Doomed Confessionary: Pete Labuschagne (Moskitos)
Photo by Pierre Rommelaere
Moskitos merge propulsive grooves and guitar freak outs to produce a sound and mood creation inspired by the analogue tones from the golden era, where sonic art was mind expanding and experiential. The Cape Town, South Africa based three-piece crafts a unique sound, that seemingly blend a driving brand of psychedelic garage rock with a measured pop sensibility. Stylistic switch ups and extended jams means you never know when you’ll be carried down a river of feel-good day tripper jangles or when you’ll end up in a fuzz-fuelled maelstrom.
The band formed in 2021 and dropped a four-track EP, »Adieu Or Die«, as well as a double-single release which premiered on It’s Psychedelic Baby Magazine in 2022. A few tours and larger shows followed, before Moskitos reopened their account in 2024 with several singles off their debut album »Mirage« that lean into a raw, high energy garage rock sound that evolved from their live performances, whilst seeing them wander even deeper into new sonic territories. »Mirage« just dropped on November 1st, 2024 via The Good Times Co.
Moskitos are Pete Labuschagne (lead vocals & guitar), Albert Le Roux (bass & backing vocals) and Danie Holtzhausen (drums & percussion).
Can you say a few words about your band?
Moskitos is a three-piece from Cape Town, South Africa that formed during the 2021 lockdown. We channel unfettered sonic exploration, blending high-energy garage rock with psychedelic grooves. With our debut album »Mirage«, we’re excited to share a deeper glimpse into who we are as a band.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
The biggest challenge was dealing with the uncertainties of the pandemic, moving band members from our home base studio and navigating injuries that put playing together on pause. After our first sold-out show, we had to adjust to a world without live music, which pushed us to focus on refining our sound during that downtime.
What can you be most proud of so far?
We’re really proud of our debut album, »Mirage«. It’s a culmination of our hard work and growth as a band, and it reflects our journey and the connections we’ve built with our music.
What was your biggest regret?
As a band I don’t think we regret anything, the journey has been rewarding with all its good and bad elements since we started the band
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Our festival performances, especially at Pangea and That 70s Fest, have been unforgettable. Playing to large, enthusiastic crowds and sharing the stage with amazing artists was an incredible experience.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
The really inclusive, supportive and super talented people that make up the local music scene in Cape Town is amazing. It’s inspiring to see so many bands pushing creative boundaries despite being in a relatively isolated location, and seeing how willing everyone is to help others in the scene make a success of their projects.
Photo by Hough Maritz
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Right now, I’m personally really into some modern projects like Spirit Of The Beehive, The Smile And Shame, but the band has diverse music tastes and all of them inspire us in different ways.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
The best advice I’ve received is to not put a title on yourself, be true to yourself when you create, that is its own reward.
What are your guilty pleasures?
I have a soft spot for the Beach Boys.
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Cape Town?
The music scene in Cape Town is DIY, badass and the people are amazing. It’s so diverse, but there’s a great sense of community among local artists, and audiences are genuinely supportive of live music. It’s an exciting time to be a part of it.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We have several shows lined up in local venues and festivals including an album launch show on November 1st at District, Cape Town, and two local festivals, Best Day Out and Helter Skelter. You can find details on our social media and LinkTree pages.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
We want to keep evolving our sound, touring more, and exploring new musical directions. Connecting with our audience and growing together is really important to us.
How can people best support your band?
The best way to support us is by streaming our music, sharing it with friends, and coming out to our shows. Engaging with us on our socials also helps us reach more people.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Check out our new album »Mirage«. It’s a journey of discovery, and we’re excited to have you along for the ride.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well