Dimeshift

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Dimeshift

Dimeshift was started in 2006 by Morne’ Nortje’ (Mo), Mark Booysen and Duncan Erfmann. They originally started as a cover band and gradually became the band that they are today, more concerned with original music than ever before.

Finding a drummer at the start was always the main hindrance to their progress. At one time they were using three different drummers who all belonged to other bands but were happy to help out where they could. Ultimately though due to Erfmann’s involvement with the opening of a new Cool Runnings in Benoni and the tiring endless search for the right drummer, front man and guitarist of the band, Mo, decided to take up an offer by the Sasha Lee Band and joined them full time. This meant that plans for Dimeshift were put on hold indefinitely. In his time with the Sasha Lee Band Nortje’ pulled a 3 month contract in Bahrain playing 6 nights a week in the 5 star Gulf Hotel. These three months were trying but yielded in the guitarist/singer a renewed passion for writing original material – in fact two of the tracks on the new album (soon to be released) were penned in Bahrain. On their return to S.A. the band resumed playing cover gigs, but things in that camp soon disintegrated due to a failed relationship between the drummer and singer. The drummer left and was replaced by Mark Neethling. Then Sasha Lee left for the empty promises of another band, leaving Nortje’ with no other choice but to replace her with another bassist/singer, Adam Thomas. The band continued to function under the banner of Dimeshift, but the new members were not interested in pursuing a more original path. They had other more important projects that required most their attention and finally when the cover gigs ran dry their interest and loyalty to Dimeshift completely dried up leaving Nortje’ at a loss for what to do next. This had all happened by July of 2008.

In December of 2008 Nortje’ decided it was time to resurrect the old Dimeshift and literally start again. Booysen was available as a second guitarist, but due to his all consuming schedule Erfmann (on bass) was regrettably unable to commit. This time though the band’s main priority was going to be original music and the search began once again for a bassist and drummer. Over 2009 the band managed to have some stable moments, the recording of the full album was renewed at B# Studio’s and is presently in its final stages of completion. After a couple of hopeful’s on the drums, the right man for the job, Geoff Smith (formerly of Sean Hayz Band) finally came along, and earlier in 2009 Kevin Jenkins joined the band and was a perfect fit as bassist from the start.

Morne’ Nortje is 34 years old, born in Benoni and teaches guitar from home to pay the bills. He was a professional drummer for many years but towards his 30’s found guitaring and song writing the ultimate challenge. Mark Booysen is 31, currently resides in Benoni and has played for a few hopeful original bands in the past including the Memphis Heds. Kevin Jenkins, 26, resides in Benoni and has only been playing bass for 2 years but is an incredibly fast learner and committed person (he even has a tattoo of a bass clef on his arm). Geoff Smith, 24, resides in Killarney at present due to his working situation, but spent 12 years of his young life growing up in Benoni. He has been playing drums for 9 years and has in his short time with the band helped in organising the new Facebook fan page and involved his friend, professional photographer Wesley Poon, in doing a much needed photo shoot for the band.

Now that the lineup has been settled and the right combination of people have joined forces, Dimeshift are looking more hopeful than ever and aren’t going to stop pushing forward to the next level on a continual basis. They are a group of young men who are focused, know what they want, and aren’t scared of working diligently to achieve their goal no matter how long it takes.

The band has played at Cool Runnings Benoni regularly this year, and have played a few gigs at Street Café’ in Edenvale , Knight & Dragon in Boksburg, and Keg & Lion in Kempton Park. The reason for the small amount of gigs played to date is mostly due to the struggle to settle on a reliable line up which has now been sorted out, so things are only going to get better!

For more information and bookings, contact Mo on 083 398 3445 or email monokia@vodamail.co.za

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