Tristan Waterkeyn

A Simple Introduction
Tristan Waterkeyn is a man of the world and his unique brand of acoustic folk rock reflects this. Hailing from practically every country in Africa simultaneously, Tristan’s music reflects a wealth of personal experience both in terms of the lyrical component as well as its diverse musical influences.
Tristan was born in Tanzania, moved to Kenya, then to Zimbabwe, where he first picked up the guitar. After that he spent years backpacking through Europe and Asia and sailing thousands of kilometers (yes, with guitar in tow), before returning home to Africa.
After completing a degree in philosophy and comparative religions, and having found himself more involved in the live music scene than anything else, Tristan developed a new vision independent music in South Africa. In 2005, he founded Overtone, which is now a thriving music and new media company in its own right.

The “Hay Day” Album

South African musicians are known for their fierce reputation in climbing the splintered ladder of popular awareness, and Tristan’s debut album Hay Day was a hard-won triumph.

Described as a “lie back in your hammock” album, Hay Day’s melodies are brightly colorful all woven closely together by a smooth, distinctive baritone. His music is poetic, jovial, somewhat theatrical and deep. The guitar is the backbone of the album — a heavy dose of gentle, acoustic strumming gives each individual track an alluring reliability. The album seamlessly touches on a wide range of genres and styles from acoustic rock, pop and then all the way through to exquisite jazz phrased ballads and gentle acoustic bossa / samba rhythms The album even features guest performances by Tony Cox and Steve Newman who are internationally respected as guitarists.

The album has received a great deal of attention on the internet and is sold on Overtone, iTunes and many other online stores. Please visit www.tristanwaterkeyn.com to have a listen to the album.

Album Reviews
“Mellow, contemplative and catchy as a cold, Hay Day is the type of album best listened to in a hammock suspended between palm trees on a deserted beach in Zanzibar.” - TNT Magazine – UK
“Tristan Waterkeyn, talented Cape Town newcomer, has been compared to Jack Johnson for his laid-back songwriting style… His music is a combination of languid lyrics, effortless acoustic guitar, jazzy rhythms and gentle vocals.” - Elle Magazine - South Africa
“a group of impossibly smooth compositions shown off at their best courtesy of the exquisite clarity of the production. In terms of the overall sound and the attention to detail, this album should appeal to fans of everyone from Sade to the Buena Vista Social Club.” – The Citizen - South Africa
“Acoustic guitar and jazzy rhythms complement poetic, darkly humorous lyrics in this début offering from a young man who probably wears sandals all the time.” - TNT Magazine – UK

Claims to Fame
Tristan Waterkeyn has shared stages with the likes of Steve Fattar (The Flames), Southpaw, Syd Kitchen, Verismo, Bed on Bricks, Adamu and many other great South African artists. He has performed in the UK, Italy and extensively in South Africa as well as performing at both private and corporate functions. Tristan can often be heard playing on national radio stations or chatting about the music industry.

Tristan Waterkeyn Trio
Currently, Tristan Waterkeyn has the privilege of presenting a show of the highest level, performing with two highly talented musicians; Omar Kimmie and Jay Sandoval.
Jaime “Jay” Sandoval: (Drums & Percussion) He’s been profesionally involved in the music industry since age 15 in his native Chile, South America. Ever since, he has recorded and toured with some of the greatest musicians in the Latin American Market. He was awarded a scholarship at prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, U.S.A., where he began his studies of Music Performance and Music Business & Management at the age of 19. His talent has taken him all over America, sharing stage with artists such as Steve Tyler, Shakira, Juanes, Christina Aguilera, Matchbox 20 and Enrique Iglesias to name a few. He has now relocated to Cape Town, and will be spending the next semester in the live production of Hay Day.
Omar Kimmie: (Bass)
Omar was born and raised in South Africa and comes from a family of musicians. He graduated from NSA in Johannesburg, where he majored in Contemporary Music and was awarded golden certificates for musical excellence. He’s also attended the South African school of music at the UCT. His work has taken him all over the country, making appearances with renowned musicians of Southern Africa and abroad. Omar spends most of his time in the brand “Swett Shoppe” music studio in Muizenberg, Cape Town where the Trio now rehearse and record.

... in conclusion

Together, this original band set an exclusive and intimate tone with every song; they combine the perfect amount of energy and musicianship and stage craft to keep each show bouncing along to its own unique groove. Each show is an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages, and varied musical orientations. The Tristan Waterkeyn Trio is a highly recommended entertainment option for any venue, festival or private function wishing to present the highest quality of music with a world class performance.