They say good things come to those who wait. This is definitely true about the iconic singer-songwriter, Anton Goosen’s long-awaited new album, which has just been released and is set to exceed his fans’ expectations.
“I have worked on, researched, and recorded on the album over a long period of time,” explains the beloved Liedjieboer. “We – Peter Pearlson, my engineer-maestro friend, guitarist Illimar Neitz, bass guitarist Schalk Joubert, and drummer Kevin Gibson – began recording the first two tracks at the end of 2022. The rest were completed throughout 2023.”
Anton describes the album’s music styles and compilation as diverse. “It ranges from ballads about love and sometimes loneliness, from the esoteric to ghoema, and from serious protest rock from Illimar’s strings to smoky blues. But overall, it’s a new cohesive sound, unlike any of my previous albums.”
The popular artist shares that only after the album was completed did, he realized that the title should be SIRKELS. “The concept figuratively circles through the entire album,” he explains. “Peter and I have been working together since 1987, and he’s used to me getting ‘a late thought on the highway’ after completing an album. This time it was the final part of the last song, when I thought again of Jean-Baptiste Karr’s words ‘the more things change, the more they stay the same’, in other words, the circles of life.
“The songs on the album revolve not only around love and life but also the circles of time, on the water, around pole dancing, eagles, and the struggle between good and evil, peace and war, meaning and hope.”
SIRKELS boasts nine new songs, including three poem composition – Bly by my, (my lief) and Êrens is jy by Antjie Krog, as well as Apollo 11 (Space Station Houston) by DJ Opperman. It also includes two duets, with Lise Swart and Zolani Mahola from Freshlyground, respectively.
The first single from the album, Bly by my, (my lief) – which he composed for the Woordfees – has been very well received since its release in May.
The album’s cover design was done by Carel de Beer from Onelove.
Anton was born in the Karoo in 1946 and grew up in Kroonstad. Kruidjie-roer-my-nie was his first single to achieve commercial success. His first album, Boy van die suburbs, was also a hit in 1979.
This living legend, widely regarded as the father of Afrikaans rock, has released more than 20 albums, written music for various films – including ‘n Brief vir Simone (1980), Die Laaste Tango (2013), and Siembamba (2017) as well as songs for famous artists, including Laurika Rauch, Richard Clayderman, Sonja Herholdt, Carike Keuzenkamp, Koos Kombuis and more. His latest album, 40 jaar: Liedjieboer Innie Langpad, was released in 2019.
Throughout his decades-long career as a songwriter and singer, he has been honoured with various awards, including SAMA, Innibos, and FAK awards for his lifelong contribution to music.
In addition to the release of SIRKELS, he is working on several concert performances this year, as well as a four-episode documentary with filmmaker Niel van Deventer.
When he’s not busy with his music, he enjoys spending time – and a glass of Cape red wine – with his beloved Estie and their four dogs, walks on the beach, conversations with friends, and watching series on Netflix or Britbox.
SIRKELS is masterfully crafted and offers a delightful listening experience for young and old. It is now available on all digital streaming platforms. Get it here: https://linktr.ee/antongoosenliedjieboer
