The Stremes
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Judy chats to Wayne Pauli from The Stremes on the SA & Indie Music Zone.
The Stremes are a three-piece South African rock band based in Cape Town, blending atmospheric scale with raw, guitar-driven power. The band features Wayne Pauli on lead vocals and guitar, Benjamin Peacefull on bass and backing vocals, and Atom Shape (Adam Shapiro) on drums. Their sound has been described as “U2 with Hendrix on guitar” — a mix of melodic, blues-infused rock, towering guitars, vast sonic landscapes, and modern yet nostalgic rock sensibilities.
Formed by childhood friends Wayne Pauli and Atom Shape, The Stremes are the result of a long creative arc. After early, unrealised attempts to start a band together, the two reconnected years later with a renewed focus and clear musical vision. The addition of Benjamin Peacefull completed the lineup, grounding their expansive sound with driving basslines and rich harmonies.
Lyrically, The Stremes explore deeply human themes, often touching on mental health, addiction, resilience, and emotional intensity. Their music balances introspection with anthemic energy, pairing pop-conscious melodies with heavy rock dynamics.
The band released their 2025 single “Overload,” a powerful statement of their heavier rock direction. Active on the Cape Town live music circuit, The Stremes continue to build momentum through energetic performances, ongoing recording sessions, and plans for further releases and national touring across South Africa.
The Stremes are a three-piece South African rock band based in Cape Town, blending atmospheric scale with raw, guitar-driven power. The band features Wayne Pauli on lead vocals and guitar, Benjamin Peacefull on bass and backing vocals, and Atom Shape (Adam Shapiro) on drums. Their sound has been described as “U2 with Hendrix on guitar” — a mix of melodic, blues-infused rock, towering guitars, vast sonic landscapes, and modern yet nostalgic rock sensibilities.
Formed by childhood friends Wayne Pauli and Atom Shape, The Stremes are the result of a long creative arc. After early, unrealised attempts to start a band together, the two reconnected years later with a renewed focus and clear musical vision. The addition of Benjamin Peacefull completed the lineup, grounding their expansive sound with driving basslines and rich harmonies.
Lyrically, The Stremes explore deeply human themes, often touching on mental health, addiction, resilience, and emotional intensity. Their music balances introspection with anthemic energy, pairing pop-conscious melodies with heavy rock dynamics.
The band released their 2025 single “Overload,” a powerful statement of their heavier rock direction. Active on the Cape Town live music circuit, The Stremes continue to build momentum through energetic performances, ongoing recording sessions, and plans for further releases and national touring across South Africa.
