South Africa’s genre-fluid alternative rock project FiveSidedDice released an incredibly compelling EP earlier this year. Kintsugi is named after the ancient Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold and explores this theme metaphorically within the band’s music, brought to life by musical mastermind Roscoe Nefdt. We sat down with Roscoe to find out more about the record and his sound – see how we go on below!

By Jane Howkins

How has your 2026 been so far?

Hey! It’s been eventful to say the least. A couple of tours, a handful of new friends, travelling the globe for work once again, and of course, loads of music!

You have a new EP out titled Kintsugi. What can you tell us about the record and how has the reception been so far?

Kintsugi seems to have been well received by my few friends that have given it a listen and provided me with honest feedback, as well as the several critics and writers that have done pieces on the release! I’m quite proud of this one, especially the first two tracks as they came out almost identical to what I had first envisioned them to be in my head. It’s rare when that happens!

You also released another EP this year called Steel Strings to Feel Things, making you very prolific! What can you tell us about that record?

Steel Strings to Feel Things was simply a little sort-of compilation EP of a few songs that I originally composed on a steel string guitar, and tried to make use of said guitar on the recordings themselves. Those songs were all written at very different times in my life, almost becoming a very erratic time capsule of sound for me. Overall, I am still of course very proud of the release, especially the videos I put together for a few of the songs.

Are you fast writers? Do you have any plans to release a full-length album or another EP anytime soon?

I would like to think so, yes! I do have a few projects in the works, with my bands Twiza, Undead Generation and Whiskey & Ginger. These things take time, obviously as theres more people involved and a lot more work to be done. WIth FiveSidedDice, it’s just me alone, so it’s easier to put out music and releases at a faster rate, especially when I keep composing and writing so compulsively sometimes, hahaha.

Do you plan to release any singles in the near future?

I normally tend to release EPs instead of singles, but if I have a planned release of more than 5 or so songs in future, I’ll definitely be promoting it with a single! We’ll see!

You’re from South Africa. What is the local music scene like in your area?

South Africa is a massive country. It would be easier to describe my hometown and province music scene first, being Gqeberha and the Eastern Cape. We have an amazing and vibrant music scene, filled with something for everyone. Death metal, reggae, african jazz, gqom, hip-hop, punk – anything. I highly recommend music lovers explore the South African music scene in depth, but start with the small towns, where the love is needed most!

Your music has a punky sound. Who are your main influences as a band? What have you been listening to recently?

Again – FiveSidedDice is not a ‘band’, per se, it is my solo project with a full band sound. I would say that the influences vary and shift with each release and the sort of sound I am aiming for with each release. Lately, I have been listening to a lot of 90s indie rock, 00s pop and nu-metal, as well as my usual speedy melodic punk favourites. However today, I have been listening to the newer releases by Beartooth!

Do you have anything else exciting coming up this year?

Always! Undead Generation, my punk-fusion band, has an awesome documentary coming out soon, titled Undead for Life, as well as work beginning on a brand new EP. My hardcore band, Twiza, has completed the recording of our upcoming EP, Eat the Rich, which is expected to release by the end of 2026.

I also have some kickass Halloween shows happening on Gqeberha upon my return to South Africa in late October, with both of my aforementioned bands. And of course, I will be working on upcoming FiveSidedDice releases in my down time.

Do you perform live much? Do you have any tour dates lined up in the UK this year?

I mostly perform live with my bands, both of which have taken FiveSidedDice songs and rendered them into newer compositions. However, I do perform as a solo or acoustic duo with a friend in the UK on occasion. This year is a quiet one though, as I have a lot of focus on other projects as well as work at the moment! Such is life…

Any last words for the fans?

IF YOU COOK WITH CHILLY, DONT TOUCH YOUR WILLY!

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