Taking a "Break Away" Sick Leave

What can fans expect from the new EP?

There are seven songs on the EP and it's called "Breaking Away". They were all written after "Last Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" and are a cross between the previous three albums thrown together while still sounding fresh. A big epic-layered, guitar-driven sound was the aim. While "Last Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" was more of a classic rock album, this definitely drifts back to alternative.

Why the decision only to release it digitally?

It's the direction music is moving towards and has been for the past 10 years. Why try to convince music store owners to take on your CD, when it doesn't cost anything to make it available for everyone in the world who has Internet? You also don't have the capital outlay at the beginning to print CDs. This is a big consideration for independent artists.

How did you select Roy Orbison's song Crying to submit to the Roy Orbison Foundation?

There were a few of his songs I wanted to do, but I decided to ask the fans on social media for suggestions. The overwhelming favourite was Crying.

What made you select that song, what was the process whereby you made it your own for the submission?

It was not an obvious choice as the original is a fantastic rendition. Normally it's hard to attempt a cover like this, as you're on a hiding to nothing, but I thought that I could add an interesting guitar arrangement and give it more of a rock feel. The tempo was lifted and after I finalised the arrangement it was all systems go for recording. I'm very happy with how it sounds.

My rendition of 'Crying' can be heard on The Sick-Leaves website: www.thesickleaves.com/the-sick-leaves-cover-classic-roy-orbison-song-crying

Darryl Torr seems to be the producer of the hour, what was it like working with him as you worked with him for Last Dance and for the new EP "Breaking Away"?

He is a fantastic guy and producer. He has an incredible ear and gives great attention to detail. It was a privilege to work with someone of his calibre and status, and I've learned quite a bit from him over the past two years.

Why the name Sick-Leaves?

I've been on sick leave for the past seven years to do what I love, music.

If you could be any animal what would you be and why?

The badger. It is as tough as nails and a very versatile creature when it comes to surviving in the most extreme habitats.

Best and worst things about being in a one-man-band project?

The best thing is absolute creative freedom and the worst thing is ... I can't think of anything that's bad about it.

Music aside, what puts a spring in your step and a sparkle in your eye?

My girlfriend.

Any unusual quirks/hobbies?

I'm a bit of a selective perfectionist. Certain things I'll give my utmost attention, while with other things I won't be bothered at all. I dabble in photography and love to hike in the Drakensberg.

Future plans?

Currently there are possible plans in the pipeline to start an exciting music side project with a very prominent artist in SA. It would also be fantastic to do some overseas shows in the near future with The Sick-Leaves; reaching an overseas audience being a primary goal of this year.

To find out more about The Sick-Leaves, download free tracks, wallpapers and read the blog visit The Sick-Leaves new updated website:
www.thesickleaves.com
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Photos by Ravi Panchia