January 2006

Press release:

DEREK“TheBandit” BLASTING THROUGH THE ‘POD’SPHERE…FROM SOUTH AFRICA TO THE WORLD!

As technology morphs, so does the world of dance and DEREK“TheBandit” is, yet again at the forefront taking original music to every corner of the globe.

You know him for his killer sets, you love the impressive number of qualified and critically acclaimed dance compilations he’s released – now “The Bandit” is embracing all things digital.

PODCASTING is the future and Derek is there, ready for download at “The Bandit’s” website http://www.soundrepublic.co.za from 1 February 2006.

Known as DEREK“TheBandit’s” SOUND REPUBLIC, this exciting extension to his already broad and varied portfolio, he loves the medium, and as “TheBandit” does with everything he touches, intends delivering a show filled with originality, spontaneity and only the very finest in music sourced throughout South Africa. “This is such and extraordinarily exciting time in music and I have been looking for a way to go beyond our borders and my podcasts will do just that.”

With all tracks ‘pod-friendly’, “TheBandit” has secured the rights from each and every DJ/producer and writer of all that the world will hear when they download the monthly digital dance experience. “Podcasting is seeing music go back to the underground,” Derek says. “Technology makes it possible for me to gain access to some of this country’s freshest talent, which I aim to take into the mainstream and expose it to as many punters as possible.”

Podcasting offers you the choice on just how you get your dance fix. With bandwidth becoming less of a problem in South Africa with the fast growing world of ADSL at home and work, the phenomena is catching on in a big way. It’s recommended that podcast files be downloaded from the fasted possible connection for quick access. Whether you burn your session onto CD for later listening, or moving to your stereo, car or your MP3, the options are there for the picking.

Initially the show will be posted monthly, with the aim and expected popularity to drive it to become a weekly must-have for all discerning fans of dance. “TheBandit’s” ethos and mantra is: “chase new talent, chase new music and celebrate it with the masses. We so often look outside of our own country to gauge what’s hot, when in reality, so much more is literally busting out of our own backyard, and I will be showcasing as much of that raw talent as I possibly can within the hour.”

“It’s great to be able to download and listen when you are ready,” Derek exits. “Radio is a great medium and I love it – podcasting at the other end of the spectrum gives the listener the power to play, replay and party when they are up for it, and that’s colossal.”
Bookmark soundrepublic.co.za and get the low-down on how to subscribe to what is set to become the next generation of dance dissemination – brought to you by

South Africa’s biggest and best in the business, DEREK“TheBandit”.

January 2007

Press release:

HAPPENING ANNIVERSARY

12 months ago Derek “TheBandit” Richardson launched South Africa’s first ever-dedicated dance podcast

One year later and 23 episodes deep, the worldwide virtual dance domain is dominated by the power, foresight and talent of a man who continues to break boundaries at every turn.

Switch on, connect and point your mouse at soundrepublic.co.za if podcasts that include not only the freshest, but also the most progressive tracks blow your bass bins back.

For much, much more, TYPE: http://www.soundrepublic.co.za and ENTER

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Thursday 4 Sept 08

Press Release

VIRTUALLY EVERYWHERE

After 18 years, countless compilations, a radio legacy and a worldwide web audience, DEREK“TheBandit” Richardson is flying the coop

As one chapter closes, so another begins and for “TheBandit” it’s as ever, web-active. Derek may have packed up his studio and shipped it off to hemispheres north, but his music, passion and a commitment to all that has helped in making him great is the focus of his newest preoccupation – Derek “The Bandits” SOUND REPUBLIC PRESENTS – “Coffee with... ”.

The podcast series hosted at www.soundrepublic.co.za is “TheBandit” in conversation with people who have made an impact on the life of one of South Africa’s foremost producers and dance music campaigners.

With a career that began at 5fm and grew to become a franchise under the banner World Of Dance, Derek is going retrospective with interviews with everyone from indie music authority Barney Simon through to Justin Cohen all have played a critical role in shaping the man that is “TheBandit” today.

Insightful, funny and quite simply all the things that soundrepublic.co.za has become over the years – engaging, this final locally produced podcast series is a must if understanding what makes the institution that is “TheBandit” tick.

“The series is bittersweet for me,” Derek acknowledges. “Everyone included on the Derek “The Bandits” SOUND REPUBLIC PRESENTS – “Coffee with... ” Series are people who indirectly or directly impacted my life and my career to such an extent that acknowledging their contribution is important to me, especially as I leave South Africa en route to bringing what I do to the world.”

With technology on the right side of keeping the punters who gave “TheBandit” the platform to play happy, soundrepublic.co.za, the home of all things dance dedicated remains very much alive and kicking into the future.

“I may have relocated geographically,” Richardson acknowledges, “but the music and mission to move the masses remains very much alive and globally well from soundrepublic.co.za. With my move to the British Isles things can only get bigger and better for all who’ve supported me over the years.”

Add first hand exposure to the very latest from around the world and with his ties to all things South African very much intact, the likelihood of an increased content offering over all is pretty damn good.

“I’ve never been one to rest on my laurels,” Richardson admits, “so rest assured as with the “Coffee with… “Podcast series, I will be bringing more music with real-time regularity back home at the mere click of mouse.”

First Podcast will be Published Online on Thursday 4th September 2008.

SOUND REPUBLIC
www.soundrepublic.co.za
(read less)

January 2006

Press release:

DEREK“TheBandit” BLASTING THROUGH THE ‘POD’SPHERE…FROM SOUTH AFRICA TO THE WORLD!

As technology morphs, so does the world of dance and DEREK“TheBandit” is, yet again at the forefront taking original music to every corner of the globe.

You know him for his killer sets, you love the impressive number of qualified and critically acclaimed dance compilations he’s released – now “The Bandit” is embracing all things digital.

PODCASTING is the future and Derek is... (read more)