Luigi and Salva Zaca have undoubtedly endured a marathon expedition that provides the raw material for a set of original songs about some of life’s big themes. The brothers grew up in Pretoria – a city more known for being South Africa’s capital than providing the irresistible impulse for exploring the wider world (in the case of Luigi and Salva, sometimes against some hefty odds).
I spoke to Luigi, last week.
We try to be happy every time we're reminded that happiness is a choice.
Growing older music takes on a whole different meaning. So much time had gone for self-satisfaction. Now in maturity, the meaning of music in our lives speaks of one thing. Responsibility. We’re responsible for one another. When our relationship is in any form of neglect the music will suffer together with everything else.
Every note is a privilege. It’s bizarre to play our music knowing so many stories never see the light of day. The opportunity to interact and discover on this level should never be taken for granted. Responsibility and privilege.
All our emotions lead to one desperate attempt to detach from it. Writing a song into which we can discard these emotions is quite enjoyable. Numb to whatever started the process and the excitement of what is to come. Also, the reaction of people listening to our music. As they too show a sense of release, and deeply invested to hear the next song.
After 25, most definitely humility. We’ve seen a few things and most of it was very raw and unfiltered. Getting back to our point of growing older. Being egocentric comes with very little responsibility, which is comfortable. Though in the comfort of it very uneventful.
Other than our instruments we have a few special items we cannot live without. A watch that was given to me by my grandfather. And a collection of photos taken on my eighth birthday.
We try to shake the fear prior to going on stage with a few jokes. Once we walk out on stage it’s serious until the last song. However, many years ago, Luigi took a phone call on stage. Saying, “Mom, I’m on stage doing a show” and Albert Frost was sitting in the audience. This happened in the pre-humility years.
A good single malt Scottish whisky and tequila sunrise.
We believe our unique song-writing style is what makes us stand out. Our music is a private conversation between two brothers. We record and capture these moments.
Serious, curious, attentive, sceptical, neutral.
Perhaps.
Jomo - Joy of missing out.
Corner House.
Sometimes we miss our grandmother’s pasta sauce. We’ll complain about the fact that she never gave us the recipe. No one was allowed in the kitchen when she was busy cooking.
Improvise on some of the songs.
