THE STREMES began in concept when the idea of forming a band was first talked about by Wayne Pauli and Adam Shapiro (Atom Shape) when they were schoolmates at S.A.C.S (The South African College School) in Cape Town. After school, Wayne set about his career in music, writing profusely and seeking out the right people to fit in with his vision of creating a South African band that would compete on a global stage, whilst Atom departed for Ireland. He made various attempts over the years to form original bands, one of which, The Soundfields, would see him eventually making the move to London.

Together with his father David Pauli on bass, Wayne also became a founder member of The Boulevard Blues Band: a large scale blues show band which would leave a profound musical influence on him. It was at one of these gigs that he met Benjamin Peacefull, a fellow singer songwriter who was also in the process of relocating to London. The Soundfields made the move to London in 2004, but it wasn’t long before Wayne’s visa ran out and he had to return to South Africa. A second guitarist was sought for The Soundfields to enable the band to continue doing acoustic gigs in his absence, and it was then that Benjamin joined the band in London as a guitarist and backing vocalist. After nearly a year Wayne was finally granted a visa to return to London and continue with the band. The Soundfields however ran into difficulties resulting in the band splitting in early 2006. It was then that Wayne set about recording some home demos which were placed on MySpace as THE STREMES. The demos were noticed by an A&R scout at A List Records, an indie label in London and a deal was signed. Atom then joined the band from Ireland. In the search for a bass player Wayne got hold of Benjamin, who after the break-up of The Soundfields had gone back to a solo career. Benjamin decided to join, and it would see him take up his first role as a bass player. The band continued to search for a second guitarist but after doing a number of gigs decided to settle on the three piece format in the mould of Cream and The Jimi Hendrix Experience.

A second expired Visa - perhaps a blessing in disguise – found THE STREMES back on home soil. Joined in SA first by Jay Kruger of SA band The Beams and then by Justin Kruger, former drummer of SA band, Van Coke Kartel and Fokofpolisiekar, their return proved an opportunity to not only expand their fan base in South Africa but to fast track completion of the album ‘MAZE OF LIGHT’. THE STREMES are now preparing to gig hard and fast throughout South Africa before returning to UK and Ireland to promote the album there.

Media:

“I have listened to the CD and in all honesty I love it. The vocals are incredible; the album construction as well as songs is great, I give the production 8/10. I thoroughly enjoyed it, I know bands don’t like to be compared to others but I do notice a bit of a British sound to the album, maybe a mix between Travis & Oasis…” - Paul Playdon, Goodhope FM DJ.

Achievements to date:

“She’s A Radiohead” –play listed on BBC Kent radio (UK) in July 2009
“When It Was You And Me” –play listed on BBC Kent radio (UK) in July 2009
Soundtrack used on MTV - Show My Super Sweet Sixteen
Soundtrack used in US commercial – Excedrin
Soundtrack used in US TV show –Life is Wild
Soundtrack used in SA – Going Nowhere Slowly
Signed record deal with London Indie label – A List Records for album, New Digital Romance
“When It Was You And Me” nr.3 (SA’s nr. 1) on the UJFM Top 40 World Wide Chart

Radio: 

Playlisted on Rock Out Radio, MFM, UJFM
Featured as ‘Album of the Week’ on Rock Out Radio
---------------------------------------------------------------------

PR/ Enquiries and Bookings 
Belinda Botha
Phone: 083 653 2957 / 021 558 4438
Email: belinda@thestremes.net

Websites:
www.thestremes.net
www.myspace.com/thestremes