European summer marked a monumental journey for Acoustic Element, the dynamic musical duo from Cape Town, known for their high-energy performances and unique blend of acoustic sounds. Featuring Jody Abel on guitar and Callen Petersen on violin, Acoustic Element captivated European audiences with their distinctive music and stage presence. The highlight of their tour was opening for the legendary Kings of Leon at the Gasteiner Infinity Music Tour in Linz, Austria, in June 2024. This event was a significant milestone for Acoustic Element, renowned for their electrifying performances at high-end weddings and corporate events across South Africa and around the world.
Acoustic Element’s Collaboration with Notable Acts
Acoustic Element’s tour included performances alongside notable acts like The Kooks and Milky Chance, making it an unforgettable experience. Rising South African singer Azi Sakwe joined Acoustic Element on stage in Austria to perform their single Wimbo Wakoh. The song, written by Azi in Swahili, showcases an innovative blend of electro beats with Acoustic Element’s signature acoustic sound.
Reflecting on the tour, Callen shared, “The obvious highlight would be performing with The Kooks, Kings of Leon and Milky Chance. But if I’m honest, it’s the first time we’ve put on a show of this magnitude. We’ve had to figure out the set list, the positioning on stage, timing, and so many other details. The process of getting everything ready and seeing it all come together in the final week was the true highlight for me.”
Azi, who added richness to Acoustic Element’s performances, found inspiration beyond the stage. “The rich cultural history and the museums I’ve seen along the way have been incredibly enriching,” she said. Azi’s performance was met with enthusiasm, and she expressed her delight about their warm reception. “The reception has been excellent – the audience has been so appreciative.”
The tour’s success was in the performances and the reception of their innovative sound. “The reception has been amazing, especially in terms of our new AfroTech sound,” Callen explained. “There’s an emerging AfroTech scene in Europe right now, and our fresh approach of adding classical instruments has piqued the audience’s interest.”
Drummer and keyboard player Darren Petersen also reflected on the tour’s success, saying, “Lido Sounds was an awesome festival to be able to perform at. It was really good seeing the Acoustic Element show come together from the chats and eventually be performed on the main stage. That was super fun, inspiring and fulfilling.”
Personal Highlights for Acoustic Element During the Tour
Jody shared his personal highlight, “Opening for Lido Sounds was the absolute highlight. I was also fortunate that my parents could be there to support me, so that was extra special.” He also noted the positive response to their evolving musical style: “We started as an acoustic music band, but over the past 15 years have transitioned across various styles. It was great to have the opportunity to perform some of our older original songs for an international audience. The response was amazing and is reflected in our music’s downloads and streams.”
Acoustic Element also had the opportunity to experience performances by other great artists. Azi shared her experience about seeing Sam Smith and Kings of Leon, saying, “Reaching a wider audience and performing in Austria has allowed me to connect with an appreciative crowd. Watching Sam Smith perform inspired me to write a new song.”
As the tour wrapped up, the excitement didn’t end in Europe. Callen expressed his enthusiasm for bringing their European show back home. “What I’m looking forward to off the back of this tour is to perform this show that we prepared for Europe back home in Cape Town. Bringing our original music to a live, local audience would be true to form.”
The tour also included more intimate gigs, including a performance at a wedding, showcasing Acoustic Element’s versatility and commitment to their craft. This European adventure has expanded their horizons and set the stage for even more significant achievements in the future.
Stay tuned for exciting changes from Acoustic Element over the next few months. From fresh music lineups and new business ventures to featuring talented South African artists, Acoustic Element is gearing up for a new chapter that promises to surprise and delight fans.
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