SAMA-nominated 24 Skies is a Kloof band making waves internationally, from Abbey Road to Shanghai, with a growing fan base and a dedication to excellence
Story Hayley Dennyson
Pictures Ed Arderne, Giannina Greig and Stephen Pilbrough
Recorded in Kloof, mixed and mastered in London by legends of the music business, Endless Anthems has a polished edge that reflects its creators’ drive to exceed expectations. Officially founded in 2014, 24 Skies is a creative movement, encompassing production, sound, lyrics and melodies, but they aren’t content to stop there.
“After playing together for seven years, it seemed natural that we would record our music,” says Hilton Greig, local businessman and worship pastor at Kloof Harvest Church. “Coming up with a name wasn’t as easy. 24 comes from the M13 exit where it all began and Skies refers to the influence we feel, being under the African sky.”
Hear the labels “faith” or “gospel” and you may expect a certain sound, but listen to the band’s debut album and you are sure to be surprised. 24 Skies offers a fresh take on Christian music, with melodies that have captured the hearts and minds of a growing audience in the church and beyond. “These are modern hymns but, for us, it’s essential to be relevant beyond ‘Christian’ preconceptions,” Hilton continues. “They are messages of hope and life.
“We spent 18 months writing and editing our songs to ensure they were of international standard. We’ve been blessed to work with inspired and exceptional people, from sound engineer Brendyn ‘Rusti’ Rossouw to Pete Hutchings of the Rabbit Hutch Studios in London, who has worked with Beatenberg and Gangs of Ballet. Creating an album is a challenge, but hard work paid off and we got there in the end.”
The album was released in September 2015, peaking at number five on the iTunes top selling album charts, reaching second place in its genre, with the first single (Follow) reaching number one.
Another highlight came in April 2016, when Endless Anthem was nominated for Best Contemporary Faith Album at the South African Music Awards, alongside music by Ntokozo Mbambo, Benjamin Dube and Mark Counihan.
Apple Music described 24 Skies’ music as “innovative and polished pop that offers a fresh take on the genre, blending electronic beats and spellbinding song craft”.
“It really is special when someone appreciates the amount of time, energy and money that we poured into this project,” Hilton continues.
24 Skies has tour dates in Dubai, Hong Kong and Shanghai, with plans for a second album. Watch this space! You’re sure to see more from this vibrant group. *
@24skiesband
