The Parlotones

{{short description|South African rock band}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}} {{Use South African English|date=September 2012}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = The Parlotones | image = The Parlotones 2011.jpg | caption = The Parlotones performing in 2011 | background = group_or_band | landscape = yes | origin = Johannesburg, South Africa | genre = {{flatlist| * Alternative rock * indie rock * post-Britpop * post-punk revival * pop rock * new wave }} | years_active = 1998–present | label = {{flatlist| * Sovereign Entertainment * Universal Music * Gallo Records }} | website = {{URL|https://theparlotones.co.za}} | current_members = * Kahn Morbee * Neil Pauw * Glen Hodgson * Paul Hodgson * Rob Davidson | }}

{{Tone|section|date=March 2025|talk=Tone of Introduction}} '''The Parlotones''' are a South African indie rock band hailing from Johannesburg, formed in 1998. The ensemble features Kahn Morbee on vocals and rhythm guitar, Paul Hodgson as lead guitarist, Glen Hodgson handling bass guitar, keyboards, and backing vocals, and Neil Pauw on drums and percussion.<ref name="early bio">{{cite web|title=Biography : The Parlotones|url=https://www.spirit-of-rock.com/biographie-groupe-The_Parlotones-id_bio-5607-l-en.html|website=Spirit of Rock|accessdate=23 March 2016}}</ref> Originally rooted in Britpop, The Parlotones' music has evolved to encompass a diverse range of genres, with lyrics centered on relatable themes such as love and everyday life, complemented by engaging and memorable melodies.

Within just four years of formation, The Parlotones signed with Sovereign Entertainment and released their debut album, ''Episoda''. As one of South Africa's all-time best-selling music artists, the band boasts ten studio albums and multi-platinum success.<ref>{{cite news|title=The Parlotones, The Daylights, Farewell Typewriter|url=https://www.sanjose.com/the-parlotones-the-daylights-farewell-typewriter-e1276501|accessdate=23 March 2016|publisher=San Jose}}</ref> They have received nine South African Music Awards and, in 2009, made history as the first South African band to headline at the Coca-Cola Dome.<ref name="kahn int 2014">{{cite news|last1=Marais|first1=Rick|title=The Parlotones frontman tells his story|url=https://roodepoortnorthsider.co.za/181482/the-parlotones-frontman-tells-his-story/|accessdate=23 March 2016|publisher=Roodepoort Northsider|date=22 October 2014}}</ref> The Parlotones actively support various philanthropic initiatives, including The Little Wing Music Foundation, the Anene Booysen Foundation, and the Africa-Unite campaign.

==History==

=== Formation and early years (1998–2002) === The Parlotones originated in Johannesburg during the summer of 1998 when Kahn Morbee (born Dingaan) failed to form a band in high school. He later enrolled at the University of Johannesburg, where he met Neil Pauw, who had attended the same high school in Roodepoort. After recognizing their shared musical vision upon hearing Morbee's original songs, the duo decided to form a band.<ref name="kahn int 2014"/> Morbee subsequently met Paul Hodgson at university after they were both removed from the campus library for playing guitar. The next day, Morbee invited Paul to join the band. At the time, Paul's younger brother, Glen Hodgson, was still in high school but was asked to join as a bassist.<ref name="early bio"/> Their early sound drew inspiration from The Smiths, The Cure, and R.E.M., with Kahn describing their initial sound as "punkish and squeaky". They chose the punk-influenced band name "Crayon".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Scott|first1=Katy|title=The Parlotones UK and Ireland Tour|url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/the-parlotones-on-going-solo-growing-up-and-their-upcoming-uk-ireland-tour/|website=The South African|accessdate=6 December 2015|date=20 February 2015}}</ref>

In July 2002, well-known underground musician John Boyd joined the band, contributing synth elements and serving as the on-stage engineer during live shows.<ref name="early bio"/> Around this time, the band signed with Raphael Domalik's record label, Sovereign Entertainment, prompting them to adopt a more mature name. They settled on The Parlotones, a variation of Parlophone Records, the label that signed influential bands such as Radiohead, Travis, and Jeff Buckley.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Nevitt|first1=Lisa|title=Kahn Morbee at the Zip Zap Circus Charity Event|url=https://www.capetownmagazine.com/music-south-africa/kahn-morbee-at-the-zip-zap-circus-charity-event/102_22_17597|website=CapeTownMagazine|accessdate=6 December 2015}}</ref>

===''Episoda'', ''Borderline Patrol'', and University Radio (2003–2005) ===

{{Quote box | quote = "We had a great time in Andrew’s studio and I think you can hear it if you listen to the album. It was quite a rough recording and definitely doesn’t sound as polished as the later albums we recorded. We experimented with a lot of things that were new concepts to us." | source = Paul Hodgson, on recording ''Episoda''<ref name="paul episoda">{{cite news|last1=Hodgson|first1=Paul|title=Recording Episoda|url=https://paulhodgson777.wordpress.com/2015/08/20/recording-episoda/|accessdate=23 March 2016|publisher=Paul Hodgson's Blog|date=20 August 2015}}</ref> | width = 25% | align = right | style = padding:10px; }}

By 2003, The Parlotones had gained prominence in the Johannesburg underground music scene, attracting a small but loyal fanbase. John Boyd introduced the band to Andrew Lester, lead singer of 57, who had built his own home studio and produced his band's debut album. The band agreed to record a full-length album with Andrew for {{Currency|12000|ZAR}} ({{Inflation|US|1633|2003|fmt=eq}}), pooling their resources to cover the cost when their record label could not.<ref name="paul episoda"/> After a month, they released ''Episoda'', which received praise from fellow bands and fans.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Mkele|first1=Yolisa|title=Local Legends: Would you take 'em home?|url=http://www.timeslive.co.za/thetimes/2015/05/22/Local-Legends-Would-you-take-em-home|website=TimesLive|accessdate=6 December 2015|date=22 May 2015}}</ref>

Initially, the album did not appeal to national radio stations like 5FM due to its perceived lack of commercial potential and "definitely too weird for mainstream radio" sound, as Paul explained.<ref name="paul episoda"/> However, university radio stations embraced the album, giving it high rotation and featuring it as a regular top download on local music websites. Regional stations like Highveld and East Coast Radio added the song "Long Way Home" to their playlists, turning it into an instant crowd-pleaser. This moderate success led to the band performing at regional music festivals and making guest appearances on television shows such as ''Jip'' and ''Good Morning Live''.<ref name="powerzone 2005">{{cite news|title=The Powerzone Music Festival 2005|url=http://www.women24.com/TVAndGossip/CelebGossip/The-Powerzone-Music-Festival-2005-20050829|accessdate=23 March 2016|publisher=Women24|date=29 August 2005|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406111252/http://www.women24.com/TVAndGossip/CelebGossip/The-Powerzone-Music-Festival-2005-20050829|archivedate=6 April 2016}}</ref>

During this period, John Boyd decided to retire from music and pursue a career in marketing.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gedye|first1=Lloyd|title=Rabbit in the headlights|url=https://mg.co.za/article/2007-07-20-rabbit-in-the-headlights|accessdate=23 March 2016|work=Mail and Guardian|date=20 July 2007}}</ref> The Parlotones went on to record and release a second EP, ''Borderline Patrol'', in late 2004.<ref>{{cite news|title=No prizes for originality |journal=Tonight |location=Zaire |date=28 July 2005 |first1=Charles |last1=de Olim |accessdate=17 September 2009 |url=http://www.tonight.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=430&fArticleId=2643157 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080919100305/http://www.tonight.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=430|archivedate=19 September 2008}}</ref> The EP gained favorable reception from national radio stations, with their first hit single "Beautiful" charting successfully on 5FM. This was closely followed by their second single "Here Comes a Man", a Boom Boom Room cover, which entered the Top 20.<ref name="powerzone 2005"/> In April 2005, at a celebration for ''Cosmopolitan'' South Africa's twenty-one years of publishing, The Parlotones were invited to perform alongside eight other bands.<ref>{{cite news|title=Cosmo 21st Birthday bash|url=https://www.bizcommunity.com/Gallery/196/39/43.html|accessdate=23 March 2016|publisher=BizCommunity|date=20 April 2005}}</ref>

In an effort to "stand out and be remembered" and to align with the party theme "vintage glam," Kahn suggested that the band apply ''A Clockwork Orange''-inspired teardrops using mascara.<ref name="kahn int 2014"/> Kahn later spoke about his desire for a "trademark," citing influences like "Robert Smith's lipstick [and] Morrissey's quiff."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Davis|first1=Andy|title=Should we just shallow our pride?|url=http://www.mahala.co.za/music/should-we-just-swallow-our-pride/|accessdate=23 March 2016|publisher=Mahala|date=9 June 2011|archive-date=5 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405231936/http://www.mahala.co.za/music/should-we-just-swallow-our-pride/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The mascara teardrops would become a signature element of the band's appearance during this time.

=== ''RadioControlledRobot'' and Mainstream Success (2005–2009) === The Parlotones' second album, ''Radiocontrolledrobot'', released in July 2005 through Sovereign Entertainment, brought them mainstream success.<ref name=website-disco>{{cite web| title=The Parlotones – Discography| url=http://www.theparlotones.net/home.php?w=albums| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100222022259/http://www.theparlotones.net/home.php?w=albums| url-status=dead| archive-date=2010-02-22}}</ref> Produced by Dave Birch at Tropical Sweat Studios in Durban, South Africa, the album won the "Best Rock Album" award at the 2006 South African Music Awards.<ref name=ima-awards>{{cite web|quote=Key acknowledgements include Best Rock Album 2006 at South African Music Awards, Best Music Act – People’s Choice Awards 2008, Best Band – You Awards 2007, FHM Readers Choice 2007, Best Video MK Awards 2007, Best Video nomination Resfest 2007.| url=http://www.independentmusicawards.com/ima/artist/the-parlotones/| title=The Parlotones: 8th Annual Program – Pop/Rock Song IMA Nominee / Video IMA Nominee|publisher=MUSIC RESOURCE GROUP LLC}}</ref> The ballad "Beautiful" was featured in an Irish Fujifilm TV commercial, leading to a European license deal with Universal Music.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150611090753/http://www.mtv.com/artists/the-parlotones/biography/ The Parlotones Bio], MTV, Retrieved</ref> The album achieved Gold status in 2007.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.mtv.com/artists/the-parlotones/biography/|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150611090753/http://www.mtv.com/artists/the-parlotones/biography/|url-status = dead|archive-date = 11 June 2015|title = Parlotones Biography|access-date = 10 February 2016|publisher=MTV}}</ref> Their next album, ''A World Next Door to Yours'', released in September 2007, became the best-selling South African rock album of the decade.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kip-patrick/the-parlotones-us-tour_b_2492699.html|title=The Parlotones: South African Rock Hits the US|date=17 January 2013|work=HuffPost|accessdate=15 October 2014}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theparlotones.net/parly/index.php?w=news_view&id=24315|title=The Parlotones official website|accessdate=15 October 2014|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304061927/http://www.theparlotones.net/parly/index.php?w=news_view&id=24315|url-status=dead}}</ref> The band signed with Universal Music.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pressportal.co.za/leisure-and-entertainment/item/236-the-parlotones-sign-worldwide-deal-with-universal-music.html |title=The Parlotones Sign Worldwide Deal With Universal Music |publisher=Pressportal.co.za |accessdate=2012-08-15 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102125042/http://pressportal.co.za/leisure-and-entertainment/item/236-the-parlotones-sign-worldwide-deal-with-universal-music.html |archivedate=2 November 2012}}</ref>

The Parlotones served as spokespeople for both Live Earth and Earth Hour, joining the likes of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, Prince Charles, and Rihanna.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.capetownmag.co.za/general/the-parlotones-sign-worldwide-deal-with-universal-music/|title=The Parlotones Sign Worldwide Deal With Universal Music|publisher=Cape Town Magazine|accessdate=2012-08-15|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102125042/http://www.capetownmag.co.za/general/the-parlotones-sign-worldwide-deal-with-universal-music/|archivedate=2 November 2012}}</ref> They released their third album, ''Stardust Galaxies'', in October 2009, which also enjoyed commercial success.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/stardust-galaxies-mw0002032021|title=Stardust Galaxies - The Parlotones|publisher=Allmusic|accessdate=10 February 2016}}</ref> The album featured the singles "Life Design" and "Push Me to the Floor," which gained significant airplay on South African radio stations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.songfacts.com/facts/the-parlotones/push-me-to-the-floor|title=Push Me to the Floor by The Parlotones - Songfacts|publisher=Songfacts|accessdate=10 February 2016}}{{Dead link|date=July 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

=== ''Journey Through the Shadows'' and ''Stand Like Giants'' (2010–2014) === The Parlotones gained traction in Europe when their music video for "Life Design," a single from their third studio album ''Stardust Galaxies'', was featured on MTV Europe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mio.co.za/article/parlotones-single-a-hit-in-europe-2010-02-09/|title=Parlotones single, a hit in Europe|accessdate=15 October 2014}}</ref> In 2009, the band performed at the Midem Talent Showcase in Cannes, France, where they met American band Blue October. This encounter led to an invitation for the Parlotones to open for Blue October during their ''Approaching Normal'' album's Pick Up the Phone Tour. This successful partnership resulted in several subsequent headlining US tours for the Parlotones.

The Parlotones participated in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Celebration concert, performing alongside artists such as the Black Eyed Peas, Alicia Keys, and Shakira. They also recorded a song titled "Stardust Galaxies" with Zolani Mahola, lead singer of Freshlyground.

The band produced an original rock theatre production, ''Dragonflies and Astronauts'', which was broadcast live in 3D via DIRECTV and in 2D on Facebook. The 3D broadcast was well received in the United States, leading to 100 re-airings, while more than half of the worldwide viewership on Facebook came from the US. The production featured songs from the band's catalog, including 16 South African Top 40 hits.{{Citation needed|date=August 2012}}

Their song "Rock Paper Scissors" was featured on the popular American TV series ''One Tree Hill''.<ref>{{cite web|title=One Tree Hill Music|url=http://www.oth-music.com/episode701.html|publisher=One Tree Hill Web|accessdate=9 March 2012}}</ref> In October 2011, the Parlotones opened for Coldplay during their concerts in Cape Town and Johannesburg.<ref>{{cite web |author=Slender Fungus |url=http://coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=807 |title=News – The Parlotones interview |publisher=Coldplay |date=2011-10-05 |accessdate=2012-08-15 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120508030447/http://www.coldplay.com/newsdetail.php?id=807 |archivedate=8 May 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pollstar.com/blogs/news/archive/2012/02/06/795547.aspx |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120907210450/http://www.pollstar.com/blogs/news/archive/2012/02/06/795547.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-09-07 |title=Parlotones To 'Journey Through The Shadows' |publisher=Pollstar |date=2011-10-16 |accessdate=2012-08-15 }}</ref>

In February 2012, the band was introduced to radio programmers, music supervisors, and other industry executives at Michele Clark's Sunset Sessions event in San Diego, CA. They also showcased at the South by Southwest festival in March 2012, leading to their song "Honey" charting on the Triple-A radio format. The Parlotones participated in the Sunset Sessions Rock event in June 2012, and Michele Clark subsequently became their US manager, featuring in their movie "This is Our Story."

In September 2012, the band announced their official move to Los Angeles, California.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.channel24.co.za/Music/News/The-Parlotones-moving-to-Los-Angeles-20120918|title=The Parlotones moving to Los Angeles|work=Channel|accessdate=15 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mediaupdate.co.za/?IDStory=49350|title=The Parlotones are set to relocate to America :: Media Update|accessdate=15 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.co.za/musicrev/item/1502-the-parlotones-are-moving-to-america|title=The Parlotones Are Moving To America – Rolling Stone South Africa|accessdate=15 October 2014}}</ref> They relocated to the US in January 2013, playing two sold-out farewell shows at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and Ellis Park Stadium before their departure. Their first performance after the move was at The Viper Room in Los Angeles.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Vomo|first1=Munyaradzi|title=Parlotones say 'so long' at sold-out shows|url=http://www.iol.co.za/tonight/music/parlotones-say-so-long-at-sold-out-shows-1.1451335#.VmR-a6g0WSo|website=IOL News|accessdate=6 December 2015|date=14 January 2013}}</ref> The Parlotones continued to tour the US, achieving success with radio and music supervisors.

===''Trinkets, Relics & Heirlooms'' and ''China'' (2016–2020)===

In 2014, The Parlotones participated in the Sunset Sessions and SXSW industry festivals. They later toured Europe before returning to South Africa. After a 12-year partnership with Sovereign Entertainment, the band announced their departure from their record label and South African manager on 10 July 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wearetheparlotones.com/home/blog/the-parlotones-part-ways-with-record-label|title=THE PARLOTONES PART WAYS WITH RECORD LABEL|work=The Parlotones|accessdate=15 October 2014}}</ref>

Unfortunately, later that year, all touring was postponed due to lead singer Kahn Morbee's vocal cord complications, which required surgery.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Parlotones touring postponed – lead singer to have vocal cord operation|url=http://www.timeslive.co.za/entertainment/2014/07/31/the-parlotones-touring-postponed---lead-singer-to-have-vocal-cord-operation|website=TimesLive|accessdate=6 December 2015|date=31 July 2015}}</ref> The band resumed touring in 2015, promoting their new album ''Antiques & Artifacts'' with a 21-concert South African tour from April to May.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Roets|first1=Adriaan|title=The Parlotones are back|url=http://www.citizen.co.za/399093/the-parlotones-are-back/|website=The Citizen|accessdate=6 December 2015|date=9 June 2015|archive-date=10 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210190049/http://www.citizen.co.za/399093/the-parlotones-are-back/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=New album announced, Antiques & Artefacts.|url=http://www.theparlotones.co.za/home/blog/new-album-announced-antiques-artefacts|website=The Parlotones|accessdate=6 December 2015|archive-date=10 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210184418/http://www.theparlotones.co.za/home/blog/new-album-announced-antiques-artefacts|url-status=dead}}</ref> In September 2015, Morbee became a coach for the South African version of The Voice.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Roets|first1=Adriaan|title=Meet The Voice SA coaches|url=http://citizen.co.za/790738/meet-the-voice-sa-coaches/|website=The Citizen|accessdate=9 December 2015|date=28 September 2015|archive-date=31 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131082146/http://citizen.co.za/790738/meet-the-voice-sa-coaches/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The band continued to release new music, including the 2016 album ''Trinkets, Relics and Heirlooms'' and the 2017 live album ''Orchestrated''.<ref>{{cite news|title=THE PARLOTONES ORCHESTRATED DVD AND CD IS OUT NOW|url=http://www.recordingstudios.co.za/other/the-parlotones-orchestrated-dvd-and-cd-is-out-now/|publisher=recordingstudios.co.za|date=12 April 2017}}{{Dead link|date=July 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In 2018, they released their tenth studio album ''China'', which saw international release the following year.<ref>{{cite news|title=South African Indie Rock/Pop Band The Parlotones Release New Album, 'China'|url=http://www.okgoodrecords.com/blog/2019/06/28/the-parlotones-china/|publisher=Ok!Good Records|date=28 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=The Parlotones released their album 'China' through Butler Records on the 29th of March 2019|url=https://butlerrecords.com/2019/03/29/the-parlotones-china/|publisher=Butler Records|date=29 March 2019}}</ref> The album, which featured a "new, yet familiar sound," included singles such as "Can You Feel It?" and "Beautiful Life."<ref>{{cite news|title=The Parlotones announce brand new album 'China'|url=https://gallo.co.za/news/the-parlotones-announce-brand-new-album-china/|publisher=Gallo Record Company|date=7 July 2018|access-date=18 September 2020|archive-date=4 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204140539/https://gallo.co.za/news/the-parlotones-announce-brand-new-album-china/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=The Parlotones release new single, "Beautiful Life" along with an exclusive B-Side "Maya" on 20 March via OK!Good Records |url=http://www.okgoodrecords.com/blog/discography/the-parlotones-antidote/|publisher=Ok!Good Records|date=20 March 2020}}</ref>

Throughout 2019, The Parlotones embarked on "The Unplugged(Ish) Tour" across South Africa, promoting their compilation album ''Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue''.<ref>{{cite news|title=The Parlotones Release Cinematic Video For 'Antidote'|url=https://www.undergroundpress.co.za/news/the-parlotones-release-cinematic-video-for-antidote|publisher=Underground Press|date=19 July 2019}}{{Dead link|date=July 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> They were nominated for the 23rd South African Music Awards for their album ''Trinkets, Relics & Heirlooms'' in the categories of Best Rock Album and Best Duo or Group of the Year.<ref name=sama23>{{cite news|title=Here are all the SAMA23 nominees|url=http://www.sabc1.co.za/sabc/home/sabc1/news/details?id=fbdf71e3-c282-4c14-8741-38af8e7cd895&title=Here%20are%20all%20the%20SAMA23%20nominees|publisher=SABC 1|date=21 April 2017}}{{Dead link|date=July 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

===''Strike the Harp'' (2020–present)===

On 11 December 2020, The Parlotones released a Christmas album titled ''Strike the Harp''. It features 10 tracks, including original songs and classic holiday covers. It was produced by Theo Crous and recorded at Bellville Studios in Cape Town.

The album received positive reviews, with critics praising the band's unique take on classic Christmas songs and the quality of their original tracks. The lead single, "A Parlotones Christmas", was well received by fans and received significant airplay on South African radio stations during the holiday season.

In an interview with Jacaranda FM, Kahn Morbee stated that the album was inspired by the band's desire to spread joy during a difficult year. He also discussed the challenges of recording during the COVID-19 pandemic and the band's excitement to perform the songs live once it was safe to do so.<ref>{{cite news|title=EXCLUSIVE: Local legends The Parlotones have released a Christmas album!|url=https://www.ecr.co.za/shows/vic-naidoo/exclusive-local-legends-parlotones-have-released-christmas-album/|publisher=East Coast Radio|date=11 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.jacarandafm.com/breakfast-martin-bester/parlotones-announce-christmas-album-strike-harp/|title=The Parlotones announce Christmas album, 'Strike the Harp'|publisher=Jacaranda FM|date=11 December 2020}}</ref>

==Awards and nominations== {| class="wikitable" |- ! Award ! Year ! Category ! Nominated work ! Result |- | South African Music Awards<ref name="bio 2016">{{cite web|title=Parlotones Biography 2016|url=http://content.sitezoogle.com.s3.amazonaws.com/u/139479/2f2aa34e945d51c0c6990f19248c386bc424ccf5/original/parlotones-biography-2016.pdf?response-content-type=application/pdf&AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJUKM2ICUMTYS6ISA&Signature=i6iaOAShkWUFZdfyUOw%2Bp4vjSNc%3D&Expires=1458115627|website=The Parlotones|accessdate=16 March 2016}}{{dead link|date=May 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> | 2006 | Best Rock Album | ''Radiocontrolledrobot'' | {{Won}} |- | YOU Magazine Awards<ref name="bio 2016"/> | rowspan=5 | 2007 | Best Band | The Parlotones | {{Won}} |- | FHM Reader's Choice (South Africa)<ref name="bio 2016"/> | Best Band | The Parlotones | {{Won}} |- | MK89 Awards<ref>{{cite web|title=MK89 Award wenners|url=http://www.channel24.co.za/Music/FeaturesInterviews/MK89-Award-wenners-20081201|website=Channel24|accessdate=16 March 2016}}</ref> | Best Video | "Beautiful" | {{nom}} |- | RESFest<ref name=ima-awards/> | Best Video | "Beautiful" | {{nom}} |- | Caxton's Best of Joburg<ref name="bio 2016"/> | Best Band | The Parlotones | {{Won}} |- | People's Choice Awards (South Africa)<ref name="bio 2016"/> | rowspan=7 | 2008 | Best Music Act | The Parlotones | {{Won}} |- | The Loeries<ref name="bio 2016"/> | Craft Award | "I'll Be There" | {{Won}} |- | rowspan=2 | MTV Africa Awards<ref name="bio 2016"/> | Best Group | rowspan=2 |The Parlotones | rowspan=2 {{nom}} |- | Best Alternative |- | rowspan=3 | International Songwriting Competition<ref name=ISC>{{cite web|title=International Songwriting Competition Previous Winners|url=http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/previouswinners|publisher=International Songwriting Competition|accessdate=9 March 2012}}</ref> | Music Video | "Overexposed" | {{won|place=1}} |- | Performance | "Giant Mistake" | {{won|place=2}} |- | Music Video | "I'll Be There" | {{table-experimental|Honourable Mention}} |- | rowspan=3 | MK Awards<ref name="bio 2016"/> | rowspan=9 | 2009 | Best Video | rowspan=3 | "I'll Be There" | rowspan=3 {{Won}} |- | Best Animation |- | Best Serenade |- | rowspan=3 | South African Music Awards<ref>{{cite news|title=SAMA 2009: All the Winners|url=http://www.channel24.co.za/Music/FeaturesInterviews/SAMA-2009-All-the-Winners-20090429|accessdate=16 March 2016|publisher=Channel24|date=29 April 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=SAMA Nominations 2009|url=https://www.sapromo.com/sama-nominations-2009/2041|accessdate=16 March 2016|publisher=SAPromo Magazine|date=20 March 2009|archive-date=26 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160526185828/https://www.sapromo.com/sama-nominations-2009/2041|url-status=dead}}</ref> | Best Music Video | "Overexposed" | {{Won}} |- | Record of the Year | "I'll Be There" | {{nom}} |- | Best Global Chart DVD | ''Unplugged'' | {{nom}} |- | rowspan=3 | International Songwriting Competition<ref name="ISC" /> | Music Video | "Push Me to the Floor" | {{won|place=2}} |- | Rock | rowspan=2 | "Life Design" | rowspan=2 {{table-experimental|Honourable Mention}} |- | Music Video |- | rowspan=3 | South African Music Awards<ref>{{cite news|title=2010 SAMA Winners|url=http://www.channel24.co.za/Music/FeaturesInterviews/2010-SAMA-Winners-20100414-2|accessdate=16 March 2016|publisher=Channel24|date=18 April 2010}}</ref> | rowspan=9 | 2010 | Record of the Year | "Push Me to the Floor" | {{nom}} |- | Best Rock Album: English | ''Stardust Galaxies'' | {{Won}} |- | Best Music Video | "Push Me to the Floor" | {{Won}} |- | rowspan=6 | International Songwriting Competition<ref name="ISC" /> | Rock | rowspan=2 | "Life Design" | {{won|place=1}} |- | Music Video | {{table-experimental|Honourable Mention}} |- | Music Video | rowspan=2 | "Stars Fall Down" | {{won|place=2}} |- | Adult Album Alternative | {{table-experimental|Honourable Mention}} |- | Performance | "We Call This Dancing" | {{table-experimental|Honourable Mention}} |- | Adult Contemporary | "Remember When" | {{table-experimental|Honourable Mention}} |- | rowspan=5 | South African Music Awards<ref>{{cite news|title=SAMA 2011 nominees announced|url=http://www.channel24.co.za/Music/News/SAMA-2011-nominees-announced-20110414|accessdate=16 March 2016|publisher=Channel24|date=14 April 2011}}</ref> | rowspan=5 | 2011 | rowspan=2 | Best Music Video | "Stars Fall Down" | {{Won}} |- | "Life Design" | {{nom}} |- | Best Selling DVD | rowspan=3 | ''Live Design'' | {{Won}} |- | Best Global Chart DVD | {{Won}} |- | Best Rock Album: English | {{nom}} |- | South African Music Awards<ref>{{cite news|title=First SAMA winners announced|url=http://www.channel24.co.za/Music/News/First-SAMA-winners-announced-20120430|accessdate=16 March 2016|publisher=Channel24|date=30 April 2012}}</ref> | rowspan=3 | 2012 | Best Music Video | "It's Magic" | {{Won}} |- | rowspan=2 | International Songwriting Competition<ref name="ISC" /> | Music Video | "Honey Spiders" | {{won|place=1}} |- | Adult Album Alternative | "Honey Spiders" | {{table-experimental|Honourable Mention}} |- | rowspan=2 | South African Music Awards<ref>{{cite news|title=SAMA 2013 nominees announced|url=http://www.channel24.co.za/Music/News/SAMA-2013-nominees-announced-20130320|accessdate=16 March 2016|publisher=Channel24|date=20 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Cloete|first1=E|title=The Official MTN SAMA 2013 Winners List!|url=http://www.mtnblog.co.za/the-official-mtn-sama-2013-winners-list/|website=MTN Blog|accessdate=16 March 2016|archive-date=20 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320190200/http://www.mtnblog.co.za/the-official-mtn-sama-2013-winners-list/|url-status=dead}}</ref> | rowspan=2 | 2013 | Best Music Video | "Honey Spiders" | {{Won}} |- | Best Live DVD | ''Dragonflies and Astronauts'' | {{nom}} |- | MTV Africa Awards<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sowetanlive.co.za/entertainment/2014/04/17/mafikizolo-uhuru-davido-lead-nominations-for-mtv-africa-music-awards |title=Mafikizolo, Uhuru, Davido lead nominations for MTV Africa Music Awards |publisher=Sowetan LIVE |accessdate=2014-04-17}}</ref> | rowspan=5 | 2014 | Best Alternative | The Parlotones | {{nom}} |- | rowspan=4 | South African Music Awards<ref>{{cite news|title=A full list of all the 2014 SAMA nominees|url=http://www.channel24.co.za/Music/News/A-full-list-of-all-the-2014-SAMA-nominees-20140313|accessdate=16 March 2016|publisher=Channel24|date=13 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Here are all the 2014 Sama winners|url=http://www.channel24.co.za/Music/News/Here-are-all-the-2014-Sama-winners-20140428|accessdate=16 March 2016|publisher=Channel24|date=28 April 2014}}</ref> | Music Video of the Year | "Sleepwalker" | {{Won}} |- | Best Rock Album | ''Stand Like Giants'' | {{nom}} |- | Best Collaboration | "Sleepwalker" | {{nom}} |- | Duo or Group of the Year | The Parlotones | {{nom}} |- | rowspan=2 | South African Music Awards<ref name=sama23/> | rowspan=2 | 2017 | Best Rock Album | ''Trinkets, Relics & Heirlooms'' | {{nom}} |- | Best Duo or Group of the Year | ''Trinkets, Relics & Heirlooms'' | {{nom}} |-|- | rowspan=2 | South African Music Awards<ref>{{cite news|title=All the 2019 SAMA nominees|url=https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/480/190180.html|publisher=Biz Community|date=26 April 2019}}</ref> | rowspan=2 | 2019 | Best Rock Album |''China'' | {{nom}} |- | Best Music Video | "Beautiful Life" | {{nom}} |- |}

==Wine brand== On 16 September 2009, The Parlotones together with Hands on Wine<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.handsonwine.net/ |title=Hands on Wine | Finding the rock stars of the wine industry. Woolworths SA supports Hands on Wine |publisher=Handsonwine.net |accessdate=2012-08-15 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712074101/http://www.handsonwine.net/ |archivedate=12 July 2012}}</ref> released a red wine, "Giant Mistake", named after their single from the album ''A World Next Door to Yours''. The wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (54%), Shiraz (23%), Pinotage (12%), and Cabernet Franc (11%).<ref>{{cite web |author=Kavita |url=http://theparlotoneswine.com/wines/giant-mistake-2008 |title=Giant Mistake 2008 |publisher=The Parlotones Wine |date=2010-08-10 |accessdate=2012-08-15 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208061005/http://theparlotoneswine.com/wines/giant-mistake-2008 |archivedate=8 February 2013}}</ref>

In April 2010 a white wine, "Push Me to the Floor", was released, named after their single from the album ''Stardust Galaxies''. The wine is a blend of Chenin blanc (60%), Gewürztraminer (15%), Chardonnay (20%,) and Viognier (5%).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://theparlotoneswine.com/wines/push-me-to-the-floor-2009 |title=Push Me To The Floor 2010 |publisher=The Parlotones Wine |accessdate=2012-08-15 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208061010/http://theparlotoneswine.com/wines/push-me-to-the-floor-2009 |archivedate=8 February 2013}}</ref>

On 5 October 2010 a rosé called "We Call This Dancing" was released, named after the song from ''Stardust Galaxies''. The wine is a blend of Wellington Pinotage (55%), Wellington Shiraz (25%), and a balance – a blend of 30 different varietals from the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley near Hermanus (20%).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://theparlotoneswine.com/wines/we-call-this-dancing-2010 |title=We Call this dancing 2010 |publisher=The Parlotones Wine |accessdate=2012-08-15 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130211021257/http://theparlotoneswine.com/wines/we-call-this-dancing-2010 |archivedate=11 February 2013}}</ref>

== Band members == '''Principal members''' * Kahn Morbee – lead vocals, rhythm guitar (1998–present) * Paul Hodgson – lead guitar, keyboards (1998–present) * Glen Hodgson – bass guitar, piano, backing vocals (1998–present) * Neil Pauw – drums, percussion (1998–present) * Rob Davidson – keyboards (2018–present)

'''Early members''' * John Boyd – synth, sound effects (2002–2004)

{{Gallery |title= Current line-up |width=160 |height=170 |align=center |File:Kahn Morbee Parlotones.jpg|Kahn Morbee (2010) |File:Paul Hodgson Parlotones.jpg|Paul Hodgson (2010) |File:Glenn Hodgson of the Parlotones, Cologne, Germany - 20101026.jpg|Glen Hodgson (2010) |File:Neil Pauw Parlotones.jpg|Neil Pauw (2010) }}

== Discography == {{Main|The Parlotones discography}}

'''Studio albums''' * ''Episoda'' (Sovereign Entertainment, 2003) * ''Radiocontrolledrobot'' (Sovereign Entertainment, 2005) * ''A World Next Door to Yours'' (Sovereign Entertainment, 2007) * ''Stardust Galaxies'' (Sovereign Entertainment, 2009) * ''Eavesdropping on the Songs of Whales'' (Sovereign Entertainment, 2011) * ''Journey Through the Shadows'' (Sovereign Entertainment, 2012) * ''Stand Like Giants'' (Sovereign Entertainment, 2013) * ''Antiques & Artefacts'' (Gallo, 2015) * ''Trinkets, Relics & Heirlooms'' (Gallo, 2016) * ''China'' (Gallo, 2018) * ''Strike the Harp'' (Gallo, 2020)

==References== {{reflist|30em}}

==External links== * [http://www.wearetheparlotones.com/ Official Website]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Parlotones, The}} Category:South African indie rock groups Category:Musical groups established in 1998 Category:1998 establishments in South Africa Category:South African alternative rock groups