Musical director Peter Enslin talks high notes with Lois Kuhle.
I’ve always had this secret fantasy of being a band groupie. Even better, one of those “doo-wop” girls. A back up singer who dreamily swings her arms around, fingers clicking to the rhythm of the music while occasionally adding a harmonious “shoo wadi wadi doo wop” as some big rock star belts out a tune before millions of fans.
So imagine my thrill when Peter Enslin invited me into his recording studio. This was my moment.
Instead of a smoky studio, filled with cigarette butts and empty coffee cups, however, the team at Andiamo Recording comprises nothing less than dedicated, professional recording artists.
No expense has been spared in establishing this high tech, slick studio where music talent can bed down their melodies, which are then mixed and tuned to perfection by some of the best in the industry. Right here in Durban. And thanks to the world of technology and virtual offices, it can instantly be sent around the globe for all to hear.
“Gail Hickman is our international liaison and marketing person, based in England,” explains Peter. “We can export music and commercials to anyone, anywhere.” And with the recession biting into marketing and production budgets it makes a lot of sense to take advantage of our weak rand.
Enslin is Andiamo’s director, and was described by Durban theatre critic Billy Suter as “Durban’s most animated and vibrant pianist and musical director”. Under his belt is a four-year diploma in Light Music (Natal Technikon), with honours, and he also studied jazz under the late George Hayden. He’s one of Durban’s top jazz and commercial pianists, and his strength lies in doing arrangements for big bands. (Psst! You can hear him tinkling the ivories in the Palm Court at the Oyster Box Hotel during High Tea, from 3pm to 7pm).
I’m introduced to Tim Wells, Andiamo’s producer and director. The voice! And what a voice – it could melt the stars in the heavens! Wells trained in speech and drama and even worked full time for Napac, but gave it up once his young family arrived. He has recorded countless commercials and audio visuals, and also happens to be an accomplished copywriter.
Rounding off the team is the charming Marciano Monjane, a sound engineer originally from Mozambique. He’s played in bands, trained in music production and editing in Berlin, and toured Europe as a band manager (where he also met Peter Gabriel).
Enslin’s original dream, unlike mine, was to build a studio that attracted extraordinary people with a wealth of talent. He has gone to great lengths to hire and collaborate with the best in the business.
“There’s loads of talent in Durban,” he enthuses, “but artists can’t afford ‘to get out there’. There’s a lack of platform, with limited venues and opportunities to be heard.”
Thankfully the internet has broken down the barriers and music is now more accessible to the masses.
Andiamo (which means ‘let’s go!’ in Italian) believes in a perfect balance between nurturing and developing raw musical talent, as well as producing top class commercial productions. The studio has teamed up with Geoff Theys Productions to extend its portfolio into a fully fledged company offering offers both audio and visual facilities.
So…call me if you want a “doo wop” girl!
Useful contacts: Telephone Peter Enslin at 031 539 3298 or 071 678 4970