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#MusicExchange: Howie Combrink premiers emotional new single I See You

13 Apr 2022

After releasing his critically acclaimed single, The City back in 2020, singer-songwriter and producer, Howie Combrink joined forces with Rada, a non-profit organisation, to release his new single, I See You.

Source: Supplied

The song was co-written with Craig Hinds, Howie’s previous band member and frontman of the band Watershed.

"I See You celebrates defeating the odds despite the challenges faced along the way. It is a song about empathy and understanding. Communicating with a girl who has gone through trauma and abuse, recognising the pain she has endured, understanding her difficulties and offering her the reassurance that no matter what happens she is not alone,” says Combrink.

The song inspires individuals to embrace life despite what they are going through or what their circumstances are. It encourages people to move forward, progressing one step at a time each day and to make the decision to rise up, take responsibility and live their best life.

I See You forms part of Rada’s third music album ‘Rada Unearthed Vol.2’, released through Rada Inspirational. The full album will be available on 11 May 2022.

What is your job description?

I’m a music producer, studio owner and a recording artist.

What does music mean to you?

Music means everything to me and the thought of life without music seems strange.

My music is about…

Love, life and all the good and bad that comes with it

What is your motto?

An overnight success only takes about 10/20 years to achieve.

Fame is about…

Having a platform to share good ideas nd encouraage others through whatever it is that made you famous.

Retirement will happen when…

My body decides its time.

I don't do…

Pilates or eat lentils!

I would love to co-write with…

Dave Matthews

Where do you go for inspiration to create?

A weekend away in nature always does the trick.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?

Getting to work with some of the country’s finest artists and singers. I learn something every time I have a new artist in studio.

The song you must do during every show?

It’s a cover song by an artist called Matt Corby, My False

Any funny moments on stage?

When I still played in Watershed we went on tour one year and each band member had their moment to fall off stage at some point during the tour. We broke a few guitars on that tour as well.

My heroes are…

Elon Musk, Richard Branson and my wife.

My style icon is…

Hmm to be honest, I don’t really have a style Icon.

Which living person do you admire most and why?

Elon Musk. The scale of what he can achieve is incredible and if he puts his mind to something, he generally achieves it, no matter the task at hand.

What is your most treasured possession?

My 1954 5’9ft Steinway and Sons mini grand piano in my studio.

It's your round; what are you drinking?

Tequila!!!! Because it makes you happy :)

Dream gig to do?

Central park in NYC on a warm summers day in July.

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What makes you stand out?

I’m a multi-instrumentalist that covers various instrumentation in studio with a firm knowledge in tech and visual arts as well. Songwriting is also a prominent thing in my life.

Any nicknames?

My friend Bongi Archi always calls me Howzers, so other than Howie, that’s a nickname I guess.

If you were not a musician, what would you do?

I would be in tech and programming. I love technology and how it can be used in so many crazy ways to make our lives better.

Pick five words to describe yourself?

Honest, fun, focused, driven and at times, a touch sarcastic.

What are you streaming?

Currently, I’m busy watching Inventing Anna.

Greatest Movie Ever Made?

Pirates of the Caribbean, all of them!

What book are you reading?

Thinking the Future, New Perspectives from the Shoulder of Giants by Clem Sunter and Mitch Ilbury.

What song changed your life?

I love so many songs, so it’s really hard to select just one.

Who do you love?

My wife, Jehane and my family in general.

What is your favourite word?

Awe

Top of your bucket list?

To live on an island with a house right on the beach.

Your greatest achievement?

Being lucky enough to find the best life partner anyone could have asked for.

What do you complain about most often?

Incompetence

What is your biggest fear?

I really don’t like parktown prawns. Those things are aggressive and creepy.

Happiness is…

Home and the people you love.

On stage, I tend to…

Make terrible jokes on stage with my band mates off mic in-between songs.

The best life lesson you have learned?

Sometimes you have to close one door to open another and with enough perseverance and drive, anything is possible.

What has been your favourite journey so far?

The journey of starting my recording studio, The Hit Lab. Its been hard but a very fun experience at the same time. We have been open for eight years already but it feels like it’s only just starting now.

Do you do charity work, and if you do – what do you do?

Yes I do. I work with an NPO called Rada, and I take care of all the music we make in the organization in aid of creating awareness around Rape, Alcohol, Drugs and Abuse. That’s what Rada stands for. We make music to create awareness and in return the songs generate royalties and these royalties help us put back into the adopted homes Rada takes care of.

Wishes and dreams?

I wish to see South Africa and the world be a better place for all, and a dream is to see more equality and less poverty In the world in general.

Catch Combrink in concert on 28 May at Maple Ridge Equestrian Farm in Gauteng with Vaughn Prangley. Doors open 1pm and tickets are available from www.howiecombrink.com.