On the Couch - #145 - MEX in conversation with Patric Van Blerk - Part 2

Part 2 of my chat with Patric van Blerk from the business of entertainment , that airs every Thursday night at 9pm Patric has extensive experience in the music industry and has won several industry awards, along with countless gold and platinum discs for hit records. After starting with Gallo in 1968, Patric went independent in the early seventies – working with or initiating the careers of many SA artists. He assisted in guiding the early creative fortunes of Virgin Records in South Africa, while also introducing SA to the Gipsy Kings. Patric’s experience with studios began as co-owner of Auvico in Johannesburg, the first 16-track recording studio in SA. He later bought the equally famed Sonovision, responsible not only for the legendary Springbok radio shows but also thousands of radio jingles. Local acts he has worked with include Ipi Tombi, Margaret Singana, Rabbitt, Joy, Julian Laxton, Sweatband featuring Wendy Oldfield, Spirits Rejoice featuring Sipho Gumede, Mimi Coertse, and many others. As a songwriter, Patric has enjoyed success with songs such as Paradise Road, Charlie, and Blue Water. He co-wrote and co-produced the title theme from the TV series Shaka Zulu, We Are Growing, which enjoyed international success. Patric has worked on international films such as Hold My Hand I’m Dying and Death of a Snowman and retains film connections abroad and locally. He lives, and works in Cape Town.