Punk Rockers Punkfontein and Meel from Indie Rockers Meel Vignetting have teamed up for a sensational collaborative Pop Punk Anthem called The Leviathan.
In late 2022 Punkfontein started with the concept and planned to ask Meel to collaborate after playing a show together. Surprisingly, without mentioning anything yet, Meel reached out to Punkfontein asking to collaborate. The stars quickly aligned, and within a week they started work. The process went smoothly, with everyone knowing what they had to do. After several iterations, they scheduled a session at KVD Studios in Randfontein where Stevie Bester worked as the Recording Engineer. It was then sent to Byron Muller from Audio Nebula for mixing and Westenhaus for mastering.
Gareth Meyer (Punkfontein Guitar & Vocals) shares that “I wrote the initial music for this song about 3 years ago, and I’ve been sitting on the idea, waiting for the right moment. This song came straight to mind when the opportunity to collaborate with Meel materialised.”
Hugene Koekemoer (Punkfontein Bass & Vocals) adds that “After completing the bass idea, I started working on the verses, humming melodies until I found something that might work, then filling the sounds with words. There is a moment where your mind runs through your words, and at that time it was relevant, as everyone has challenges that they need to deal with. It is essential to always keep in mind ‘this too shall pass’! It’s something that has kept me going and never failed me before.
It is commented by Meel that the Leviathan can be seen as a metaphorical monster related to how they feel drowned in their challenges, and the desire to fly away from it like Mary Poppins with her umbrella is being thought upon. The favourite line of the song, ‘Fight forever to right our wrongs,’ is considered to be one of the most important things in life by Meel, to face consequences and right their wrongs. The lyrics of Hugene inspired Meel to write their parts, and when Gareth added that line, it was perceived as magical! This song is more than just a song, it is considered an anthem by Meel, and it is hoped that it will connect with the listeners the same way it connected with them.
The bands also pay homage with their cover artwork to the legendary ‘Tragic Kingdom’ from No Doubt. Meel shares “We initially wanted a visualisation of a Leviathan for our cover art but felt it might be a bit harsh. Being huge fans of Blink 182 and No Doubt, we were initially planning a tribute show during our recording process, then decided to pay homage with our cover art to the classic and timeless album ‘Tragic Kingdom’ from No Doubt. We all have such a positive and fond connection to this album from a time when music like this sculpted us!”
About Punkfontein
Punkfontein is a Punk Rock quartet hailing from the western outskirts of Gauteng in South Africa. Formed by a lifelong friendship spanning well over a decade. their music comes from a post-teenage angst era and boasts a message of inspiration and positivity. They have a fun and free writing style based on stories, experiences and tragedies endured and overcome.
About Meel Vignetting
Meel fronts the South African four-piece Indie Rock Band Meel Vignetting. Their music takes listeners on a rocking journey through life’s most challenging and most beautiful adventures, exploring art through self, and defining self through art. Meel has been playing guitar since the age of six, singing since eight, and writing original music since about twelve. She feels music is the only way to truly express herself without question. As an introvert, getting on stage is one of the scariest things on earth, but she loves the challenge of letting go on stage, and every time outgrows the challenge. Music moves within her like blood through her veins. If her ordinary self was Bruce Wayne, Meel Vignetting would be her Batman.