| About Welland Cowley | Victor Welland Cowley (Born 14th April 1945) is a South African Singer/Songwriter. His songs can be termed Emotive Rock Ballads with a Bluesy Retro feel and a sprinkling of Folk/Country Rock. Welland’s Songs are what he terms “Dream Songs” often born in dreams. His CD “Quarter to Eleven” is a passionate journey through life – it is about people in the world searching for love lost, unfulfilled dreams, a hope for peace in the world and escape from the grey skies of loneliness and disappointment to an imaginary island with blue skies beyond the distant horizon. Welland is joined on his first CD by Wynand van Reenen (Lead & Rhythm Guitarist), Hendri Page (Bass Guitarist), Steph Page (Piano & Backing Vocals), Shaun Victor (Drums) The Album was recorded by Howard Butcher of Peace of Eden Studio. EARLY LIFE Welland was born in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, the younger son of Victor Arthur Edward Cowley and Margaretha Martha Coetzee. Welland’s father was a school teacher who later became a school Principal. Welland went to the Grey High School in Port Elizabeth where he matriculated in 1962. At an early age he became interested in music and also developed a great love for plants and gardening. He would sit for hours listening and singing to the music of his day – one of those songs was ‘Sea of Love” by Marty Wilde which went on to become a number one hit. At the age of 15, Welland’s father gave him an inexpensive acoustic guitar. He recalls that on that day his life took on a new meaning. He learned how to string and tune the guitar, learning the chords as he went along and jamming with friends. After leaving school he continued playing and joined the Four Winds Folk Club where he and a friend played on many evenings. In 1964 he joined a rock bank and was lead singer for a year. During this time Welland started writing music and recording it on his tape recorder. Qualifying as an Industrial Engineer in the early 70’s, Welland went on to marrying Margaret Snow. They were later blessed with two Sons – Donovan and Tristan. Welland took up various Industrial Engineering positions and became Industrial Engineering Manager for a Fan Company in Port Elizabeth. After serving in this position for 10 years he thought the time had come to fulfill his dream of having his own Nursery. In 1984 Welland and Margie purchased a small holding outside Port Elizabeth and this was later to become Misty Morning Nurseries. While developing the Nursery, Welland found he had more time to spend writing music. EARLY RECORDINGS In the mid 90’s Welland recorded “Song for my Lady” and “She doesn’t See Me” at Creative Audio in Port Elizabeth. These two songs were sent into Radio Algoa and played over the air by Martin Bester. Both songs were well-received and Welland was interviewed on Radio Algoa. Although promised that the song “She doesn’t See Me “ would go on Algoa’s playlist it never happened as Radio Algoa was re-structurring it’s business and later became Algoa FM. At the time little was being done to promote local musicians and local music was in dire need of being recognized as mostly international artists were being played on the radio. About the same time Welland entered the On the Go Talent Contest and got into the semi-finals with his song “Song for my Lady” In 2008 Welland recorded a demo CD in Cape Town at Ari Terblanche’s Studio. This CD was recorded with Robyn Herselman (keyboard and vocals) and featured some of his compositions. Welland now lives with his wife in Sedgefield where he still continues with his plant business and breeds Clivias. He still manages to find time for songwriting and doing some local gigs. MUSICAL INFLUENCES Welland cite’s Bob Dylan as being one of his major influences. He was also strongly influenced by Cat Stevens, Joe Cocker and Eric Clapton. |
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