In the realm of South African indie alternative rock, The Color Blew stands as a profound and introspective force, offering a refreshing contrast to the overproduced sounds that dominate mainstream music.
Their sonic landscape is a carefully curated fusion of talent, passion, and authenticity – an immersive experience that resonates with discerning listeners, drawing them into moments of deep reflection and emotional connection.
Since their formation in 2014, The Color Blew has been a steadfast presence in the South African music scene, collectively amassing over 65 years of experience. The band comprises Liaan Horton (vocals and rhythm guitar), Marius Cronje (bass guitar), Timothy James Lotter (lead guitar), and Armando Santos (drums). Together, they form a cohesive unit that delivers powerful performances, both in the studio and on stage.
Rooted in the East Rand of Gauteng,The Color Blew finds creative sanctuary in their private studio in Springs, where they write, record, and produce their music with meticulous attention to detail. Their commitment to artistic integrity and professionalism is evident in every note, making them a distinguished name in the alternative rock genre.
While broadly categorised as alternative rock, their sound defies rigid classification. Their debut album, The Canvas, drew heavily from the raw energy of grunge and punk, while their sophomore album, Light Switch, saw an evolution in their musical identity, incorporating elements of jazz and African rhythms, underscored by thought-provoking lyricism.
In 2022, The Color Blew paid tribute to Queen and David Bowie with their rendition of ‘Under Pressure’, which secured a place on the SA Top 40 and various international indie charts. The following year, they released ‘Love in Space’, a compelling musical odyssey that earned them chart success across local and international radio stations, further showcasing their versatility and artistic growth.
Last year saw the release of ‘Discount Hearts’, a deeply personal yet accessible single that encapsulates their raw, unfiltered energy – a testament to their passion for creating music that is both authentic and impactful.
As 2025 unfolds, The Color Blew embarks on a new chapter, set to release a series of new singles, beginning with ‘Leave’ on Friday, 4 April. With each release, they continue to push the boundaries of South African alternative rock, cementing their place as an innovative and dynamic force in the industry.
With unwavering dedication and a fearless approach to musical exploration, The Color Blew remains committed to shaping the ever-evolving landscape of alternative rock, leaving an indelible mark on the industry, both locally and beyond.
Just before the relase of their new single ‘Leave’ on April 4, Expression Africa sat down for an interview with The Colour Blew. Renowned for their innovative fusion of grunge, punk, jazz and African rhythms, this conversation delves deep into the band’s journey – from their humble beginnings in the East Rand to their evolution as trailblazers in both the local and international rock scene. With decades of collective experience and an unwavering passion for authentic storytelling, The Colour Blew reveal the inspirations behind their music and the creative vision driving their new single and video ‘Leave’.
EXPRESSION AFRICA: Your music has been celebrated for its raw energy and emotionally charged soundscapes. What creative processes or personal experiences have most significantly shaped the distinctive sound of The Colour Blew?
TIMOTHY LOTTER: I believe the most significant factor in shaping our sound is the spontaneity with which our music is created. Every song is a blank canvas upon which each of us can infuse our personal experiences and musical influences, resulting in a combination that could not be replicated by anyone else under any circumstances. Equally important is our mutual support for one another’s musical tastes and ideas, which allows us to make everything work cohesively.
ARMANDO SANTOS: The improvisation during our jam sessions is where the creative process truly unfolds. It is the convergence of our diverse backgrounds – not only in terms of musical genres but also across different age groups – that uniquely shapes the sound of The Colour Blew. These influences, drawn from various time periods, naturally emerge in our music.
The new single ‘Leave’ is described as a deeply personal and cathartic journey. Could you elaborate on the inspiration behind this track and what it represents for you both personally and as a band?
TIMOTHY LOTTER: On a personal level, ‘Leave’ is about appreciating and embracing the journey rather than fixating solely on the destination. It’s akin to the notion that a man who enjoys walking will travel further than one who is preoccupied with reaching a specific place. Musically, the song maintains a persistent motif throughout without resolution, symbolising the idea of experiencing every moment fully, regardless of how challenging or painful it may be.
ARMANDO SANTOS: From my perspective as a drummer, the emotional uncertainty of ‘Leave’ inspired a solid 4/4 foundational beat, interspersed with unexpected rhythms on the toms and snare. This unusual timing captures the shifting emotional landscape of the track.
Looking back at your evolution from your albums ‘The Canvas’ to ‘Light Switch’ and singles like ‘Discount Hearts’’, how do you approach experimenting with diverse musical styles while staying true to your core identity?
TIMOTHY LOTTER: Given the diverse range of musical tastes among our members, we have a broad palette of styles to explore. Ultimately, we prioritise creating music that we genuinely enjoy. We believe that if we approach our work with authenticity and conviction, it will resonate with the right audience.
ARMANDO SANTOS: I follow the emotional impulses that emerge during our jam sessions, allowing those sounds to inform my drumming. This not only supplements our overall sound but becomes an integral part of the unique, collective “Colour Blew identity”.
Your rendition of ‘Under Pressure’ received widespread acclaim, resonating with audiences across borders. What do you believe makes your interpretations of classic tracks so compelling, and how do these experiences influence your original compositions?
TIMOTHY LOTTER: When covering a song as iconic as ‘Under Pressure’, our goal was to remain faithful to the original while also infusing it with our own style and sensibilities. This approach creates a delicate balance between honouring the original and making the track our own.
ARMANDO SANTOS: Initially, the prospect was daunting – the shoes to fill were enormous. However, we realised that it was not about replicating the original but about expressing our own interpretation as a tribute, humbly acknowledging the opportunity to perform it.
With over 65 years of collective experience in a rapidly evolving South African music scene, how have local cultural and musical shifts influenced your creative choices and career trajectory?
TIMOTHY LOTTER: We have always sought to carve our own path rather than follow fleeting trends. By doing so, we create a sound that is uniquely ours and one that will continue to evolve alongside us as musicians and individuals, minimising external influences and preconceived notions.
ARMANDO SANTOS: Local influences are often embedded in our subconscious during the creative process, resurfacing as we express ourselves through our respective instruments.
Your creative sanctuary in Springs, rooted in the East Rand, seems to play a pivotal role in your music. How does your environment shape the narratives and sounds you produce in the studio?
TIMOTHY LOTTER: Our studio in Springs is a true ‘safe space’. It allows any one of us to come in on any given night with any idea, confident that our musical chemistry and state-of-the-art facilities can transform that idea into a fully realised song, provided we all share the same vibe. Essentially, it’s a creative factory for all types of music, shaped by how we feel on any day.
ARMANDO SANTOS: Our environment in Springs and the East Rand forms our roots – it is the foundation of our inspiration. It is here that we were encouraged and shaped by the community we call home.
How does the dynamic between band members drive your creative process and contribute to the unique stories told in your music?
TIMOTHY LOTTER: Beyond being band members, we are lifelong friends with countless shared experiences. Our deep familiarity and collective history naturally flow into our music – we can quite literally finish each other’s sentences, both musically and conversationally.
ARMANDO SANTOS: The synergy when we come together is almost telepathic and, indeed, therapeutic. It is a mutual exchange of creative energy that defines our process.
Your music masterfully balances intense vulnerability with explosive energy. How do you navigate and express this duality both in your songwriting and live performances?
TIMOTHY LOTTER: With our wide range of musical influences, we choose the style that best expresses the emotion at hand. This can vary from exuberant, sunlit dances to the melancholic ambience of a shadowy basement. Live, the energy exchange between the audience and us is paramount – the intensity we project is reflected back to us.
ARMANDO SANTOS: It all comes down to following our hearts, expressing ourselves genuinely and staying true to our beliefs.
Beyond ‘Leave’, what themes or new directions are you excited to explore in your upcoming releases, and how do you envision these evolving your sound further?
TIMOTHY LOTTER: There is still a vast array of musical styles and stories for us to explore. ‘Leave’ is just the beginning of a new chapter, and we have many surprises in store – perhaps even a foray into country or blues.
ARMANDO SANTOS: We never force our music into a specific genre or thematic box. Instead, our emotions and life experiences naturally guide us, allowing our music to resonate with listeners as they interpret our story in their own way.
For both longtime fans and those new to your music, what do you hope listeners take away from your work, and how do you see The Colour Blew influencing the future of South African alternative rock?
TIMOTHY LOTTER: I hope our music inspires people to express themselves without fear, recognising that every piece of music reflects one’s unique self. We aim to encourage a cross-pollination of musical styles within the ‘alternative’ genre, showing that passion resonates with others.
ARMANDO SANTOS: I echo this sentiment – our hope is that fans find personal meaning and value in our work. We see The Colour Blew as proud South Africans, contributing to the ‘Local is Lekker’ ethos, and sharing our South African story with the world.
