How long have you been playing, Anton?

I've been making music since I was about ten or twelve.

Do you come from a musical family?

Not exactly. My mom liked music, and I think, sometime during her schooling, she took lessons. She kind of encouraged my interest whenever she could, but we couldn't afford formal lessons or anything like that. My dad liked music, too but never played anything. And I have no brother or sisters, so no input there, either.

How did you get started?

One way or the other, I'd make a noise with whatever I could put my hands on. Got gifted my first guitar aged twelve, and tinkered with the expanding keyboard and midi scene in my bedroom for several years. When I got a computer, I messed around with my first recordings and stuff. Back in those days, we didn't have the powerful machines we have now, so it was pretty basic and we had to find rather creative ways of getting our stuff down.

So you're basicly, self taught?

Yeah, I guess so. Probably the best thing anybody taught me about music was the first time I picked up a double bass. I asked its player, a colleague named Russell, to teach me how to play it. He said: "Sure!", handed me the thing and said "Play it!" and walked out. So I did. With the band. True story.

What's your favourite band / solo artist?

I don't think there's such a thing as a favourite band or artist. There are several artists whose work I like and aspire to, but I don't think I could name one particular performer as a 'favourite'.

So who do you find yourself listening to quite often?

Well, artists whom I own more than one CD of: Tears for Fears, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Dead Can Dance / Lisa Gerrard, Talk Talk, Depeche Mode, The Beatles, aah it goes on and on.

What are the amps and instruments you currently use?

“Cheap. For stage shows (we get pretty rough n ready) I use a basic near-entry-level Slammer (Hamer) electric bass guitar (with a slight 'modification' to the pot wiring and pickup structure) - and sometimes a vintage Czech-made double-bass when I can liberate it from its current home - and an Ibanez 65-watt bass amp.

What instruments would you like to have if money were no object?

I'll take the whole shop, thanks. I'm not an instrument junkie, but I'd take a poke at anything, really. I'd be more interested in portable recording devices, though.

What have you been doing for the last five years or so?

Music-wise? Or Other Career wise?

Both!!!

Five Years in Music present to past: Three Bored White Guys (bass/vocals); The Sunday Family (featured)(drums); The Moonflowers (drums); The Dollyrockers (keyboards, percussion; accordion; melodica); Scarlet Host (bass); The Bunnylicks (drums); eracode (solo ongoing) (synths, programming,
vocals) with guest slots in The Tornados (as the Shadowman) and Chicken (double bass) in between.

Five Years in Money present to past: Freelance contract Entertainment content producer / writer Mweb/Tiscali, producer Countrybilly BBQ Breakout; etc. Entertainment Editor Mweb; Entertainment Editor Tiscali/World Online.

What recordings that you've played on would you recommend for listening?

I produced a demo recording for a friend of mine called Carolyn Beyer, who used to front a band called Copious. It started as a basic recording of her singing and playing guitar, and I took those tracks and built a full arrangement of synths and soundscape around that which I must say I'm pretty proud of. It's a case of building a recording in reverse. And it sounds pretty unique - I think.

That sounds very interesting - I'd love to hear it sometime. Anything else?

There's another that I didn't play on, but had to play the live parts for: When I joined the Dollyrockers, I was lucky to play some of the best pop songs written in SA in my opinion. The album The Heat is quite extraordinary in terms of its song quality. And there are parts of the previous two albums Glory Glory and The Dollyrockers that have held up astonishingly well over the years.

What's been the low point in your career so far?

I really can't think of any. except that I happened to be one of The Dollyrockers when they decided to call it a day (for now). And when I heard about the death of 'Steamin' Dave Clark of (Martin Rocka and) The Sick Shop. We only met once when Martin came down to do one of my shows, but it was sad to lose a fellow rockabilly.

And what has been the high point?

There are several. One high point is the first time I played for a paying audience: It happened to be as a 'special guest' with the Sons of Trout.

You'll often hear us talk about the 'Crazy Cats' era. During this time I met the members of The White Guys - Frank, Greg and Matthew - and The Tornados and Chicken. Musically they've all played a big part in my musical identity and approach.

Another time is when I was asked to join the Dollyrockers.

And a current highpoint is the continuing audience success of Three Bored White Guys. Almost two years in and we're only now starting to get excited about the prospects.

Was Schalk Joubert playing bass for SOT at the time you were their 'special guest'?

Hehe. I think he was, actually. I could be mistaken because I've blinked in and out of the Trouts' career for so long, I can't remember if he was there that particular night. I have photos, though and I will check. Maybe I can send one through as evidence?

 You've visited the www.bassplayers.co.za site haven't you - what do you think of it?

It's quite an unusual initiative, I think. I recognised a few names there and laughed at their photos (haha VOL).

What are your goals currently?

I'd like to carry CountryBilly BBQ Breakout to the next level. It's done well so far, and it's served well for bands like The Tornados and Krakatoa and of course, The White Guys. I'd like to expand into other concept shows and hopefully earn a living as a producer of shows like CountryBilly. Lately, I'm beginning to feel it's possible, in spite of myself.

What does Anton Marshall get up to when he's not busy making music?

urge.co.za is an exciting development. I think it's starting to discover its function in life. Keeping that in progress takes a few minutes a day. I love magazines, and I've become quite the Paperweight shop junkie. Cheap mags by the dozen. I hang out at a local live music club a lot. So when I'm not making music, I guess I'm watching it.

Thanks for the interview Anton - I'll come and check you out next time I'm in CT.