VOLUME 1, NO. 2
this issue:
Erika Jayne
Bright BLUE Gorilla
Music Created By Independent Artists Releases
Independent Artists Worldwide THE STAND-OFF•Wyseguy Productions SOUL REVIVAL• James Simpson CLEMENTINE STREET•Jannel Rap AVENUE 707 SUPPER’S READY•Chucks Nation STARLIGHT•Bob Dee With Petro RAISING HELL•J-Rock THE REASON•Melody THE HOUSE THAT FUNK BUILT•Ebenus
CONTENTS 4
TRAVELING DUO Bright Blue Gorilla
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INSIDE HIPHOP Interview With Rapper and Producer Stickman
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RISING STAR An Article On Dance Queen Erika Jayne
10 UK CONNECTION: OUR 1ST UK INTERVIEW An Interview with UK Sensation Jazmine Ava READ UP ON SOME OF TODAY’S FINEST INDIE-ARTISTS!!!
Indie-Musik Expressions is a magazine that is dedicated to the thousands of musicians, songwriters and performers who create music for the pure joy and love of it. And, for those who aspire to be the stars of tomorrow. They all share one thing in common, an overwhelmingly passionate drive for the art of creating music. In the ten last years, many avenues have opened up for creative artists to create and share their music. The internet has been tremendously instrumental in enabling independent artists to pursue a lifelong dream of becoming a musician and reaching fans across the world. While technology, having become more accessible and affordable, has made it increasingly easier for musicians to take an idea from a concept to a completed song, or a completed CD. And, with outlets like cdBaby, iTunes, lastFM, etc., once that disc is completed they can sell and promote it to the masses. Whereas, ten years ago that same musician would had to have spent a fortune in studio time, then shop their product to music labels in hopes of getting an executive to listen to it. And, if they got signed, there was NO guarantee that a record would ever be produced, released, or marketed to the consumer market. Today, musicians have greater control over their careers than ever before. It also means that those serious about pursuing a music career have to work a lot harder, but now... they can enjoy more of the fruits of their labor. And, they are more in control of their own destiny. Which is a tradeoff that most of them gladly accept. So this magazine will be dedicated to these artists and their stories.
GMJ Publications
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Robyn Rosenkrantz and Michael Glover are the two creative nomads known as Big Blue Gorilla. However, their travels have not been without purpose. For those not familiar with BBG, their credits include actors, musicians and film-makers. They have composed scores and produced three films (The Karate Film Cafe, The Mind Of Henry Lime, and Sister's Sky), and acted in films as the Last Shot with Alec Baldwin, Calista Flockhart and Ray Liotta. Nineteen years ago this artistic tandem decided to leave the 9 to 5 scene, and with one-way tickets in hand, headed off to Europe to reinvent themselves. It was a reincarnation that started with an idea that came up one morning at breakfast when Robyn suggested that they both pack up and move to Europe and give it a go at making music over there. Michael agreed, so they did. Like so many artists before them (Hendrix, Al Jarreau) going to Europe served to increase their popularity back home in the States. While traveling and playing in Europe, some of their CDs circulating in hands of Hollywood insiders who began passing them around. Suddenly without being aware of it they had become a hit amongst film industry professionals. When they began returning home each year to do local shows in and around LA their crowds had grown considerably, and consisted mostly of show biz insiders. This wonderful break for the duo made it a lot easier to get their their music featured in films. It also lead to an opportunity to be featured in The Last Shot, a movie that enabled them to buy movie cameras and begin making and producing movies of their own. In addition to their film success, they have two CDs on Virgin Records, and they have also opened for acts like Suzanne Vega, Luka Bloom and Donovan. The two, who started out as soloists, and are now a happy duo both personally and professionally (they are married to each other), and have many musical influences including Tracy Chapman, U2, and The Beatles. You can learn more about Bright Blue Gorilla by visiting them online at www.brightbluegorilla.com and www.myspace.com/brightbluegorilla
Bright B
MUSICIANS ROBIN ROSENKRANTZ AND MICHAEL GLOVER
t BLUE Gorilla 5
People were once predicting it’s death, yet hip-hop has survived. Why do you think that is? I think the survival of rap during the 90's was attributed to good marketing and progression of the style. Even the gangsta rappers in the 90's were doing some creative things with thier beats and lyrics. Honestly, I do not know what is keeping it together now. Most mainstream hip hop now is very dull, not very creative. Lyrically, rappers are not challenging themselves these days, they need 5 friends for background vocals. Songs are more about "Look what I got" rather than everyone's everyday stru ggles that we could relate to. Rock did this in the 80's, I am just waiting for a rapper to put on make up.
etcetera, made it sound tight. Some were wack. It’s a shame we couldn’t hear more East Coast rappers busting on West Coast beats back then. Now I think it’s a ll blended, but it’s more about image than the music. Is there anybody out there you see as being innovative and pushing rap in a new direction creatively? I was a huge Mac Dre fan... he was doing some things vocally that just we r e n’t being done. RIP. I was a huge Pharcyde fan. There is really no one filling this void for me at 30 years of age n o w, and that scares me. I think we might be getting close to the end. There are talented MC’s out there, I just don’t think they’re pushing rap forward. I think it is slowly coming to a hault... unless something changes.
Jeff & Fresh Prince, EPMD, and Too Short. I was a big R&B fan. I started memorizing songs and rapping them to my parents over instrumentals at 11 or so. To this day I could still drop “Parents just don’t underThis American artform has now stand” on a whip. I started gone global. Did you ever think it writing my own rhymes in th e would become this huge? 7th grade and was writing and I think it was only a matter of laying down complete songs my Having produced several albums, time for rap to catch on global- Freshman year in high school. what is your mindset when you set ly. Equipment is more affordout to do a project? able, compact and user friendly. T h e r e ’s always been talk of the With Pro Tools you can have East Coast-West Coast rivalry. Project 8 will be completed in virtually unlimited takes in the Mu s i cally speaking, wha t’s the late August of 2009. We have difference between the two? corner of a bedroom, if you hooked up with a produce r choose. I am still an analog named D-Blown in Modesto, guy and get my adrenaline I sometimes go through the CA. He is sending us beats and rush is from laying down a east-west thing. Back then, has given me free rain on vocals technical verse on one full to me the west was more direct and mixing. So it’s a match take. We do not punch and I in their rhymes, but the East made in heaven. Just like me, Coast were more poetic, and in D-Blown is progressively getpride myself on it. some cases more creative. A lot ting better so we will all continWho were some of the people that of MC’s on the east would ue to push each other. The day write their verse to a 3 count I peak is most likely the day I you listened to that inspired you? beat, as opposed to the 4 quit, but I haven’t peaked yet I listend to Run DMC, Jazzy count. Some like Jay Z, B.I.G., and we are doing some cool, 6
creative things. You produce on your own, and you collaborate. Can you tell us what that process is like? Our process begins with a beat. Stoner and I then get to work. We like to get a majority of the songs done over a 4 month period or so, but leaving spots. Then we pack up, buy some beer and head to Modesto to finish recording. Then come home and put the project together. It ’s usually about a 9 month process, but with D-Blown I think we will cut it back to 6-7 months without compromising anything. Can you give our readers an idea of what’s on your agenda next? After this album comes out in August I would like to put a good enough impression on DBlown to want to do it all again. As of now, he hasn’t heard any of the new songs yet. Pretty cool. If I was him, as impatient as I am, I would be chompin’ at the bits. But I know the new album is hot so I am not too worried about it. As of now, the music can be found at w w w. j u ke b ox a l i v e . com/st4d2
“I started writing my own rhymes in the 7th grade and was writing and laying down complete songs my Freshman year in high school.”
with STICKMAN
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Erika Jayn E
and Gwen Stefani. Those comparisons aren’t without warrant. rika Jayne is another one Erika is quickly becoming a of those incredible talents that rising queen in the world of we found via the internet. This contemporary dance music. stunning beauty, with her soft soothing voice and pulsating Erika has many influences and rhythms will have you moving admits a great love for the work and grooving before you know it. of Minneapolis recording artist Prince. In fact, she has even When describing her sound, recorded with Prince alumnus Erika states on her webpage "I Sheila E. on her own song want people to have fun, dance, "Time To Realize.� It was an and escape into fantasy. I want experience which Erika decribes the listener to take a sexy little as "a dream come true!" trip away from their lives. It's a very sensual, erotic, luxurious- This artist, who has worked with feeling album. That was my state producers Peter Rafelson of mind when I wrote, and that (Madonna and Britney Spears) comes naturally for me. It's and Eric Kupper (Shakira and something that I could either Kylie Minogue), gravitated to choose not to accept or to music at a ve ry early age. embrace it and run with it. And, Inspired in part by her Mom, a I'm running with it. I'm not afraid classica pianist and mu s i c to be me and to sing about the teacher. "I would go in the closthings I want to sing about." et, ask my Mom to introduce me, and pop out to put on a show for She has been compared to sev- my family. When I was 5, I won eral artists including Madonna the Best Little Performer award 8
in my dance class, and my first performance was singing Dolly Parton's '9 to 5' in the third grade school talent show. I knew I wanted to be a performer." The Atlanta native moved to New York at 18, and began performing with various act, but has always had the drive to step out on her her own. Reflecting back on those experiences she notes that it's been a lot of hard work, but adds "It makes the success worth it!," and indeed it has. Her smash hit "Roller Coaster," became a number one hit on Billboard’s Hot Dance Club Play chart. While some of her other tunes have been featured in motion pictures such as the film "The Neighbor" starring film stars Matthew Modine and Ann Cusack. Visit www.erikajayne.com or w w w. my s p a c e. c o m / e ri k a j ay n e to find additional details regarding this talented artist and her music.
yne
J A Z M I N E
the UK connection This is our very first article with a UK performer.
There has always been this fascinating thing about UK musicians, who like the Japanese, seem to have an uncanny knack for assimilating influences from other countries and reinterpreting the music in a most unique way. What are your thoughts on this? American and British music have always had a deep respect for each other. I think the influence of the American blues goes right back to the roots of where most of our UK music comes from, and is still continuing from today. I know I'm definitely influenced by a blues/soul style. But I love to add the beat or the swing of other multi-cultural influences like South American, Eastern European and African music as well. As artists you always want to try out new things, develop and change and keep things original and your own. Coming up, who were some artists that you listened to that have influenced your music and songwriting? Women with strong and powerful voices - like Annie Lennox, Stevie Nicks, Melanie Safka and Tracy Chapman - and poetical lyricists like Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen who write words from the heart and really question life a lot. I also love Bob Marley, Pink Floyd, Dire Straits, Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder, Amy Winehouse, Suzanne Vega and Jeff Buckley.
You mentioned that spring/summer is the busiest time for you to perform. What is it that you love about per forming LIVE? I always write and perform my songs like I really mean it from the heart. There's something about playing live that really puts that drive and soul into it - that just grabs attention and makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up! I am recording my new album as a 'live' album, to capture the spirit of atmosphere, excitement, and power that really comes out in the addrenaline of performing live. There's something very magical about knowing that I can communicate with people on such an untouchable level. What's the music culture scene like in LIVE venues around the UK? Can you tell our readers what things are popular there now, musically speaking? Because of the Beatles roots, there's a really respected music scene in the big cities up north like Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds. The cities are so multi-cultural now, that its had a huge influence on how music is changing. Down south, London is the place to be. A close second is a really cosmopolitan city by the sea called Brighton, where I lived for 9 years and started my music. I've played in venues and festivals all over London, Essex, Suffolk and Brighton. 11
The Festival scene is really huge here - Glasto nb u ry is famous for it’s terrible rainy weather but you'll still always see 150,000 people braving the weather to see live bands perform! The music industry is changing so much now because there are so many unsigned bands doing it for themselves. Like me, they dont have a manager or label to run them and so the diversity is really growing. Because of this, so many smaller festivals and venues have sprung up all over the place, playing a lot of unsigned original music which doesnt get heard commercially as much. Have you ever performed in the US? If not, would you ever enter tain the thought of performing here sometime in the future?
smoky attic room near Brighton, with a producer who had been recording for years. I have a new band since moving to Essex which incudes lead guitar and saxophone. We record our rehearsals at home, so we can listen back, get ideas and keep learning all the time. We're now recording my next album - due to come out in October of this year - which is being recorded in a professional studio as a 'live' album..
Lastly, what's next in the future for Jazmine Ava?
There’s a lyric from my song 'A Droplet in the Ocean' on my new album that says, "well you can't see it now, but you know its meant to be - the things that you can't hear yet, and the things that you can't see - well, its just around the corner....its You have a wonderful way of just around the bend..." telling a story in song,, in that the words carry as much weight as the So - BIG things hopefully!... music. Would you say that's true? I'm playing several main stage festivals throughout Essex and I'm so happy you noticed that Suffolk this year, including The because I always write my Kelvedon Festival, The songs from the heart. I think Burnham River Festival and very deeply about the lyrics Ipswich Music Day, so I'm realI choose and always try to put ly looking forward to that. I'm meaning under the layers to put getting featured in several local people in touch with every day newspaper articles as a big up life experiences. I've found and coming artist. myself always writing what is essentially a poem at first, and I I can't wait to release my secfind that music comes later. ond album for October - which is going to be so different from Fantasy question: If you could have the first - as I've developed and inhabited the soul of any other per - changed so much as an artist former, who would it be and why? even in just a year.
I haven't performed in the US yet, but I have had lots of people, including Americans, who say I could do well there because of my blues/soul/country/folk sound. I once had a label interested in forwarding me to Atlantic Records, and I guess a singer songwriter always h as dreams of touring Nas h v i ll e ! So, yes - I do hope to play there one day.... Thats a difficult and unusual question because there are so When recording music do you go in many performers I respect out with a band to lay down your songs, there. But, it would either be or do you use a home studio setup? Bob Dylan or Bob Marley, I think. They both advocate d My first album 'Sunshine & peace and love to human kind, Shadows' was recorded in a and had such a way of commu12
nicating this meaning in their words and their music that has made them timeless.
So, as long as I keep moving on, keeping positive and enjoying this exciting part of my life who knows? Visit Jazmine’s webpage at:
www.jazmineava.co.uk
Kelly Rose
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