Real, raw and full of energy. That is how South African father and son rock duo Cantrel describe their new EP Jump. With one million views of their single Walls on TikTok and a growing global fanbase, Neil and Jesse Breytenbach are proving that South African rock has a fresh sound and a powerful message.
A Feel-Good Rock Record
Jump marks Cantrel’s fourth release and, according to Neil, it is their most uplifting yet. “We wanted to create a feel good, energetic EP that makes people want to move and be happy,” he says. “Even with the strong lyrical content and message of our single Walls, the music still makes you feel uplifted and hopeful.”
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The track Walls exploded online thanks to its honest message about mental health. “Walls is about creating awareness around mental health,” Neil explains. “It sends a message of positivity to help people and give them hope and let them know that there is a light at the end of a dark tunnel. Sometimes you need to press reset and start fresh. Reaching out to friends, family or professionals you can trust is also helpful to get the heaviness off your shoulders.” That honesty clearly resonated with listeners worldwide.
A Unique Sound with a Local Pulse
Cantrel describe their sound as “if Nirvana and Limp Bizkit had a baby”, but with a distinctly South African rhythm.
“South Africa has a special heartbeat, pulse and feeling and we like to incorporate that into our music,” says Jesse. “With the father and son duo, we pull on our strengths of experience meets youth and this combo works wonders for us.” Music is not just a career for Cantrel; it is also an outlet. “We like to help people because the world can be a very hard place at times,” says Neil. “It is very important to keep a positive mindset and outlook on life and sometimes you just have to save yourself from yourself.”
For Jesse, gym, healthy eating and time with family keep him grounded. “Writing music is also a very good outlet for me when I put pen to paper,” he says.
The Father-Son Bond
Their dynamic as father and son is at the core of their creativity. “We work on each other’s strengths and that makes our music feel real and raw,” says Jesse. “Our music and lyrics come from a place of honesty and that definitely resonates with listeners.”
When asked about lessons learned, Neil and Jesse agree: “Keep grounded and keep your eye on your goals, stay positive and work hard and smart. Listen to positive criticism but also trust your gut.”
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Cantrel’s live shows are quickly becoming their trademark. “Both locally and internationally when you see people loving your music and singing with us it is incredible,” says Neil. Jesse adds, “We want people to leave happy and feeling good. If they walk away singing our songs that is really awesome for us.”
And while international crowds have embraced them, Jesse admits South African fans bring something unique. “South Africa just has that special vibe and pulse that you cannot explain but you can definitely feel it.”
Fitness, Routine and Rock and Roll
Performing night after night takes stamina and Cantrel treats fitness as part of the job. On tour, they jog, do floor exercises and stick to a balanced diet. “We eat meat and eggs, drink two litres of water a day and do some form of cardio and exercise three times a week,” they share. The duo’s dream stage is Rock Am Ring in Germany but for now they are focused on building the “Cantrel Army” and writing new music. “We are going to keep doing what we are doing and stay relevant with the times,” they say. “We have some great new songs coming and cannot wait for the world to hear them.”
Cantrel’s Jump is available now on all streaming platforms.
