Crimson House is not your average band. Founded in 2010 in Namibia by Arno Van Zyl and Riaan Smit, this group set out to create music that gave them a feeling of pure bliss. What started as a blues band quickly evolved into something no one could have predicted—a mix of bluegrass, gypsy, punk, folk, and rock with powerful, raspy vocals reminiscent of Tom Waits and Joe Cocker.
The Early Days
The first members to join the band were Christoph de Chevonnes Vrugt on drums and Jacques Jansen Van Rensburg on bass. Unlike typical blues musicians, their background in punk and metal pushed Crimson House into a unique musical direction. The result? A sound that was both energetic and unpredictable.
Their debut album, Smoke, Dust & Whiskey, was recorded in a friend’s lounge with borrowed microphones and an old PC. Despite the DIY recording setup, the album received rave reviews, thanks to the mastering by Simon “Fuzzy” Ratcliffe (LARK) at Sound & Motion Studios in Cape Town. The lead single, “Breaking Down Low,” became a college radio hit, and the band cemented its place in the local music scene.
From Festivals to Battle of the Bands
By 2013, Crimson House had become a festival favorite. Their relentless touring schedule saw them performing at Synergy, Up the Creek, Splashy Fen, Flam Jangled Tea Party, Namrock, Rock the River, and Table Mountain Blues Summit. Their high-energy live shows made them impossible to ignore.
One unexpected twist came when Jacques entered the band into a Battle of the Bands competition on AFM Radio. Crimson House didn’t just participate—they won. This victory led to the recording of their second full-length album, Red Shack Rock, produced by Wouter De Venter at VH Music & Publishing. The album received airplay on Tuks FM, DMX Radio on DSTV, and Mattie FM.
A New Sound, A New Member
During the recording of Red Shack Rock, the band collaborated with Nick Becker on alto saxophone, adding a whole new dimension to their music. Songs like “Pindrop Circle” featured guest performances from Mr Cat & the Jackal on accordion and saw, further expanding their sonic landscape. Becker soon became a full-time member, and Crimson House’s music took yet another unexpected turn.
With all this new inspiration, the band returned to the studio. This time, they wanted a more raw, live-recorded feel. Enter Jo Ellis, a producer based in Ladismith, Karoo, who had previously worked with Willim Welsyn (Riaan’s cousin). The band made the journey to record what they now consider their first “real” album.
Going International
In 2014, Crimson House received multiple invitations to perform in the United States. Due to budget constraints, only Riaan and Nick could make the trip, but that didn’t stop them. Over three months, they played festivals in Arizona, San Diego, L.A., San Francisco, New Orleans, Nashville, Memphis, and New York City.
While in the U.S., they had the incredible opportunity to record with Alan Sanderson, a producer who had worked with The Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, BB King, and Elton John. With just one studio day and no full band, they still managed to record two songs—one original and a version of the 400-year-old British drinking song, “St. James Infirmary.”
The Evolution of Crimson House
Initially known as Crimson House Blues, the band decided to drop “Blues” from their name. They didn’t want to be boxed into one genre. At any given show, Crimson House can seamlessly shift between Latin, gypsy, folk, blues, rock, punk, metal, grunge, funk, jazz, country, and bluegrass. It’s an experience, not just a performance.
But what does the name Crimson House really mean? Some assume it’s a nod to Jimi Hendrix’s “Red House”, but in reality, it represents a place of solace, a musical home for all people, regardless of culture, background, or belief. A Crimson House show isn’t just a concert—it’s an invitation to be part of something bigger.
Where to Find Crimson House
If you haven’t seen them live yet, do yourself a favor and check them out. Their shows are nothing short of electric, and their music continues to evolve with every performance. Crimson House is proof that great music doesn’t follow the rules. Whether they’re playing for a packed festival crowd or recording in a Karoo farmhouse, one thing is clear—they are here to make music their way.
Crimson House - Unicorns
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