Sterling EQ is one of the most successful instrumental bands South Africa has ever produced, selling out shows across South Africa since 2007. Bringing virtuosity and glamour together in a breathtaking showcase of stylistic fusion, the four-piece supergroup has performed at SA’s most coveted events and shared stages with global music icons, and enjoys extensive media coverage across all mainstream media.  In 2011 they became only the 2nd all-girl group in a decade to win an SA Music Award.  Their groundbreaking contribution to the local music industry has earned them many fans and accolades from across the world.  The widespread interest in their music is evident from their online following: 16,000+ worldwide fans on facebook, while their youtube channel is currently #18 Most Subsribed South African musician channel.

The all-girl sensation consists of celebrated flautist and ex-marathon swimmer Carina Bruwer, Taiwanese born Eriel Huang and ex-model and award winning performer Renate Riedemann on electric violins, and actress-musician Ariella Caira on electric cello.

Classic?

With success often comes controversy and Sterling is no exception.  Some of the more traditional Classical music practitioners do not approve the “Sterling genre”, and perceive it to be a "slap in face" of Classical music and the Great Composers.  And even though only a portion of Sterling’s music is Classically inspired, the fact that they use Classical instruments (however modernized and electrified!) to make what is essentially commercial music, is something some purists struggle with.  Sterling EQ, however, welcomes and encourages this controversy, as they believe this only grows the interest in them and their music, and therefore aids them in sharing their music on a mainstream pop platform.

Noteworthy performances

Sterling EQ has performed and headlined at coveted events such as the South African Music Awards (SAMA’s), the IPL Cricket Tournament opening (broadcast live to billions of viewers worldwide), the launch of Cape Town stadium, the FIFA Congress Opening Ceremony & Official FIFA World Cup Banquet, the ICC Awards, Gary Player Invitational and SA Pop Idols (as guest artist). 

They’ve shared stages with international icons (including Boney M and Snow Patrol), and have entertained local and international celebrities (including Elton John, Annie Lennox and Lance Armstrong).  They’ve also taken part in collaborative performances with local stars like Loyiso Bala, Romanz and Wendy Oldfield, as well as international disco legend Boney M and the Italian Classic crossover sensation Duel.

Sterling EQ is planning their European debut for July / August 2012, and also plan to tour the USA in 2012/13.

Releases, Awards and Distinctions

Sterling EQ’s debut album Nova, produced by the multiple award-winning Gabi Le Roux, was released in March 2009.  In April 2010, Sterling released their first live DVD – Sterling EQ Live in Concert (filmed at the Artscape Opera House in front of a 1200-strong live audience), and in  October 2010 the band proved its versatility with the release of their second album, Sterling Speel Afrikaans. This album serves as the group’s tribute to Afrikaans music and music writers, and of course Sterling EQ’s Afrikaans fans.

All three releases were nominated for SA Music Awards (SAMAs), with the Live DVD clinching a coveted award in the category Best Jazz / Instrumental / Popular Classical DVD in 2011. This has contributed to extensive local and international interest in the group, and cemented Sterling’s reputation as the top instrumental band on the circuit. 

The popularity of Sterling’s social marketing platforms echo their success, with thousands of fans connecting with the band through youtube, facebook and twitter.  Their channel is regularly amongst youtube’s special ranking lists, under the categories Most subscribed (SA), Most Viewed (SA Musicians All Time, Monthly & Daily) and Most Viewed (SA all categories - Daily).  Their facebook fanpage has a whopping 14,000+ fans. 

Genre

Defining Sterling’s style is a task not even the members dare attempt!  Their music is inspired by so many different genres from various eras stretching over 5 centuries; “from Mozart to Mandoza” is a phrase they often use when describing the content of their repertoire.  Juxtaposing “diverse” musical styles like Classical and Latin House; Baroque and Kwaito, keeps Sterling’s audiences on their toes (and often on the dance floor!) and proves that the stylistic boundaries to which we’ve become so accustomed, are certainly not set in stone.  Being an instrumental group, Sterling has the freedom of communicating with their audience on a purely musical level, which adds to the success of this “mystery style” they practice.