Lazie Indie Magazine Edition 17 27 September, 2021
Donna Halper Steven Halpern Randy C. Moore
Yann Crepin Casey Hensley Soulful Femme
Uncle Buc Plays the Blues Lauren Faye Moss Jennifer Alvarado Nick King
On Cover Dave Evans
Content
Editors Corner Jennifer Alvarado Randy C. Moore Lauren Faye Moss Steven Halpern Soulful Femme Yann Crepin Uncle Buc Casey Hensley Nick King
New Releases Canadian Content Corner DONNA HALPER (feature)
Lazie Indie Merchandises
Cover Story Dave Evans LIM
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Editors Corner
Information The magazine is published by Lazie J Print Edition 17 The month of publishing September - 2021
Editorial Team Author/Editor: Jay N Pillai Co-ordination and Promotion: Manoj Verified by: Inge Zimmermann Probst Guest Feature: Column and Review: Tomiko Dixon Galaxy FM NZL Ann' Aria' Burstyn Cover Photo: Dave Evans Cover Photo Courtesy Andres Violante
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Blurring line between 'Signed and Unsigned' ?
The digital revolution in music has actually started showing its true face now. A few years before there was quite a lot of hype around the digital platforms. We all felt then that the digital music platforms will be much more affordable to independent musicians. To an extent it is true. But when you dig deeper it becomes clear that while at the very basic level it does equalize things because of low entry cost, the rest of the promotion is actually costly and is sometimes prohibitive for a normal band or musician to aspire. The financial muscle of the big labels become a solid platform for the signed artists which the independent musicians normally do not possess. That is where networking comes into picture. Smart independent musicians do their home work really well and put whatever little funds he/she has into real good use. They network, share and support fellow indie artists which eventually help them in return. Though it is difficult to match the power of big labels, a lot of good artists are finding their feet and earn great reputation by connecting to friendly platforms. Publications like the LIM and Indie Radios/TVs do a lot of favor to them and their growth depends on how effectively they use their network and use it to mutual benefit. Well, coming to this edition, we have a legendary artist on cover. We are proud to have the founding vocalist of AC/DC, Dave Evans on our cover. We have quite a few very respected artists like Yann Crepin, Steven Halpern, some great independent musicians and the legendary radio host Donna Halper, the lady who discovered RUSH all speaking to us. So check it out... as I always request you, Please keep sharing LIM to friends so that your own magazine is read by maximum readers. Thank you, enjoy your read - Jay Pillai Page4
We are speaking to the legend himself. He was a co-founder of one of the biggest ever Hard Rock /Heavy Metal Band of all time, the one and only AC/DC. Well! It doesn't get bigger than that in Rock Music. After almost 5 decades of performing across the globe ever since he co-founded AC/DC in 1973 and moving on with many top acts after he left the band in 1973, Dave Evans still rocks the hell out of us like no one ever can, even in 2021. Lazie Indie Magazine is excited to present the original Badass Boy of Rock to our readers and ask him a few questions other than the reasons why he left AC/DC that everybody asks him even now. Our friends, Barbara Harkins and D J Grant at Galaxy FM NZL asked him about his musical journey as a whole and his plans for the upcoming year in their column 'Around the Galaxy'. Let's hear from the master...
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Barbara Harkins and DJ Grant (Galaxy FM, NZL) speak to Dave Evans: Barbara: Hi Dave, welcome to Lazie Indie Magazine!!! How do we introduce you to our readers? What would you introduce yourself as? Dave Evans: Hi, this is Dave Evans aka The King Of All Badasses, aka The original lead singer and co-founder of AC/DC. DJ Grant: Since when have you been into music? Dave Evans: Since I can remember. My father was a wonderful singer and I used to watch him as a child and young man performing on stage at local concerts and special city occasions. We did not have television at home until I was 15 and played music and sang at home as a family and read poetry and read many books of
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different topics. I sang at all the school concerts myself so music was a way of life for myself and the family. Barbara: Who were your musical influences and how does it reflect in the genre of music do you create? Dave Evans: I loved all the music that was my father's influences including opera but I discovered for myself as did the rest of the world The Beatles and that changed everything and other bands at that time like The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, The Troggs, Creedence Clearwater Revival etc. and later bands like Free, Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin.
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DJ Grant: How do you go about writing your songs? Dave Evans: I have always written song since I was a young boy and they just come instantly and naturally without really having to think about it. I hear the melody and the lyrics at the same time and mainly the hook or the chorus first and then I write the verses to justify the chorus. Barbara: What do you look to convey to your listeners when you create music do you look to set a lyrical theme first or you let the music dictate the lyrics? Dave Evans: The songs are a reflection on feelings and experiences that most of us go through during our lives and I look to bring out very powerful emotions and positive thoughts from the listeners as well as sensitive moods.
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My music can be summed up in a few words - Power, Energy, Dynamics and Conviction. I want my music to empower people, fill them with energy, create dynamics in their lives and make them believe in themselves and their ultimate success in life. DJ Grant: How do you record and produce the songs? Dave Evans: I have recorded in several countries throughout my long career including Australia, England, The USA and Norway. I have worked with producers especially initially but have also produced some of my releases myself.
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DJ Grant: What are your plans for the immediate future? Tell us more about your latest release? Dave Evans: I am currently on tour in Mexico and the USA in 2021 and will also be touring in Guatemala, Aruba, Colombia and Chile later in the year. I have had two album releases this year 1. The Dave Evans Lightning & Thunder Latin American Tour 2019 and the Dave Evans Badass Greatest Hits album. I am about to release a new single called "Who's Gonna Rock Me?" DJ Grant: Where can we find your music on the internet? Dave Evans: Most of my music can be found on Amazon or just google Dave Evans music albums.
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Barbara: What gives you the kick, writing, recording or playing live and why? Dave Evans: All of the above as they are all intertwined in having a complete musical career if possible and each requires its own dedication and concentration and creative rewards. Barbara: What would you suggest to an aspiring independent artist? Dave Evans: Never give up and just keep making music and enjoying life. Give all you have to your fans and they will give back in return. - Thank you
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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. Lazie Indie Magazine thanks Team Galaxy for their support. Check out their website - www.galaxyfm.co.nz
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Jennifer Alvarado started writing songs at the age of 4. As a teenager, she began leading worship in her church. Her first single “Relentlessly” was released in 2015 followed by her first Christian album "Hello Life" that consisted of 13 original songs. She returned to her country roots with her single “I Break Things”, that was released in early 2020. She released four additional singles during 2020. Her single "Lose Control" is available now on all digital platforms. Her upcoming single called “Filthy Water” releases on September 17, 2021. Her sound is a mixture of Country, Pop and Blues that reflect an eclectic blend of influences. Lazie Indie Magazine spoke to Jennifer Alvarado to know more about her career and her future plans...
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LIM:Hi Jennifer, Welcome to Lazie Indie Magazine ! Jennifer:Thank you for that. LIM: You have had a great career in music so far. How do you feel was your journey so far as a musician? Jennifer: I spent a lot of years trying to fit into a mold. Over the past couple years, I really made a point to create music that represents me and is honest to who I am. It has not been an easy journey, but every roadblock or what I called a “failure” in the moment, has proven to be a blessing in disguise. LIM: Who/what were your musical influences and how did you arrive at this genre you play? Jennifer: I started as a Contemporary Christian artist. I released my first album in 2015, called “Hello Life.” However, I grew up listening to a mixture of genres. I always was drawn to and appreciated the honesty of Country music. In 2020, I finally gained enough courage to start releasing my Country material and in April 2021 released my EP “Playing with Fire.” As I’ve seen the positive response, it has encouraged me to continue with the Country/Pop genre. My biggest influences growing up were Reba McEntire, The Eagles, Tom Petty, and then later, artists like Patty Griffin, Natalie Grant and Taylor Swift. I think each of those influences have carried over into my music. LIM: How do you go about writing your songs? How do you record and produce your music? Jennifer: Each song is different. For the most part, I get a hook first. I usually get partial lyrics and a melody about the same time and then build a story around what I have. I typically record all my ideas on my phone because they come quickly. I’ve been challenging myself to get better at actually recording a rough “demo” at home. All my professional recordings are done at Bombhouse Recording in Morganton, NC with my producer Ricky Rodriguez. I’ve been recording with him since 2015 and he just “gets” my music.
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You can also find me at Facebook Music Page www.facebook.com/jemmusic12 Youtube - youtube.com/jemmusic12 Reverbnation https://www.reverbnation.com/ jenniferalvarado Twitter - @guitardiva12 IG - @jenniferalvaradomusic Soundcloud - https://soundcloud.com/ jem1984
LIM: What do you look to convey to your listeners when you create music? Do you look to set a theme first or do you let the song take over your lyrics? Jennifer: I used to try and set a theme. If I was sad, I wanted to write a tearjerker and cry on the page as I wrote the song. As I’ve grown as a writer, I try not to lock myself into an agenda and limit how the song develops. Especially with Christian music, I believe you have to leave room for God (or your Higher Power) to speak. The healing creativity comes when you are surprised by your own raw honesty…I don’t think you can get there if you put limitations in place before you begin. LIM: Where do we find your music on the internet? Which is your latest release? Jennifer: My latest single is called “Filthy Water” and releases on September 17, 2021. I have a new EP called “Songbird” that will be released in Fall 2021. My previous single “IDWYB” was released in June 2021 and my EP “Playing with Fire” was released in April 2021. I am on all digital streaming services - Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, Deezer, Tidal - just to name a few. My music can also be found and purchased on my website at www.JenniferAlvarado.com. LIM
LIM: What gives you the kick, writing, producing, or playing live and why? Jennifer: Writing is my therapy. If I haven’t written in a few days, I can feel it. I love being in the studio and coming up with little musical ideas to help take the song to a whole new level. Playing live, however, is what gives me the “kick” to keep going, learning and improving. I like seeing people’s reactions to songs. When someone comes up and shares how something in a song resonated….that’s everything…it’s why I do this. I want to make sure someone feels understood and like they have a friend. LIM: How do you overcome the lockdown on live music and is internet-based performance good enough to generate a livelihood for musicians? Jennifer: Fortunately, things are starting to open up around here. People are still cautious, so I will say there isn’t as much interaction as there was pre-Covid. I think the internet-based performance is one positive that came from Covid. Others may disagree, but for me, it allowed me to connect with other musicians, songwriters, and listeners that I otherwise would have never met. There is also an intimacy with some of those internet live events that really resonated with me. I shared stories about songs that I probably wouldn’t share in a local setting. I think internet-based shows will definitely stick around for a while.. LIM: What are your immediate future plans? Jennifer: Finish this next EP, so I can start another one…ha ha. In all seriousness, I do want to finish up this Page21
project, but my immediate plans are to keep growing. I want to get better at songwriting. It’s part of the reason I feel like I exist, so I want to live into that calling by continually improving, but also encouraging other songwriters to keep honing their craft. LIM: Being a successful musician/band yourself what would you tell an upcoming musician to keep in mind to launch a successful career in music? Jennifer: Don’t give up. There are going to be days you want to. I had to develop a thicker skin. My heart is still tender and it still hurts when someone says something negative. Realize not everyone is going to like what you do and that’s okay. They aren’t supposed to. Keep going and you will find your sound, your people and most importantly, your voice in this. ?? Thank you. LIM
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RANDY C MOORE is an Americana Music Artist from Texas. At the age of he was making his own records with the help of Houston radio personality Arch Yancey. He was also a regular feature of the world-famous Gilley’s. He was a guest star on WSM’s Grand Ole Opry hosted by Roy Acuff. He opened shows on the road with Hank Williams Jr, David Allen Coe, Amy Grant, Vince Gill, and Lee Ann Rimes. In his songwriting career teamed him up with Restless Heart, Pat Bunch, David Lee, and rockabilly legend, Carl Perkins and was a featured artist on The Alliance of Neighbors 9/11 Benefit Concert with Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen and more. He is currently riding the on success of country superstar Ronnie Milsap’s recording of “Big Bertha” LP co-written by Randy, Carl, and Perkins’ daughter Debbie Swift Perkins. Jay from LIM spoke to Randy C. Moore... LIM
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Jay: Hi Randy, you have a very promising career in music. how do you feel was your journey so far as a musician? Randy: I have enjoyed most everything I’ve been able to do from my live performances to writing and recording my music. I’ve also learned a great many things about life. Jay: Who/ what were your musical influences and how did you arrive at this genre you play? Randy: My musical influences started with Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson as a songwriter. I was also inspired by many great artists including, George Harrison, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, John Denver, and John Fogerty. Jay: How do you go about writing your songs? How do you record and produce your music? Randy: Most of my best songs begin with an idea and a lyrical expression; usually the music and the melody come later once the lyric has the right rhythm and feel. Recording of the song is the same, the feel and the emotion of song must never be lost in the production and the production should complement the song completely. Jay: You have worked/ shared stage with some of the best in the music scene, Tell LIM
us a few things you learnt from them which you could use in your life/ career? Randy: The most important thing I have learned from performing alongside any great artist is you should never stop finding a way to reach your audience. You should give your performance as if it were the last thing on earth you will ever get to do. Jay: Where do we find your music on the internet? Which is your latest release? Randy: My music and everything that relates to my presence as an artist can be found at www.randycmoore.com. All of my album and single releases, including my latest album, “Lufkin” are available for download on iTunes and Amazon music. Jay: What gives you the kick, writing, producing or playing live and why? Randy: There is only one reason that I write, produce or play live. It is to convey a message, a feeling, and give others something I hope is a good thing in their heart. Jay: How do you overcome the lockdown on live music and is the internet-based performance good enough to generate a livelihood for musicians? Randy: The lockdown for me was a blessing. I gave me time to reflect and restart my musical journey as I moved back to Texas where I am originally from. I don’t have a point of reference when it comes to internet-based performances generating a livelihood. Maybe it did, but I doubt it will ever replace a true live performance. If it does, you won’t see me doing that, to be honest I like people to be sitting in my lap when I play music, not on my laptop. Jay: What are your immediate future plans? Touring or releasing new music? Randy: My future is today. I am currently becoming an increasing presence here in the Texas music scene. I will be releasing three new albums within the next two years. This November (2021) I will release a new Christmas album, and next year two additional albums will follow in the early spring of 2022 and late winter.
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Jay: Being a successful musician/band yourself what would you tell an upcoming musician to keep in mind to launch a successful career in music? Randy: To anyone who wants to be a professional music artist or anyone who is currently working in music. Do it because you love to. If you do this for any other reason you will fail. You will fail to yourself and you will fail for everyone else. You must do this for love and everything else will take care of itself. -Thank you
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Lauren Faye Moss is a songwriter, vocalist, actress and country artist. Since the age of 14 , she has worked with many producers, songwriters and many major artists, such as Bryan Adams, Nicole Sherzinger, Donny Osmond, Peter Kay, Gary Barlow, , Kenny Thomas and many more who have helped give Lauren the tools to compose for herself, along with her songwriting partner and producer Adam Fiasco. In 2012/13, Lauren was hand selected to appear on a TV show, filmed out in Miami and Asia as an artist in her own right... She moved to the USA to work on the show, working with producers such as Steve Gorden and Betty Wright and she also mentored by Olivia Newton John. Lauren has been a BBC INTRODUCING artist for the last two years listing all five of her singles Home, The Plan, Sing it, , Out of the Dark and Here to stay . LIM
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As a singer-songwriter, Lauren has been nominated three years in a row in the ISSA (International singer songwriter awards) both in the English and USA categories. She was also nominated for an NEA (National Entertainment Award) UK. Jay from Lazie Indie Magazine spoke to Lauren Faye Moss... Jay: Hi Lauren, welcome to Lazie Indie Magazine, great to speak to you. Let me start by asking this, you have an emerging career in music. How do you feel was your journey so far? Lauren (Lauren Faye Moss): Being a performer from an early age, I have experienced most aspects of the industry, the good, the bad, the ugly... the high and low points that are all part of the fun. Having an ability to express yourself through song and have people acknowledge and appreciate that makes everything worthwhile. Winning an International Singer Songwriter's Award for best female vocalist of the year 2021 is certainly an achievement for me, as I am being acknowledged in territories other than the UK. Even though my health has held me back for what seems to be a lifetime, my music has always been my LIM
passion, and has ensured I'm more determined than ever to achieve what I want. I have had an amazing journey so far with releasing, venues I've played and major artists I have had the pleasure of working with and for ... and there is much more to come ... Jay: How did this band come together? Who picked whom? Lauren: Even though I'm a solo artist, I have collaborated with an established band, 'The Fiasco', which my song writing partner Adam Fiasco is part of. An awesome line up of talent indeed! Jay: Jay: Who/what were your musical influences and how did you arrive at this genre you play? Lauren: My influences vary, as I love all genres of music. I am actually a classically trained soprano singer, and therefore I'm exceptionally versatile in performing, however Country music is something I took great interest in as one of my biggest idols was/is Shania Twain and when I was at school, I used to help an elderly lady who was a family friend, tidy her garden/house, feed her pets for her and I looked upon her as a Grandmother figure. This lady had a huge passion for Country music and would ask me to sing the old classics by Patsy Cline, Tammy Wynette, Dolly Parton and many more at a weekly Sunday Karaoke. At the time I was 13 and used to attend with family and this elderly lady. I would regularly sing 'Islands In The Stream' with another singer and any requests - which were always country. My particular interest in Country music began there. Jay: How do you go about writing your songs? As a band what do you consider the Lyrical Message or the musical direction? Lauren: Writing my songs always starts with a subject - generally how I’m feeling or maybe I wish to get my point across … I begin with a chorus and build from there, I take my idea to my songwriting partner and we mix ideas together for the finished result, working very well together. Jay: How do you record and produce your Page30
"I perform as a professional impersonator and that side of things allows me to be creative with costume, etc. and gigs can be amazing, but nothing like hearing your own audience, who have purposefully attended to see yourself and chant your own songs back to you ... it's priceless!"
music? Tell us more about your latest release? Where can we find them on the internet? Lauren: My songwriting partner and I are building a catalogue of songs constantly. I'm fortunate that I have someone as talented as he is at playing, producing and writing with me on this. As an artist in my own right, a session, vocalist, backing vocalist and studio singer - I have worked in studios with producers, writers and artists all over the world, but I have never worked with anyone as thorough, talented and as dedicated to his craft ... as am I on my part. Great friend and talent. I have had six releases so far, one being a collaboration with my song writing partner's band ‘The Fiasco’, entitled 'The Plan'. 'Sing It', 'Home', Out Of The Dark', 'Here To Stay’ and my latest release 'Something' are available on all major music platforms. LIM
Jay: What gives you the kick, writing, producing or playing live and why? Lauren: The biggest kick for me has to be performing live and having an audience in the palm of your hand is an indescribable feeling. Having an audience sing your songs back to you, is just a surreal experience altogether. As a 'day job' I perform as a professional impersonator and that side of things allows me to be creative with costume, etc. and gigs can be amazing, but nothing like hearing your own audience, who have purposefully attended to see yourself and chant your own songs back to you ... it's priceless! Jay: Live music is an integral part of music promotion and that being hindered by lockdowns how do you plan to promote your music? Will the internet be able to bridge the gap? Page31
Lauren: With the past 18 months being the way they have been, live music has been hugely affected and I do feel although this has affected people's drive and interest in music to an extent, certainly for a number of months. It was such a challenging situation for us all internationally, but I do feel that live music has come back with a bang and people cannot wait to be out enjoying it again, after such a long time. Music feeds the soul in more ways than people realise. We musicians are for the important and we all deserve recognition time and effort we all put in. We have had to endure the affects of the pandemic together, some needing other jobs after working hard their entire lives in this industry, ploughing our hard-earned money into our businesses, productions and training etc. Music sales online do not equate to what can be earned when performing live, unless you're a well-established artist and even then, the industry is not what it used LIM
to be. I am a firm believer in keeping high street and independent music shops alive. For me there is an excitement to buying new music and seeing what I am purchasing. As a 33 year old - I am fortunate to have been part of the generation who could go out and buy a single on a CD or take a cheeky look under the Christmas tree to see how many CD shaped presents I had and get excited! The internet comes with pro's and con's, as promotion is a lot easier, however I do not think it bridges the gap enough to subsidize live performances. Live music is unbelievably important for promoting and sales. Aside from this, live music makes us who we are and brings a lot of joy to spectators and us performers. I am pretty sure most performers did not get into this industry with aspirations of performing in the front room to the internet ... we want to be out there gigging live for the people who support us. The music and entertainment industry Page33
as a whole is a microcosm for the most severely affected industry during the entirety of the pandemic, and although the internet played a huge part in keeping people in work, in touch etc. throughout the bad times, although it was useful to keep people occupied, I don’t believe it was AS helpful to us musicians through these times, but these times were the unknown, and we were all faced with a situation that was abnormal. The situation was necessary at the time and could not be helped... Hopefully, as promised, this won’t happen again. Jay: What would be your immediate goals as a band? Lauren: Immediate goals for me include being out playing live, catalogue as many songs as I/we possibly can and ultimately head back out to America when possible. I have friends, potential management and studios that I cannot wait to record in waiting for me when everything resumes. Above all, my health appears to be being managed after some time away and my music and performing gives me a purpose and personal goals. Even though I have released Country/Rock/Pop songs, it does not mean I intend to stay with one genre. This coming year will include much more LIM
variation with my music, so stay tuned!! Jay: Being an emerging artist yourself, what would you tell an upcoming musician to keep in mind to launch a successful career in music? Lauren: My advice to any new artist would be - You have to develop a thick skin and not everything is glamorous. You have to keep pushing and pushing, regardless of the setbacks. Not everyone is going to like you, but for every person who doesn't, there are 10 people who adore you. Be vigilant, know what you want, don’t settle and self-belief is what ultimately drives you on. Love what you do, become what you do, and do it to the best of your capabilities. Surround yourself with positive people who acknowledge your worth and understand your goals. Never doubt or question yourself, because you then you are open to allow insecurity - which you do not need ... there is nothing wrong with being aware of your own capabilities or being honest with yourself. Be the best version of yourself and above all, stay grounded your attitude can change people's opinion of you, no matter how talented you are. Be kind and appreciate other people's talents - embrace them - we are all different. Be honest- the industry is a huge circle of people who talk to each other, the rules of etiquette are there for a reason and your professionalism can be measured by it. Perform live as much as you possibly can, polish your craft and lastly, don't give up! - Thank You
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Steven Halpern is a Grammy® Award nominated, multiplatinum selling recording artist, composer, producer, researcher, author and pioneering sound healer. With an unequaled, proven track record of over 4 decades, Steven’s music continues to be the of great help to individuals from all walks of life, as well as healers, spiritual teachers, massage therapists and corporate wellness programs. His most recent Mindful Music series features key brainwave entrainment frequencies to deepen one’s relaxation, healing, meditation, creativity and sleep. (Deep Alpha, dep Theta, Relax into Sleep). Jay from Lazie Indie Magazine speaks to Steven Halpern to know more about his research and his music and to share some light to our readers on the vast area of music which is to be explored and used to the benefit of all of us...lets learn… LIM
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Jay: Hi Steven, welcome to Lazie Indie Magazine! It is an honor to speak to you. You have been a researcher in music for decades and have developed your own method of healing through music. Can you throw some light on your music in a nutshell and why you chose to do this? Steven (Steven Halpern): The music chose me. After years of reading about ancient sound healing traditions, I set my intention to discover a modern version of healing music. My method of composing and recording is to get into a deep meditative state and let the music play through me. Key elements of my style are the special tones of the instruments, the lack of major melodies, a lack of central rhythm, with recent albums adding a sonic brainwave entrainment matrix. This evokes natural relaxation and balances the brainwaves in the deep alpha range. Jay: Who were your musical influences when you started? And how did it progress? Steven: My journey began on trumpet and guitar. My early influences were John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa and the Beatles. Inspired by Chicago, Blood, Sweat & Tears and Electric Flag, I formed my own awardwinning band with horns. I began a Master’s program studying ethnomusicology, healing music and consciousness at the University of Buffalo. All that changed in November 1969 during a life-changing meditation among the redwoods when I actually began to hear the new sounds of modern healing music. Jay: How does music actually heal and why do you think it is not used more commonly in our times? Steven: Different kinds of music can heal in different ways: Physically, emotionally or in the quantum field. Songs with words that have an emotional effect are well known. My recordings involve the laws of resonance, entrainment, tone and intention. I focus on instrumental music and compose from a state of mindful meditation, from a place of peace within. The listener’s brainwaves ‘entrain’ to a LIM
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"Biofeedback research proved my music balances brainwaves and evokes our innate healing intelligence, thus reducing stress and releasing endorphins (feel-good neurohormones). Big Pharma views sound healing as an economic threat. My music empowers people for self-healing".
more healing frequency, and the heart is allowed to choose the rhythm most healthful for that individual. Biofeedback research proved my music balances brainwaves and evokes our innate healing intelligence, thus reducing stress and releasing endorphins (feel-good neurohormones). Big Pharma views sound healing as an economic threat. My music empowers people for self-healing. Jay: We understand that your music is tuned to positively impact at the DNA level and works more at the brainwave level. Have you done research on how it is actually achieved? Steven: I conducted the earliest biofeedback research into music and healing in 1973, with additional studies since then. The effects happen naturally, just by listening. It’s biological, not just intellectual. As the research of Dr. Bruce LIM
Lipton and Dr. Deepak Chopra demonstrate, when we get into a deeply relaxed state and our brainwaves are tuned to 8 Hz, which is also the fundamental frequency of the Earth itself (the Schumann Resonance), our DNA is most receptive to our conscious instruction to express for optimal health. It’s that simple. Jay: Meditation and Meditative Music is now packaged and sold in parts by a lot of people. Do you think it does more damage than good if it is done wrong? How do you ensure your music serves the best? Steven: There are indeed a lot of people jumping on the bandwagon. I have a chapter in my upcoming memoir dedicated to these scams and shams. It would be easier if you asked about some Heavy Metal, Punk, EDM or Goth Rock. My own experience is that such music is Page38
often worse than merely annoying or boring. I will notice a tightness in my chest, and a difficulty breathing. My own experience is that such music is often worse than merely annoying or boring. I often notice a pain in my chest, as well as a ‘sonic laxative effect’! I incorporate healing tones of the Rhodes electric piano, crystal bowls, celestial choirs, and set the intention to share the love and healing with my audience. Jay: How is the world responding to your research and what will be your way to make it reach more and more people as it can actually be of great help to a lot of people? Steven: When I recorded my first album, I had no idea how to approach the media to spread the good news of a new form of ‘sound medicine’. I had to learn how to communicate and educate the media and audiences about the benefits of healing music. I began touring in 1977, offering concerts and workshops around the US and in London and presenting keynote talks and workshops at mind/body conferences worldwide. With the onset of digital music streaming platforms, there has been an exponential growth in the number of people who are listening to my LIM
music worldwide. I now consider the streaming music world to be my ally, making all my recordings more accessible. Jay: Where can we find your music? Steven: My music is available at all Amazon, Apple Music, Spotify, Youtube.com/StevenHalpernMusic and most other streaming platforms. My website, www.StevenHalpernMusic.com provides the longest samples and complete album liner notes to educate and deepen the experience for the listener. Jay: There were a lot of musical instruments used by Musical healers like Tibetian Bowls and a few Indian Musical instruments and to an extent OM chanting etc…What is your take on all these methods used for ages as practice? Steven: I have always promoted Tibetan healing bowls, crystal bowls, tuning forks and vocal toning. These traditional instruments produce mostly sine wave sound frequencies, which are more healing than square wave or saw-tooth waveform sounds. The subtle pulsations of Tibetan singing bowls are actually ‘organic brainwave entrainment instruments’. That’s why they have been used for hundreds of years. Chanting ‘OM’ is an internal vibratory massage that tunes you into the ongoing cosmic ‘hum’ that ancient mystics and quantum physicists agree is the timeless un-heard ‘sound’ of the cosmos. Jay: What do you say to an ordinary music listener so that he gets to experience your music? Steven: Listen with foreground attention, without multi-tasking. Close your eyes. Focus on the space between the notes... Listen with headphones - Give up trying to predict and subconsciously analyze where the music is headed. - Lie down or sit in meditative position with spine erect. - Start out with even just 5 minutes. Any track from DEEP ALPHA, DEEP THETA, CHAKRA SUITE or OCEAN OF BLISS is guaranteed to get you into the mindful state of relaxed alertness. - Thank you Page39
Soulful Femme is a Blues, Funk, Jazz duo from Pittsburgh, made up of Stevee Wellons (vocals) and Cheryl Rinovato (guitars). Their debut album, “It Is Well With My Soul” is being released on June 4th, 2021. Stephanie Wellons, aka Stevee Wellons, has been performing for the last 25 years and is known for her high-energy stage presence and performance. She is also voice coach. Formerly, she taught at the prestigious Afro-American Institute (AAMI), Cheryl Rinovato began her musical career as a studio musician and has been the recipient of the prestigious Jim Weber Award, given to Blues guitarist of the year, three times; in 2012, 2013 and 2015. She is a Delaney (out of Austin, TX) endorsed guitarist with 2 signature guitar models. Stevee and Cheryl have performed with: Shemekia Copeland, Ana Popovic, Samantha Fish and many more top acts. Jay from Lazie Indie Magazine catches up with the duo to know more about 'Soulful Femme'.
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Jay: You have had a great career in music so far creating a substantial fan base worldwide with your music. When you look back, how do you feel about your journey so far? Soulful Femme (duo): We have both performed in the music industry for quite some time and have so many experiences to reflect on. It has been a long journey, but a good one, overall. Jay: Who/what were your musical influences and how did you arrive at this genre you play? Stevee: Stevie Wonder, Jimi Hendrix, Marvin Gaye, musicals such as Porgy & Bess and The Sound of Music. Cheryl: Duane Allman, Tower of Power, Jimi Hendrix, Burt Bacharach. We both have performed in many genres such as Rock, Funk, Progressive Rock and Jazz, but when we met and began performing together our styles fused into a Blues, Soul and Jazz feel. LIM
Jay: How do you go about selecting your songs? Soulful Femme: Performing and writing our original material is an evolving process but we choose cover material based on our styles and preferences. We most often choose songs that an audience can relate to, something that evokes a memory for them. Jay: How do you record and produce your music? Do you have any special gear/ recording system which you feel is important to bring out the kind of voice you want? If so, why? Soulful Femme: For this CD (It Is Well With My Soul) 90% of the material was already written prior to going into the studio. Some of the vocal parts and guitar solos were recorded in our studio, SKYDOG STUDIO and then the files were sent to the final studio for mix and mastering. Jay: Where can we find your music on the internet? Page42
Soulful Femme: Our music can be found on all digital platforms. Many fans want a physical copy, which they can purchase on our website: soulfulfemme.com. Jay: What gives you the kick, writing, producing or playing live and why? Soulful Femme: Both of us like the writing and production aspect of our music, but we love the live performances because we so easily connect with our audiences and love to share our passion for music as well as performance. Our show is very high energy. Jay: Tell us about the success of your latest releases! Soulful Femme: The success was a welcomed surprise and has been on the charts since its’ release on June 4th. Two songs, Set LIM
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"KNOW YOUR CRAFT! Study, execute, put the time into your instrument. Understand its’ capabilities and boundaries. Second, find a MENTOR, someone you trust. Someone who has your best interest at heart and has experience. This will help you navigate the industry"
You Free and Born To Blues have been in the Top 10 as singles. Jay: How are you coping with the new realities post the Covid scare especially when the live music scene is hit hard? Soulful Femme: During the Covid shutdown last year we focused on completing the CD. Once the spring of 2021 hit, we began to work steady, and it has not let up since. Most of the festivals this summer were outdoors so restrictions were less, but now with the resurgence, many of the clubs are requiring proof of vaccination. Jay: What are your immediate future plans say, for 2021/2022? Soulful Femme: Our focus will now be to write for the next CD and have been invited to record in California. We will also continue to perform, with a fall southern tour being planned. LIM
Jay: What would you advice an upcoming artist? Soulful Femme: Recognition comes with time and skill. First, KNOW YOUR CRAFT! Study, execute, put the time into your instrument. Understand its’ capabilities and boundaries. Second, find a MENTOR, someone you trust. Someone who has your best interest at heart and has experience. This will help you navigate the industry. ‘There are many aspects to the music business and understanding that IT IS A BUSINESS will serve them well. Professionalism is paramount and cannot be overstated! Success is very subjective' - Thank you. (Thanks to MTS Management for introducing Soulful Femme to Lazie Indie Magazine) Page44
Lazie Indie Magazine catches up with top composer, pianist, Yann Crepin from Brittany, France. Yann is mainly into composing music for cinema and a performer pianist. He also has released instrumental music over the years. In 2019, Yann Crepin's music was picked up to be the official music for AIR FRANCE. Jay from LIM speaks to this fabulous musician to learn more about his phenomenal career so far and his plans for the future. We thank Emma Goldberg from France for introducing Yann Crepin to our readers. Let's know more...
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Jay: Hi Yann, welcome to Lazie Indie Magazine, it is great to speak to you. For the benefit of our readers would you please introduce yourself in the best way you would like to? Yann (Yann Crepin): I am Yann Crepin, composer and pianist from Brittany, I compose mainly for cinema, song, mainly Instrumental music; in 2019 I became official music provider for AIR FRANCE. Jay: Who were your musical influences? Yann: I have my own musical universe. They say that I have similarities with Didier Squiban, Ludovico Einaudi for example. Jay: How do you create your music? How do you go about writing music for a movie? Yann: I always compose intuitively, in a state of trance. For the cinema the images permeate me first, the music then arrives ... naturally. Jay: How do you make sure your music is produced as close as you want it to be? Yann: I work with a limited number of trusted people to record my music. I always stay true to my original intuition. Time does the rest ... Jay: You were a concert performer for a long time working with famous artists then released your album… what did you learn from the greats you worked with and what could you use when you made your own album? Yann: I was a classical concert flautist but not a pianist! I learned the piano on my own. What I have retained from the great musicians I have met is their humility and their simplicity as well as a universal harmony that inhabits them. My compositions come from the heart and I do not build my albums: To sum up I recover the flow that gushes out ... Jay: What are your future plans? Both in films, as a concert pianist and composer. Yann: My future projects are multiple: I compose for a new film for a director of France Television, I was also recruited for a musical and an album to be released normally in 2022 "a flower in winter" and it is question that I accompanies haute couture shows for fashion week ... LIM
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Jay: Where can you find your work/album on the net? Yann: You can find my albums on amazon, fnac and all streaming platforms: Spotify, iTunes, Deezer. My music is distributed all over the world! Jay: What would you advice an upcoming musician to take care while he is on his musical journey? Yann: The best advice I can give is to deliver the music of your soul. It is the only one which belongs to you and which is worth. Even if it is simple, basic will remain authentic ... To convince you, listen to my song "Un beating de coeur" ... - Thank you
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This edition of Tomiko Dixon Grand Blues Review features popular Blues Radio host Uncle Buc from Texas. 'Uncle Buc plays the Blues', his popular radio show has been a consistent source of entertainment for Blues lovers and encouragement for Blues Artists. He has laid out a variety of programs based on Blues and has listeners tuning in from across the world to his radio. Granddaughter of Blues Tomiko Dixon speaks to this veteran Blues Radio host about his career in media and his immediate future plans for the radio station. Let's listen...
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"I have stated on Uncle Buc Plays The Blues that I have the utmost respect for the real pioneers of blues like Leadbelly, Robert Johnson etc. However, the groove I strive to keep my music flowing in is somewhere between clunky and funky but leaning a bit to the funky side".
Tomiko: Who inspired you to work in radio & why blues? Uncle Buc: I was born and raised in the small Texas town of Shamrock. The first announcer on Shamrock’s first radio station KEVA was a hometown boy Bill Mack. Bill became quite famous as a country radio announcer, musician and songwriter. Bill won a Grammy for writing LeAnn Rimes hit Blue. Not only was Bill Mack my biggest inspiration to be in radio, but he was also the inspiration for four Shamrock youths (including myself) to make radio their professional career. Starting as an announcer on that same small-town station, I went on to manage radio stations for over 30 years in Oklahoma City, Wichita Kansas and Jacksonville Florida. I was raised on country but the first time I heard Jimmy Reed, Chuck LIM
Berry, Bo Diddley, Muddy Waters, Ray Charles and the like… I was hooked. Tomiko: Who would you like to collaborate with and why? Uncle Buc: I have stated on Uncle Buc Plays The Blues that I have the utmost respect for the real pioneers of Blues like Leadbelly, Robert Johnson etc. However, the groove I strive to keep my music flowing in is somewhere between clunky and funky but leaning a bit to the funky side. So, who would I like to collaborate with? Living artist in that groove at the top of the list would be the likes of Bobby Rush, Buddy Guy, Albert Cummings, Jimmie Vaughan, Eric Gales, Beth Hart, Joe Bonamassa, Shemekia Copeland and Tedeschi/Trucks just to mention a few. Tomiko: What message would you like to give others that are inspired to get into the entertainment industry? Page52
Uncle Buc: First you need to love what you are doing. To make it to any degree of success in the entertainment field it takes hard work and patience. Be ready to change with the times and try to find a niche that is unique to your talents. If it becomes just work, do something else. Tomiko: Which entertainer or business professional do you admire the most and why? Uncle Buc: After 40 years in the radio business that’s a tough one to narrow down. I’ll have to answer that one from the world of entertainment I’m involved in at present. I can narrow it down to Joe Bonamassa and Buddy Guy. Jobo is the greatest living seller of not only Blues as an art form but also himself. He’s a great Blues musician and the king of Blues merchandising. Buddy Guy has to be respected as one coming from nothing to being a Blues legend still sharing his talents in his eighties. His book “When I Left Home” is a great book about a great LIM
Blues musician and person. Tomiko: What has been the best advice given to you? Uncle Buc: Under promise and over deliver. Tomiko: What’s next for you? Uncle Buc: Keeping true to my motto of “If it ain’t fun or interesting… I don’t do it”. My semi-retired times are occupied with consulting Rt 66 Media’s five stations in and around the home base of Shamrock Texas. The really fun part of my world is growing the Uncle Buc Plays The Blues Show on the internet. It’s amazing and rewarding especially the response I get from all over the USA and overseas. Tomiko: Do you have any upcoming events or projects? Uncle Buc: Well, my bucket list includes going to Chicago and touring the Blues clubs with Tomiko Dixon. Now that live concerts are kicking back up I want to catch as many Blues shows as possible Page53
and get into as many meet and greets as I can. Last week I got to hang out with Jimmie Vaughan after his show. Tomiko's Final Review: Uncle Buc Plays The Real Blues. His music showcases a main stable of new artist and Blues legends. The who's who of today’s Blues world. It’s fun and he does such an awesome job keeping his listeners entertained. The Uncle Buc Plays The Blues Show is fresh and he's not playing the same ole music over and over again. There’s a weekly Featured Artist segment with bio, history info which features the artist's great tunes. There's his Then & Now feature where he plays an original blues hit and later in the show plays a more modern version of the same song by a different artist and also there's a segment titled: “Who Dat singing Dat song which I especially LIM
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love... On a scale or (1-5) I give the Uncle Buc Plays the Blues Show a Grand Blues 5... "Long Live The Blues" About the Reviewer This column is contributed by Granddaughter of Blues - Tomiko Dixon who is the granddaughter of the Great Willie Dixon, 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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Casey Hensley is a San Diego-based Blues singer and songwriter, and her self-monikered backing band includes celebrated guitarist Laura Chavez, drummer Evan Caleb Yearsley (son of the late vocalist Candye Kane), saxophonist Johnny Viau and bassist Marcos C. Born in Los Gatos, Casey was raised in a musical home in San Diego and began performing on stages when she was just five by emulating singers such as Etta James, Aretha Franklin and Bobby "Blue" Bland. A professional musician at 9, she fronted the band Chasing Norman in her late teens and early twenties before breaking out on her own, attending numerous Blues jams in the San Diego region and meeting Chavez and Yearsley. Together they formed her backing band, enlisted the rest of the personnel, and began playing gigs wherever they could find LIM
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them, mixing originals with Classic Blues covers. Jay speaks to Casey Hensley. Jay: Hi Casey, you have a very promising career in music. How do you feel was your journey so far as a musician? Casey (Casey Hensley): My journey so far has been incredible; I have been very fortunate to do things and go places I could have never even dreamed of. The experiences have been life changing and I am so grateful. Jay: Who/what were your musical influences and how did you arrive at this genre you play? Casey: I grew up listening to artists like Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Janis Joplin, Otis Redding, Ray Charles, The Allman Brothers, Led Zeppelin, The Temptations, Freddie Mercury… The list goes on and on. Blues and Soul was a very natural way for me to go musically it fit my voice and what I LIM
wrote and I’ve always loved it. Jay: How do you go about writing your songs? How do you record and produce your music? Casey: I usually write lyrics first and have an idea of what I want the song to sound like in my head. With Good as Gone I had an amazing musical partner in Laura Chavez. I would sing to her what I was thinking and she would play it, she understands me so well musically, so it was a really easy and enjoyable process. Jay: What do you look to convey to your listeners when you create music, do you look to set a theme first or do you let the song take over your lyrics? Casey: I always have a desire to make something that speaks to people, I want to write music that makes the listener feel something. Jay: Where do we find your music on the internet? Which is your latest release? Casey: Good As Gone is my latest record, Page58
if you would like to find it online you can just google “Casey Hensley” and you will find my music on every platform, iTunes, Youtube, Spotify… all of that! Jay: What gives you the kick, writing, producing or playing live and why? Casey: They all do something great for me internally, but there’s is nothing like playing live. Connecting with people and the high you get being on stage… it’s amazing. Jay: What are your immediate future plans? Casey: Tour and make a new record, then do it all again! I can’t wait to get back out there!! - Thank you
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Here I am: Nick King (Drummer) We are starting a new feature. It will be to highlight individual artists who are looking to work or collaborate with other artists or form a band with artists across the world. Our first artist spotlight will be on drummer Nick King. Nick King is an ace drummer who is looking forward to working with bands and like minded artists can contact him to take things further. Let us wish him the best. LIM spoke to Nick...
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LIM: How did you come into music? Nick (Nick King): I was 16 years old first time I got a drum pad I had a little sister and the first song I ever learned was by one direction. I’ve been playing drums for almost 10 years. LIM: Who were your musical influences? Nick: My musical influences were blink 182, Nirvana, Green Day. LIM: What is your favorite genre of music? Nick: I love Rock because of my inspiration, but I’m down to play whatever music is music to me. LIM: Where can we find your music? Nick: I'm on all major platforms Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon etc. I’m on all social media. LIM
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LIM: What gives you the kick, writing, producing or playing live? Nick: I love playing live it just makes me feel like I’m at home I like studio and all that, but live is where it’s at. LIM: What is your immediate future plan? Nick: I’m hoping to find a band as a solo drummer and possibly tour by next year. LIM: What would you like to tell fellow independent artists? Nick: Never give up!!! - Thank you
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Shout Out
New Releases Kehle ne do Rudra - India
'Keh Lene Do' is a Hindi Rock Song released by Indian Vedic Rock Band Rudra. Date of release: 10th September Label: Big Band Theory Check out the song in the link https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=dY1b3HWRvpU
Never Born - Symphonic Rock version Sherise D' Sousa & Jorg Klein
Never Born is a Symphonic Rock Song released by Sherise D Souza from India Collaborating with Jorg Klein from Germany: Release date: 27th Sep 2021. Release label: Self Check out the link to hear the song: https://youtu.be/-GMZVclvkjI
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Shout Out
New Release Munjoy Hill EJ Oullette Ft Tomiko Dixon
Munjoy Hill is a song from EJ Ouellette featuring Tomiko Dixon. © 2021 Whole Music EJ Ouellette All Rights Reserved, For You Consideration (FYC) #americanroots #bestsong Release date: September 9, 2021 Label: Whole Music Check the song at the below link: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zrGaKqXkwU&feature=share
“Don’t Go It Alone” X-Ennials
Dont Go it Alone is a single st to be released by Alt Rock Band from Nashville: X-ENNIALS Release date: October 8, 2021 Label: Self Release Check ou the song after October 8th 2021 in thebelow link. https://soundcloud.com/x-ennials/dontgo-it-alone/s-Lc98ndcaG9Y
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Donna Halper By Ann 'Aria' Burstyn Introduction:
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o Donna, I was a stranger when I first reached out. But from the get go, she has never once made me feel as such. In fact, her response has been quite the opposite. She is always gracious, humorous, warm, and forthcoming. I am very appreciative to have had the opportunities to engage in a number of lovely conversations, as well as a proper
sit down Zoom Interview, with her: https://youtu.be/m4M8YWGnuko. I am most grateful she created that bit of space for me to fit into her busy cosmos. In getting to know her, I have been further struck by her acute awareness of worldly current events and her articulate eloquence. Her sense of justice also impresses upon me. And in reading her social media posts and personal blog, I have come to deeply respect her intelligence and gift for speaking and writing. I am also delighted by her positivity, playfulness, modesty, empathic caring disposition and kindness and compassion towards others. Although she is an American citizen, I decided to select her to write about as an ‘honorary Canadian’, due to the well-known fact that she was integral in discovering the Canadian iconic band RUSH. Thankfully she has been most agreeable to taking part. She is a force of nature, warrior cancer survivor, a gem of a soul, and I am honored and pleased to feature more about her in this article. (Dr.) Donna Halper: Media Historian Expert; Professor; Author; Former Broadcaster & Radio Consultant; Radio Personality; Ph.D.; Cancer Survivor Donna Halper was born in 1947 (Dorchester) and raised in Roslindale, Massachusetts, USA. It only stands to reason that her birthday is on Valentine’s Day given the big heart she often wears on her sleeve. She is a revered scholar who has received B.A., M.A., and M.Ed. degrees. She was also the first female to be employed as a disc jockey and music director (for Broadcast and Music Radio) for the Northeastern University campus radio station at the time. Although, it was while she was working at the radio station WMMS 100.7FM in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1974, that an LP graced her desk that changed her world and ours. Many of us of course know that album to be the impressive and legendary introduction to the Progressive Rock band RUSH. It was simply, and fittingly, titled as the band’s namesake. Donna’s curiosity was piqued and she decided to give it a ‘spin’. Upon hearing the band’s anthemic and relatable song “Working Man”, she was keenly aware that she was onto something just as much as RUSH was. She mused how it just so happened that the listeners, herself included, were the very demographic the song would appeal to; the ‘blue collar working class’. Her instincts proved to be true as soon as she live on air, set the ‘needle in the groove’. Within minutes the station’s phone was ringing with inquiries and requests for and about the tune and RUSH. The rest is as they say history or shall we say ‘her-story’? LIM
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But in actuality, this is only a small portion of Donna’s tale, albeit a large sum of it, given its forty year plus impact on her life and on the lives of her three ‘brothers’, Alex, Geddy and Neil and the world of Music. https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=iIGKlicb8n0 Donna’s career as a radio broadcaster, music director, and music producer has covered an over twenty year period. She has also had an extensive livelihood in radio consulting for college and commercial radio stations in the United States, eastern Canada and Puerto Rico spanning twenty-eight years. Donna also has a lengthy teaching career (more than 38 years). She has developed and taught programs covering Media Criticism, Broadcasting, Journalism and Media History. At age 64, Donna earned a PhD in Communication from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Currently she is an Associate Professor of Media Studies LIM
at Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. https://lesley.edu/about/ faculty-staff-directory/donna-halper Donna is also an accomplished author of six published books which include a premier study showcasing the history of women in American broadcasting entitled Invisible Stars: A Social History of Women in American Broadcasting. Other works are; Full-Service Radio: Programming for the Community, Radio Music Directing, Icons of Talk: The Media Mouths that Changed America, Boston Radio: 1920-2010, and Radio Music Directing. https://www.amazon.com/Donna-L.Halper/e/ B000AP9HMC%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt _scns_share Being a media and social historian, she has also written essays for magazines and encyclopedias. She wrote a chapter in Radio Cultures: The Sound Medium in American Life (authored by Michael C. Page68
“Good health, happiness and lots of Rush tunes!” “To this day, whenever I hear the opening chords to "Working Man" or "Finding My Way," I get tears in my eyes. I am SO proud of what the guys have achieved in a 40 year career that has influenced fans all over the world and changed so many lives for the better (including mine).”
Keith). One of her compositions is about McCarthyism and its impact on broadcasting. It is published within the academic reference work Perspectives in American Social History: Cold War and McCarthy Era. She is also a baseball fan. Donna researches and writes for the SABR, about its history, for the Baseball Research Journal which documents radio broadcasting and its influence on the sport.It also spotlights lesser known information about the game. She has penned pieces on members of The Negro Leagues (United States professional baseball leagues with teams of African American and Latin American players) and some under-appreciated AfroAmerican sportswriters and sportscasters. One of her recent features is about how fans kept apprised of their favored teams before the
establishment of radio. https://sabr.org/research/article/beforethere-was-radio-how-baseball-fansfollowed-their-favorite-teams-1912-1921/ In 2020, Donna was on C-SPAN, where she spoke about women in early broadcasting. https://www.c-span.org/ video/?506887-1/forgotten-womenearly-radio She has also been a guest speaker touching on the history of radio and television, where she often shows some of her various, rare memorabilia. Due to her expertise, she has appeared on NPR, PBS, the History Channel, and on local television stations WCVB-TV and NECN, remarking on media history. Some of Donna’s work has highlighted women and minorities in media history, talk radio, as well as others whose contributions to broadcasting have at times been overlooked. For instance, pioneers John Shepard III, Eunice Randall, and Big Brother Bob Emery. An Admirable Union: Donna recently revealed to me, “My husband runs a computer repair business. He enjoys nature photography, and he loves to bake pies! We've been married for more than three decades, amazing but true! When I say he
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enjoys nature photography, I mean he takes photos of various beautiful scenes in nature. His photography website is jonsfavoritepics.com.” Add to that, she has openly mentioned her husband and marriage, always in a lovingly reverent sense, on social media and he in turn has publicly written about her in an endearing and encouraging manner. “My amazing wife in Cooperstown at the Baseball Hall of Fame where she is giving a talk on Thursday about 5 forgotten Women baseball writers. KNOCK IT OUT OF THE PARK HON!”, Jon Jacobik. They display a highly inspirational, admirable enduring union whom anyone can look up to. To view some of her husband Jon Jacobik’s work, please visit: https://jonsfavoritepics.com/ And yes, I am hoping to maybe score a home-baked delish peach pie from Jon in doing this plug! RUSH: In 1974, Canadian record promoter Bob Roper sent Donna the debut LP by RUSH in the hopes it might be more well received in the US due to it not having much, if any, interest in Canada at the time. After Donna essentially caused RUSH to catapult into overnight fame, this lead to landing them a U.S. record contract shortly thereafter. Who is to say what might have been for RUSH if not for Bob and Donna’s belief in the lads and their music? The band dedicated their first two albums to her in gratitude of the role she played in their success. In 2010, she appeared in the documentary RUSH: Beyond the Lighted Stage. In June of that year she spoke at the Hollywood Walk of Fame when RUSH received their ‘star’ for which she was instrumental in helping them achieve. https://www.facebook.com/517583418/ videos/t.668186406/10151270996118419 “I worked hard (along several other folks) to get RUSH this star, as our way of saying to the Rock Hall that they were wrong to ignore Rush. Well, now RUSH has been honored in both places. It’s about time!” LIM
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Awards: Donna earned the Jinx Coleman Broussard Award for Excellence in the teaching of Media History. She had researched and written about an Afro- American football player who had been excluded from the Cotton Bowl in 1940. https://theparisnews.com/free/ article_ad3f2fa4-5822-11eb-bacae77ccf65503e.html She was also nominated for a Distinguished Teaching Award in both the Fall of 2003 and 2005 (finalist) and was voted adjunct instructor of the year and received the Gold Key Award for excellence in teaching in 1995. https://lesley.edu/news/writingmarginalized-people-into-history Donna’s Blog: Donna also prolifically writes a blog on her thoughts about various current affairs and often about Neil Peart as well as RUSH. http://dlhalperblog.blogspot.com/ Her most recent post titled “A Garden to Nurture and Protect”, http://dlhalperblog.blogspot.com/2021/ 08/a-garden-to-nurture-andprotect.html LIM
may resonate with many readers, especially RUSH fans. One of my favorite quotes from another of her latest blog topics is, “I think it would be good for everyone to observe a "day of kindness." Instead of screaming at the server, or mocking the host, or insulting the manager on social media, how about considering that they may have been through a lot this past year too, and they may need some time to get things back up to speed. I understand that many of us are feeling stressed, but how about putting things in perspective--sometimes, a little understanding goes a long way. My mother, of blessed memory, used to say, "You get more flies with sugar than you do with vinegar." Yes, I know, it's a cliché. And when you're having an aggravating day, it's hard to keep that sentiment in mind. We've all been impatient or curt or discourteous at one time or other. But wouldn't it be nice if we all decided to follow the Golden Rule and treat others the way we'd like to be treated? It might not get you your breakfast any faster, but it might make the world a little less angry, and a little bit calmer. And the way I see it, that's a result we could all benefit from.” http://dlhalperblog.blogspot.com/2021/ 07/try-little-kindness.html. I have to say I whole-heartedly agree on all accounts. And indeed it is about the heart, as yet another example of Donna’s concerned and caring one. Quotes about RUSH: “If you are a Rush fan, as many folks who read my blog happen to be, you know that one of the things I always liked about Alex, Geddy, and Neil was that they were family men. That's unusual in the music industry. But on the occasions when I saw the guys with their families, it was obvious to me there was a genuine bond. Living the life of a rock musician meant each of the guys was out on the road a lot. But I knew they loved their wives and kids. And I knew they loved their parents.”
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“It’s always amusing to see the various hairstyles the guys had over the years!” “When I’m among Rush fans, I always feel at home.” “Actually, all the adoration from the fans makes me a bit embarrassed. I feel as if I don’t really deserve it.” “It’s one of the things in my life that makes me the proudest—being associated in some small way with the career success of these wonderful guys!” “It was interesting that the members of Rush back then were absolutely into partying, they were kids, they were young but they had this space for me to not do any of those things. It was fine with them. And it wasn’t because well, I was their mentor, I wasn’t their mentor yet. I was just you know a rock and roll DJ who played their music. But as we became friends, they never had a problem with the fact that I didn’t do any of those things, in fact when I would be backstage, they always made sure there was juice for me, they always made sure there were salads and you know, cookies. They made me feel welcome. And they’ve always been like that, and I’m not saying that because they’re my friends. Like I said, they weren’t my friends at that point. But this is just who they are. They are down to earth, decent human beings. And as time went on they kinda’ like diminished with the partying too because they became family men, they had kids. And they were always committed to their craft, committed to their work and they always were committed to the fans. That just wasn’t who they were. So, we never had a problem and it was really wonderful to know that even in a rock n roll industry and even in a partying time, there were people who just were nice down to earth human beings that you would like to hang out with, that you would like to talk you know about books or politics or you know cookies or family or whatever else, baseball! And that never changed. To this day I am still in touch, to this day what we talk about is rarely music, it’s family, friends, you know, stuff that’s LIM
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going on in the world and things like that. And I’m very proud of the fact that what started off you know, doing what music directors do, trying to find a good song for my radio station, it turned into a four decade plus friendship. I mean, how lucky am I?” “The reality is find your path, do what works for you, just don’t put other people down for their path. My friends don’t impose their beliefs on me and I’m not imposing mine on them. The guys in Rush were the same way. They all went through their Atheist phase, that’s fine, I mean, none of my business. The fact is that they all found their own path and we just never imposed on each other. It was always coming from a place of this is what works. What I always loved about the guys too is the fact that they were not just parodies of the past. They were not museum pieces as to what we all did in the 70’s. They were always trying to push the envelope, they were always trying to find new ways to communicate with the fans and that was also true in their personal lives. They are readers, they are thinkers, they’re people that are always trying to keep up with what is going on. And I respected that about them. LIM
Everyone’s free to find their path. And as long as you have peace, inner peace and as long as what you are doing helps you get to the next thing and enlivens your life. If it’s wearing you down then it’s probably the wrong path. But if it enlivens you, if it empowers you, who am I to tell you what to think? That’s the thing in Rush lyrics. You find that individuality, like don’t rent out your mind, don’t decide that they know best. No they don’t. I don’t care who it is, someone you like, someone you hate, think for yourself. That’s what Rush were talking about and I agree with it 100%. It’s about where’s your ethics, where’s your culture and what makes you feel like you are a part of something. I can never remember them being disrespectful of who I am nor have I been disrespectful of who they are. And through them, I’ve met so many wonderful fans. I’ve met family members of theirs. I’m still in touch with those folks and the fact that you and I are having this brief conversation, years, more than four decades after I first got "Working Man" on the radio. If you had told me, I’ve said this in other interviews and I’ll say it again, if you had told me in 1974 in the Spring of 1974 when I got that Canadian import from Bob Roper, and I’m still in touch with him too. If I had known back then in 1974 that I would still in April of 2021 still be part of that Rush community or that there would even be a Rush community, I would have been like yeah, maybe. So many times as a music director, I played songs, never heard from the band nor did I expect to, never heard from their manager, nor did I expect to, never heard from their fans, nor did I expect to. So this has all been you know just a bonus for me. Look at all the nice people I’ve met, including members of Rush’s immediate family but also members of the Rush family of fans including you and I feel very, very lucky in that regard.” “I want to thank everyone who keeps the music alive and keeps the memory of Neil alive and keeps introducing Rush, to Page73
new generations of fans. You’re what matters; you’re what makes it work. All they ever wanted was to communicate and to use their music to reach out to the fans. And the fact that you’re still doing that and you are still carrying that on, that makes me very happy cause it’s what they wanted. It’s still a gift to us all.” Quotes on Radio/Broadcasting: “Ah, the good old days, October 1968 to be exact, when I became the first woman in the history of Northeastern University to broadcast. The above photo was taken in the WNEU (later WRBB) studios. One of the happiest moments of my life, back when radio was still fun and the d.j.’s had some say in what songs were being played.” “Many pundits like to predict the end of radio. And yet, year after year, there continue to be young people who care about it and want to see it thrive. I was
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recently on several panels at theregional IBS conference (Intercollegiate Broadcasting System), held at Simmons College; I attended along with two students from Lesley University who are eager to see an internet radio station on campus. It was heartening to meet a number of students who still believe in radio; they participate in it on campus and hope to go into it when they graduate.” “In FM radio (we) played long songs for 2 reasons. One was indeed because if we needed to go to the bathroom, the record would not run out. But the other, even more important reason, was our competitors were AM top-40 stations and they only played short versions of everything. So we always tried to play the entire song, the long version. People like that. I chose "Working Man" because it was long and because the lyrics resonated with our audience.” “More conversation about saving radio needs to occur-- radio as a mass medium is NOT dead, even though some folks have
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what anyone thought he could do. He has been a great gift to me, helping to teach that even when things look bleak, you never give up; you never know when something could change. Happy 30th anniversary Jeff!”. “It seems to me, is the best Mother's Day gift-- to thank your mom for helping you to become who you are today.” “Some people know I help support those girls…doing my little part to increase female literacy.” “Clean living. I don’t smoke or drink or do drugs. Never have. My only weakness is ice cream!” “My autograph is easily obtainable—although I can’t imagine why anyone would want it…except maybe my creditors.”
prematurely written its obit. It needs to be revitalized and refocused, and it ideally needs to be live and local. In many cities, stations doing that are thriving. Long may they continue!” Quotes on Life/Social Topics: “I absolutely recommend reading to kids-- they really enjoy (and so do I).” “The internet can still be a place for creating community, and for sharing our celebrations.” “30th anniversary of an amazing guy I've told many of you about: his name is Jeff and he is autistic. When I met him for the first time, 30 years ago this week, he mainly communicated via assorted noises; he rocked back and forth, wouldn't make eye contact, and I was told he would never speak, behave "normally" or function in the community. I refused to believe that. I became his advocate, and my then-boyfriend (today husband) and I began working with him on a regular basis, teaching him, encouraging him, taking him to museums and parks and restaurants... And 30 years later, Jeff has more than 300 words in his vocabulary, can read & write, loves to be hugged, enjoys swimming, appreciates good ice cream... and he has far exceeded LIM
About Neil: “Neil was shy. He really was. He wasn’t shy onstage but that was his preferred metaphor. That’s how he spoke to the fans. He spoke to the fans through his music and through his drumming. His lyrics are his legacy. When Neil lived, he had close friends that he hung with. I’m still friendly with several of them and he had known them for years. But to be out in a large group just having a massive schmoozathon, wasn’t what he was comfortable with. To this day his friends are still his friends and his legacy, his music, and his memory lives on and it feels so wrong that he’s not here. And yet, he is here and it is an honor for me to just not only be able to talk about him but be able to talk to his parents, his best friend, some of the other people who were part of his extended family and it just goes on and it will always go on and I think that’s a wonderful tribute to who he was. It’s always hard for me to talk about Neil because he was a friend. He was a colleague. He was someone whose music I played. He was a person I admired and he was a part of my life for more than four decades. Now, I’d be lying if I said I was close to him, I mean we communicated, we kept in touch over the years but I saw Alex and Geddy a lot more than I saw Neil and yet he was always there and he is always here now. And Page76
every time I play a Rush song, or listen to a Rush song, or talk to a Rush fan, I’m thinking about Neil. May his memory live on in the music that he left us with.” Extra Tid Bits: Engages in monthly “Deep Dives” webcast https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=A5I3nwHtP7Q&t=279s which discusses lesser known RUSH songs that she feels did not receive deserved airplay, loves ice cream, still attends events for RUSH, a Big Sister for more than 30 years, participates in volunteer work, teaches full-time at age 74, free-lance reporter, stamp collector, wrote a foreword for poetry book called This Scarlet Dancing, still owns and wears dress seen in photo with RUSH in 1974.
witnessed in statements and photographs a-plenty on social media and elsewhere. As a female who has loved the works of RUSH for the last nearly 40 years, I say, rest assured that not just men are their loyal fans. It is in fact a baseless myth that RUSH as a whole is generally preferred by men. So, it is that much more of a thrill for me and many other women (and perhaps some men), that it is a lady of taste such as Donna Halper, who became an instant fan and advocate of the band’s music and the lads who created it. In a mostly male dominated industry, especially going back to 1968, she has proven to be a heroine in many regards, within the Music and Broadcasting realm. She has become a music maven, radio royal regent. She is also an autism advocate and cancer conqueror. And finally, I must add that Donna is a classy woman with a strong set of personal and professional ethics who prefers to cast light onto others rather than upon herself. Thank you Donna, for all you have done for radio, broadcasting, education, music, women, minorities, and the ‘lesser known’ and well deserving folks you have given a boost to, in all walks of life. You are a diamond whose sparkle anyone who looks upon can admire and aspire to. My Thanks To: Donna Halper, Jon Jacobik, Jay Pillai and the Lazie Indie Magazine. Photo Credits: Donna Halper, Jon Jacobik, Craig Renwick, and Tony Molina
Links: https://www.facebook.com/ donna.halperhttp://dlhalperblog.blogspo t.com/ In Closing: Donna Halper is a mentor and friend to many. She truly adores all of the RUSH fans and she is beloved by them as LIM
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About the Columnist Ann 'Aria' Burstyn is a popular SingerSongwriter fronting the band Dream Aria. She is a contributing writer for Lazie Indie Magazine and is on a pursuit to highlight iconic Canadian Artists/Bands/ Radio Personalities through her columns and live interviews. Check out her previous works in the earlier editions of Lazie Indie Magazine named as Canadian Content Corner. Also do check out The Special Tribute Editions from Lazie Indie Magazine to Top Canadian Acts: Streetheart, Darby Mills and the iconic Neil Peart of RUSH, written by Ann. Visit: www.lazieindiemagazine.com to learn more.
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