Rising Stars: A Conversation with Cape Town’s Gaze

In the vibrant heart of South Africa’s music scene, a new sound is emerging that captures both hearts and headlines. Gaze, a band that’s quickly becoming one of Cape Town’s most talked-about acts, recently sat down with us to share their journey, aspirations, and the raw emotion that drives their music. The band, fresh off signing with The Good Times Co., radiates an infectious enthusiasm about their future. Lead singer Lauren Thomas’s eyes light up as she discusses their recent milestone.

‘We’ve been following The Good Times Co. for a long while now, and we’re incredibly honoured to be represented by them,’ she shares, her excitement palpable. ‘They’re such a wonderful team, and we cannot wait to see what we can do together!’

Origins in Hemel & Aarde Valley

The story of Gaze began in the picturesque Hemel & Aarde Valley, where Lauren and rhythm guitarist Reghardt Pienaar first planted the seeds of what would become their musical journey. ‘We wrote some of our favourite songs during that time,’ Reghardt recalls, ‘and it became a way for us to express all sorts of feelings—queerness, existential thoughts, and even some happy moments too.’

The band has evolved organically since those early days, now comprising a solid lineup of talented musicians: Lauren Thomas on lead vocals, Reghardt Pienaar on rhythm guitar, Dan Charles on bass, Desmond Kannemeyer handling lead guitar, and Bradley Croome keeping the beat on drums.

Through various lineup changes, they’ve maintained their authentic sound while continuing to grow and evolve. Their recent performance at EVOL stands out as a particular highlight. Sharing the stage with local favourites like Operation Khataza, Kayla the Crow, Intrusive Thoughts, and Honeymoan, the band created what Lauren describes as ‘a special night,’ showcasing the collaborative spirit of Cape Town’s music scene.

Looking to the Future

Looking ahead to 2025, the band’s ambitions are clear. ‘We’d love to start playing shows outside of Cape Town—a possible tour is something we’re aiming for,’ Lauren reveals. ‘We also have plans to record an album in 2025 with brand new material.’ Her eyes sparkle as she adds, ‘Our dream would be to eventually tour overseas and expand as much as we can. The world is waiting for Gaze, right?’ Their musical influences read like a who’s who of indie rock royalty. ‘We draw a lot of inspiration from bands like Big Thief, Julia Jacklin, Mitski, Alvvays, Snail Mail—and many more,’ Reghardt explains. ‘They’re artists who manage to blend vulnerability, beauty, and raw emotion in their music, and we try to do the same.’

Supporting the Local Scene

Both members become passionate advocates for their fellow artists when asked about the local music scene. Lauren enthusiastically recommends several South African acts: ‘Sold Ash, Visitors Centre, Kujenga, Blue Vow, Moskitos, Maya Grey, and Operation Khataza. They’re all incredibly talented, and we believe they deserve international recognition.’ However, they’re also candid about the challenges facing alternative bands in South Africa. ‘It’s tough,’ Reghardt admits. ‘There’s not much infrastructure or support for alternative and indie bands in South Africa. We often hit a ceiling, especially if your genre isn’t widely popular.’ Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic about the scene’s close-knit nature and growing support.

The Live Experience

A Gaze live performance is something special, according to Reghardt. ‘Our live performances are a unique balance between Lauren keeping things super quiet and Dan drawing the crowd in. It’s this yin-and-yang dynamic that our audience knows well by now.’ They aim to create an emotional connection with their audience, fostering moments of shared experience and deep feeling. When asked to describe Gaze in three words, Lauren doesn’t hesitate: ‘Nostalgic, Shoegaze, Longing.’ These words perfectly encapsulate the dreamy, emotionally charged atmosphere surrounding their music and performances.

As our conversation draws to a close, the band mentions an upcoming photo shoot, promising to share new images soon. Looking at the trajectory of Gaze—from their humble beginnings in Hemel & Aarde Valley to their recent label signing—it’s clear that this is just the beginning of their story. With their unique blend of introspective lyrics, shoegaze-inspired sound, and captivating live performances, Gaze is poised to make its mark on the global music scene.