The super-talented alternative group Van Der Aven has released a video for the second single from their self-titled EP that was released towards the end of 2022. The much anticipated, fan-favourite single 'Slaap Jy Al' is being loaded onto national radio playlists and given a fresh look with the release of the new video.

'Slaap Jy Al' shines the light on the uncertainties and miscommunications that often create tension in our closest relationships. The track leads the way for a more distinctive alternative rock sound from Van Der Aven. It follows the success of their debut single 'Heimwee', an original musical interpretation of the poem with the same title, written by JRL van Bruggen. Heimwee can be heard on radio stations nationwide, including RSG, Jacarandafm, Bok Radio, and Grootfm among others.

'Slaap Jy Al' is the first single release of which the lyrics are originally by Van Der Aven. The EP was recorded at Sunset Recording Studios, Stellenbosch, with the brilliant music producer Jürgen von Wechmar.

Van Der Aven vocalist, Roelof van der Merwe, says about the track: “Slaap jy al is one of our favourite songs to perform live. We’ve seen from the stage how people tune into the song and lose themselves within it.  The song confronts feelings of vulnerability, uncertainty and doubt that creeps up on us in relationships and begs to ask the question: How close am I to losing you?”

Hugo Brand, who filmed the video for 'Heimwee', was back in his role to film the video for 'Slaap Jy Al'. For this new video, Brand teamed up with director SW Strauss. Together they have worked on various film and television projects, but shooting and producing the video for 'Slaap Jy Al' was their first shot at making a music video as a team. Actors Lara Hattingh and Len- Barry Simons feature as the couple in the storyline. Strauss says of the theme of the video “The idea of the video was to capture various phases of a couple having trouble, in unique and provoking ways. It was awesome to work with Van Der Aven!”

More about Van Der Aven:

Van Der Aven is an independent alternative rock group that comprises three members:

Roelof van der Merwe (vocals, guitar, lyricist), Theunis van der Merwe (vocals and Bass) and Paul Avenant (vocals and drums). The name Van Der Aven is derived from a combination of the band members` surnames. All three members hail from the Karoo. Paul is from Murraysburg and the two Van der Merwe brothers are from Beaufort West. In 2020 Van Der Aven made a significant entry into the SA Music Scene when they won the Band or Bust Competition at the 2020 US Toyota Woordfees. There were over 250 entries, and they unanimously chose Van der Aven as the winner in the final round.  To date, they have shared the stage with Elvis Blue, Francois van Coke, Arno Carstens, Droomsindroom, Glaskas and Spoegwolf.  

Van Der Aven – tracks on the EP:

1. Heimwee
2. Mona Lisa
3. As Ons Almal More Sterf
4. Easy
5. Slaap Jy Al
6. Afskeid

Van Der Aven will be performing at the Feesterrein Music Stage at KKNK Oudtshoorn on Saturday 1 April at 13h00 and Sunday 2 April 12h00.

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