title: New Academics
text: # New Academics
  
  New Academics is a four-piece Funk rock band formed in Cape Town, South Africa. They are currently based in Johannesburg. They are known for their mixture of Afro-beat, Jazz, Hard rock, Funk and Hip hop in their music and have built a solid a following in South Africa and Europe with their debut album City of Strange.
  
  In 2008, the New Academics were nominated for a SAMA (South African Music Award) in the category of "Best Alternative Album".
  
  ## Members
  
  ### Current
  
  Joe Penn — vocals (2004 – present) David Baudains — guitar (2004 – present) Brendon van Rooyen — drums (2007 - 2009, 2020 - present)
  
  ### Previous
  
  Rob Smith — drums (2014 – 2019) Jacques Du Plessis — bass guitar (2016 – 2018) Hugh Hunt — bass (2014 – 2016) Sean Strydom — bass (2010) Howie Combrink — drums (2006 – 2007, 2009 – 2010) Martin Labuschagne — bass (2006 - 2009) Damian Staz — drums (2006) Richard Broderick — drums (2004 - 2005)
  
  ## Discography
  
  * 2023 - The Great Romancer
  * 2016 — Growler Front
  * 2006 — City of Strange, Seed Music/Sheer Sound
  * 2008 — The Apple
  