CrashCarBurn

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Last updated 25 07 11

About CrashCarBurn:

CrashCarBurn is a power pop / rock band from South Africa. The band was formed in London in 2006 before returning to South Africa in early 2007. 

The group’s debut album, ‘This City Needs a Hero’ released in 2007 was recorded and produced in part at London’s Miloco Studios by the Grammy nominated team of Colin Richardson and Matt Hyde. 

In August 2007 ‘Serenade’, the first single from the album, reached 5FM's Top 40 and Hi5@5 charts, as well all campus radio stations around the country, peaking at number-1 on numerous charts. The ‘Serenade’ music video also received extensive play & remained at number-1 on the MK video charts for a number of weeks. It was also the most voted for song of 2007 by the South African public on the 5FM Hi5@5 chart. The band's second single ‘Get Away’ followed soon after also achieving many number-1 slots on both 5FM and on campus radio stations. ‘Heroes’, the third single from the album was also play listed on 5FM and campus radio stations and the song's supporting video is currently receiving extensive play on MK, MTV Africa and SABC3. Internationally the single ‘Broken Skyline’ enjoyed success on the UK market after being added to Kerrang Radio’s play list as well as their annual ‘Kerrang Unsigned’ Compilation. 

CrashCarBurn have completed four nation-wide tours, including the “XBOX 360 Summer Tour” in 2007 and the “Powerzone Roadshow”, “God Save the Clubs Tour” and the “Powerzone Summer Tour” in 2008. During 2008 they also supported the American band OK go! on their South African tour in February and were chosen to play at the MyCokeFest festival in April, supporting Muse, Good Charlotte, 30 Seconds to Mars, Chris Cornell & Korn. 

CrashCarBurn performed at the MTV Africa Music Awards Media Launch Party and were nominated in the 21st YOU Spectacular awards in the ‘Best Male Newcomer’ category, held at Emperors Palace. 

The band expanded internationally in 2008 winning the MTVU Freshmen competition for their "Serenade" music video} as well as having significant play on MTV Africa. They also took part in the Vans Warped Tour 2008, performing sixteen dates across the east coast of America and two dates in Canada to crowds in excess of 14 000 people per show. They performed alongside international bands Angels and Airwaves, Paramore, Story of the Year, Reel Big Fish, Pennywise and Katy Perry amongst others. 

In 2009 the band entered into the studio with acclaimed Producer Mark Trombino, to record their Sophomore full length Record entitled 'Long Live Tonight'. The record was released in June 2010. 

Band Members of CrashCarBurn: 

Garth Barnes – vocals and rhythm guitar

Fabian Sing – lead guitar and backing vocals

Etienne Van Rensburg – bass

Brendan “Bugsy” Barnes – drums

About the group CrashCarBurn: 

Since forming in London in 2006 where they recorded their debut album “This City Needs a Hero”, with

Grammy nominated team Colin Richardson and Matt Hyde, CrashCarBurn have been dominating the

local airwaves of their home country South Africa. Armed with an arsenal of powerful rock anthems

CrashCarBurn was set to impressed audiences from the word go. 

It wasn't long before CrashCarBurn's first single “Serenade” was topping national radio stations like 5fm

(voted song of the year 2007 on the high 5 at 5) as well as campus stations across the country. Polished

videos and spontaneous live shows saw the band selected to play alongside international acts Korn, 30

Seconds to Mars, Good Charlotte and Muse at “My Coke fest 2008”. Following up with hit singles

like “Heroes” and the anthemic sing-along favourite “Get Away”’, CrashCarBurn quickly solidified their

place in the SA music scene. 

In 2008 CrashCarBurn made South African rock history when they became the first African act to be

included on the “Vans Warped Tour” (www.warpedtour.com). The tour saw the band win over fans in 18

cities across the USA and Canada alongside acts like Paramore, Angels and Airwaves, Gymclass Heroes,

Katy Perry and 3OH!3. After returning to South Africa the band completed a nationwide tour

with USA pop-punk legends, “The Ataris” in 2009 and turned their attention towards writing new material. 

There greatly anticipated sophomore album “Long Live Tonight” saw CrashCarBurn teaming up with

internationally acclaimed producer Mark Trombino, who spent three weeks in South Africa working with

the band. 

“We were incredibly excited when Mark agreed to work on the project with us. The guy is an industry

legend! He’s been responsible for most of my favourite albums over the years from Blink 182’s ‘Dude

Ranch’ to Jimmy Eat Worlds ‘Bleed American’. The fact that he was prepared to fly half way across the

world to make it happen was a massive vote of confidence for us.” says front man Garth Barnes. 

“We’ve been working on the album for over a year now,” comments drummer Brendan Barnes, “but I think

the long hours and patience have definitely paid off.’” And that they have - “Long Live Tonight” is a

fantastically polished piece that has set a new standard in terms of local music production. Coupled with

this massive production are 14 powerful tracks that bare evidence to the fact that the band has come a

long way since their formation. 

CrashCarBurn’s first single of their second album; “Twisted”; took local radio stations such as 5fm,

Highveld 94.7, Jacaranda 94.2 and Algoa fm by storm topping charts and became the most downloaded

track on the Nokia Music Store! It is still on high rotation across the country and has also been play listed

on Virgin radio in Thailand and China where CrashCarBurn are set to tour in March 2011. 

The band were very active during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, playing 5 shows at 3 of the largest fan parks

in the country, namely Centurion, Birchwood and Durban where they played on the nights of the semi final

and final matches which crowds in excess of 20 000 attended. 

In more recent news CrashCarBurn were invited to perform at the Africa International Fashion Awards and

performed on the Miller Rock The Boat in December which was followed by another national tour along

the coast of South Africa. CrashCarBurn were also one of 10 winners in the MK MVP Competition

amongst over 300 entries winning a music video based on the strength of their latest single and title track

off their new album “Long Live Tonight”. The single has been play listed nation wide and was one of

this summer’s ultimate party anthems!