Valentines
special 2010”, GWP’s YouTube upload has far surpassed any other artists that
have been uploaded on the Glitterati You Tube channel.

This unit has managed to break the “cookie-cutter” mould of
stereotypically SA Pop-Rock by producing a handful of fresh, new original
tracks – each lined with raw, pure emotion … pretty much exactly what everyone,
not only the SA Music scene, desperately needs right now.

Welcome to The Graeme Watkins Project!

Industry Praise

With a strong and solid following, Graeme has crept into the
hearts of South Africans, press and public alike. With the following votes of
confidence from press;

“I think he might be one of the most successful contestants
in the show’s history to be honest.” Jason Von Berg blogs.timeslive.co.za

“This suave character definitely stands out of the
crowd.”  http://mmmmamarazzi.blogspot.com/2009/02/graeme-watkins-4727-durban.html

“A pleasure to hear that song done by someone who can
actually sing” – Dave Thompson, Sony BMG, on Graeme’s performance of “Sex on
Fire”

“The man that can’t be hated” Gareth Cliff

After having spent the past four months, brewing their magic
in the studio, the band has emerged with an amazing amount of original tunes,
and are ready to wow South Africa with their magic.

Contact

For more information on the band, how to book them and
publicity purposes, please contact:

Kim Coppen

0825796882

[email protected]

Backstory of the Band

Since the conclusion of Idols, Graeme has not only starting
building his brand via a series of spot on E-TV’s Rhythm City, Shooting various
commercials, but most importantly has launched his new band “The Graeme Watkins
Project”.

“The Graeme Watkins Project”, or GWP, was formed shortly
after the season of Idols ended. By sheer fate, Graeme attended the opening of
a theatre show at Gold Reef City and throughout the performance, was mesmerised
by the skill and sheer edginess of Lead Guitarist Ryno Zeelie.

Leaving the theatre, with no program in hand nor name of the
guitarist, Graeme embarked on a search to find “The crazy guy with a Mohawk”,
but to no avail.

It was on this journey, that he was introduced to Master
bassist Rudo Pieterse. Even though Rudo had no idea whom Graeme was talking
about, Rudo inadvertently introduced the two from performing frequently with
Ryno on the Corporate scene. It was then that Graeme’s search came to an end.
Rudo had found Ryno and the three immediately clicked.

Over cocktails and discussions in a restaurant in Balito,
Rudo and Ryno introduced, Matthew Marinus, a young, energetic skilful drummer
with a wealth of corporate, theatre, studio and live gigging experience.

Talk soon progressed to action, as the four instantly got
together back in Johannesburg for their first awe inspiring jam session, laying
down memorable tracks and melodies for what was the start of the Graeme Watkins
Project!

SETLISTS:

Prefferred Setlist:

Original music with an electro rock feel, this set list is also available in acoustic. 

Corporate setlists:

The Rat Pack Set: Incorporating much loved swing and jazz
numbers made famous predominantly by Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darrin, Sammy Davis
Jnr, and most recently by the likes of Michael Buble and Robbie Williams.

The Millennium Set: A combination of the great sixties,
seventies and eighties hits. Ranging from “The Beatles, to Queen, and Joe
Cocker to Dire Straits” this set is guaranteed to get anyone off their feet and
headed straight to the dance floor.

The Club Set: In this set Graeme incorporates his latest and
greatest dance hits. He brings in some of the later set from the Millennium
set, and progresses onto the very recent radio hits, ranging from “Kings of
Leon, to Black eyed Peas, MGMT to the Killers”. Everyone will be dancing along
in unison as he throws in a couple of his Idols hits as well, including his
signature song Loslappie.

Location