Following the successful release of previous singles “Alive Again” and “I’m With You”, the latest offering from the artist is a little more upbeat and commercial but still true Werner Bekker-style.
“’Open Spoken’ was a bit of a tough cookie to crack,” he says.
I asked him why last week.
When are you happiest?When I'm around good people.
What does music mean to you?The world. It is literally everything I think about – from the time day starts to its end.
What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?Getting to travel and meeting new people as well as writing about scenarios that might be of great emotional support to someone else.
Are you famous?
Not that I know of.
What do you think of influencers?
What is your job even? No, seriously what do they actually do? I have influences, they inspire me to write, but it is definitely not their job to influence me. To me, it just seems like a massive ruse.
What drives you: ego or humility?Humility, although it seems pretty egocentric to say so.
Any funny moments on stage?Lots, from drunken people trying to grab your mic or talk to you to me getting drunk on stage with an audience member. Funny moments usually involve alcohol, in excess.
Your heroes?If we're talking Marvel, Spider-man. If DC, Superman. If real life, Backstreet Boys and Westlife.
Which living person do you admire most and why?My Gran, she has seen the world, made friends, made enemies, loved, lost, created, destroyed, parented and been raised. What I probably respect most at the current moment is her ability to be selflessly selfish. To me, this is true beauty.
What is your most treasured possession?I'm not very sentimental, but probably my Granddad’s fold-open camera.
It’s your round, what are you drinking?Carling Black Label or any other beer that is inexpensive.
Dream gig to do?One of the amazing concert halls in London.
What makes you stand out?I'm different. I play the guitar in different ways.
Nicknames?Van, mostly for English-speaking people who struggle to pronounce my name. When I was in boarding school in grade eight, I also had a tough time with being bullied and got the worst nickname – Piano. What can I say; I preferred playing the piano to touch rugby.
If you were not a musician, what would you do?I have no idea. Probably something that sounds creative but is actually really boring, like architecture or engineering. And by saying this I've just stepped on half of my friends' toes.
Pick five words to describe yourself?Anxious, smiling, quirky, likeable, skinny.
Five favourite SA albums of all time?
Delta Blue – I can't find it online, but it was Gerald Clark's band and we all know he's amazing.
Against All Odds – aKing
Die Heuwels Fantasties – Die Heuwels Fantasties
Melkstraat Confessions – Jan Blohm
15de Laan – Klopjag
Greatest movie ever made?A Knight's Tale or Scott Pilgrim vs The World; I can't decide.
What song changed your life? Jason Mraz – “Plane”.
Whom do you love?Anja, Liesel, Gert, Ida, Jolene, Foord, many many many people.
What is your favourite word?I quite like “like”.
Favourite fashion garment? Glasses, they help me see.
Give us some real proper slang and what it means? Pofadder, a real proper slang found in the Bushveld.
Top of your bucket list?I want to see Ireland and have a pint with Damien.
Your greatest achievement?Having a pint with Damien, in the future of course.
What do you complain about most often?Currently, the fact that I just stopped smoking.
What is your fear?Being insignificant.
Happiness is?
Not sadness.
On stage, I tend to?Not make eye contact.
If you were walking on stage for a keynote speech like Barack Obama, what song would you use and why?I honestly have no idea; I would probably opt for the Gladiator-esque kind of song because it's the norm. I wouldn't want to disappoint Barack, man.
The best life lesson you have been taught?Wear roll-on every single day. And shower, often.
Do you get worked up whilst watching a sports game on TV?
No.
Where would you like to be right now?I want to be in Ireland and have a pint with Damien.
Do you do charity work and, if you do, what do you do?Not currently, but I am really interested in working with charities associated with preventing and eliminating animal cruelty.
Wishes and dreams?I want to be in Ireland and have a pint with Damien. Also, live and die happy.
Facebook: Werner Bekker
Twitter: @WernerBekker_
Instagram: @wernerbekkermusic
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