Jacques Moolman’s second single “Bedtime Sweater” is a ’90s grunge-rooted ode to new relationship

Following the release of his cathartic debut solo single “Into The Rain” off his upcoming solo album The Great Marico Redemption, rock singer-songwriter Jacques Moolman returns with a second single called “Bedtime Sweater” that show’s off the vocalist’s softer side.

Written after his return to Joburg in 2018 “Bedtime Sweater” is based on young, tumultuous love and Moolman wrote it from a place of familiarity, having fallen head-over-heals in love around the time he penned the track. Figuring on the first phase of his own relationship, he poured his experience into his work and as a result, the lyrics create a visual image of young love and form vivid, scenic verses.

When asked about the initial recording of the track Moolman commented, “I had my guitar tuned to drop D and the bass line kind of popped into my head one morning in the shower. I immediately sat down I figured it out, and when I came up with the chords for the chorus, I knew I had something. Though quirky at times, the words pack this attitude that oozes out of the thick guitar that producer Barry Berk and I decided to go for when we started recording the song at his Parkhurst studio. I ended up using Laurie Levine’s Acoustic Gibson that was strung with these huge 12 gauge strings and really added to the heavy, ’90s atmosphere of the chord progressions. It was a no-brainer that we’d make the chorus sound like a Kurt Cobain Jag-Stang filtered through thick Boss distortion, the way they did on the Nevermind album.“

Mixed and produced by Barry Berk at The Bass Station in Parkhurst (Joburg), “Bedtime Sweater” also features expert drum work from Isaac Klawansky (Shadowclub), resulting in a grunge-driven ballad with a vintage ’90s mood.

“Barry has a wonderful, purist approach to music production that really leant itself to bringing out the essence of ‘Into The Rain’ and what I felt deep down about the song. He has this brilliant ear that is really second to none and that’s what made the whole process so unique!” shares Moolman about working with Berk.

Moolman’s new work offers up a break from reality and provides a kind of therapy for the mundanity of modern day life by pointing out the deeper facets of the human experience. This is a chance to reflect, experience and be present in the moment, something that’s sorely needed during these unstable times.

“Bedtime Sweater” is out now across all digital platforms: HERE

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Over the course of the last 10 years, South African singer-songwriter, Jacques Moolman, has become synonymous with the great vocal legends of his generation. Renowned for his role as the frontman of SAMA-winning rock band Shadowclub, Moolman is now poised to begin a new chapter in his music career with his debut solo album The Great Marico Redemption.

The Gauteng-based musician grew up in Johannesburg and studied art and drama before relocating to London in 1998. It was after his return to SA in the early 2000s that he decided to step into the arena of music-making. Improvising tunes on his grandmother’s piano since the age of five, whilst embracing the emotional effect that melodies had on him as a child, Moolman felt the music in his head from a very young age.

Today, Moolman chooses the guitar as his main means of musical expression, but can also play bass, piano and drums, having been influenced from a young age by his father’s love for jazz, blues and a vast range of musical styles.

Influenced by singers such as Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Iggy Pop, Jack White, Radiohead, Nirvana, Aretha Franklin and The Beatles to name a few, Moolman relates to the rawness of the blues as well as bands from the ‘60s like The Doors and The Jimi Hendrix Experience.

Finding music valuable on a cathartic level whilst seeing the world around us a little different than the rest, Moolman uses melodies and lyrics to process the emotions and thoughts he experiences on a daily basis.

Now, Moolman is ready to go back to his musical roots as a one man act – using the rawness of his voice over guitar to anchor The Great Marico Redemption. This album is a salute to the years spent in the North West and a small record of experiences between then and now, blending Americana, country, blues, folk and rock ‘n’ roll.