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Lazie Indie MagazineEdition 1727 September, 2021Donna HalperSteven HalpernRandy C. MooreYann CrepinCasey HensleySoulful FemmeUncle Buc Plays the BluesLauren Faye MossJennifer AlvaradoNick KingOn CoverDave Evans

ContentEditors CornerJennifer AlvaradoRandy C. MooreLauren Faye MossSteven HalpernSoulful FemmeYann CrepinUncle BucCasey HensleyNick KingNew ReleasesCanadian Content Corner -DONNA HALPER(feature)Lazie Indie MerchandisesCover StoryDave EvansLIM Page3

Editors CornerInformationThe magazine ispublished byLazie JPrint Edition 17The month ofpublishingSeptember - 2021Editorial TeamAuthor/Editor:Jay N PillaiCo-ordination andPromotion:ManojVerified by:Inge ZimmermannProbstGuest Feature:Column and Review:Tomiko DixonGalaxy FM NZLAnn' Aria' BurstynCover Photo:Dave EvansCover Photo CourtesyAndres ViolanteBlurring line between 'Signed and Unsigned' ?The digital revolution in music has actually started showingits true face now. A few years before there was quite a lot ofhype around the digital platforms. We all felt then that thedigital music platforms will be much more affordable toindependent musicians. To an extent it is true. But when youdig deeper it becomes clear that while at the very basic level itdoes equalize things because of low entry cost, the rest of thepromotion is actually costly and is sometimes prohibitive fora normal band or musician to aspire. The financial muscle ofthe big labels become a solid platform for the signed artistswhich the independent musicians normally do not possess.That is where networking comes into picture. Smartindependent musicians do their home work really well andput whatever little funds he/she has into real good use. Theynetwork, share and support fellow indie artists whicheventually help them in return. Though it is difficult to matchthe power of big labels, a lot of good artists are finding theirfeet and earn great reputation by connecting to friendlyplatforms. Publications like the LIM and Indie Radios/TVs doa lot of favor to them and their growth depends on howeffectively they use their network and use it to mutual benefit.Well, coming to this edition, we have a legendary artist oncover. We are proud to have the founding vocalist of AC/DC,Dave Evans on our cover. We have quite a few very respectedartists like Yann Crepin, Steven Halpern, some greatindependent musicians and the legendary radio host DonnaHalper, the lady who discovered RUSH all speaking to us. Socheck it out... as I always request you, Please keep sharingLIM to friends so that your own magazine is read bymaximum readers. Thank you, enjoy your read - Jay PillaiLIM Page4

We are speaking to the legend himself. He was a co-founder of one of the biggestever Hard Rock /Heavy Metal Band of all time, the one and only AC/DC. Well! Itdoesn't get bigger than that in Rock Music. After almost 5 decades of performingacross the globe ever since he co-founded AC/DC in 1973 and moving on with manytop acts after he left the band in 1973,Dave Evans still rocks the hell out of us likeno one ever can, even in 2021.Lazie Indie Magazine is excited to present theoriginal Badass Boy of Rock to our readers and ask him a few questions other thanthe 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 musicaljourney as a whole and his plans for the upcoming year in their column 'Around theGalaxy'. Let's hear from the master...LIM Page6

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 toour readers? What would you introduce yourself as?Dave Evans: Hi, this is Dave Evans aka The King Of All Badasses, aka The originallead 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 towatch him as a child and young man performing on stage at local concerts andspecial city occasions. We did not have television at home until I was 15 and playedmusic and sang at home as a family and read poetry and read many books ofLIM Page8

different topics. I sang at all the school concerts myself so music was a way of life formyself and the family.Barbara: Who were your musical influences and how does it reflect in the genre ofmusic do you create?Dave Evans: I loved all the music that was my father's influences including operabut I discovered for myself as did the rest of the world The Beatles and that changedeverything and other bands at that time like The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, TheTroggs, Creedence Clearwater Revival etc. and later bands like Free, Deep Purpleand Led Zeppelin.LIM Page9

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 comeinstantly and naturally without really having to think about it. I hear the melody andthe lyrics at the same time and mainly the hook or the chorus first and then I writethe verses to justify the chorus.Barbara: What do you look to convey to your listeners when you create music do youlook 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 usgo through during our lives and I look to bring out very powerful emotions andpositive thoughts from the listeners as well as sensitive moods.LIM Page11

My music can be summed up in a few words - Power, Energy, Dynamics andConviction. I want my music to empower people, fill them with energy, createdynamics in their lives and make them believe in themselves and their ultimatesuccess in life.DJ Grant: How do you record and produce the songs?Dave Evans: I have recorded in several countries throughout my long careerincluding Australia, England, The USA and Norway. I have worked with producersespecially initially but have also produced some of my releases myself.LIM Page13

DJ Grant: What are your plans for the immediate future? Tell us more about yourlatest release?Dave Evans: I am currently on tour in Mexico and the USA in 2021 and will also betouring in Guatemala, Aruba, Colombia and Chile later in the year. I have had twoalbum releases this year 1. TheDave Evans Lightning & Thunder Latin AmericanTour 2019 and theDave Evans Badass Greatest Hits album. I am about to release anew 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 Evansmusic albums.LIM Page14

Barbara: What gives you the kick, writing, recording or playinglive and why?Dave Evans: All of the above as they are all intertwined inhaving a complete musical career if possible and each requiresits own dedication and concentration and creative rewards.Barbara: What would you suggest to an aspiring independentartist?Dave Evans: Never give up and just keep making music andenjoying life. Give all you have to your fans and they will giveback in return.- Thank youLIM Page16

About the columnistAround the Galaxy is a columncontributed by Galaxy FM 107, NewZealand, introducing artists from NewZealand and Australia. Galaxy FM is oneof the top radio stations in New Zealandand is quickly expanding its listener baseacross the world. The authors of thecolumn,Barbara Harkins and DJ Grantare well known radio hosts at Galaxy FMhosting the popular Breakfast Show.Lazie Indie Magazine thanks TeamGalaxy for their support. Check out theirwebsite -www.galaxyfm.co.nzLIM Page17

Jennifer Alvarado started writing songs at the age of 4. As ateenager, she began leading worship in her church. Her firstsingle “Relentlessly” was released in 2015 followed by her firstChristian album "Hello Life" that consisted of 13 original songs.She returned to her country roots with her single “I BreakThings”, that was released in early 2020. She released fouradditional singles during 2020. Her single "Lose Control" isavailable now on all digital platforms. Her upcoming singlecalled “Filthy Water” releases on September 17, 2021. Her soundis a mixture of Country, Pop and Blues that reflect an eclecticblend of influences.Lazie Indie Magazine spoke to JenniferAlvarado to know more about her career and her future plans...LIM Page19

LIM:Hi Jennifer, Welcome to Lazie IndieMagazine !Jennifer:Thank you for that.LIM: You have had a great career inmusic so far. How do you feel was yourjourney so far as a musician?Jennifer: I spent a lot of years trying to fitinto a mold. Over the past couple years, Ireally made a point to create music thatrepresents me and is honest to who I am.It has not been an easy journey, but everyroadblock or what I called a “failure” inthe moment, has proven to be a blessingin disguise.LIM: Who/what were your musicalinfluences and how did you arrive at thisgenre you play?Jennifer: I started as a ContemporaryChristian artist. I released my first albumin 2015, called “Hello Life.” However, Igrew up listening to a mixture of genres. Ialways was drawn to and appreciated thehonesty of Country music. In 2020, Ifinally gained enough courage to startreleasing my Country material and inApril 2021 released my EP “Playing withFire.” As I’ve seen the positive response, ithas encouraged me to continue with theCountry/Pop genre. My biggest influencesgrowing up were Reba McEntire, TheEagles, Tom Petty, and then later, artistslike Patty Griffin, Natalie Grant andTaylor Swift. I think each of thoseinfluences have carried over into mymusic.LIM: How do you go about writing yoursongs? How do you record and produceyour music?Jennifer: Each song is different. For themost part, I get a hook first. I usually getpartial lyrics and a melody about thesame time and then build a story aroundwhat I have. I typically record all my ideason my phone because they come quickly.I’ve been challenging myself to get betterat actually recording a rough “demo” athome. All my professional recordings aredone at Bombhouse Recording inMorganton, NC with my producer RickyRodriguez. I’ve been recording with himsince 2015 and he just “gets” my music.LIM Page20

LIM: What do you look to convey to yourlisteners when you create music? Do youlook to set a theme first or do you let thesong take over your lyrics?Jennifer: I used to try and set a theme. IfI was sad, I wanted to write a tearjerkerand cry on the page as I wrote the song.As I’ve grown as a writer, I try not to lockmyself into an agenda and limit how thesong develops. Especially with Christianmusic, I believe you have to leave roomfor God (or your Higher Power) to speak.The healing creativity comes when youare surprised by your own raw honesty…Idon’t think you can get there if you putlimitations in place before you begin.LIM: Where do we find your music on theinternet? Which is your latest release?Jennifer: My latest single is called “FilthyWater” and releases on September 17,2021. I have a new EP called “Songbird”that will be released in Fall 2021. Myprevious single “IDWYB” was released inJune 2021 and my EP “Playing with Fire”was released in April 2021. I am on alldigital streaming services - Spotify, AppleMusic, Amazon, Deezer, Tidal - just toname a few. My music can also be foundand purchased on my website atwww.JenniferAlvarado.com.You can also find me atFacebook Music Page -www.facebook.com/jemmusic12 Youtube- youtube.com/jemmusic12Reverbnation -https://www.reverbnation.com/jenniferalvaradoTwitter - @guitardiva12IG - @jenniferalvaradomusicSoundcloud - https://soundcloud.com/jem1984LIM:What gives you the kick, writing,producing, or playing live and why?Jennifer: Writing is my therapy. If Ihaven’t written in a few days, I can feel it.I love being in the studio and coming upwith little musical ideas to help take thesong to a whole new level. Playing live,however, is what gives me the “kick” tokeep going, learning and improving. I likeseeing people’s reactions to songs. Whensomeone comes up and shares howsomething in a song resonated….that’severything…it’s why I do this. I want tomake sure someone feels understood andlike they have a friend.LIM: How do you overcome the lockdownon live music and is internet-basedperformance good enough to generate alivelihood for musicians?Jennifer: Fortunately, things are startingto open up around here. People are stillcautious, so I will say there isn’t as muchinteraction as there was pre-Covid. Ithink the internet-based performance isone positive that came from Covid.Others may disagree, but for me, itallowed me to connect with othermusicians, songwriters, and listeners thatI otherwise would have never met. Thereis also an intimacy with some of thoseinternet live events that really resonatedwith me. I shared stories about songs thatI probably wouldn’t share in a localsetting. I think internet-based shows willdefinitely stick around for a while..LIM: What are your immediate futureplans?Jennifer: Finish this next EP, so I canstart another one…ha ha. In allseriousness, I do want to finish up thisLIM Page21

project, but my immediate plans are to keep growing. I want toget 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, butalso encouraging other songwriters to keep honing their craft.LIM: Being a successful musician/band yourself what would youtell an upcoming musician to keep in mind to launch asuccessful 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 stillhurts when someone says something negative. Realize noteveryone is going to like what you do and that’s okay. Theyaren’t supposed to. Keep going and you will find your sound,your people and most importantly, your voice in this.?? Thank you.LIM Page22

RANDY C MOORE is an Americana Music Artist from Texas.At the age of he was making his own records with the help ofHouston radio personality Arch Yancey. He was also a regularfeature of the world-famous Gilley’s. He was a guest star onWSM’s Grand Ole Opry hosted by Roy Acuff. He opened showson the road with Hank Williams Jr, David Allen Coe, AmyGrant, Vince Gill, and Lee Ann Rimes. In his songwriting careerteamed him up with Restless Heart, Pat Bunch, David Lee, androckabilly legend, Carl Perkins and was a featured artist on TheAlliance of Neighbors 9/11 Benefit Concert with Bon Jovi,Bruce Springsteen and more. He is currently riding the onsuccess of country superstar Ronnie Milsap’s recording of “BigBertha” LP co-written byRandy, Carl, and Perkins’ daughterDebbie Swift Perkins. Jay from LIM spoke to Randy C. Moore...LIM Page24

Jay: Hi Randy, you have a very promisingcareer in music. how do you feel was yourjourney so far as a musician?Randy: I have enjoyed most everythingI’ve been able to do from my liveperformances to writing and recordingmy music. I’ve also learned a great manythings about life.Jay: Who/ what were your musicalinfluences and how did you arrive at thisgenre you play?Randy: My musical influences startedwith Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson as asongwriter. I was also inspired by manygreat artists including, George Harrison,Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, John Denver,and John Fogerty.Jay: How do you go about writing yoursongs? How do you record and produceyour music?Randy: Most of my best songs begin withan idea and a lyrical expression; usuallythe music and the melody come later oncethe lyric has the right rhythm and feel.Recording of the song is the same, the feeland the emotion of song must never belost in the production and the productionshould complement the song completely.Jay: You have worked/ shared stage withsome of the best in the music scene, Tellus a few things you learnt from themwhich you could use in your life/ career?Randy: The most important thing I havelearned from performing alongside anygreat artist is you should never stopfinding a way to reach your audience. Youshould give your performance as if it werethe last thing on earth you will ever get todo.Jay: Where do we find your music on theinternet? Which is your latest release?Randy: My music and everything thatrelates to my presence as an artist can befound at www.randycmoore.com. All ofmy album and single releases, includingmy latest album, “Lufkin” are availablefor download on iTunes and Amazonmusic.Jay: What gives you the kick, writing,producing or playing live and why?Randy: There is only one reason that Iwrite, produce or play live. It is to conveya message, a feeling, and give otherssomething I hope is a good thing in theirheart.Jay: How do you overcome the lockdownon live music and is the internet-basedperformance good enough to generate alivelihood for musicians?Randy: The lockdown for me was ablessing. I gave me time to reflect andrestart my musical journey as I movedback to Texas where I am originally from.I don’t have a point of reference when itcomes to internet-based performancesgenerating a livelihood. Maybe it did, butI doubt it will ever replace a true liveperformance. If it does, you won’t see medoing that, to be honest I like people to besitting in my lap when I play music, noton my laptop.Jay: What are your immediate futureplans? Touring or releasing new music?Randy: My future is today. I am currentlybecoming an increasing presence here inthe Texas music scene. I will be releasingthree new albums within the next twoyears. This November (2021) I will releasea new Christmas album, and nextyear two additional albums will follow inthe early spring of 2022 and late winter.LIM Page25

Jay: Being a successful musician/band yourself what would youtell an upcoming musician to keep in mind to launch asuccessful career in music?Randy: To anyone who wants to be a professional music artist oranyone who is currently working in music. Do it because youlove to. If you do this for any other reason you will fail. You willfail to yourself and you will fail for everyone else. You must dothis for love and everything else will take care of itself.-Thank youLIM Page27

Lauren Faye Moss is a songwriter, vocalist, actress and countryartist. 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 giveLaurenthe tools to compose for herself, along with her songwritingpartner and producer Adam Fiasco. In 2012/13,Lauren washand selected to appear on a TV show, filmed out in Miami andAsia as an artist in her own right... She moved to the USA towork on the show, working with producers such as SteveGorden and Betty Wright and she also mentored by OliviaNewton John. Lauren has been a BBC INTRODUCING artist forthe last two years listing all five of her singles Home, The Plan,Sing it, , Out of the Dark and Here to stay .LIM Page29

As a singer-songwriter, Lauren has beennominated three years in a row in theISSA (International singer songwriterawards) both in the English and USAcategories. She was also nominated for anNEA (National Entertainment Award)UK.Jay from Lazie Indie Magazine spoketoLauren Faye Moss...Jay: Hi Lauren, welcome to Lazie IndieMagazine, great to speak to you. Let mestart by asking this, you have an emergingcareer in music. How do you feel was yourjourney so far?Lauren (Lauren Faye Moss): Being aperformer from an early age, I haveexperienced most aspects of the industry,the good, the bad, the ugly... the high andlow points that are all part of the fun.Having an ability to express yourselfthrough song and have peopleacknowledge and appreciate that makeseverything worthwhile. Winning anInternational Singer Songwriter's Awardfor best female vocalist of the year 2021 iscertainly an achievement for me, as I ambeing acknowledged in territories otherthan the UK. Even though my health hasheld me back for what seems to be alifetime, my music has always been mypassion, and has ensured I'm moredetermined than ever to achieve what Iwant. I have had an amazing journey sofar with releasing, venues I've played andmajor artists I have had the pleasure ofworking with and for ... and there is muchmore to come ...Jay: How did this band come together?Who picked whom?Lauren: Even though I'm a solo artist, Ihave collaborated with an establishedband, 'The Fiasco', which my song writingpartner Adam Fiasco is part of. Anawesome line up of talent indeed! Jay:Jay: Who/what were your musicalinfluences and how did you arrive at thisgenre you play?Lauren: My influences vary, as I love allgenres of music. I am actually a classicallytrained soprano singer, and therefore I'mexceptionally versatile in performing,however Country music is something Itook great interest in as one of my biggestidols was/is Shania Twain and when Iwas at school, I used to help an elderlylady who was a family friend, tidy hergarden/house, feed her pets for her and Ilooked upon her as a Grandmother figure.This lady had a huge passion for Countrymusic and would ask me to sing the oldclassics by Patsy Cline, Tammy Wynette,Dolly Parton and many more at a weeklySunday Karaoke. At the time I was 13 andused to attend with family and this elderlylady. I would regularly sing 'Islands InThe Stream' with another singer and anyrequests - which were always country. Myparticular interest in Country musicbegan there.Jay: How do you go about writing yoursongs? As a band what do you considerthe Lyrical Message or the musicaldirection?Lauren: Writing my songs always startswith a subject - generally how I’m feelingor maybe I wish to get my point across …I begin with a chorus and build fromthere, I take my idea to my songwritingpartner and we mix ideas together for thefinished result, working very welltogether.Jay: How do you record and produce yourLIM Page30

"I perform as a professional impersonator and that side of things allows me to be creativewith 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 latestrelease? Where can we find them on theinternet?Lauren: My songwriting partner and I arebuilding a catalogue of songs constantly.I'm fortunate that I have someone astalented as he is at playing, producingand writing with me on this. As an artistin my own right, a session, vocalist,backing vocalist and studio singer - I haveworked in studios with producers, writersand artists all over the world, but I havenever worked with anyone as thorough,talented and as dedicated to his craft ... asam I on my part. Great friend and talent.I have had six releases so far, one being acollaboration with my song writingpartner's band ‘The Fiasco’, entitled 'ThePlan'. 'Sing It', 'Home', Out Of The Dark','Here To Stay’ and my latest release'Something' are available on all majormusic platforms.Jay: What gives you the kick, writing,producing or playing live and why?Lauren: The biggest kick for me has to beperforming live and having an audiencein the palm of your hand is anindescribable feeling. Having an audiencesing your songs back to you, is just asurreal experience altogether. As a 'dayjob' I perform as a professionalimpersonator and that side of thingsallows me to be creative with costume,etc. and gigs can be amazing, but nothinglike hearing your own audience, who havepurposefully attended to see yourself andchant your own songs back to you ... it'spriceless!Jay: Live music is an integral part ofmusic promotion and that being hinderedby lockdowns how do you plan topromote your music? Will the internet beable to bridge the gap?LIM Page31

Lauren: With the past 18 months beingthe way they have been, live music hasbeen hugely affected and I do feelalthough this has affected people's driveand interest in music to an extent,certainly for a number of months. It wassuch a challenging situation for us allinternationally, but I do feel that livemusic has come back with a bang andpeople cannot wait to be out enjoying itagain, after such a long time. Music feedsthe soul in more ways than people realise.We musicians are for the important andwe all deserve recognition time and effortwe all put in. We have had to endure theaffects of the pandemic together, someneeding other jobs after working hardtheir entire lives in this industry,ploughing our hard-earned money intoour businesses, productions and trainingetc. Music sales online do not equate towhat can be earned when performing live,unless you're a well-established artist andeven then, the industry is not what it usedto be. I am a firm believer in keeping highstreet and independent music shops alive.For me there is an excitement to buyingnew music and seeing what I ampurchasing. As a 33 year old - I amfortunate to have been part of thegeneration who could go out and buy asingle on a CD or take a cheeky lookunder the Christmas tree to see howmany CD shaped presents I had and getexcited! The internet comes with pro'sand con's, as promotion is a lot easier,however I do not think it bridges the gapenough to subsidize live performances.Live music is unbelievably important forpromoting and sales. Aside from this, livemusic makes us who we are and brings alot of joy to spectators and us performers.I am pretty sure most performers did notget into this industry with aspirations ofperforming in the front room to theinternet ... we want to be out theregigging live for the people who supportus. The music and entertainment industryLIM Page33

as a whole is a microcosm for the mostseverely affected industry during theentirety of the pandemic, and althoughthe internet played a huge part in keepingpeople in work, in touch etc. throughoutthe bad times, although it was useful tokeep people occupied, I don’t believe itwas AS helpful to us musicians throughthese times, but these times were theunknown, and we were all faced with asituation that was abnormal. Thesituation was necessary at the time andcould not be helped... Hopefully, aspromised, this won’t happen again.Jay: What would be your immediate goalsas a band?Lauren: Immediate goals for me includebeing out playing live, catalogue as manysongs as I/we possibly can and ultimatelyhead back out to America when possible.I have friends, potential management andstudios that I cannot wait to record inwaiting for me when everything resumes.Above all, my health appears to be beingmanaged after some time away and mymusic and performing gives me a purposeand personal goals. Even though I havereleased Country/Rock/Pop songs, it doesnot mean I intend to stay with one genre.This coming year will include much morevariation with my music, so stay tuned!!Jay: Being an emerging artist yourself,what would you tell an upcomingmusician to keep in mind to launch asuccessful career in music?Lauren: My advice to any new artistwould be - You have to develop a thickskin and not everything is glamorous. Youhave to keep pushing and pushing,regardless of the setbacks. Not everyoneis going to like you, but for every personwho doesn't, there are 10 people whoadore you. Be vigilant, know what youwant, don’t settle and self-belief is whatultimately drives you on. Love what youdo, become what you do, and do it to thebest of your capabilities. Surroundyourself with positive people whoacknowledge your worth and understandyour goals. Never doubt or questionyourself, because you then you are opento allow insecurity - which you do notneed ... there is nothing wrong with beingaware of your own capabilities or beinghonest with yourself. Be the best versionof yourself and above all, stay grounded -your attitude can change people's opinionof you, no matter how talented you are.Be kind and appreciate other people'stalents - embrace them - we are alldifferent. Be honest- the industry is ahuge circle of people who talk to eachother, the rules of etiquette are there for areason and your professionalism can bemeasured by it. Perform live as much asyou possibly can, polish your craft andlastly, don't give up!- Thank YouLIM Page34

Steven Halpern is a Grammy® Award nominated, multi-platinum selling recording artist, composer, producer,researcher, author and pioneering sound healer. With anunequaled, proven track record of over 4 decades,Steven’smusic continues to be the of great help to individuals from allwalks of life, as well as healers, spiritual teachers, massagetherapists and corporate wellness programs. His most recentMindful Music series features key brainwave entrainmentfrequencies 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 toknow more about his research and his music and to share somelight to our readers on the vast area of music which is to beexplored and used to the benefit of all of us...lets learn…LIM Page36

Jay: Hi Steven, welcome to Lazie IndieMagazine! It is an honor to speak to you.You have been a researcher in music fordecades and have developed your ownmethod of healing through music. Canyou throw some light on your music in anutshell and why you chose to do this?Steven (Steven Halpern): The musicchose me. After years of reading aboutancient sound healing traditions, I set myintention to discover a modern version ofhealing music. My method of composingand recording is to get into a deepmeditative state and let the music playthrough me. Key elements of my style arethe special tones of the instruments, thelack of major melodies, a lack of centralrhythm, with recent albums adding asonic brainwave entrainment matrix. Thisevokes natural relaxation and balancesthe brainwaves in the deep alpha range.Jay: Who were your musical influenceswhen you started? And how did itprogress?Steven: My journey began on trumpetand guitar. My early influences were JohnColtrane, Miles Davis and Jimi Hendrix,Frank Zappa and the Beatles. Inspired byChicago, Blood, Sweat & Tears andElectric Flag, I formed my own award-winning band with horns. I began aMaster’s program studyingethnomusicology, healing music andconsciousness at the University ofBuffalo. All that changed in November1969 during a life-changing meditationamong the redwoods when I actuallybegan to hear the new sounds of modernhealing music.Jay: How does music actually heal andwhy do you think it is not used morecommonly in our times?Steven: Different kinds of music can healin different ways: Physically, emotionallyor in the quantum field. Songs with wordsthat have an emotional effect are wellknown. My recordings involve the laws ofresonance, entrainment, tone andintention. I focus on instrumental musicand compose from a state of mindfulmeditation, from a place of peace within.The listener’s brainwaves ‘entrain’ to aLIM Page37

"Biofeedback research proved my music balances brainwaves and evokes our innatehealing intelligence, thus reducing stress and releasing endorphins (feel-good neuro-hormones). Big Pharma views sound healing as an economic threat. My music empowerspeople for self-healing".more healing frequency, and the heart isallowed to choose the rhythm mosthealthful for that individual. Biofeedbackresearch proved my music balancesbrainwaves and evokes our innate healingintelligence, thus reducing stress andreleasing endorphins (feel-good neuro-hormones). Big Pharma views soundhealing as an economic threat. My musicempowers people for self-healing.Jay: We understand that your music istuned to positively impact at the DNAlevel and works more at the brainwavelevel. Have you done research on how it isactually achieved?Steven: I conducted the earliestbiofeedback research into music andhealing in 1973, with additional studiessince then. The effects happen naturally,just by listening. It’s biological, not justintellectual. As the research of Dr. BruceLipton and Dr. Deepak Choprademonstrate, when we get into a deeplyrelaxed state and our brainwaves aretuned to 8 Hz, which is also thefundamental frequency of the Earth itself(the Schumann Resonance), our DNA ismost receptive to our consciousinstruction to express for optimal health.It’s that simple.Jay: Meditation and Meditative Music isnow packaged and sold in parts by a lot ofpeople. Do you think it does more damagethan good if it is done wrong? How doyou ensure your music serves the best?Steven: There are indeed a lot of peoplejumping on the bandwagon. I have achapter in my upcoming memoirdedicated to these scams and shams. Itwould be easier if you asked about someHeavy Metal, Punk, EDM or Goth Rock.My own experience is that such music isLIM Page38

often worse than merely annoying orboring. I will notice a tightness in mychest, and a difficulty breathing. My ownexperience is that such music is oftenworse than merely annoying or boring. Ioften notice a pain in my chest, as well asa ‘sonic laxative effect’! I incorporatehealing tones of the Rhodes electricpiano, crystal bowls, celestial choirs, andset the intention to share the love andhealing with my audience.Jay: How is the world responding to yourresearch and what will be your way tomake it reach more and more people as itcan actually be of great help to a lot ofpeople?Steven: When I recorded my first album, Ihad no idea how to approach the media tospread the good news of a new form of‘sound medicine’. I had to learn how tocommunicate and educate the media andaudiences about the benefits of healingmusic. I began touring in 1977, offeringconcerts and workshops around the USand in London and presenting keynotetalks and workshops at mind/bodyconferences worldwide. With the onset ofdigital music streaming platforms, therehas been an exponential growth in thenumber of people who are listening to mymusic worldwide. I now consider thestreaming music world to be my ally,making all my recordings moreaccessible.Jay: Where can we find your music?Steven: My music is available at allAmazon, Apple Music, Spotify,Youtube.com/StevenHalpernMusic andmost other streaming platforms. Mywebsite, www.StevenHalpernMusic.comprovides the longest samples andcomplete album liner notes to educateand deepen the experience for thelistener.Jay: There were a lot of musicalinstruments used by Musical healers likeTibetian Bowls and a few Indian Musicalinstruments and to an extent OMchanting etc…What is your take on allthese methods used for ages as practice?Steven: I have always promoted Tibetanhealing bowls, crystal bowls, tuning forksand vocal toning. These traditionalinstruments produce mostly sine wavesound frequencies, which are morehealing than square wave or saw-toothwaveform sounds. The subtle pulsationsof Tibetan singing bowls are actually‘organic brainwave entrainmentinstruments’. That’s why they have beenused for hundreds of years. Chanting‘OM’ is an internal vibratory massage thattunes you into the ongoing cosmic ‘hum’that ancient mystics and quantumphysicists agree is the timeless un-heard‘sound’ of the cosmos.Jay: What do you say to an ordinarymusic listener so that he gets toexperience 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 tryingto predict and subconsciously analyzewhere the music is headed. - Lie down orsit in meditative position with spine erect.- Start out with even just 5 minutes. Anytrack from DEEP ALPHA, DEEP THETA,CHAKRA SUITE or OCEAN OF BLISS isguaranteed to get you into the mindfulstate of relaxed alertness.- Thank youLIM Page39

Soulful Femme is a Blues, Funk, Jazz duo from Pittsburgh, made up of SteveeWellons(vocals) and Cheryl Rinovato (guitars). Their debut album, “It Is Well WithMy Soul” is being released on June 4th, 2021.Stephanie Wellons, aka SteveeWellons, has been performing for the last 25 years and is known for her high-energystage presence and performance. She is also voice coach. Formerly, she taught at theprestigious Afro-American Institute (AAMI),Cheryl Rinovato began her musicalcareer as a studio musician and has been the recipient of the prestigious Jim WeberAward, given to Blues guitarist of the year, three times; in 2012, 2013 and 2015. Sheis 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 upwith the duo to know more about 'Soulful Femme'.LIM Page41

Jay: You have had a great career in musicso far creating a substantial fan baseworldwide with your music. When youlook back, how do you feel about yourjourney so far?Soulful Femme (duo): We have bothperformed in the music industry for quitesome time and have so many experiencesto reflect on. It has been a long journey,but a good one, overall.Jay: Who/what were your musicalinfluences and how did you arrive at thisgenre 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 bothhave performed in many genres such asRock, Funk, Progressive Rock and Jazz,but when we met and began performingtogether our styles fused into a Blues,Soul and Jazz feel.Jay: How do you go about selecting yoursongs?Soulful Femme: Performing and writingour original material is an evolvingprocess but we choose cover materialbased on our styles and preferences. Wemost often choose songs that an audiencecan relate to, something that evokes amemory for them.Jay: How do you record and produce yourmusic? Do you have any special gear/recording system which you feel isimportant to bring out the kind of voiceyou want? If so, why?Soulful Femme: For this CD (It Is WellWith My Soul) 90% of the material wasalready written prior to going into thestudio. Some of the vocal parts and guitarsolos were recorded in our studio,SKYDOG STUDIO and then the files weresent to the final studio for mix andmastering.Jay: Where can we find your music on theinternet?LIM Page42

Soulful Femme: Our music can be found on all digital platforms.Many fans want a physical copy, which they can purchase on ourwebsite: soulfulfemme.com.Jay: What gives you the kick, writing, producing or playing liveand why?Soulful Femme: Both of us like the writing and productionaspect of our music, but we love the live performances becausewe so easily connect with our audiences and love to share ourpassion for music as well as performance. Our show is very highenergy.Jay: Tell us about the success of your latest releases!Soulful Femme: The success was a welcomed surprise and hasbeen on the charts since its’ release on June 4th. Two songs, SetLIM Page43

"KNOW YOUR CRAFT! Study, execute, put the time into your instrument. Understandits’ capabilities and boundaries. Second, find a MENTOR, someone you trust. Someonewho has your best interest at heart and has experience. This will help you navigate theindustry"You Free and Born To Blues have been inthe Top 10 as singles.Jay: How are you coping with the newrealities post the Covid scare especiallywhen the live music scene is hit hard?Soulful Femme: During the Covidshutdown last year we focused oncompleting the CD. Once the spring of2021 hit, we began to work steady, and ithas not let up since. Most of the festivalsthis summer were outdoors sorestrictions were less, but now with theresurgence, many of the clubs arerequiring proof of vaccination.Jay: What are your immediate futureplans say, for 2021/2022?Soulful Femme: Our focus will now be towrite for the next CD and have beeninvited to record in California. We willalso continue to perform, with a fallsouthern tour being planned.Jay: What would you advice an upcomingartist?Soulful Femme: Recognition comes withtime and skill. First, KNOW YOURCRAFT! Study, execute, put the time intoyour instrument. Understand its’capabilities and boundaries. Second, finda MENTOR, someone you trust. Someonewho has your best interest at heart andhas experience. This will help younavigate the industry. ‘There are manyaspects to the music business andunderstanding that IT IS A BUSINESSwill serve them well. Professionalism isparamount and cannot be overstated!Success is very subjective'- Thank you.(Thanks to MTS Management forintroducing Soulful Femme to Lazie IndieMagazine)LIM Page44

Lazie Indie Magazine catches up with top composer, pianist,Yann Crepin from Brittany, France. Yann is mainly intocomposing music for cinema and a performer pianist. He alsohas released instrumental music over the years. In 2019,YannCrepin'smusic was picked up to be the official music for AIRFRANCE.Jay from LIM speaks to this fabulous musician tolearn more about his phenomenal career so far and his plans forthe future. We thankEmma Goldberg from France forintroducingYann Crepin to our readers. Let's know more...LIM Page46

Jay: Hi Yann, welcome to Lazie IndieMagazine, it is great to speak to you. Forthe benefit of our readers would youplease introduce yourself in the best wayyou would like to?Yann (Yann Crepin): I am Yann Crepin,composer and pianist from Brittany, Icompose mainly for cinema, song, mainlyInstrumental music; in 2019 I becameofficial music provider for AIR FRANCE.Jay: Who were your musical influences?Yann: I have my own musical universe.They say that I have similarities withDidier Squiban, Ludovico Einaudi forexample.Jay: How do you create your music? Howdo you go about writing music for amovie?Yann: I always compose intuitively, in astate of trance. For the cinema the imagespermeate me first, the music then arrives... naturally.Jay: How do you make sure your music isproduced as close as you want it to be?Yann: I work with a limited number oftrusted people to record my music. Ialways stay true to my original intuition.Time does the rest ...Jay: You were a concert performer for along time working with famous artiststhen released your album… what did youlearn from the greats you worked withand what could you use when you madeyour own album?Yann: I was a classical concert flautist butnot a pianist! I learned the piano on myown. What I have retained from the greatmusicians I have met is their humility andtheir simplicity as well as a universalharmony that inhabits them. Mycompositions come from the heart and Ido not build my albums: To sum up Irecover the flow that gushes out ...Jay: What are your future plans? Both infilms, as a concert pianist and composer.Yann: My future projects are multiple: Icompose for a new film for a director ofFrance Television, I was also recruited fora musical and an album to be releasednormally in 2022 "a flower in winter" andit is question that I accompanies hautecouture shows for fashion week ...LIM Page47

Jay: Where can you find your work/album on the net?Yann: You can find my albums on amazon, fnac and allstreaming platforms: Spotify, iTunes, Deezer. My music isdistributed all over the world!Jay: What would you advice an upcoming musician to take carewhile he is on his musical journey?Yann: The best advice I can give is to deliver the music of yoursoul. It is the only one which belongs to you and which is worth.Even if it is simple, basic will remain authentic ... To convinceyou, listen to my song "Un beating de coeur" ...- Thank youLIM Page49

This edition of Tomiko Dixon Grand Blues Review featurespopular Blues Radio hostUncle Buc from Texas. 'Uncle Bucplays the Blues', his popular radio show has been a consistentsource of entertainment for Blues lovers and encouragement forBlues Artists. He has laid out a variety of programs based onBlues and has listeners tuning in from across the world to hisradio. Granddaughter of Blues Tomiko Dixon speaks to thisveteran Blues Radio host about his career in media and hisimmediate future plans for the radio station. Let's listen...LIM Page51

"I have stated on Uncle Buc Plays The Blues that I have the utmost respect for the realpioneers of blues like Leadbelly, Robert Johnson etc. However, the groove I strive to keepmy music flowing in is somewhere between clunky and funky but leaning a bit to thefunky side".Tomiko: Who inspired you to work inradio & why blues?Uncle Buc: I was born and raised in thesmall Texas town of Shamrock. The firstannouncer on Shamrock’s first radiostation KEVA was a hometown boy BillMack. Bill became quite famous as acountry radio announcer, musician andsongwriter. Bill won a Grammy forwriting LeAnn Rimes hit Blue. Not onlywas Bill Mack my biggest inspiration tobe in radio, but he was also theinspiration for four Shamrock youths(including myself) to make radio theirprofessional career. Starting as anannouncer on that same small-townstation, I went on to manage radiostations for over 30 years in OklahomaCity, Wichita Kansas and JacksonvilleFlorida. I was raised on country but thefirst time I heard Jimmy Reed, ChuckBerry, Bo Diddley, Muddy Waters, RayCharles and the like… I was hooked.Tomiko: Who would you like tocollaborate with and why?Uncle Buc: I have stated on Uncle BucPlays The Blues that I have the utmostrespect for the real pioneers of Blues likeLeadbelly, Robert Johnson etc. However,the groove I strive to keep my musicflowing in is somewhere between clunkyand funky but leaning a bit to the funkyside. So, who would I like to collaboratewith? Living artist in that groove at thetop of the list would be the likes of BobbyRush, Buddy Guy, Albert Cummings,Jimmie Vaughan, Eric Gales, Beth Hart,Joe Bonamassa, Shemekia Copeland andTedeschi/Trucks just to mention a few.Tomiko: What message would you like togive others that are inspired to get intothe entertainment industry?LIM Page52

Uncle Buc: First you need to love whatyou are doing. To make it to any degree ofsuccess in the entertainment field it takeshard work and patience. Be ready tochange with the times and try to find aniche that is unique to your talents. If itbecomes just work, do something else.Tomiko: Which entertainer or businessprofessional do you admire the most andwhy?Uncle Buc: After 40 years in the radiobusiness that’s a tough one to narrowdown. I’ll have to answer that one fromthe world of entertainment I’m involvedin at present. I can narrow it down to JoeBonamassa and Buddy Guy. Jobo is thegreatest living seller of not only Blues asan art form but also himself. He’s a greatBlues musician and the king of Bluesmerchandising. Buddy Guy has to berespected as one coming from nothing tobeing a Blues legend still sharing histalents in his eighties. His book “When ILeft Home” is a great book about a greatBlues musician and person.Tomiko: What has been the best advicegiven to you?Uncle Buc: Under promise and overdeliver.Tomiko: What’s next for you?Uncle Buc: Keeping true to my motto of“If it ain’t fun or interesting… I don’t doit”. My semi-retired times are occupiedwith consulting Rt 66 Media’s fivestations in and around the home base ofShamrock Texas. The really fun part ofmy world is growing the Uncle Buc PlaysThe Blues Show on the internet. It’samazing and rewarding especially theresponse I get from all over the USA andoverseas.Tomiko: Do you have any upcomingevents or projects?Uncle Buc: Well, my bucket list includesgoing to Chicago and touring the Bluesclubs with Tomiko Dixon. Now that liveconcerts are kicking back up I want tocatch as many Blues shows as possibleLIM Page53

and get into as many meet and greets as I can. Last week I got tohang out with Jimmie Vaughan after his show.Tomiko's Final Review: Uncle Buc Plays The Real Blues. Hismusic 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 suchan awesome job keeping his listeners entertained. The UncleBuc Plays The Blues Show is fresh and he's not playing the sameole music over and over again. There’s a weekly Featured Artistsegment with bio, history info which features the artist's greattunes. There's his Then & Now feature where he plays anoriginal blues hit and later in the show plays a more modernversion of the same song by a different artist and also there's asegment titled: “Who Dat singing Dat song which I especiallyLIM Page54

love... On a scale or (1-5) I give the UncleBuc Plays the Blues Show a Grand Blues5... "Long Live The Blues"About the ReviewerThis column is contributed byGranddaughter of Blues -Tomiko Dixonwho is the granddaughter of the GreatWillie Dixon, the youngest inductee tothe Blues Hall of Fame and anAmbassador of Blues.Lazie Indie Magazine is glad and honoredto join her cause to keep the spirit ofBlues alive.LIM Page55

Casey Hensley is a San Diego-based Blues singer andsongwriter, and her self-monikered backing band includescelebrated guitarist Laura Chavez, drummer Evan CalebYearsley (son of the late vocalist Candye Kane), saxophonistJohnny Viau and bassist Marcos C. Born in Los Gatos,Caseywas raised in a musical home in San Diego and beganperforming on stages when she was just five by emulatingsingers such as Etta James, Aretha Franklin and Bobby "Blue"Bland. A professional musician at 9, she fronted the bandChasing Norman in her late teens and early twenties beforebreaking out on her own, attending numerous Blues jams in theSan Diego region and meeting Chavez and Yearsley. Togetherthey formed her backing band, enlisted the rest of thepersonnel, and began playing gigs wherever they could findLIM Page57

them, mixing originals with Classic Bluescovers.Jay speaks to Casey Hensley.Jay: Hi Casey, you have a very promisingcareer in music. How do you feel was yourjourney so far as a musician?Casey (Casey Hensley): My journey so farhas been incredible; I have been veryfortunate to do things and go places Icould have never even dreamed of. Theexperiences have been life changing and Iam so grateful.Jay: Who/what were your musicalinfluences and how did you arrive at thisgenre you play?Casey: I grew up listening to artists likeEtta James, Aretha Franklin, EllaFitzgerald, Janis Joplin, Otis Redding,Ray Charles, The Allman Brothers, LedZeppelin, The Temptations, FreddieMercury… The list goes on and on. Bluesand Soul was a very natural way for me togo musically it fit my voice and what Iwrote and I’ve always loved it.Jay: How do you go about writing yoursongs? How do you record and produceyour music?Casey: I usually write lyrics first and havean idea of what I want the song to soundlike in my head. With Good as Gone I hadan amazing musical partner in LauraChavez. I would sing to her what I wasthinking and she would play it, sheunderstands me so well musically, so itwas a really easy and enjoyable process.Jay: What do you look to convey to yourlisteners when you create music, do youlook to set a theme first or do you let thesong take over your lyrics?Casey: I always have a desire to makesomething that speaks to people, I wantto write music that makes the listener feelsomething.Jay: Where do we find your music on theinternet? Which is your latest release?Casey: Good As Gone is my latest record,LIM Page58

if you would like to find it online you can just google “Casey Hensley” and you willfind 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 likeplaying live. Connecting with people and the high you get being on stage… it’samazing.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 outthere!!- Thank youLIM Page59

Here I am: Nick King (Drummer)We are starting a new feature. It will be to highlight individualartists who are looking to work or collaborate with other artistsor form a band with artists across the world. Our first artistspotlight will be on drummerNick King. Nick King is an acedrummer who is looking forward to working with bands and likeminded artists can contact him to take things further. Let uswish him the best.LIM spoke to Nick...LIM Page61

LIM: How did you come into music?Nick (Nick King): I was 16 years old first time I got a drum pad Ihad a little sister and the first song I ever learned was by onedirection. I’ve been playing drums for almost 10 years.LIM: Who were your musical influences?Nick: My musical influences were blink 182, Nirvana, GreenDay.LIM: What is your favorite genre of music?Nick: I love Rock because of my inspiration, but I’m down toplay whatever music is music to me.LIM: Where can we find your music?Nick: I'm on all major platforms Spotify, Apple Music, Amazonetc. I’m on all social media.LIM Page62

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 allthat, 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 youLIM Page63

LIM Page64'Keh Lene Do' is a Hindi Rock Songreleased by Indian Vedic Rock BandRudra.Date of release: 10th SeptemberLabel: Big Band TheoryCheck out the song in the linkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dY1b3HWRvpUNew ReleasesKehle ne doRudra - IndiaNever Born is a Symphonic Rock Songreleased bySherise D Souza fromIndia Collaborating withJorg Klein fromGermany:Release date: 27th Sep 2021.Release label: SelfCheck out the link to hear the song:https://youtu.be/-GMZVclvkjINever Born - Symphonic Rock versionSherise D' Sousa & Jorg KleinShout Out

LIM Page65Munjoy Hill is a song from EJ Ouellettefeaturing Tomiko Dixon. © 2021Whole Music EJ Ouellette All RightsReserved, For You Consideration(FYC) #americanroots #bestsongRelease date: September 9, 2021Label: Whole MusicCheck the song at the below link:https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zrGaK-qXkwU&feature=shareNew ReleaseMunjoy HillEJ Oullette Ft Tomiko DixonDont Go it Alone is a single st to bereleased by Alt Rock Band fromNashville:X-ENNIALSRelease date: October 8, 2021Label: Self ReleaseCheck ou the song after October 8th2021 in thebelow link.https://soundcloud.com/x-ennials/dont-go-it-alone/s-Lc98ndcaG9Y“Don’t Go It Alone”X-EnnialsShout Out

Donna Halper -By Ann 'Aria' BurstynIntroduction:To Donna, I was a stranger when I first reached out. Butfrom the get go, she has never once made me feel as such.In fact, her response has been quite the opposite. She isalways gracious, humorous, warm, and forthcoming. I amvery appreciative to have had the opportunities to engagein a number of lovely conversations, as well as a propersit 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. Ingetting to know her, I have been further struck by her acute awareness of worldlycurrent events and her articulate eloquence. Her sense of justice also impressesupon me. And in reading her social media posts and personal blog, I have come todeeply respect her intelligence and gift for speaking and writing. I am also delightedby her positivity, playfulness, modesty, empathic caring disposition and kindnessand compassion towards others. Although she is an American citizen, I decided toselect her to write about as an ‘honorary Canadian’, due to the well-known fact thatshe was integral in discovering the Canadian iconic band RUSH. Thankfully she hasbeen 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 thisarticle.(Dr.) Donna Halper:Media Historian Expert; Professor; Author; Former Broadcaster &Radio Consultant; Radio Personality; Ph.D.; Cancer SurvivorDonna Halper was born in 1947 (Dorchester) and raised in Roslindale,Massachusetts, USA. It only stands to reason that her birthday is on Valentine’s Daygiven the big heart she often wears on her sleeve. She is a revered scholar who hasreceived B.A., M.A., and M.Ed. degrees. She was also the first female to be employedas a disc jockey and music director (for Broadcast and Music Radio) for theNortheastern University campus radio station at the time. Although, it was whileshe 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 courseknow that album to be the impressive and legendary introduction to the ProgressiveRock 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 theband’s anthemic and relatable song “Working Man”, she was keenly aware that shewas onto something just as much as RUSH was. She mused how it just so happenedthat the listeners, herself included, were the very demographic the song wouldappeal to; the ‘blue collar working class’. Her instincts proved to be true as soon asshe live on air, set the ‘needle in the groove’. Within minutes the station’s phone wasringing with inquiries and requests for and about the tune and RUSH. The rest is asthey say history or shall we say ‘her-story’?LIM Page67

But in actuality, this is only a smallportion of Donna’s tale, albeit a large sumof it, given its forty year plus impact onher life and on the lives of her three‘brothers’, Alex, Geddy and Neil and theworld of Music.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIGKlicb8n0Donna’s career as a radio broadcaster,music director, and music producer hascovered an over twenty year period. Shehas also had an extensive livelihood inradio consulting for college andcommercial radio stations in the UnitedStates, eastern Canada and Puerto Ricospanning twenty-eight years. Donna alsohas a lengthy teaching career (more than38 years). She has developed and taughtprograms covering Media Criticism,Broadcasting, Journalism and MediaHistory. At age 64, Donna earned a PhDin Communication from the University ofMassachusetts Amherst. Currently sheis an Associate Professor of Media Studiesat Lesley University in Cambridge,Massachusetts.https://lesley.edu/about/faculty-staff-directory/donna-halperDonna is also an accomplished author ofsix published books which include apremier study showcasing the history ofwomen in American broadcasting entitledInvisible Stars: A Social History ofWomen in American Broadcasting.Other works are; Full-Service Radio:Programming for the Community, RadioMusic Directing, Icons of Talk: TheMedia Mouths that Changed America,Boston Radio: 1920-2010, and RadioMusic Directing.https://www.amazon.com/Donna-L.-Halper/e/B000AP9HMC%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_shareBeing a media and social historian, shehas also written essays for magazines andencyclopedias. She wrote a chapter inRadio Cultures: The Sound Mediumin American Life (authored by Michael C.LIM Page68

“Good health, happiness and lots of Rush tunes!” “To this day, whenever Ihear the opening chords to "Working Man" or "Finding My Way," I gettears in my eyes. I am SO proud of what the guys have achieved in a 40year career that has influenced fans all over the world and changed somany lives for the better (including mine).”Keith). One of her compositions is aboutMcCarthyism and its impact onbroadcasting. It is published within theacademic reference work Perspectives inAmerican Social History: Cold War andMcCarthy Era. She is also a baseball fan.Donna researches and writes for theSABR, about its history, for the BaseballResearch Journal which documents radiobroadcasting and its influence on thesport.It also spotlights lesser knowninformation about the game. She haspenned pieces on members of The NegroLeagues (United States professionalbaseball leagues with teams of AfricanAmerican and Latin American players)and some under-appreciated Afro-American sportswriters andsportscasters. One of her recent featuresis about how fans kept apprised oftheir favored teams before theestablishment of radio.https://sabr.org/research/article/before-there-was-radio-how-baseball-fans-followed-their-favorite-teams-1912-1921/In 2020, Donna was on C-SPAN, whereshe spoke about women in earlybroadcasting.https://www.c-span.org/video/?506887-1/forgotten-women-early-radioShe has also been a guest speakertouching on the history of radio andtelevision, where she often shows some ofher various, rare memorabilia. Due to herexpertise, she has appeared on NPR, PBS,the History Channel, and on localtelevision stations WCVB-TV and NECN,remarking on media history. Some ofDonna’s work has highlighted women andminorities in media history, talk radio,as well as others whosecontributions to broadcastinghave at times beenoverlooked. For instance,pioneers John Shepard III,Eunice Randall, and BigBrother Bob Emery.An Admirable Union:Donna recently revealed tome, “My husband runs acomputer repair business. Heenjoys nature photography,and he loves to bake pies!We've been married for morethan three decades, amazingbut true! When I say heLIM Page69

enjoys nature photography, I mean hetakes photos of various beautiful scenesin nature. His photography website isjonsfavoritepics.com.” Add to that, shehas openly mentioned her husband andmarriage, always in a lovingly reverentsense, on social media and he in turn haspublicly written about her in anendearing and encouraging manner. “Myamazing wife in Cooperstown at theBaseball Hall of Fame where she is givinga talk on Thursday about 5 forgottenWomen baseball writers. KNOCK IT OUTOF THE PARK HON!”, Jon Jacobik. Theydisplay a highly inspirational, admirableenduring union whom anyone can lookup to. To view some of her husband JonJacobik’s work, please visit:https://jonsfavoritepics.com/And yes, I am hoping to maybe score ahome-baked delish peach pie from Jon indoing this plug!RUSH:In 1974, Canadian record promoter BobRoper sent Donna the debut LP by RUSHin the hopes it might be more wellreceived in the US due to it not havingmuch, if any, interest in Canada at thetime. After Donna essentially causedRUSH to catapult into overnight fame,this lead to landing them a U.S. recordcontract shortly thereafter. Who is to saywhat might have been for RUSH if notfor Bob and Donna’s belief in the lads andtheir music? The band dedicatedtheir first two albums to her in gratitudeof the role she played in their success. In2010, she appeared in the documentaryRUSH: Beyond the Lighted Stage.In June of that year she spoke at theHollywood Walk of Fame when RUSHreceived their ‘star’ for which she wasinstrumental in helping them achieve.https://www.facebook.com/517583418/videos/t.668186406/10151270996118419“I worked hard (along several otherfolks) to get RUSH this star, as our way ofsaying to the Rock Hall that they werewrong to ignore Rush. Well, now RUSHhas been honored in both places. It’sabout time!”LIM Page70

Awards:Donna earned the Jinx ColemanBroussard Award for Excellence inthe teaching of Media History. Shehad researched and written about anAfro- American football player who hadbeen excluded from the Cotton Bowl in1940.https://theparisnews.com/free/article_ad3f2fa4-5822-11eb-baca-e77ccf65503e.htmlShe was also nominated for aDistinguished Teaching Award inboth the Fall of 2003 and 2005 (finalist)and was voted adjunct instructor of theyear and received the Gold Key Awardfor excellence in teaching in 1995.https://lesley.edu/news/writing-marginalized-people-into-historyDonna’s Blog:Donna also prolifically writes a blog onher thoughts about various current affairsand often about Neil Peart as well asRUSH.http://dlhalperblog.blogspot.com/Her most recent post titled “A Garden toNurture and Protect”,http://dlhalperblog.blogspot.com/2021/08/a-garden-to-nurture-and-protect.htmlmay resonate with many readers,especially RUSH fans. One of my favoritequotes from another of her latest blogtopics is, “I think it would be good foreveryone to observe a "day of kindness."Instead of screaming at the server, ormocking the host, or insulting themanager on social media, how aboutconsidering that they may have beenthrough a lot this past year too, and theymay need some time to get things back upto speed. I understand that many of usare feeling stressed, but how aboutputting things in perspective--sometimes,a little understanding goes a long way. Mymother, of blessed memory, used to say,"You get more flies with sugar than youdo with vinegar." Yes, I know, it's a cliché.And when you're having an aggravatingday, it's hard to keep that sentiment inmind. We've all been impatient or curt ordiscourteous at one time or other. Butwouldn't it be nice if we all decided tofollow the Golden Rule and treat othersthe way we'd like to be treated? It mightnot get you your breakfast any faster, butit might make the world a little less angry,and a little bit calmer. And the way I seeit, that's a result we could all benefitfrom.”http://dlhalperblog.blogspot.com/2021/07/try-little-kindness.html.I have to say I whole-heartedly agree onall accounts. And indeed it is about theheart, as yet another example of Donna’sconcerned and caring one.Quotes about RUSH:“If you are a Rush fan, as many folks whoread my blog happen to be, you know thatone of the things I always liked aboutAlex, Geddy, and Neil was that they werefamily men. That's unusual in the musicindustry. But on the occasions when I sawthe guys with their families, it wasobvious to me there was a genuine bond.Living the life of a rock musician meanteach of the guys was out on the road a lot.But I knew they loved their wives andkids. And I knew they loved theirparents.”LIM Page71

“It’s always amusing to see the varioushairstyles the guys had over the years!”“When I’m among Rush fans, I alwaysfeel at home.”“Actually, all the adoration from the fansmakes me a bit embarrassed. I feel as if Idon’t really deserve it.”“It’s one of the things in my life thatmakes me the proudest—being associatedin some small way with the career successof these wonderful guys!”“It was interesting that the members ofRush back then were absolutely intopartying, they were kids, they were youngbut they had this space for me to not doany of those things. It was fine with them.And it wasn’t because well, I was theirmentor, I wasn’t their mentor yet. I wasjust you know a rock and roll DJ whoplayed their music. But as we becamefriends, they never had a problem withthe fact that I didn’t do any ofthose things, in fact when I would bebackstage, they always made sure therewas juice for me, they always made surethere were salads and you know,cookies. They made me feel welcome. Andthey’ve always been like that, and I’m notsaying that because they’re my friends.Like I said, they weren’t my friends atthat point. But this is just who theyare. They are down to earth, decenthuman beings. And as time went on theykinda’ like diminished with the partyingtoo because they became family men, theyhad kids. And they were alwayscommitted to their craft, committed totheir work and they always werecommitted to the fans. That just wasn’twho they were. So, we never had aproblem and it was really wonderful toknow that even in a rock n roll industryand even in a partying time, there werepeople who just were nice down to earthhuman beings that you would like to hangout with, that you would like to talk youknow about books or politics or you knowcookies or family or whatever else,baseball! And that never changed. To thisday I am still in touch, to this day what wetalk about is rarely music, it’sfamily, friends, you know, stuff that’sLIM Page72

going on in the world and things like that.And I’m very proud of the fact that whatstarted off you know, doing what musicdirectors do, trying to find a good song formy radio station, it turned into a fourdecade plus friendship. I mean, how luckyam I?”“The reality is find your path, do whatworks for you, just don’t put other peopledown for their path. My friends don’timpose their beliefs on me and I’m notimposing mine on them. The guys inRush were the same way. They all wentthrough their Atheist phase, that’s fine, Imean, none of my business. The fact isthat they all found their own path and wejust never imposed on each other. It wasalways coming from a place of this is whatworks. What I always loved about theguys too is the fact that they were not justparodies of the past. They were notmuseum pieces as to what we all did inthe 70’s. They were always trying to pushthe envelope, they were always trying tofind new ways to communicate with thefans and that was also true in theirpersonal lives. They are readers, they arethinkers, they’re people that are alwaystrying to keep up with what is going on.And I respected that about them.Everyone’s free to find their path. And aslong as you have peace, inner peace andas long as what you are doing helps youget to the next thing and enlivens yourlife. If it’s wearing you down then it’sprobably the wrong path. But if it enlivensyou, if it empowers you, who am I to tellyou what to think? That’s the thing inRush lyrics. You find that individuality,like don’t rent out your mind, don’tdecide 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 andI agree with it 100%. It’s about where’syour ethics, where’s your culture andwhat makes you feel like you are a part ofsomething. I can never remember thembeing disrespectful of who I am nor have Ibeen disrespectful of who they are. Andthrough them, I’ve met so manywonderful fans. I’ve met family membersof theirs. I’m still in touch with thosefolks and the fact that you and I arehaving this brief conversation,years, more than four decades after I firstgot "Working Man" on the radio. If youhad told me, I’ve said this in otherinterviews and I’ll say it again, if you hadtold me in 1974 in the Spring of 1974when I got that Canadian import fromBob Roper, and I’m still in touch with himtoo. If I had known back then in 1974 thatI would still in April of 2021 still be partof that Rush community or that therewould even be a Rush community, Iwould have been like yeah, maybe. Somany times as a music director, I playedsongs, never heard from the band nor didI expect to, never heard from theirmanager, nor did I expect to, never heardfrom their fans, nor did I expect to. Sothis has all been you know just a bonusfor me. Look at all the nice people I’vemet, including members ofRush’s immediate family but alsomembers of the Rush family of fansincluding you and I feel very, very luckyin that regard.”“I want to thank everyone who keeps themusic alive and keeps the memory of Neilalive and keeps introducing Rush, toLIM Page73

new generations of fans. You’re what matters; you’re what makes it work. All theyever 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 makesme 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 inthe history of Northeastern University to broadcast. The above photo was taken inthe WNEU (later WRBB) studios. One of the happiest moments of my life, backwhen radio was still fun and the d.j.’s had some say in what songs were beingplayed.” “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 wasLIM Page74

recently on several panels at theregional IBS conference (IntercollegiateBroadcasting System), held at Simmons College; I attended along with two studentsfrom Lesley University who are eager to see an internet radio station on campus. Itwas heartening to meet a number of students who still believe in radio; theyparticipate 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 tothe bathroom, the record would not run out. But the other, even more importantreason, was our competitors were AM top-40 stations and they only played shortversions 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 lyricsresonated with our audience.” “More conversation about saving radio needs tooccur-- radio as a mass medium is NOT dead, even though some folks haveLIM Page75

prematurely written its obit. It needs tobe revitalized and refocused, and it ideallyneeds to be live and local. In many cities,stations doing that are thriving. Long maythey continue!”Quotes on Life/Social Topics:“I absolutely recommend reading tokids-- they really enjoy (and so do I).”“The internet can still be a place forcreating community, and for sharing ourcelebrations.” “30th anniversary of anamazing guy I've told many of you about:his name is Jeff and he is autistic. When Imet him for the first time, 30 years agothis week, he mainly communicated viaassorted noises; he rocked back and forth,wouldn't make eye contact, and I was toldhe would never speak, behave "normally"or function in the community. I refused tobelieve that. I became his advocate, andmy then-boyfriend (today husband) and Ibegan working with him on a regularbasis, teaching him, encouraginghim, taking him to museums and parksand restaurants... And 30 years later, Jeffhas more than 300 words in hisvocabulary, can read & write, loves to behugged, enjoys swimming, appreciatesgood ice cream... and he has far exceededwhat anyone thought he could do. He hasbeen a great gift to me, helping to teachthat even when things look bleak, younever give up; you never know whensomething could change. Happy 30thanniversary Jeff!”. “It seems to me, is thebest Mother's Day gift-- to thank yourmom for helping you to become who youare today.” “Some people know I helpsupport those girls…doing my little partto increase female literacy.” “Clean living.I don’t smoke or drink or do drugs. Neverhave. My only weakness is ice cream!”“My autograph is easilyobtainable—although I can’t imagine whyanyone would want it…except maybe mycreditors.”About Neil:“Neil was shy. He really was. He wasn’tshy onstage but that was his preferredmetaphor. That’s how he spoke to thefans. He spoke to the fans through hismusic and through his drumming. Hislyrics are his legacy. When Neil lived, hehad close friends that he hung with. I’mstill friendly with several of them and hehad known them for years. But to be outin a large group just having a massiveschmoozathon, wasn’t what he wascomfortable with. To this day his friendsare still his friends and his legacy, hismusic, and his memory lives on and itfeels so wrong that he’s not here. And yet,he is here and it is an honor for me to justnot only be able to talk about him but beable to talk to his parents, his bestfriend, some of the other people who werepart of his extended family and it justgoes on and it will always go on and Ithink that’s a wonderful tribute to who hewas. It’s always hard for me to talk aboutNeil because he was a friend. He was acolleague. He was someone whose music Iplayed. He was a person I admired and hewas a part of my life for more than fourdecades. Now, I’d be lying if I said Iwas close to him, I mean wecommunicated, we kept in touch over theyears but I saw Alex and Geddy a lot morethan I saw Neil and yet he was alwaysthere and he is always here now. AndLIM Page76

every time I play a Rush song, or listen toa Rush song, or talk to a Rush fan, I’mthinking about Neil. May his memory liveon in the music that he left us with.”Extra Tid Bits:Engages in monthly “Deep Dives” webcasthttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5I3nwHtP7Q&t=279swhich discusses lesser known RUSHsongs that she feels did not receivedeserved airplay, loves ice cream, stillattends events for RUSH, a Big Sister formore than 30 years, participates involunteer work, teaches full-time at age74, free-lance reporter, stamp collector,wrote a foreword for poetry book calledThis Scarlet Dancing, still owns andwears dress seen in photo with RUSH in1974.Links:https://www.facebook.com/donna.halperhttp://dlhalperblog.blogspot.com/In Closing:Donna Halper is a mentor and friend tomany. She truly adores all of the RUSHfans and she is beloved by them aswitnessed in statements and photographsa-plenty on social media and elsewhere.As a female who has loved the works ofRUSH for the last nearly 40 years, I say,rest assured that not just men aretheir loyal fans. It is in fact a baselessmyth that RUSH as a whole is generallypreferred by men. So, it is that muchmore of a thrill for me and many otherwomen (and perhaps some men), that itis a lady of taste such as Donna Halper,who became an instant fan and advocateof the band’s music and the lads whocreated it. In a mostly male dominatedindustry, especially going back to 1968,she has proven to be a heroine in manyregards, within the Music andBroadcasting realm. She has become amusic maven, radio royal regent. She isalso an autism advocate and cancerconqueror. And finally, I must add thatDonna is a classy woman with a strong setof personal and professional ethics whoprefers to cast light onto others ratherthan upon herself. Thank you Donna, forall you have done for radio, broadcasting,education, music, women, minorities, andthe ‘lesser known’ and well deservingfolks you have given a boost to, in allwalks of life. You are a diamond whosesparkle anyone who looks upon canadmire and aspire to.My Thanks To: Donna Halper, JonJacobik, Jay Pillai and theLazie IndieMagazine.Photo Credits: Donna Halper, JonJacobik, Craig Renwick, and TonyMolinaLIM Page77 https://www.facebook.com/donna.halper

http://dlhalperblog.blogspot.com/  

About the ColumnistAnn 'Aria' Burstyn is a popular Singer-Songwriter fronting the band Dream Aria.She is a contributing writer forLazieIndie Magazineand is on a pursuit tohighlight iconic Canadian Artists/Bands/Radio Personalities through her columnsand live interviews.Check out her previous works in theearlier editions of Lazie Indie Magazinenamed as Canadian Content Corner.Also do check out The Special TributeEditions fromLazie Indie Magazine toTop Canadian Acts: Streetheart, DarbyMills and the iconic Neil Peart of RUSH,written by Ann.Visit:www.lazieindiemagazine.comto learn more.LIM Page78

Check out some cool merchandises fromLazie Indie Magazine@ https://wangdangdoodletees.com/lazie-indie-magazine/Quote discount code: lazie indie magazine fan to avail an introductorydiscount.LIM Page79