Afrojazz band Freshlyground have become one of the country’s biggest musical sensations. Founder member Simon Attwell plays the flute, mbira and harmonica.
What are the best and worse investments you have ever made?
As a band we’ve invested in good quality sound equipment and stage monitors, which makes creating music and performing that much easier. Anything that’s going to make your primary job easier, and perhaps assist in making it better, is worth investing in.
And the worst?
When I was 16 I paid R5 000 for a packet of jelly powder from a “doctor” selling eye cataract “medicine”. It’s a long story, but the returns were going to be so good!
Do you have a savings or retirement plan?
I have my own savings plan and at least 50% of my earnings go into it. I’m not a big believer in retirement plans, or life insurance for that matter. I’m creating my own wealth and making it work for me. It’s risky, but I prefer being in control of my money.
Is there an investment you wish you had made?
I should have practised my instrument twice as much as I did growing up. And I wish I’d been brave enough to leave the classical music world a little earlier than I did.
What is the best advice you ever received? Don’t spend it all at once.
Do you have any personal finance tricks? I’m pretty aware when it comes to bank charges. Having started out on an account that cost me a fair amount in transaction charges a month, I now juggle my accounts so that I pay no charges. Putting lots of money into my credit card and using it as a debit card is a good start. So is using Internet banking (how did I survive without it?). I’ve linked my personal accounts to the business card, so I don’t pay a monthly charge for Internet banking. Moving from pre-paid to a sensible cellphone contract is good, if you can manage your calls. Being single at this stage of my life probably saves me the most, though.
What are the worst and best gifts you ever received?
Best gift? My very good flute I received while studying at music school 10 years ago. I still play on it today and it’s flawless. Worst? I have yet to receive something really bad.
Is there was one thing you would do if you could do it all again?
Study music instead of English literature! I spent four years at varsity and didn’t pick up an instrument for the duration. I’d love to have studied jazz. Maybe I still will. I still feel my last relationship deserves another go.
Is it difficult to make a living from music?
Initially, it’s nearly impossible. Setting up a new band takes a lot of guts and a lot of effort, with literally no financial return. I don’t think I’ll ever do it again, and let’s hope I don’t have to. The reality is that things can change rapidly and, once the ball’s rolling, so does the bank balance. It may all change tomorrow — but such is the nature of this game.
What’s the best part about being in a successful band?
You can’t beat being paid to dance on stage in front of 10 000. I’d like to say the travel, but the truth is it’s work and pretty exhausting. The hours are very good, but the best thing about this band is having a sexy, superb leading lady who carries most of the burden on and off stage, making our jobs a lot easier and allowing us to lead comparatively normal lives.