#MusicExchange: Craig Hinds

11 Oct 2017

Craig Hinds is the singer and leader of the seminal acoustic rock band Watershed. When the band's debut single Indigo Girl surged up South Africa's charts back in 2000, it was hard to predict just how successful the group would be, but over a decade after the release of that first album, Watershed is striding ahead.

At the centre of the song writing stands Craig Hinds, Watershed’s singer and songwriter who has an enviable and intuitive feel for a classic song – and, because of this, it’s no wonder he’s regarded as one of South Africa’s most accomplished and acclaimed songwriters. It’s a gift that Hinds often attributes to his family.

Hinds’ belief in his ability as a songwriter and musician wasn’t always at the fore. If the Watershed front man had not taken a leap of faith into music, he may still be chalk in hand, in front of a blackboard, putting his teacher’s training to use.

The band has been based around the tight unit of Craig Hinds, vocals, piano, acoustic guitar, harmonica, Gideon Botes, lead guitar, acoustic and mandolin Howie Combrink, drums and Paul McIver, guitars and vocals.

I spoke to Craig last week ahead of a busy summer season, and with a new album to be released in the coming months, the band are busier than ever.

What does music mean to you?

I wouldn't say everything but it has played such a big-big part in my life for so many years now, that it must be pretty important.

Have you experienced any funny moments on stage?

Just being on stage seems pretty funny to me. I often think about the concept of one person entertaining another, and why we as humans need to be entertained permanently. We always have a good laugh on stage though.