Lazie Indie Magazine- Edition 26

Lazie Indie Magazine Magazine Edition 26 27 June, 2022

Deep Forest Marc Killian Mohamed Noor Kris Anders

One Ugly Cowboy The Wierd Sisters Jay & The Cooks The Unfortunates

Ashley Pater Rodney Brown Joe Matera Naomi & The Boys News and Releases

Cover Story Anslom

Content

Editors Corner Features Deep Forest - Just like Emma Rodney Brown - TDGBR Ashley Pater

Joe Matera Kris Anders Mohamed Noor - Maestro Speaks

One Ugly Cowboy - Around the Galaxy The Unfortunates The Wierd Sisters

Marc Killian Jay Ryan (Jay and The Cooks) Naomi and The Boys - Through Corridors News and Releases - Lorraine McCaulay Lazie Indie Merchandise

Cover Story Anslom

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Editors Corner Information The magazine is published by Lazie J Print Edition 26 The month of publishing June 2022

Editorial Team Editor: Jay N Pillai Coordination and Promotions: Manoj Verified by: Inge Zimmermann Probst

Guest Feature: Column and Review: Tomiko Dixon Emma Goldberg Brabara & Grant Santhosh Chandran Lyia Meta Cover Photo: Anslom Cover Photo Courtesy Dean Arek

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The Lazie Indie Point of view Being an independent musician with very limited resource at hand at a pretty indifferent locality to the kind of music I wanted to create I always felt that the only way I can reach out to the world is to network with like minded artists but the first question was where do I find them? That lead to another question, will they be interested to connect back to a musician who is not at an ideal place to help them reach their goals and the third and most important thing was that why would a musician help another? Our musical journey as Lazie J was our initial experiment to connect and learn how to connect and then it occurred to me that instead of waiting for someone else why don't I take the first leap of faith by writing about my fellow artists. If that would inspire one more artist to support a fellow musician, I would have achieved what I wanted. Long story short, Lazie Indie Magazine has proved to me that there are so many artists who are willing to support a fellow musician without looking at benefits in return. And if this number grew, it will determine the next star in music and that drives us do more at Lazie Indie. We are embarking on a very important, exciting and probably tedious journey very soon and I shall share what is in store for each of us. I promise it is going to be really exciting for our fellow musicians. Coming to this edition, we have Anslom, a fantastic artist from Papua New Guinea on cover. Keeping our outlook as truly global we identify the best talent across the world and project them. The edition is another issue where we have covered great artists who should be spoken about across the world. As a true global independent music magazine, we are really glad that we could maintain the spread globally and cover as many genres - Cheers!!! Jay Page 4

Anslom Nakikus, from Papua New Guinea is taking over the music world with his uplifting reggae music. Described by Solomon Islands' leading newspaper Solomon Times as "the popular singing sensation of Papua New Guinea", Anslom packs a punch in his performances with soulful singing and meaningful lyrics true to his genre. His latest release Love Me Again is a run-away hit on radios across the world.

Locally managed by BasslinePNG he promotes his beloved country through reggae music. Anslom shares his passion for music and how he really admires Bob Marley and Lucky Dube. He is motivated by the two and have the same mission to disseminate the message of hope, love, peace and unity true to Reggae musicians.

Ansloms upcoming release Break the Barriers is getting released by DO IT Management soon. Thanks to Vani K Nades, Barbara and Grant of Galaxy FM for introducing this fabulous artist to Lazie Indie Magazine. Jay speaks to Anslom...

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Jay: You have had a fabulous career spanning decades. What keeps you going?

When you look back, how do you see your career over all these years?

Anslom: I wouldn’t say I have had a fabulous career. I believe that the highs and lows involved in setting the foundation of this career, has been imperatively gainful. I have achieved much more than the average artist in Papua New Guinea in terms of success through endorsements. It is challenging and equally difficult as a Papua New Guinean artist when there is relatively, no establishment of an intellectual property organization, dedicated to protecting one's own intellectual creation and be rightfully if not appropriately, compensated for. One significant struggle here in Papua New Guinea is the lack of or limited opportunities, available to both artists and musicians. Creative Arts in PNG is under-appreciated due to the lack of Government support in setting conducive and effectively interactive platforms to expose deserving talent to international markets. What keeps me going is the passion I have for music. I don't do music for competition; I do music because it makes me feel good.

Music completes me. I have a degree in Political Science and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Language & Literature, but my passion for music supersedes both.

Jay: Coming to your music, who were your musical influences and why did you pick up reggae as your genre?

Anslom: I've always felt an exclusively deep connection with legendary Jamaican artists like; Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Toots Hibbert, the band Inner Circle and Lucky Dube of South Africa. I'm drawn to Reggae because of the "essence" it flavors its distinctive messages with. Messages that resonate positive vibes despite the incessant oppression [of sorts] faced daily. The musical arrangement invigorates listeners to draw out positivity through its diplomatic lyrical content and 'jumpy' feel. I dislike songs that lack a positive narrative for the listener. I want to be an agent of change. I believe in LIM

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empowering a dialogue that aims to change and improve lives for the better. I want to farewell each performance, knowing that I have contributed to spread and ignite the influence of peace, love, and unity.

Jay: How do you go about writing your songs? What is of prime focus the message (lyrics) or the music? How do you record and produce your music?

Anslom: One must invest in something that can immediately capture [in any given moment] the random tune or phrase that pops into your head out of the blue. For me, I have my trusty guitar that follows me everywhere I go. As soon as a tune hits me, I confide in my guitar first and then, I record the layered melody using my mobile phone as recorder. I then go back to the studio where I add 'volume'. Lacing in the lyrics conclude the piece. The arrangement of music is just as important as lyrical content. They go hand in hand. This is complimented by LIM

appealing vocals.

Jay: Coming from a non-traditional music hub (Meaning not from the regular rockpop scenario) you could take your music across the world, what did you do to reach out to the listeners outside your country? Do you think it is tougher for a reggae/rock artist from a non-traditional rock/reggae hub to make it international?

Anslom: I had to struggle to bring to light, my music, to the world. There was no government support. For me it was the international exposure that sold my music and enabled people to know me.

The live performances overseas made it possible for people to look me up online and appreciate my music. It's tough to make it big overseas, but it's achievable. I believe in perseverance, dedication, and a little dash of luck. God-willing, I will achieve. There's a saying I find comfort in, "As long as the music is great, you can conquer the world".

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musicians. What is the one thing you can learn from them as the top learning that can take you a long way in your career?

Anslom: What I’ve learnt from all these "greats", is the humility they have. They remain focused on the job at hand and are so humble. On stage, they are like roaring lions ready to pounce and devour their prey. But off stage, they are as calm as the sleeping ocean on a bright and sunny morning.

Jay: What is your favorite thing to do, write, produce or play live?

Anslom: I love them all, being in control of my creative work gives me satisfaction.

The hardest of the three is writing. I find it difficult because to write, I must feel inspired by something or someone. Sometimes the atmosphere is not conducive to bring forth the best in me. Producing is great 'cause I get to drive the production of my song. I get to produce it the way I envisage it. Performing live is the fun part

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‘cause I get to share it with the people that matter most, and they are the fans.

Jay: Can you tell us a bit about your latest project? Where on the internet can we find your music?

Anslom: My latest project is an EP of 6 songs titled "Break the Barrier". A single from this EP will be released on the date of publication of this write-up. It is titled "I Will Love You", you can check online for the official music video of, "I Will Love You”. This song favors the womenfolk and is about the hardships women go through to keep a grab of togetherness for their families. It is a song that talks about the plight of women who have stuck in through the good and bad times of their marriages with their partners.

Jay: The long lockdowns have in a way realigned the music scene today and many artists used this period to create new content and to network across the world. What did you do?

Anslom: I've been writing a lot of songs throughout the lockdown and networking with different stakeholders. I am so excited to state that I have been offered a record deal with a world-renowned record label just recently and that I have agreed by signing the deal. This means I LIM

have licensed my manufacturing, distribution, publishing, and sync rights of the Anslom EP titled "Break the Barrier" to this label. Furthermore, I am currently my country's National AIDS Council Secretariats Brand Ambassador.

My job is to advocate for the prevention of HIV/AIDS. I am also the Climate Change Advocate under the PNG Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Climate Change. Basically, my role under the Climate Change Ministry Office of PNG is to use my popularity to advocate for Environment preservation.

Jay: What is your plan for the immediate future, say, 2022-23 as a musician?

Anslom: My plan is to release the EP and do a promotional tour to promote the EP. I have a wonderful world class back up reggae band with me and I just can't wait to get back on the road again. It’s been awhile.

Jay: What was the best advice given to you? What would be your advice to an aspiring indie artist who is talented and willing to put that extra effort?

Anslom: My best advice is, "to always remain humble and be disciplined. Keep persevering and stay focused. Remember Jah in everything you do. Give thanks."

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We speak to Eric Mouquet of Deep Forest the multiple Grammy nominated French musical group known for their unique sound of Ethnic Electronica, a style of world music, sometimes called ethnic electronica, mixing ethnic with electronic sounds and dance beats or chillout beats. Formed by Michel Sanchez and Éric Mouquet Deep Forest were nominated for a Grammy Award in 1994 for Best World Music Album, and in 1995 they won the Award for the album Boheme. The band won World Music Awards Winner – French group in 1995. Their albums have sold over 10 million copies. Emma Goldberg speaks to this iconic musician on behalf of Lazie Indie Magazine in her column 'Just like Emma'. Let us know more about this musical genius who is also has done music scores for a number of movies and also worked with the legendary Peter Gabriel... read on ...

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Emma: Hi, you have had a great career as a much respected Grammy-Nominated World award-winning outfit. How do you feel was your journey so far?

Eric: That’s really an incredible journey, when I was a teenager, I was listening to a lot of groups, my dream was to be a musician, but I never expected to get one day such a world audience. The Grammy Award is certainly one of the most important moments of my musical career.

The journey is not finished, I continue to produce albums, I do collaboration with other artists and after 2 years of Covid, I’ll be on stage with some great musicians.

Emma: Who were your musical influences and how did you arrive at this genre you play? How did you arrive at the genre of ethnic electronica?

Eric: My influences are multiples, from jazz to classical and various rock and electronic music. I’m a keyboard player, I use mainly synthesizers. I believe that some new technologies from the 80s such as sampler and computers hallowing to produce music differently, mixed with my musical background gave the Deep Forest sounds.

Emma: How do you go about writing your songs? How do you record and produce your music?

Eric: I play music every day and especially in the morning when I go to my studio with my cup of coffee, it’s a perfect time to improvise and to get creative.

When I have an interesting melody or something that generates special atmosphere, I start to record on my computer. Most of the time the arrangements are done on the fly, just because I want to preserve the first impression. When I get enough tracks, 20 or 25, I stopped to organize them and I see if there is some link from one to another. Then if all become coherent it’s a beginning of an album.

Emma: What do you look to convey to your listeners when you create music do you look to express a theme or do you let the music take over your lyrics?

Eric: I always play music first for me, I like to be surprised by happy accident and LIM

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as long as I’m happy with the result, I can decide to communicate with the public by releasing the album.

Emma: Where do we find your music on the internet? Which is your latest release?

Eric: You can find my music on all the major digital platforms, Spotify, Deezer, YouTube, SoundCloud, you name it. In March I just released a track I composed with a Japanese singer, just before in December I released a depressed album called Eponymous and currently I’m working on another Deep Forest album, I hope it will be ready by the end of this year. There is also a project in progress with a French electronic musician by the name of Fakear.

Emma: How do artists in successful bands get their best into their music? What makes their vibe? How do you sustain great momentum for long?

Eric: The most difficult question. When you have a long career your tastes and your

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"it’s quite challenging to renew your creativity, to continue to explore music for yourself and to keep your aesthetic up to date. This is an every day work".

influences change just world is changing too, on another hand your audience wants your specific sound, so it’s quite challenging to renew your creativity, to continue to explore music for yourself and to keep your aesthetic up to date.

This is an everyday work.

Emma: The lockdown brought the industry to a halt for some time, but many in music used it for creating new music. How did you spend this lockdown with respect to your music?

Eric: During that time, I was very active on internet, I did videos almost every day von my YouTube channel, improvising or playing my songs, talking about music theory or keyboards. It was important for me to keep contact with my audience during this hard time.

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Emma: What are your immediate future plans?

Eric: Rehearsal with my new musician team, we have concerts in July.

Emma: What is the best advice given to you and what would you share with fellow young artists?

Eric: Be passionate and work a lot.

- Thank you

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About the Columnist Emma Goldberg is French Pop Singer, Composer, Video Producer, Author writing in Italian, Spanish, English, French. She also is a radio host in Radio 242 UK introducing independent musicians to audiences across UK, France and the nearby countries. Emma has her own radio show called Just like Emma which is maintained here for the column she contributes to Lazie Indie Magazine.

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Tomiko Dixon Grand Blues Review presents veteran blues musician Rodney Brown.

Rodney Brown started down his musical path at the age 6, after 7 years of classical piano and 4 years of percussion in High School he began his love affair with the saxophone. Influenced by legendary entertainers such as Eddie Harris, Von Freeman, Sonny Seales, James Moody, Dexter Gordan, Gene Ammons, Louie Jordan, Lou Rawls, Joe Williams, Brook Benton..., the list goes on as he continues to implement the sound of legends into his energetic, intelligent, funky, groovy interpretation of contemporary blues, jazz, and soul. Rodney's road career started in 1972. Since that time he's toured the world with various artist: Walter Jackson, The Chi-Lites, Eddy Floyd, Michael Henderson, Jean Carn, Deitra Farr, Big Time Sarah, Aaron Burton, Kenny Neal, Michael Coleman, Katherine Davis, Dennis Binder, Vance Kelly, Johnny Drummer, Barbara LeShour, Karen Carroll, Peaches Stanton,

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Eddie Shaw, Sam Taylor, to name a few, at venues from Carnegie Hall to John Anson Ford Theater in Los Angeles, from Montreal to New Orleans and numerous European tours. Performances in Belgium, Holland, Switzerland, England, France, Spain, & India have allowed the "Hotrod Karma" to be experienced world-wide.

Now out on his own he has put together a fabulous collection of uniquely talented, well rounded musicians and has been working all over the country. David Wilcox from the Record in Troy, N.Y. states "Take the sophistication of Earth Wind & Fire, the funk of Sly and the Family Stone, some down home Chicago Blues.........stir it up and you'll have Hotrod".

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About the Columnist This column is contributed by Tomiko Dixon who is the granddaughter of the Great Willie Dixon and also the youngest inductee to the Blues Hall of Fame and an Ambassador of Blues. Lazie Indie Magazine is glad and honored to join her cause to keep the spirit of Blues alive.

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Having performed over 105 shows in a year alone with her largest audience being of 100,000 people, Vancouver, Canada based R&B singer-songwriter Ashley Pater touches the hearts of her listeners through her music. Ashley’s award-winning songwriting combined with her soulful sultry voice, draws you into her story. She is the first artist to have three songs in the top twenty simultaneously on New Zealand charts. Ashley has been featured in Starbeat magazine, Business in Vancouver, Cloverdale Reporter, The Surrey Now Newspaper, Hope Standard Newspaper and many more. Her goal is to give the world music that they can lose themselves in, listen as she does just that. Jay from Lazie Indie Magazine spoke to Ashley Pater to know more about her musical journey so far and her future plans. Thanks to Pamela Harbottle of Big Records and Galaxy FM for introducing Ashley to Lazie Indie Magazine. Read On...

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Jay: Hi Ashley, welcome to Lazie Indie Magazine. It is great speaking to you!!!

You have had a very exciting career so far as a musician. How do you feel was your journey so far?

Ashley: It’s been a steady incline and I’m absolutely loving it. From the people I’m meeting and the lives my music is touching, I’m incredibly thankful.

Jay: How and when did you come into music? When did you make your first clear step into music as a career?

Ashley: I guess it all started when I was eight. I was obsessed with YTV’s The Next Star (a youth talent tv show across Canada) and always wanted to be on the show, but I thought they were all paid actors. Well, the day I learnt they were real kids, I told my parents all about it and next thing I knew, we were lined up for the audition. My dad held my spot in line and even though it was five in the morning, we were fifty first in line! Soon after, I got a vocal coach, picked up the guitar and haven’t look back since.

Jay: Why did you pick up the genre? Why R&B? Who were your musical influences?

Ashley: I love how atmospheric and vibey R&B is. The genre brings a rounded and unique flavor that makes you close your eyes and listen. Jessie Reyes, Anderson Paak, Giveon and Kehlani are definitely at the top of my list. They all know who they are and it shows in their music.

Jay: How do you go about writing your songs? How do you record and produce your music?

Ashley: Well, my process for each song is different. As some may spark from a cool melody or riff and others from something I see or experience. If I’m starting with a riff or the instrumentation, I’ll choose the right instrument to start the process. For example, piano is my emotional instrument therefore when writing a sad song I would gravitate to using the keyboard. I’ve been producing and coproducing my songs in my home studio. I hop on video calls all the time, so I’m able to work with many talented people abroad too!

Jay: You are also a Model. Tell us... about LIM

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your Modelling career so far?

Ashley: I strongly believe in being wellrounded, so modelling perfectly came into the picture. I’ve walked in numerous shows such as Vancouver Fashion Week as well as walking for many designers, Anqa, Gundula Couture, Alça, Femmka and Kraft Corridor to name a handful. I brought home two winning metals from IMTA (International Modelling and Talent Association). I have also been featured in Starbeat magazine, Apparel New Zealand, Business in Vancouver, Cloverdale Reporter, The Surrey Now Newspaper, Hope Standard Newspaper and many more. I love how it’s all intertwined as modelling doubles as acting and the two are key components to being an artist.

Jay: Which is your latest music release?

Tell us more...

Ashley: I recently came out with my new single, “my future” (available on Spotify, Apple Music, etc…) I know we all worry a LIM

little too much about almost everything, so I wanted to write a song addressing how we create our own demons. That I wish I had the future to worry about my future and how worrying wrecks so many things happening right now. I’ve wrapped many exciting projects around this release and cannot wait to get them in the hands of the listeners! Stay tuned!

Jay: Tell us what you like the most...

Writing, producing or performing?

Ashley: Ohh, that’s a hard one. As much as I love the rush from performing and seeing the direct result of your music, writing is where my heart is at. Writing songs is like therapy for me, it’s where I always feel at home. I’ll have times in my life where I don’t know what to do or how to handle it, so I’ll write a song and realize how I’m actually feeling. Music is so magical and so emotional. It’s beautiful how a song that I write according to my life and views can touch another person’s heart with their own views and opinions.

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Jay: What is your plan for the immediate future say, 2022 as a musician?

Ashley: 2022 is going to be a year full of releases and feel good tunes. I’ll be hopping back on tour with Rise Up TV and could not be more excited to meet more of you!

I’m super excited for you to see my new projects I’ve been working on.

Jay: What is the best advice given to you and what would you share with fellow young artists?

Ashley: To be yourself. It has been said a billion times but it could not be more true.

You are special and unique which should be celebrated not diminished. Don’t be the next Ariana Grande, be the next you.

Jay: Thank you for your time and it was great speaking to you.

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Australian singer-songwriter, instrumentalist and guitarist Joe Matera has an impressive track record in his career. This includes playing guitar for famed British music legend Steve Harley. His songs and music speak with authority and emotion straight from the heart. Since 2010 he has recorded and released several well received albums and EPs through various European record labels and has toured Europe on a regular basis. As a solo artist he has performed live in concert supporting the likes of many music legends like rocker Peter Criss (KISS), blues legends Canned Heat, His acoustic instrumental ‘Brick By Brick’ was voted #18 on the Top 100 Chilliest tracks of 2022 by Australian digital radio network SBS Chill Radio. In November, 2021 his first book, 'Backstage Pass: The Grit and The Glamour' was published worldwide via UK based publishing house, Empire Publishing. Jay from Lazie Indie Magazine speaks to Joe Matera.

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Jay: You have had a fabulous career spanning decade, what keeps you going?

When you look back, how do you see your career over all these years?

JM (Joe Matera): It’s my calling, it’s something I HAVE to do, not want to do, so it is what keeps me going through thick and thin. If I was doing it for the money, I would have chosen a different career, or if I was doing it for my ego, I would have chosen becoming a celebrity and seeking my fifteen minutes of soulless fame. This business is one of the toughest you could work in, so you have to be doing it for the right reasons if you are going to last the distance. Otherwise, get out!

Jay: Coming to your guitar works who were your musical influences and why did you pick up your genre?

JM: I have many influences, but my main early guitar influences were instrumental outfits like The Shadows and The Ventures, then later on I discovered many guitar-oriented rock acts that are too numerous to mention but which run the gamut from Queen to Def Leppard and others. I also delved in and learned from other genres too such as jazz and the blues. It’s important to learn all styles if you want to be a well-rounded musician and guitar player.

Jay: How do you go about writing your songs?

JM: It usually starts with me coming up with a melody or riff on the guitar and then I develop it until it forms a song or something and from there, I will either work on the lyrics or work on it as an instrumental track.

Jay: You have played along with greats of rock music. What is the one thing you can learn from them as the top learning that can take you long way in your career?

JM: That talent alone is not the only requirement to make it in this business.

You also need persistence, tenacity and a strong-willed desire to not follow trends.

And finally, you need to believe in yourself, even when everyone else doesn’t.

Jay: What is your favorite thing to do, write, produce or play live?

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first book. I also composed and recorded an EP CD titled ’The Lone Runner’ that has just been released through a German label, Moloko Plus Records. The CD is a totally different project for me stylistically for me, as it’s all instrumental and an experimental electronica outing. Check it out here: http://www.molokoplusrecords.de/ Jay: What is your plan for the immediate future say, 2022 as a musician?

JM: To keep writing, recording and performing.

Jay: What was the best advice given to you? What would be your advice to an aspiring Indie artist who is talented and willing to put that extra effort?

JM: To believe in yourself, work hard and never give up…

- Thank you JM: Performing live and touring Europe is what I love the best, it’s where as a performer you connect with your audience and as a community. To hear your music connect and mean something to another person, well, words can never describe how that feels.

Jay: Can you tell us a bit about your latest project? Where in the internet can we find your music on?

JM: I have numerous projects. My latest single is ‘Louder Than Words’ (official video here: https://youtu.be/ WTB9v8XgSPE ) and you can find my music on iTunes, Spotify and all the usual digital platforms. I’m also a published author, and my new book, ‘Backstage Pass: The Grit and The Glamour’ can be purchased via Amazon. It was recently a #1 best seller on the Amazon Book Charts in Sweden! You can also find everything else about me on my website: www.joematera.com Jay: The long lockdowns have in a way realigned the music scene today and many artists used this period to create new content and also to network across the world. What did you do?

JM: I wrote and recorded lots of music, did some collaborations, and wrote my LIM

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Kris Anders is a Canadian singer/songwriter from Canada with over a decade of experience in the music industry as a songwriter, performer, executive producer and music manager. His widely acclaimed debut single, "Shattered" has found rotation on over 100 radio stations across the world and has been featured on commercial playlists throughout North America, South America and Europe. Kris’ 2022 followup single, "How Did We Get Here" is getting attention from listeners and radios across the world. He is currently working on his forthcoming album, "The Threshing Room Floor", due in October 2022. Jay from Lazie Indie Magazine speaks to Kris Anders to know more about his fabulous journey as a musician so far and his upcoming release. Let us read...

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Jay: Hi, Kris You have had a great career.

How do you look at your journey so far?

What keeps you going?

Kris: I look back at the many experiences I've had being involved in music and can't imagine doing anything else. I've had many different roles from being a manager, executive producer, as well as a performing and recording artist, which has allowed me to see the music industry from a variety of perspectives. I've met some of my best friends through music as well as some real characters. The desire to keep creating is what keeps me going, I love it.

Jay: How and when did you come into music as a serious career option, who were your influences?

Kris: I came into music as a serious career option when I was living on the Sunshine Coast of BC, Canada in the late 2000's and began managing my wife, Deanna J Cartea's, career. I was always in the background until 2020 when I had the opportunity to move forward as an artist.

I'm influenced by a variety of singer songwriters like Damien Rice and Chris Stapleton, as well as bands like The Doors and Kings of Leon. I'm also influenced by authors like Ernest Hemingway.

Jay: You are nominated for The Josies this year for the best male vocalist category, What does awards and recognition mean to you?

Kris: Last year, I was nominated for Best Rock Song of the Year for “Shattered” and I was thrilled! This year, it was for Best Male Vocalist. I found that special because this year the nomination is based on my technical skill and ability rather than the songwriting. I never set out with the intent to win an award but when it happens I really try to take the time to appreciate the achievement. It's important to celebrate each success as the music industry can be really challenging.

Jay: How do you go about writing music?

Kris: I write everything using just my guitar, usually my acoustic. As a writer, I constantly make notes when I have lyric ideas. Then I'll often come up with a chord structure and try to put the lyrics LIM

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over the chords. Most often, a melody will just pop into my head, and I'll grab my guitar and try to capture that moment. I like to let the music come to me.

Jay: Do you produce your music or work with established producers? What are those few key things you keep in mind when you produce? In case of an external producer do you let him/her re-imagine a song for a newer perspective?

Kris: I use established producers to record the songs. As a singer/songwriter, the song is already written and completed by the time I get to the studio, it then just becomes a process of how best to build it into a professional record. My producer, Andrew Smith, is very creative and has some great musical ideas which allows the record to be more accessible to a wider audience.

Jay: Tell us about "How Did We Get Here"? Your song 'Shattered' was a smash hit with airplay on over 100 radio stations across the world. Tell us more about it...

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Kris: “How Did We Get Here” is an introspective and poetic song that has always resonated with the audience. It was my 2nd release and is now playing on over 80 radio stations. “Shattered” did incredibly well, especially for a debut song and landed me a recording and distribution deal with White Lion Audio and Sony the Orchard. Despite my past experience, I still felt a bit new when I embarked on my own journey so the immediate success allowed me to feel I was on the right path. While on lockdown, a lot of artists used the time for creative experimentation and content creation.

Jay: What were your lockdown days like?

Kris: I had just started a band in 2020 and we had started rehearsing regularly when the lockdown hit. That's when I decided to start recording my originals. I recorded 3 songs over this time and continued to write more. My bandmates and I continued to collectively improve Page 38

"always act professional, in who you are and how you represent yourself. Be true to who you are as an artist"

our musicianship over this time. We are now booked for several upcoming shows in the Okanagan Valley.

Jay: What are your upcoming releases?

Kris: “This Time” is the next release coming out on July 8th, 2022. This is a cover song from the 2007 Film, “August Rush”. I've made it my own over the years, it's such a beautiful song that I decided I had to record it. I've also been back in the studio with 3 more originals in the process of being recorded. Soon, I'll have a 6 song EP available to share with the world and I'm really excited about that!

Jay: When you look ahead, what can be your immediate and medium term goals?

Kris: Live music has just made its return to many places, including my home here in BC, Canada. I have a number of shows lined up both solo and with a full band LIM

this summer. With a new album in hand soon, I'll be looking to book tours across Canada and the USA. Jay: What is the best advice you had received so far and what would you advise an upcoming artist?

Kris: Thanks. I was lucky early on in my career to work with a Label owner, Bobby Hanson, who has always given me great advice. But the biggest topic he covers is to always act professional, in who you are and how you represent yourself. Be true to who you are as an artist.

- Thank you

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Growing up in a multi-talented musical family, Mohamed Noor began his music career playing the percussions at the age of 5. His desire for and love of music inspired him to play a great variety of percussion instruments from around the world. Today, Mohamed Noor plays more than 25 percussion instruments with a wealth of musical experience. He has created a unique style for himself playing the drums and percussions together. This has given him the extra edge of being known as a versatile percussionist and drummer around Asia. Mohamed Noor was active performing in the Singapore Music Night Scene, taught and conducted Master Classes around Asia. He is still involved in recording sessions and performances as a versatile percussionist and drummer. Santhosh Chandran speaks to this veteran drummer on behalf of Lazie Indie Magazine.

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Santhosh: Mohamed Noor You are a Latin percussionist from Singapore who has traveled around the world conducting shows, that has given you great exposure to world music. What is the main difference you have felt between the music of different cultures say Indian Classical and Latin music?

MN(Mohamed Noor) : As for me , having to play Indian Percussions and Latin percussions, I realise there is lots of similarities. Same rhythms are being played with different techniques because of the nature of the drums from different cultures. I believe in all different genres of music around the world, every genre of music is evolved around their culture.

Because of the approach with different techniques and the way the drums are made , we hear the difference in sound that Identify their cultural background.

Santhosh: Who initiated you to music, How did you pick up drums as your instrument?

MN: I am grew up in a musical family. My late father was a musician. He played the accordion. My father taught us all music.

And my brothers taught me music s well As such, at young age, I learned to play percussions. Indian Percussions “The Tabla” was one of my first instruments .

Along side, I learned to play other percussion instruments as well. While in my early years I was not only playing percussions, I played the guitar, mandolin, clarinet, saxophone and Indian flute. As I grew up to my teens, I discovered my love for percussions and drums. I decided that is what I am going to do, playing drums and percussions.

Santhosh: You have worked with a plethora of greats, Who are musicians whom you loved to work the most with and why?

MN: Yes , I have worked with many great musicians from around the world. I loved to work almost everyone. Having to work with various musicians is a great experience . I think it is important to build a relationship to understand each other, the music and having to express music with the freedom to expression in LIM

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our collaboration and produce good music. Having said that, I think I love to work with my brothers most, because they understand me well. I understand them well too. We grew are up playing music together. They are my teaches. And most importantly, we enjoy playing music.

Santhosh: While playing music, a stage comes where every musician experiences a loss of subjective self individuality, which most of us have felt very spiritual.

How is music connected to spirituality, according to you?

MN: True, there comes a stage where I questioned music. What is music? We have all heard of music having the power to move people. Music can touch the heart of a listener. And I believe having to play a variety of different cultures of percussion instruments and understanding their rhythms, drew me closer to music is sound. The sound of our breath is music. Having to understand LIM

that music is a universal language, today in every performance even though I may be playing a particular genre of music, my approach is music. The sound that is produced to playing the music should come from the heart. To play music with love from the heart.

Santhosh: When you take the new age music scenarios, they are mostly centered on exhibiting individual talents. It can be their proficiency in techniques, scales, etc. Seldom do they focus on the core theme or feel of the music. Which one do you feel is more important while making music?

MN: Well, I think everything is important to produce or making music. What is needed is up to each individual as to how one wants to express music which one makes. As for me, I always love to produce music that could bring joy, peace, love. When it is time to exhibit my talent, it should come with the expression of love and joy. The world needs more Page 44

peace, happiness and harmony.

Santhosh: Noor, what do you enjoy more?

Playing solo (your band) or any other band? What is that you keep in mind while collaborating with greats working on their music?

MN: I don’t really enjoy taking solos very much when I am playing in a band.

However when I am given the opportunity or space in the music to take a solo, I always enjoy having an interaction with my fellow musicians. To play in a band is like having a conversation. We speak the language of music, interact, complement each other, laugh, have fun and have a great time.

Santhosh: Many times, while on stage playing before more proficient musicians from the industry, there are chances of the confidence levels getting affected for upcoming musicians. What would you like to tell them about the methods you used to adopt during such occasions?

MN: Practice your craft. Be confident with your instrument. Know the songs well. We win half the battle. Next is to put aside your fear. Go up there and have fun like there is no tomorrow and give your best. Enjoy the moment. Every moment

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is an experience. Every performance is a new learning journey. Mistakes do happen, we learn , we grow we become better, we evolve.

Santhosh: How did you spend the tough covid lockdown days? many worked on their skills and also created a lot of new material, Can we expect a lot of new releases from you?

MN: The Covid times was an interesting time for me. Though financially it was a little tough, I somehow managed to continue to do music through music support programs from the Singapore Arts Council and fellow musicians with on line shows. I worked on a project called “Walk On Percussions” which was an online release. It is on my YouTube page.

I had the opportunity to collaborate with other musicians who were also producing their new works. That kept me motivated and moving forward. Yes, I am working on new works myself. Definitely there will more new works in the new future.

Santhosh: What was the best advice given to you and what would you share with an upcoming musician?

Noor: Do what you love. Be it music or any profession. If you love to do music, be sincere, practice, spend time to keep learning. It is a never ending process to learn. In even profession there is always some obstacles to face. That’s life. I was also reminded by one of my mentor about tone, consistency in playing drums.

Which I feel is very important. Tone is also sound. Music is sound. If the tone is right, it will be pleasant to ears of a listener.

- Thank you

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About the Columnist Santhosh Chandran is an ace guitarist known as the inventor of the IndoFlamenco style of guitar playing. He has also developed on his own, a unique guitar-based instrument called Geena. He has played along with masters of music from both east and west and traveled all across the world with his music. A producer and performer of music, he is also a very respected tutor and has churned out many great guitarists who are now spreading their music and skills all over the world. Santhosh Chandran seeks to present some of the greats of music through this column "Maestro Speaks".

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Members: Vocals- Jane Sowerby Guitars- Richard Zwic Bass: Rick Ottenbrite Drums: Mike Mann

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ne Ugly Cowboy was founded by vocalist ‘Hurricane’ JANE SOWERBY and guitarist RICHARD ZWIC. Jane honed

her skills and fronted various bands including ‘A TRIBUTE TO JANIS JOPLIN’ and landed in Los Angeles where she worked with manager Gerry Tolman (CROSBY, STILLS & NASH) and attorney David Rudich (MONTLEY CRUE). Richard Zwic has written & worked with various top artists over the years. He has opened the show for headliners like Bryan Adams, Page 48

Steppenwolf, Nazareth, Headpins. Jane is an award-winning actor too with over 100 film and TV credits but late in 2014 while sitting in their home recording studio they decided to get the tunes off the shelf. OUC always delivers a high-energy show with a diverse repertoire packed with commercial well-written original tunes. OUC’s debut EP ‘Get Yer Ugly On’ was released in 2015. Their first full-length album RIDE WITH THE WIND was released January 2020 & 6 singles off that album charted top 5 on the Canadian Indie Country Countdown Chart. Their latest release I love Watch do is soaring radio charts across the world. Barbara Harkins and DJ Grant of Galaxy FM NewZealand presents this fantastic band from Canada to Lazie Indie readers through their column “Around the Galaxy”. Let us check it out!!!

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Barbara: You have had a very exciting career so far as a Country Rock Outfit.

How do you feel was your journey?

Jane: Richard and I had been having a fun & fabulous musical journey for a whole bunch of years prior to forming ONE UGLY COWBOY in 2015. We’ve released two records… played major country music festivals & I’ve got to say… life just keeps getting better and we’re having the time of our lives. ... After all it’s hard to take yourself too seriously with a name like ONE UGLY COWBOY! Barbara: Who were your musical influences. Why Country Rock?

Jane: Richard’s always been drawn to great pop songs no matter who the artist is. For me it's an emotional connection to the music... the performance and the voice. My tastes run the gambit from Queen to Janis Joplin. It's all about evoking a feeling when I listen and watch an artist. Richard and I's boots are firmly planted in rock 'n roll soil and when we formed OUC... country music was becoming the new rock so it seemed like a natural fit for our music.

Grant: How do you go about writing your songs? How do you record and produce your music?

Jane: Writing is different with each song.

Sometimes it starts with a lyric and the melody magically unfolds and sometimes it starts with a musical idea. Richard and I write tunes independently, but often we'll collaborate. We'll bounce an idea back and forth until the song evolves and we're both happy. Richard produces all our music and given technology these days, the tools available make our home studio a productive and comfortable place to record our music.

Grant: What do you look to convey through your music? A lyrical theme or a musical experience? Which gets your priority most times even though both are absolutely important.

Jane: Positivity and empowerment laced with love. Even the title single off our debut EP - Get Yer Ugly On was 100% about owning your power. 'Ugly' had a positive connotation. There's nothing LIM

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than when music and lyrics go together like a 'horse and carriage'!!! But ultimately at the core of what we do is the vibe/energy/mood & melody that drives us.

Barbara: Which is your latest release? We learned that you had great reviews on the same. Do let us know more about it.

Jane: We released our latest single 'I LOVE WHATCHA DO' in late March of this year. It was inspired by our little dog Rupert. I used to call him my 'Rupey doopy do' and for Richard that turned into the lyric 'poopy doopy do'. He’d had this guitar riff hanging around for a long time but could never find the right lyric/ approach then suddenly the light bulb came on and the song grew from that silly little line.

Grant: What do you like the most?

Writing, producing or performing?

Jane: All of the above for different reasons. Writing a song is totally magical & amazing for both of us - creating something out of nothing. Richard loves getting his hands in the clay in the studio producing & tweaking & bringing a song to life. And for me, I've got to say that connection with folks performing is the icing on the cake.

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Barbara: What is your plan for the immediate future say, 2022 as a band?

Jane: Just to get out and play and have fun. It's really that simple. That's what ONE UGLY COWBOY is all about.

Richard & I also have a bunch of our babies (tunes) that aren't right for OUC that we hope to get covered by other artists. And of course we'll keep releasing singles (as opposed to another album) as that seems to be the wave of the future in this digital world.

Grant: What is the best advice given to you and what would you share with fellow young artists?

Jane: Run fast! Kidding aside. Just follow your heart... your passion and your vision.

That's what we do & can honestly say at the end of our journey... we'll never look back and say 'what if'?

Grant: Thank you for sharing your insights... Looking forward to working with you again soon!!!

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About the columnist Around the Galaxy is a column contributed by Galaxy FM 107, New Zealand, introducing artists from New Zealand and Australia. Galaxy FM is one of the top radio stations in New Zealand and is quickly expanding its listener base across the world. The authors of the column, Barbara Harkins and DJ Grant are well known radio hosts at Galaxy FM hosting the popular Breakfast Show. LIM thanks team Galaxy for their support.

Website - www.galaxyfm.co.nz

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The Unfortunates are a high modern rock band from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Founded by vocalist/guitarist Tanner Gordon and bassist Tim Plamondon, the duo instantly formed a tight musical chemistry that evolved beyond folk roots. Drummer Brendan McGonigle was added to create the original inception of the band combining loud guitars, rugged lyrics and strong vocal support. The Unfortunates pack a punch with their accessible and original sound. The band played its 200th show and continued to develop into one of the premier live bands in Alberta. The band’s latest self-titled album was released in 2018. Jay from Lazie Indie Magazine spoke to Tanner Gordon to know more about the band and their plan for the near future...

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Jay: Hi Tanner and the Unfortunates, Welcome to Lazie Indie Magazine. It is great speaking to you!!! You have had a very exciting career so far as a musician/ band. How do you feel was your journey?

Tanner: Hi Jay, thrilled to be included in this edition of Lazie Indie Magazine, great speaking with you! We've had an exciting journey, it's been a long journey at times but we are so proud of being together for this many years playing the music we wanted to hear. Our story has always been evolving. We started with more folk, acoustic undertones and worked our way to more anthemic rock songs and with four albums to date you can imagine there is everything in between as well.

We've never taken the easy road and that grind has really defined us as a band.

We've worked incredibly hard to continue this career.

Jay: How did you come into music? Who were your musical influences?

Tanner: Music came into my life at such a young age, I was enthralled immediately with the lyrics of songs, often wearing out the booklets that came with the albums.

I've been influenced by different bands at different times, early in life Canadian bands like "Our Lady Peace" and "The Tragically Hip" controlled the disc player.

When I started playing guitar, "Nirvana" and "Pearl Jam" helped me find my grunge side. Then the words of "Neil Young", "Bob Dylan" and "Bruce Springsteen" helped shape me as a songwriter.

Jay: Why did you name the band The Unfortunates?

Tanner: At the beginning of the band we were playing shows as Tanner Gordon & His Band and it worked for a while. But as soon as we started really writing songs collectively, we needed to find a name for the group as it was no longer just my project. I worked with Tim Plamondon (Bass) at the time and he called me to the back room of the store to see what I thought of a name he had been working on (the logo as well). When he showed me "The Unfortunates" I was completely LIM

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"I recently released my first solo Album in 13 years "Tanner Gordon- Start Again". This was a really interesting process to take a step back to find my voice again".

taken aback as at that same time I was consumed by the novel "The Unfortunates - by B.S Johnson". The Unfortunates was our fate.

Jay: How do you go about writing your songs? How do you record and produce your music?

Tanner: We write quickly and honestly.

One of us will bring a part to practice that we've been working on and as soon as the band members hear their place they jump in. We will know almost instantly if it is going to stick. Then as they say, the magic happens. Tim (Bass) will begin to direct the music and find how it all fits together.

While this is happening I excuse myself but stay within earshot of the music being shaped. I find the words somewhere in the void and fill the pages. We get back together and smooth out and add anything the song is asking for. When it is time to record we only work with our LIM

producer of over a decade Stew Kirkwood He helps us to complete our sound and together we created the albums that define us as a band.

Jay: What is prime to you... the concept, the lyrics or the music itself?

Tanner: The nice thing about being in a band is different things can be important to every member. My first and real love of music will always be the lyrics for me and for Tim (Bass) it will always be the opposite - it is the music that speaks to him so. This creates the balance and uniqueness of our sound.

Jay: Which is your latest release? Tell us more about the video of "Love was right" that is unique. Why did you use sign language in the video?

Tanner: I recently released my first solo Album in 13 years "Tanner Gordon - Start Again". This was a really interesting process to take a step back to find my Page 57

brothers in arms in "The Unfortunates".

As shows for the year are announced you will be able to find them at www.tannergordon.ca + www.theunfortunates.ca Jay: What is the best advice given to you and what would you share with fellow young artists?

Tanner: Never do anything halfway. If it is worth doing, it is worth believing in and your dream is always worth believing in, even if others can't see it at first.

Jay: Thank you again, really appreciate your time and sharing our music.

voice again. To write on my own and make something so honest. Our latest release "The Unfortunates - The Unfortunates" won album of the year for the W.A.M Music Awards. The song "Love Was Right" was the standout single and the video is my favorite to date. Using sign language was very special for me as my mother is hard of hearing. I have always said that music is a feeling, not a sound and this became a great way to portray that via sign language.

Jay: What do you like the most? Writing, producing or performing?

Tanner: There are things to like about all of the process. The struggle and release that writing music gives, the realization of a dream that producing provides and the raw energy of performing live is unmatched in this life. There is nothing that can replace the roar of a crowd, the energy swirling just off the stage, the excitement when the lights go down and the power of the first not - performing is everything.

Jay: What is your plan for the immediate future say, 2022 as a musician?

Tanner: In 2022 I am excited to support my new music and album "Start Again", as well as getting back on stage with my LIM

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Having met over a hearty spaghetti dinner long ago, The Weird Sisters made an instant connection and have been jamming out ever since. The independent rock duo based in Nashville, TN is comprised of Izaac Short’s unique vocals and guitar playing, while Gabrielle Lewis handles the keys and saxophone. As a DIY band with their electrifying and high-energy live shows - they’ve accumulated a cult-like, grassroots following. In 2021 they completed two songs with seven-time GRAMMY Award-winning producer Vance Powell. Jay from Lazie Indie Magazine speaks to The Weird Sisters... let us check out!!!

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Jay: How do you feel about your musical journey?

WS (Weird Sisters): Great, we're having a blast. It's not always easy but ain't nothing worth doing unless you get sweaty.

Jay: Who/what were your musical influences?

WS: Our answer to that question changes all the time. It could be a bird tweeting or a weird conversation at the bar. As for current musical influences - LCD Sound System, 50 cent (he has a really sick book you should check out) John Coltrane, Morphine, Roy Buchanan and this album

by Ravi Shankar and Philip Glass called Passages (some of the most beautiful music ever written.)

Jay: How do you go about writing your songs? How do you record and produce your music?

WS: We jam all the time and are always throwing stuff at the wall. If it sticks, it eventually becomes a song in some form.

We record almost everything at our home studio, get it as far as we can and find the best dude to mix it. Our whole process is extremely DIY for everything we do.

Jay: What do you look to convey through your music? A lyrical theme or musical experience? Which gets your priority most times even though both are absolutely important?

WS: That's a really great question.

Whether it's a lyrical theme or a musical experience is completely up to the listener and what they take away from it. For us, every song requires a lot of time and emotion, we give every song everything we have. The message we would like to convey right now: Don't wait on anyone to do what you wanna do. Don't let anyone tell you who you are. Figure that shit out for yourself and swing for the fence.

Jay: Which is your latest release? We learned that you had great reviews on it.

Do let us know more.

WS: We just put out Live and I Learn. It's a song about not letting booty get in between you and where you want to be.

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because it's just the two of us, we don't have a label or any help with marketing, promotion, booking, etc. But we're playing the long game, in the end it's only about making music.

Jay: What is the best advice given to you and what would you share with fellow young artists?

WS: Always take the gig. Don't be afraid to make decisions. Only 2 things matter: Are you good at what you do? Are you a good hang? Our buddy Vance once told us "It can always be better." Words to live by.

anything but in essence it's any that takes you away from pursuing your purpose. It was the first time we didn't record a track in our basement. We spent a few days at Blackbird Studio A and Sputnik Sound.

Vance Powell and Mike Fahey were awesome to work with and definitely got the best out of us.

Jay: What do you like the most? Writing, producing or performing?

WS: ALL OF THE ABOVE. We could never choose, they're all beautiful in different ways. Writing: You are a conduit, the music passes through you and you're just along for the ride.

Producing: All about making decisions and cleaning up the mess you made when writing the damn thing. Performing: All about that sexual energy between you and whoever is in the room.

Jay: What is your plan for the immediate future, say 2022, as a band?

WS: We are really looking for a badass booking agent right now. We want to play as many shows as humanly possible and want to tour endlessly. From Paris to Antarctica, no limits. We'll bring a generator if the money is right. We have a ton of music we're wrapping up and can't wait to share. It's a longer process LIM

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Multi-instrumentalist and multi-genre recording artist and producer from North Carolina. Marc Killian comes from a musical family. His mom, a country artist, hit the Billboard Top 200 back in the 70s and toured heavily around the states. Starting out as a drummer playing since 3 or 4 yrs old, he stayed with drums all my life but at 17 he discovered a passion for the guitar, singing and rock-n-roll. Marc is a member of BMI, ISSA and is a proud endorser of Soultone Cymbals. He has been played on traditional FM radio and internet radio all over the world and was nominated for “Male Artist Of The Year” by Music Mafia Radio. Was #1 with his track “Think It Over” on 89.5 The Valley in Australia. Marc's song video was nominated for social video of the year by ISSA. Marc has played all over the states in the 90s thru 2019 with various groups and acts. Opening up for some big names like Foreigner, Crissy Steele, Loudness, Kid Rock, and others. Jay of LIM speaks to Marc Killian...

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Jay: Hi Marc, welcome to Lazie Indie Magazine, great to speak to you. You have had a very exciting career so far as a musician. How do you feel was your journey?

Marc: I've been a musician all my life since I first played drums with my mom's band as a child. The journey has had highs and lows through the years, but where I am today is a very comfortable place. Musically, lyrically and vocally I think I am better now than ever before. I built my own studio and began releasing material again during the pandemic. No genre specifically in mind now I just create to create. Very freeing and therapeutic.

Jay: Who were your musical influences?

Marc: First was my mom, a country singer in the 70s/80s, she showed me how to be a fantastic live entertainer.

Then in my teens, I went rock and become very influenced by bands and artists like Van Halen, Styx, Journey, and Rush but always kept a real love and a vibe for music that was rooted in bluesbased passages and phrasings. Through the years I have been inspired by way too many artists to list. It would take the whole interview.

Jay: How do you go about writing your songs? How do you record and produce your music?

Marc: Since I usually write, record, play, and sing everything you hear on my material the process has a bit of a routine.

I will let a guitar riff or melody come to me and then start to build from there.

Once I have an outline I will go lay down the drums either solely from what I hear in my head or with a guide guitar track it just depends. Then finish working through the song from there adding each part until I get it how I like it. Usually spend too much time tinkering but that is part of the fun and excitement of it for me.

Jay: What do you look to convey through your music? A lyrical theme or a musical experience? Which gets your priority most times even though both are absolutely important.

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Marc: So I try to write about the life I see around me or my own world from a lyrical standpoint. Sometimes it's something a friend or loved one is going through. Sometimes it's what our society, country or world is going through. Darker tones, imagery and minor chords tend to be easier for me to build songs around as I am drawn to using music as therapy but I do enjoy something upbeat as well like my newest song at the time of this interview "Radio Love Song", it's peppy, fun and a good time song that you can dance and sing along with. Also, a littleknown fact that other artists might agree with is that happy music is hard to make at least for me. It's a fine line between happy and cheesy.

Jay: Which is your latest release? We learned that you had great reviews on the same. Do let us know more about it.

Marc: As I mentioned my new track "Radio Love Song" is getting positive feedback from various stations, publications, playlisters, and fans around the globe. The feedback has been about the fun factor of the track. It has elements of jazz mixed with 70s-style electric piano and organ but all wrapped up in a fun rock-n-roll song about dating and music LIM

on the radio. We all can relate to getting ready for a date at some point and listening to the radio while doing so and hearing our favorite songs that got us hyped up and excited for spending time with that special someone. Been a rite of passage for many years for so many of us.

So this song is an ode to radio and love.

It's a radio love song.

Jay: What do you like the most? Writing, producing or performing?

Marc: Wow. I love all of it. Performing has taken a backseat due to the changes in the world but I am working on getting that element back in play. But overall I would say I am very comfortable in both elements equally. I love being in the studio and creating but certainly enjoy the excitement of performing live for a crowd that is there to see and hear your work. Nothing quite like that.

Jay: What is your plan for the immediate future say, 2022?

Marc: I'm working on a few more songs to finish off my album called "Fifty". I will let you guess why it's called that. Working on putting a band together and getting back out there for more performances is also on the radar for this year so that we can open things up a bit more in 2023.

Jay: What is the best advice given to you and what would you share with fellow young artists?

Marc: That's tough as there are so many things that impact our lives differently.

I'd say if you have it within you then chase it and chase it hard. Even if life throws you curveballs do your best not to lose sight of the dream. Passion is what makes all the great things that might happen in our lives possible, to me anyway. Put in the work, exude passion, and persevere. Don't let go of the things that mean the most to you because one day they will be gone.

- Thank you

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Dried Up Dreams by Jay and the Cooks (released this past March) is a collection of original rock and blues songs entirely in English along with the famous “I Just Came to Tell You That I’m Going” by Serge Gainsbourg. Jay wanted to talk about his experience as an immigrant. Grouping songs with a blues feel sprinkled with country reminds him of the country of his younger years, “Dried Up Dreams” alludes to various subjects going from simple pleasures such as reading or the cuisine to politics and the people around him. Released on French-based record label Juste Un Trace, one of Dried Up Dream’s main attractions are the heavy, imposing drums and bass that reminds one of some 70’s recordings. The album was recorded on analog vintage equipment. Lazie Indie Magazine (LIM) recently spoke with Jay Ryan (JR) about the new album, ‘Jay & The Cooks’ touring in France and much more. Here’s how it went.

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LIM: Jay, you put it right out there, calling your album Dried Up Dreams.

Take us through your thoughts when you were pouting together the songs for the album?

JR: Let me talk about my state or mind at the time I was writing and collecting the songs. It was in 2019 that I started writing. It was the last year of a USA presidency that drove me crazy. I couldn’t even read a book during those years (oh yes, I did read an 800-page history of the American Civil War to perk up my spirit).

So, at the time I was living in St Denis, France, a down-and-out suburb of Paris which was getting ready to host the 2024 Olympic Games. They were literally tearing down everything around us.

Government housing for immigrant workers, old houses, old bars, worker’s vegetable gardens all being demolished and swept away to the dust bin of history.

Then came COVID and everything started shutting down. So that’s the background of the album and the song “Dried Up Dreams”. The USA was drying up, my ugly but beloved town was drying up, and the clubs were shutting down. In short, I wrote the album in my head while walking around St Denis.

LIM: There's so many different musical influences on Dried Up Dreams. Who are some of yours and why? Did the influence of any of your favorite artists find their way into any of the songs on Dried Up Dreams?

JR: Well, I’m glad you asked that question. What I really like playing is blues bass, I mean when I discovered Muddy Waters at the age of 20 it changed my life. So, of course blues, I was thinking humbly of Jimmie Vaughan on my guitar for “Deaf Water”. When I was a kid I used to play Creedence Clearwater full blast in my clunker Chevy II so that’s “Chew the Cud”. I love New Orleans blues like Earl King which influenced “Organic Lush”. I had the Black Crowes in the back of mind for Poor Everybody.” And finally, country music finds its way into the album on “Frontline Worker Blues” and “I Just Came To Tell You That I’m Going”. Why LIM

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all these influences? I would say my years in Austin, Texas for 1974 to 1977 were the most influential. I saw most of the great blues men at Antoine’s Blues Club on 6th Street. From Clifton Chenier & the Fabulous Thunderbirds to John Lee Hooker, they all played there, it was a heady time for the blues in Austin; then there were the countryoriented clubs like the Broken Spoke, every kind of music can think of at the Armadillo World Headquarters. I was a lucky young guy to have lived in Austin at that time.

LIM: Let's go a little deeper on some of the songs on Dried up Dreams, which ones meant the most to you after you recorded them?

JR: “Poor Everybody” has the heavy sound and words that I was feeling at the time in 2019. I really do feel like the world is crashing down around us LIM

so the song is a kind of primal scream.

“I Just Came Here To Tell You That I’m Going,” suggested to me by Paul Bessone at Juste une Trace Records, is a country style cover of the famous French song by Serge Gainsbourg. I think it gives the song a new twist, rather than high society Parisian it’s the cowboy riding off into the sunset.

“Alton McCarver”, is a homage to a construction worker colleague of mine during my Austin years. He was the strongest man I’ve ever met and his brother was the first real Bluesman that I ever played with (thanks to illustrations by Xavier Delaunoy for the clip). The collaboration with Stephane Missri on “Frontline Worker Blues”, Chris Drapier on “Empty Glass of Love” (my first love song) and Jack Clark on “Confederate Son” were great because I like involving talented Page 71

friends in my musical projects.

LIM: How's the music and live gigs scene doing in France where you live, at the moment, and are Jay And The Cooks out gigging at present (or do you have plans to tour soon)?

JR: Like a lot of musicians, the last two years have been horrible for gigging in France. I had a small tour set up in Paris in 2020 which was cancelled because of the first COVID lockdown.

Since the album came out I’ve moved to the countryside and the lockdown have just been lifted, so let’s hope things get better. I’m collaborating at the moment with a musician I’ve known for a long time, Didier Marty; we have twelve shows scheduled opening for the “Theatre dans La Nuit” festival in Amboise, France in July (http://tdnuit.net). We’ll be doing a combination of my songs and his. It’s great getting back into live music.

LIM: What's your take on the music industry as a whole now, and what steps can it take to not just survive, but thrive?

JR: Honestly, I don’t know. Digital LIM

changed everything and is still changing everything. First CD sales die a slow death; then I see that the major labels are making money like never before with streaming. My thing is roots music, but roots music isn’t reaping any of the benefits of streaming. How to remedy that situation is a complicated affair. On top of it, here in France, people don’t really understand American Roots Music. They don’t get the difference between the various styles, which is understandable, it’s France! So, when you do a mix of styles like Jay and the Cooks the public has a hard time fitting us in a category. Blues festivals book “Simple Minds” but don’t understand that you can mix things up like we do. Straight blues bands do fairly well in France but you have to do classic covers basically. So how to fix things, let’s talk about France. Make it easier for clubs and local live music to function. Roots music is played live in clubs. That’s where I learned about music and that’s where you have to start.

LIM: The Five-Year plan for Jay and the Cooks is?

JR: Our plan for the next few years is to make a new album in 2023 with Juste une Trace Records. I’m writing the songs at the moment. I’ll be playing out here in the country where I live with a small trio to keep my chops up and have fun. We are trying to get the Jay and the Cooks live act back up and running from its post-COVID blues as well!

To know more Jay and The Cooks and/ or Dried Up Dreams? www.jayandthecooks.com; https://www.facebook.com/ jayandthecooks/; and www.juste-unetrace.com/en/produit/dried-updreams-2.

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Ireland's Songbird Lorraine McCauley is invited to sing at the Carroll Baker Mem'ries weekend this July. Canada's Queen of Country Music, Carroll Baker has invited Lorraine McCauley to sing at the very special Carroll Baker Mem'ries Weekend at Port Medway Novia Scotia in her beautiful church to raise funds for the church. "Carroll says she has been a fan of my music and singing for a while now and I was humbled and honored when she asked me to perform in July for such a special occasion. I feel truly blessed. I am very much looking forward to meeting Carroll, performing in the beautiful church along with Carroll and all the wonderful artists on this truly special weekend. God Bless" says Lorraine McCauley. Lorraine's latest release written by Cliff Austin Your Perfect Love has topped the Indie Radio charts.

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Naomi & The Boys - Lyia Meta Music has no boundaries, no color, nor creed. Rather clichéd but most certainly true. Musicians are a rare breed. We create and at times suffer for our creations.

Ours is a passion that's indescribable, an infinite need that keeps us teetering at the edge of a precipice. Well, at least that's how I feel when I create. We are a work in progress that never ends. Through our music we also pay homage to the greats that came before us as their influence inter weave with our very own voice. I often lament that the talents that came before the many we have today are sometimes forgotten, bundled up and stored away only to have their moment of glory once more when the passing on of one of their members are brought to light or a memory triggers something deep within us. When I first started my column 'THROUGH CORRIDORS', I mulled over the possibilities of what I could contribute that would

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make a difference. Our musical family, be it independent or otherwise is huge and filled with abundant talent that's not just in the present but also in the past. I wanted to shine a light, albeit in a small and humble way, the talents that once were. I would like to journey back through time, just as often as I would like to stay in the present. Everyone has a story. This time I would like to take you to the island of Singapore in the 60’s, when she brought forth so many talented musicians and artists like The Quests, The Thunderbirds, The Crescendos, The Trailers, Naomi and The Boys and many more. I had the privilege to interview Alphonso Soosay from the famed Singaporean band ‘Naomi and The Boys’.

A popular band in the mid 60’s, they released 14 studio albums between 1965 and 1969, covering pop favorites and originals that were instant favorites.

Fronted by the shy, 16 year old Naomi Suriya, she was a diamond in the rough whose quiet and unassuming demeanor, coupled with talent endeared her to her fans and made her a household name.

Often remembered for hits such as “It’s All Over” “Happy Happy Birthday Baby” and many more, she was backed by LIM

“The Boys” who were made up of guitarist Robert Suriya, Peter Thomas, rhythm guitar, Moses Tay, bass and Alphonso Soosay, percussion and acoustic drums, they went on to perform at the National Theatre in Singapore, Stadium Negara, Kuala Lumpur. Monthly Pop Inn TV shows, Istana Pesta TV shows, Early Bird show at Capitol cinema, Musical Express at the Odeon cinema, Bangkok, Thailand and many more. Early media reviews mentioned Naomi & The Boys as having had an extraordinary sound of their own with Naomi’s outstanding voice handling lyrics with ease. Along with superb feel and diction, back in the mid '60s Singapore, the band hit the charts often toppling international acts such as Cliff Richard, The Shadows, Dave Clark Five, Garry & The Peacemakers, The Ventures, Jumping Jewels, The Monkeys, The Beatles and many more on Singapore's, Indonesia’s and Malaysia’s pop music charts. By mid-1966 “Naomi & The Boys” achieved their first Gold Disc for their best-selling EP, “Happy Happy Birthday Baby”.

LM(LiyaMeta): Which year did you join NATB? Did you have to audition?

AS: I joined NATB in June 1965. At that time I was working in Champaign NightClub with The Flares when one late evening Robert came in to jam with us and after that night’s session I was invited for supper and coffee. I was asked by Robert if I would like to join his band NATB. LM: Which year did you join NATB? Did you have to audition?

AS: I joined NATB in June 1965. At that time I was working in Champaign NightClub with The Flares when one late evening Robert came in to jam with us and after that night’s session I was invited for supper and coffee. I was asked by Robert if I would like to join his band NATB. LM: Could you tell us a little about Naomi? Was Naomi the first choice or did the boys have someone else in mind?

AS: From memories I would say Naomi was a very shy person but had a very Page 78

extraordinary talent and timber of her own. During our Recording and Live Concert sessions Naomi’s outstanding voice handled the lyrics with ease along with superb feel and diction. Naomi was the first choice.

LM: Where and when was NATB discovered by recording executives?

AS: At that point in time, Naomi Suriya was acknowledged as a remarkable singing talent on Singapore’s TV. It was a singing talent competition that was held in her secondary school talent-time contest. That night at the final competition Naomi sang “Silver Threads and Golden Needles”, the famous Skeeter Davis song. Naomi won first prize for that competition and it was flashed on RTS news that night. It also happens to be that Robert and his five piece band was the backing band for the entire singing artist that night. Mr Lee King. “Philips Records” manager happened to be there on that singing talent competition finals night and approached Naomi after the prize giving, asking if she was interested in a recording contract. Naomi was only sixteen years of age then. Naomi’s reply to Mr Lee King of “Philips Records” manager was, please ask my elder brother Robert.

LM: What were your influences?

AS: At those teenage times my influences were, International Recording Artistes like Cliff Richard & The Shadows, The Beach Boys, The Beatles, Dave Clark Five, The Ventures, Jumping Jewels, Rolling Stones, Gerry & The Peacemakers, Elvis Presley, The Monkeys, Yardbirds, Manfred Mann and many more Pop stars.

LM: What was NATB first big hit?

AS: NATB first big hit was “It’s All Over” and it was quickly followed by their second EP bigger sales hit “Happy Happy Birthday Baby”.

LM: Where was NATB first gig? Which was your favorite gig? Why? AS: NATB first gig was at the Singapore National Theatre. My favorite gig was at the Stadium Negara, Kuala Lumpur. It was a bigger excitement with fans screaming. We had to start and stop and LIM

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start again when the screaming subsided. The Teenage Falcons of KL were our support band for that evening.

LM: Have you opened for any famous band?

AS: Yes. At the National Theatre in Singapore we opened for international recording artistes like Cliff Richard & The Shadows, Dave Clark Five, Lulu, Mille Small, Gerry & the Peacemakers, Manfred Mann and a few more western pop stars. The wonderful part of being with a successful Singapore’s Pop Band in the 60’s was meeting up with countless lot of impressive bands and talented singers like Cliff Richard & the Shadows, Dave Clark five, Gerry & the Peacemakers, Lulu, Mille Small, Manfred Mann and many other western pop stars.

LM: I hear NATB released EP's and not LP's. How many EP's were released?

AS: Between 1965 & 1969 NATB released 3 Singles, 10 Extended Play & the final 1

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Long Playing with Decca Records. “The Best Of Naomi”. I believe the first line-up of The Boys lasted for 6 months with one Hit EP credit, “It’s All Over”. Then the new line-up of “The Boys” quickly emerged in mid-1965 with Robert Suriya (lead), Peter Thomas (rhythm), Moses Tay (bass) and myself Alphonso Soosay (drums) which lasted until late 1969.

Happy Happy Birthday Baby / I Know, was the No: 1, 1965 hits for “Naomi & The Boys”. Both No:1 1965 hits were on the same EP. I must say that we were lucky to get to the top of the charts in line with international recording artistes like Cliff Richard & the Shadows, the Beatles, Dave Clark five, the Ventures, Jumping jewels, Rolling stones, Gerry & the Peacemakers, Elvis Presley, the Monkeys, Yardbirds, Manfred Mann and many others.

LM: You’ve stayed in the music industry long after NATB disbanded in 1969. What first drew you to the music industry and what made you play drums? Could you tell us what did you do after leaving NATB? AS: I have always had this passion for music since my early school days especially listening to Cliff Richard & The Shadows, Elvis Presley on the radio LIM

and was hoping someday to play musical instruments. I took up playing the acoustic guitar first and a year later I realized that drummers were in demand, so I bought myself a second hand acoustic drums and started practicing with The Shadows & The Ventures songs. It took off from there. After leaving NATB, I was invited to join a nightclub band working at the “Pink Pussycat Nightclub lead by keyboard player Albert Ventura. Later I became a booking manager for new talents into club scenes. Then I switched to another passion of mine-studying about Multi-Channel Audio Recording and started working in Recording Studios six months later. In the early 80’s, I started to produce albums for WEA Records with then popular “Gingerbread” Ann Hussein and many others. I migrated to Perth Australia in late October 1985.”

Naomi and The Boys disbanded in November of 69’ while performing their final gig in Bangkok, Thailand. After Alphonso Soosay left, the band carried on for two weeks, working with some Thai musicians before the rest of NATB moved on to other pursuits. The times were changing. They never released another studio album after 69’. Naomi and The Boys are still heard on the airways. On the rare occasion I get to catch them, the opening strains to Happy Happy Birthday Baby with Naomi’s distinctive vocals drawing me in often transports me to a time long past. In 2020 Naomi and The Boys were credited as “Most Prolific Song Writing Group” by Universal Music Singapore.

Footnote: It is with deep sadness that while awaiting the publishing of this month’s Lazie Indie Magazine I was informed that Naomi’s brother and the leader of the band Naomi and The Boys, Robert Suriya passed away peacefully in Guam, USA on the 17th of June at 2pm.

He was surrounded by family and loved ones. “ROBERT (WICKRAMA) SURIYA was regarded by many as ''The Godfather'' of the Singapore music scene in the 1960s. He was one of the most prolific songwriters at the time.” C Perera.

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About the Columnist “Musings, observations, music related articles and interviews from South East Asia. Anything that resonates with me.” Lyia Meta is an international multi award-winning singer and songwriter, and an exhibited visual artist. She's a full time live performer in the Kuala Lumpur club circuit, holding residencies all over the Peninsula of Malaysia. She finds her greatest influences in rock and blues, yet she fearlessly defies genre barriers in every project she creates."

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