Cape Town’s very own Acoustic Element (AE) is bringing the heat with their new track “Rebel Heart” and it’s the kind of song that makes you want to jump in your car and head straight to the coast.
Whether you’re cruising down Camps Bay with the sun dipping into the ocean, preparing for a holiday getaway or simply just releasing some positive energy in the comfort of your home, this is the kind of tune that will have you feeling like the main character in your own movie.
The duo, consisting of cousins Callen Petersen and Jody Abel, teamed up with Jimmy Nevis for the feel-good anthem.
Nevis’s smooth vocals along with AE’s signature violin and guitar mix creates a vibe that screams “rebel with a cause” and it’s the kind of track that just makes you want to break free from the ordinary.
Acoustic Element explained in a statement that the song itself carries a bold message.
“It’s about being a rebel in your own life and doing something unexpected, something out of the ordinary, to claim your hero moment.”
The track’s journey began with André Graham’s draft, based on a demo from Luke Goliath. Initially, it leaned into an indie rock vibe but Nevis worked his lyrical magic, transforming it into the euphoric and uplifting tune.
It has already made waves internationally. AE debuted the track at the Gasteiner Lido Sounds Festival in Linz, Austria, where they shared the stage with globally recognised acts such as Kings of Leon, Milky Chance and The Kooks.
From performing in over 17 cities across 10 countries to gracing stages for icons such as Bill Gates and Morgan Freeman, AE has proven that following your rebel heart can lead to incredible things.
They also took to Instagram to write: “This track is more than just music – it’s a story of winning. Sometimes, it takes a rebel to be a winner, just like the many South African victories we’ve seen and celebrated over the past two decades.
“Embrace your inner rebel and let’s keep winning together. This one’s for all the dreamers, the fighters, the rebels.”
∎ “Rebel Heart” is available now on all major streaming platforms.