SA's very own eyeliner boy on the UK scene..

When we hear of eyeliner wearing guys we think emo. We then think dressed in black and we think American rock bands. But do we think of a South African chap in a London-based rock band? And how about someone who openly embraces the name 'eyeliner boy'?

Yes, you heard correctly, I said 'eyeliner boy'. A name self-proclaimed and far ahead of the Adam Lambert comparisons of late although I'm still more inclined to wanna compare to Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy.

    "You talking about me?"

Yes, Ryan 'Eyeliner Boy' Morris - we're talking about you!

But no comparisons necessary. He is SA's very own eyeliner boy - Ryan Morris, guitarist for What Now, a London-based three-piece from Ballito who have lived in the big city for five years now! 

 As they are now in the early stages of their UK tour following the first show in London on 1 May, we chatted to Ryan about eyeliner, booking agents and being featured in Kerrang!

Q1. Give us a brief overview of what What Now is about

A. We strive to write good songs that everyone can relate to. We are not a fad or a gimmick, we strive to be a band like U2, The Killers, Kings or Leon or Green Day!

Q2. What have been the highlights of the past six months since the release of your debut EP, Take Control?

A. Supporting US rock band Anberlin and Hawthrone Heights, as well as our UK tour and getting exposure in Kerrang!

Q3. How did the national UK tour come about and what are you most looking forward to?

We needed to promote the EP, so we hooked up with a good booking agent who also book for The Editors and Biffy Clyro.

I'm most looking forward to just being free, the funny situations you get involved in and playing shows everyday with your best friends!

Q4. How did it feel seeing What Now in Kerrang!?

Aaah, it was amazing! I have been reading Kerrang! ever since I came to the UK, so seeing our faces in there and mentioning that we were from Ballito seemed unreal!

Q5. Lastly, the eyeliner - when did this begin?

I started wearing it about seven years ago, my sisters are make-up artists!

Following the success of their first single for Toy Soldiers, they will soon be releasing a video for the second single, Move On.

Rock on eyeliner boy and SA bands touring the UK,

x

PS. What Now kicked off their UK tour in London on 1 May, find out more tour dates...

PSS. You can follow 'Eyeliner Boy' on Twitter @RyanEyelinerBoy

(Thanks to London-based SA photographer Marcus Maschwitz for the photos)