We catch up with rising South African 'roots electronica' artist Johnny Cradle, who talks breaking out of the 9-5 routine, singing about gun violence and jumping out of planes.

How the dickens are you?

Fine thanks.

You arrived in Cape Town from Port Elizabeth just last year. How's the music scene here treating you?

I arrived in Cape Town late 2006. I was pretty much a non existant 9-5 robot in 2007, then me and a couple of friends thought of starting up a monthly live electronic event entitled Tapedeck Circuitry, which would serve as a live radio type set but playing the type of music you probably won't hear in your local FM. It's a pretty calming, upbeat and heavy on the low-end type event and we have a consistently growing following which I guess is a major plus.

With groups like Goldfish, Iridium Project, Coda, Gazelle and Good Luck making waves, live electronic music seems quite in demand. Your thoughts?

It?s a positive thing finally seeing live electro making heat especially in a country like ours where change is not always met with a rainbow smile. I feel like the listenership is warming up to the idea of a different sound and I'm excited by it especially with the release of the Johnny Cradle EP next month.

You label yourself a 'roots electronica' artist. What does that mean to you?

I couldn't think of anything profound for a title.

South African music is a mixed bag. Where do you fit in?

Right between Ladysmith Black Mambazo and the nerd scoring virtual bleeps on the computer screen.

Your hypnotic, downtempo style runs quite opposite to all the noisy banging in the electronic scene. Do you need a Red Bull?

I already gave it a go, doesn't work...

You sing (in both English and Xhosa) about very South African issues, including gun violence and poverty. Do you find that this switches people on or off?

I think it's things that affect every individual so if it turns you off I would think you?re either deaf or dead, either way it must be said.

Unlike many upcoming artists, you're quite active online. Does Facebook really help local artists?

The internet is a great tool. Aren't you reading this very article online?

What do you want to see more of in the SA music scene?

I?d like a more alternative approach to playing and listening to music in S.A. You would think people would get tired of always going to the club and seeing the DJ with one hand on his ear and the other pretending to be tweaking the audio on his mixer while playing the same song you heard on your radio earlier that afternoon.

...and less of?

Seeing the DJ with one hand on his ear and the other pretending to be tweaking the audio on his mixer while playing the same song you heard on your radio earlier that afternoon.

Music is...

Honey don?t disturb me while I?m making noise 18 hours a day and forgetting to take a walk every two days or so.

11 QUICKIES

You've got ten seconds until you jump out of a plane. What are you thinking?

Why the hell am I jumping out of a flying plane?

It's Saturday night in Rio, Brazil. Where are you hanging out?

Inbetween two female walking sticks and a Brazilian.

Do you ever lick the yoghurt foil before throwing it away?

No thanks.

The girl of your dreams is from...

A woman.

Favourite gig ever?

TPDK Circuitry at MOJO last month

Ideal fantasy gig?

Performing with a Moog Voyager, my Little Phatty, a looper, accompanied by an upbright bass player, pianist, a horn section and an orchestra, anywhere any day.

What are you addicted to? (keep it clean for the readers)

The need to do more.

The ultimate relaxation is...

X-rated activities.

What car will make your life complete?

The one that will drive me to the fantasy gig mentioned above.

You're a music superstar! Which artists are supporting you on tour?

Lebadi, Pravda23, The Mo? Jazz band, Tristan Waterkeyn and Abantu.

You can have one pet (no fish, dogs or cats). What is it?

A Moog Voyager please.

> Catch Johnny Cradle at TPDK Circuitry taking place at MOJO, Observatory on Saturday 6 June at 9pm. TPDK Circuitry is a no-smoking-indoors event. MOJO has a large, fresh air balcony for smokers.

> Visit www.pravda23.com for more details.