#MusicExchange: The Rudimentals

I chatted to Ross McDonald, who is part of the three-piece brass section, last week.

Ross McDonald

When are you happiest?

That magic moment when you really connect with the audience.

What does music mean to you?

A journey of discovery with new things around every corner.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?

Teaching kids music and watching the spark of creativity grow.

What drives you: ego or humility?

I think ego drives us all to one extent or another and helps us to excel, but it should be a private thing and balanced by humility.

Any funny moments on stage?

I had an iron deficiency and passed out, still standing, on stage once and woke up just in time for my solo.

Your heroes?

Batman. He turned his greatest fear into a weapon.

Which living person do you admire most and why?

For me, it’s Elon Musk. He seems to have the capacity to visualise his goals and then realise them, no matter how huge they are.

What is your most treasured possession?

My hands.

It’s your round, what are you drinking?

Captain Morgan and Coke.

Dream gig to do?

Sakifo in La Reunion; I’ve played before, but it’s still my dream gig.

What makes you stand out?

Our bass player. Haha.

Nicknames?

The General.

Pick five words to describe the band?

Five words to describe the band would be: Put on your dancing shoes!

What song changed your life?

I was going to quit trombone, my teacher gave me “Autumn Leaves” to play and that made me carry on.

Favourite fashion garment?

Definitely our hats.

Give us some real proper slang and what it means

“Bumboclaat”, it’s Jamaican patois and used for many things: shock, anger, swearing at someone.

Top of your bucket list?

Climb seven of the highest mountains; so far I’ve done two.

Your greatest achievement?

Co-founding a recording studio and weathering the storms that come with being in business.

What do you complain about most often?

Not having enough time to play computer games.

Happiness is?

A choice.

On stage, I tend to?

I people watch and forget some of my lines. Sshh! Don’t tell.

The best life lesson you have been taught?

Never pee into the wind.

Where would you like to be right now?

Recording an album in a castle.

Wishes and dreams?

For musicians in SA to make enough money to pursue their dreams.

Tickets are R20. Book at Computicket.

Social media links:

Facebook
Twitter - @rudimentals
Instagram - @therudimentals