Cape Town duo Acoustic Element drops new single “Rebel Heart” featuring Jimmy Nevis.
Cape Town-based music duo Acoustic Element (AE), consisting of cousins Callen Petersen (violin) and Jody Abel (guitar, beatbox), is thrilled to announce the release of their latest single, Rebel Heart, featuring the award-winning vocalist and songwriter Jimmy Nevis.
This dynamic collaboration comes after years of friendship and professional synergy. The track, which was co-written by Andre Graham, Jimmy Nevis, and Acoustic Element, carries a unique message about daring to be different in the pursuit of greatness.
When discussing the songwriting process, Acoustic Element shared:
“Andre penned the initial draft of the song based on a demo from Luke Goliath. Initially, it was an indie rock piece centered on love and breakup, but it evolved into a more euphoric, hero-like sound. Jimmy brought his lyrical genius, reworking and refining the song until it became the ‘Rebel Heart’ you hear today.”
Embracing Your Inner Rebel
At its core, Rebel Heart is about defying expectations to achieve extraordinary things. Callen and Jody explain:
“It’s about being a rebel in your own life — doing something unexpected, something out of the ordinary, to claim your hero moment. Whether in love or life, this track encourages you to break away from the norm and reach for something bigger.”
A Stellar Production Team
Two of South Africa’s top producers played key roles in shaping the sound of Rebel Heart. Luke Goliath laid the foundation with his beats, while Darren Peterson elevated the track through layered musical arrangements. The result is a seamless blend of Acoustic Element’s signature sound with Jimmy Nevis’ powerful vocals, creating a track that’s both energetic and emotionally resonant.
A Long-awaited Collaboration
While Acoustic Element and Jimmy Nevis have worked together on stage and in the studio before, Rebel Heart marks their first full collaboration on a single.
“We’ve known Jimmy for a long time and have worked on various projects over the years,” says Jody. “It feels great to finally put all that shared history into a song. Jimmy is the epitome of professionalism in the studio, and it was a pleasure bringing this project to life together.”
A European Summer of Success
Acoustic Element debuted Rebel Heart live in June 2024 at the Gasteiner Lido Sounds Festival in Linz, Austria, where they shared the stage with global acts like Kings of Leon, Milky Chance, and The Kooks. This performance kicked off their 18-show summer tour as part of the Gasteiner Infinity Tour, solidifying their growing international presence.
Stream Acoustic Element’s Rebel Heart (feat. Jimmy Nevis) here.
Follow Acoustic Element online:
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Follow Jimmy Nevis online:
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About Acoustic Element
Formed over a decade ago, Acoustic Element combines Callen’s masterful violin with Jody’s guitar and beatboxing, creating an eclectic sound that blends classical instrumentation with modern pop and dance beats. From performing at South Africa’s most high-profile weddings and corporate events to touring Europe, the duo has garnered a loyal following worldwide.
Their story is one of transformation. In 2015, Callen and Jody left their corporate careers behind to pursue music full-time, a decision that has led them to perform in over 17 cities across 10 countries. Highlights include a stadium performance for 37,000 people in Düsseldorf and private performances for notable figures like Bill Gates, Morgan Freeman, Ralf Schumacher, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal.
Acoustic Element’s unique sound has also resonated with celebrities, with their residency at Cape Town’s exclusive One and Only Hotel attracting the attention of guests like Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey, John Legend, and Martin Garrix.
