27 February 2012
Michael Lewis from Untapped Sound was the Lighting Designer (amongst other roles!) for Watershed’s recent tour, Laying New Tracks. He travelled with an Avolites Titan Mobile – a list of venues and dates are listed below. Michael kindly answered a few questions:
When did you get involved with Watershed?
I started Untapped Sound with Craig Hinds from Watershed in June last year. Untapped Sound grew out of Watershed’s desire to travel with their own backline and PA system to guarantee the quality of their live performances.
What is your roll with the “laying new tracks” tour – are you the full technical supplier?
Band Manager/lighting designer/ set builder/photographer and driver etc etc
What equipment did you supply?
An active 1500watt wave technology PA, a stage, 10 led parcans, 4 GLP moving led wash fixtures, a Titan Mobile lighting console, a smoke machine and backline.
You have acquired a new Titan Mobile. Any feedback on the desk and does it serve your needs?
The Titan is an amazing tool and it’s very user friendly. I can supplement a venues lighting rig with my gear and control everything with the Titan and retain all the Watershed cues.
Who is the console operator?
Myself
What has the response been from the public / fans to the tour and also to Watershed’s new unreleased song material?
It has been fantastic, we are touring an unplugged acoustic set up, with Craig Hinds on 6 string and 12 string acoustic keys and a mouth organ, James Sunny on double base and electric base and Ian Bushell on acoustic, electric and Mandolin. Watershed are checking audience response to their new numbers before they record a new album. The response has been fantastic and I look forward to the new album.
Touring is tough, but what do you like about it?
I love touring, I love getting around our beautiful country. I only wish I could stop off at all the sites along the way, but got to push on to the next gig.
What has been your largest challenge at each venue?
All good challenges to fit into the space aesthetically and acoustically. Our equipment and crew are versatile and it has been a rewarding challenge.
A relaxed setting, with Michael Lewis (seated), his wife, Samantha, who took the pics and video, and Chris mixing sound.
Tour Dates and Venues:
NOVEMBER 2011
18 & 19 Nov – Cnr Café, Craighall Park, Johannesburg
25 Nov – Vasili’s @ Morningside, Johannesburg
26 Nov – Vovo Telo, Lonehill, Johannesburg
27 Nov – Windmill Casino, Bloemfontein
DECEMBER 2011
1 Dec – Vovo Telo, Lynnwood Bridge, Pretoria
2 Dec – Vovo Telo, Woodlands, Pretoria
7 Dec – Lion Sands Game Reserve, Mpumalanga
12 Dec – Studio 7, Cape Town
13 Dec – Dorpstraat Theatre, Stellenbosch, Cape Town
14 Dec – Warwick Wine Estate, Stellenbosch, Cape Town
15 Dec – The Brass Bell, Kalk Bay, Cape Town
17 Dec – Café Roux, Noordhoek, Cape Town
22 Dec – Vovo Telo, Richmond Hill, Port Elizabeth
23 Dec – Bramon Wine Estate, Plettenberg Bay
26 Dec – Mosselbay Barnyard Theatre, Mosselbay
28 Dec – V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
29 Dec – Hermanus Forest Amphitheatre, Hermanus
JANUARY 2012
12 Jan – Sibaya Casino, Durban
14 Jan – The Green Bar, Greytown, KZN
20 Jan – Vovo Telo, Cresta
27 Jan – Carousel Casino, Pretoria
28 Jan – Silverstar Casino, Krugersdorp
FEBRUARY 2012
3 Feb – Vovo Telo, 44 Stanley, Johannesburg
4 Feb – Champagne Sports Resort, Drakensberg
11 Feb – Monaghan Farm, Lanseria
12 Feb – Vovo Telo, Parkhurt
18 Feb- Mabalingwe Resort