Arno Carstens

by Matt Collar
Rock singer Arno Carstens first came to the public's attention as the lead singer of the volatile indie rock outfit the Springbok Nude Girls. Formed in Stellenbosch, South Africa, in the mid-'90s, the Nudies -- as fans affectionately referred to them -- found quick success around South Africa with their often experimental and genre-bending mix of alt-rock, punk, ska, jazz, and metal. After going on an extended break in 2001, Carstens launched a solo career and his debut album, The Hello Goodbye Boys, found him expanding his sonic palette with a bent toward a more melodic, somewhat orchestral adult alternative rock sound. Besides continuing with his solo career, Carstens remains a member of the Springbok Nude Girls, who released the reunion album Peace Breaker in 2007.