Lazie Indie Magazine - Edition -31 : simplebooklet.com

Editors CornerInformationThe magazine ispublished byJay Pillai (Lazie J)Print Edition 31The month ofpublishingNovember - 2022Editorial TeamEditor: Jay PillaiSub Editor; SheriseCoordination andpromotion: ManojVerified by:Inge ZimmermannProbstGuest Columns:Emma GoldbergKathryn ShipleyCover Photo:Lee NewtonCover PhotoCourtesy:Buffy Jones - BuddyJones photographyThe IIMF and the New Lazie Indie storyLife of anything is a journey and which it goes through be itan individual or a concept. Lazie Indie Magazine was anoutcome of friendships forged between artists who came upwith whole hearted support to fellow artists. The IIMF atKACV, Trivandrum, India was an out come of Lazie IndieMagazine and this we are sure will lead to the next steps wehave planned. Who would have imagined that a set ofindependent musicians who are otherwise disunited andpowerless will pull out a 5 days International fest with 20+bands from across the world with a great venue to performwith fantastic lights, stage and sounds and YouTube livegoing all over the world? This did not come out of the bluesbut came out with hardwork, determination, power ofsupport from fellow musicians world over and like mindedorganizations who felt the scope and sheer brilliance of greatmusicians coming together from across the world. IIMF 1 hascome to a very successful end with the open commitmentfrom all parties involved to make it bigger and better thanwhat we completed year on year. I know that this will lead tosometing even bigger and if we go together supporting eachother we will be able to create something that would stay longand support many many more who will use this as a platformto share their music to the world. IIMF was much more thanmusic. It was a true coming together of musicians. We willshare the story in detail in an IIMF edition soon. Till thenenjoy this edition of Lazie Indie Magazine with the fabulousLee Newton as the cover story. We have a few great indieartists covered too. So do check the mag and check out musicfrom the artists featured. Your support is valuable.Thanks,JayLIM Page 5

Page 6

Page 7

A Cab Drivers Daughter - Lee NewtonI’ve got this song in my head lately called Carolina. A fewof us automatically think of North Carolina or SouthCarolina, or a sports team, when we hear that name. Forme I am always looking deeper for “meaning” So, I justhad to look up the word, and yes, it pretty much coverswhat and who my next cover feature is 'freeholder', 'songof joy', 'strong' …and much more". This thriving artist hit the ground running andhas not looked back. The Month of October was a Harvest Month so to speak. Herboyfriend and now Fiancé, Dale Houston put together a surprise engagement atRagged Point, in Big Sur CA, on October 2nd, then her daughter got marriedOctober 7th, then October 23rd being on the Grand Ole Opry stage to receive Albumof the Year honors!! Then I must add, I recently saw her name on the back of a Racecar, A Gospel Album coming very soon, then a book deal is in the works. I mean…"I loved the way singing made me feel. I love taking everyone with me on myjourney. I have always been very open with my past. I feel that’s a way for peopleto connect to me and to the songs I write. They are a huge part of everything I do.My kids have always been my focus. I take such pride in being a great mother. Ilearned so much from my mom that she did do, or maybe that she didn’t know howto do with me. God first, then family then my love for music. I feel that it’s all inGods timing and now it’s all coming together because I have let God guide me. Heis in control. He has a mission for me with my music and my songs. What anincredibly beautiful journey it has been so far. I have so much more to travel anddo".– Lee NewtonIn Canton, North Carolina, which is a historic mill town with a quaint downtownpicturesque parkland, Canton is also the hometown of Pisgah High GraduateBrenda Lee Kuykendall (Lee Newton to most of you), who was named after singerBrenda Lee. Both Brenda Lee’s have something in common… starting out at a veryyoung age, in music. Lee Newton started out learning to play guitar from her daddy,Larry at the age of 7 years old. This little Canton girl now has become and Indierising sensation, and fresh off a new album called UNLEESHED, which just wonAlbum of the Year, at the 8th annual, Josie Music Awards. The Largest and mostprestigious awards show, for Independent Artists, was held at the historical, GrandOle Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee, on October 23rd. UNLEESHED, wasproduced by award winning Producer Bill McDermott, who garnered a win forProducer of the Year at the JMAs as well! How fitting for this dynamic duo, to bringindividual wins home, in style at such a legendary venue as that of The Grand OleOpry House. During her early High School days, Lee mentioned that there was ateacher named Coach Lyle (as everyone called him) that really tried to help her gether lost confidence back. “I was failing classes and I was just lost, and here he wastelling me over and over, I could be somebody, I can do anything”. He wasn’t evenLIM Page 7

Page 8

my teacher at the time. It really does take that one person to “breakthrough”to someone, and let you see the light. It was my mission to prove him right, shestated. The following year she had him as a teacher for a History Class, and she gotall “A’s” Lee stated, even in class I was constantly raising my hand to answer anyquestion he had, and he was like “anyone but Brenda” … Honestly him “reachingme”, was a huge turning point in my life, as I had struggles at home and he truly justtook the time to listen and give me guidance. So many kids today fall short on this..“I am so thankful, and Blessed that God placed him in my life at that time. I trulydon’t know where I would be right now, if it was not for him, I really wish if he isstill with us, that I could find him and give him a big old hug and thank him.”I had a conversation with not one but two mayors, one in Lee’s Hometown ofCanton, NC, Mayor Zeb Smathers, and Steve Holland Mayor of Lee’s “secondLIM Page 8

Page 9

Page 10

Hometown” of Forest City, NC- in regardto her and all of her accomplishments todate, and I can say that both of thesePublic Officials are Big Fans! MayorSmathers mentioned how he had peoplereach out to him who “Lee Newton” was.“Very Organic” was a word he mentioneda few times about Lee as a person, as heput it, “What you see is what you get” andher personality rubs off on people themoment you are in her presence. In asociety where we embrace things thathave a lack of substance, when it comes toLee, she is the real deal. she is it! He saidfor the thriving town of Canton he saidthere are a lot of good things happeninghere and Lee is one of them. His closingthoughts were God Bless the Rebels andthe Renegades. That is Lee Newton, andpeople have taken notice of her hard workwith her music and what she adds toeverything she does in life. She loves herhometown, and we appreciate hermentioning our town in everything shedoes. Mayor Holland echoed the samesentiments about Lee, knowing her formany years, he stated what an amazingperson and artist she is, with a “beautifulvoice” and puts everything she does intoher songs. He went on to say thededication and work she has put into hercareer shows because of how she isthriving today. His closing thoughts were,“I can’t wait to see what is ahead of her,even though she was not born in ForestCity, she will always be ours.” Of the 12songs on her new Album UNLEESHED,there are a few cool things I shouldmention. “Don’t Say I Do” was written byBrian Oxley, who owns Johnny Cash’Farm, “If I was a Man” was written byTommy Barnes and Ricky Randolph,Tommy wrote, “Indian Outlaw” forCountry Singer, Tim McGraw. Out of 9 ofthe songs Lee wrote, her Fiancé DaleHouston, co-wrote 4 of those with her. Agood way to start off some pendingnuptials, write some songs together! Oneof the most special and endearing thingson the album is an audio clip, which is abonus track, of young Lee at 7 years old,with her Daddy singing at the Cab standLIM Page 10

Page 11

Page 12

"As I was sitting in the front row and Josie and Tina were getting ready to announce who the winnerwas for “Album of the Year” all I had in my mind was my sweet Daddy. I just felt his presence with me.When I heard my name called and they played my song “Strength of a Woman” as I walking to the stage,I thought… well Daddy my song is playing at The Grand Ole Opry and my empty seat in the front row Icould just see my Daddy there. Super proud moment!"where he worked, doing a song called,“Roll in my sweet baby’s arms”. Lee’sfather Larry passed away when Lee was 11years old. She gives all the credit to himfor instilling in her to become a singer.Ironically the first song she wrote wascalled “Daddy’s Little Girl”. Lee’s motherpassed away July 12, 2015. Lee has 3other siblings, sister Cathy and brothersDale and Mark. Lee has a dream, thesame one her Daddy had for her, is toperform on that Grand Ole Opry Housestage. Once you hear some of these songs,you will want to keep all of them onrepeat for sure, Music tells a story andthis entire album, will give you all the“feels” for sure. Lee is no stranger tosocial media, as her upbeat personalityand love of what she does, showsrepeatedly especially on the Mediaplatform of Tik Tok, where she has over150k followers to date, and growing. Timeand time again, the Blessings are pouringin abundance, being asked to open forsome of the top legendary country artists,that many of us know and love. RonnieMillsap, The Gatlin Brothers, TGSheppard, T Graham Brown, William LeeGolden (of the Oak Ridge Boys), and theGoldens, to name a few in her smallarsenal of greats, she has opened for. HerDaddy as she sweetly calls him, workedendless hours for the family to make endsmeet. She continues to be transparentabout her life growing up and the mentalhealth struggles and substance issues hermother endured when Lee was a younggirl. Lee has always kept her parents’memories, close to her heart when she ispenning lyrics for all to hear, in hopesthat some of these songs, will providesolace and hope in a world full ofstruggles. Please enjoy my interview withLee Newton and some images of her life.LIM Page 12

Page 13

Page 14

When you interview unique people it’s very hard to capture so much with the spaceyou have been allowed, please enjoy the moments Lee graciously shared with me, toshare with you all. ~KShipQ&A Real Talk with KShipKShip -- Wow Lady, you are just getting back from Nashville after being at theHistoric Grand Ole Opry House, in Nashville for the Josie Awards. it is not your firsttime there, but this one was special! Tell us what was going through your head asthey were about to open the envelope for your category for Album of the Year?Lee- To be at The Grand Ole Opry House, truly mean so much anytime I get to go. Ihave never got to perform there (yet) but…I have been so very blessed to be invitedas a guest by an amazing traditional country artist to go backstage to watch a showLIM Page 14

Page 15

Page 16

then several times again. My Daddy, whonamed me after the firecracker “BrendaLee” always said to me “One day I will bein the front row and hear you sing at TheOpry.” When I heard The Josie MusicAwards announce that The Opry waswhere the awards show was being held, Ithink I jumped about 10 feet in the air. Tobe nominated for 7 categories was icingon the cake. As I was sitting in the frontrow and Josie and Tina were gettingready to announce who the winner wasfor “Album of the Year” all I had in mymind was my sweet Daddy. I just felt hispresence with me. When I heard myname called and they played my song“Strength of a Woman” as I walking to thestage, I thought… well Daddy my song isplaying at The Grand Ole Opry and myempty seat in the front row I could justsee my Daddy there. Super proudmoment!KShip --You had an upbringing thatseems to me as if, it really put you on afast track in life, but also humbled you,and really shaped who you are as anartist, and you have given us fans an“open journey” of your life to date. Youhave let us witness so many fun things,through your music, your social mediapresence as it grows, and involving someof your Tik Tok fun and letting us seeyour adorable and youngest son Cash,and your daughter Madison, just gotmarried not long ago and you also haveyour oldes son Trystyn. You have quite atribe!Lee- Growing up being a cabdriver’sdaughter who barely made enough tokeep the bills paid and food on the table.My song “Carolina” is a tribute to mymom and Dad. I had to grow up very fastwith my dad working and was alwaysgone and then him passing away when Iwas 11. My Mom was a recoveringalcoholic and then battled withdepression. She would have very deeplows where she would hide away for daysLIM Page 16

Page 17

in her room. Those times I would have tofend for myself. They were the momentswhere she would have highs and be sohappy. Those times she would almost livein a fantasy world and I guess try to makeup for the days that were bad. Hernickname for me was “Hollywood”. Ithink she knew deep down that I wasartistic and wanted to entertain. Ihonestly think I was so excited when shewas feeling good that I would try to makeher happy by singing, or just being silly.She did take me to church every time shecould, and I would get up and sing. Myolder kids Madi & Tristyn grew up withme performing in cover bands andtraveling singing on the weekends. Whenthey were small, I even went and sangbackup in NYC with 3 original membersof Lynyrd Skynyrd. This allowed me thefreedom to be with them through theweek and have them in sports and qualitytime. As adults they are so proud of menever giving up on my dreams. Raisingboth as a single mom was most definitelyhard but God always made a way. Theyare both wonderful kids and I am soproud of them that have grown up to bekind, compassionate adults. My daughterjust got married. She lives in Mississippi.My older son still lives in North Carolina.He is in management in food industry.My youngest son Cash has been in thepublic eye since he was born. He hasalways been my little sidekick. He loves tosing, loves music and adores his mom. Hesays that one day he will be like me andsing in the circle at The Grand Ole Opry. Ihonestly see him doing so.KShip—Life right now., how is it going…you’ve been up and down the highwayfrom North Carolina to Nashville, thenother places in between, that call you toopen for some incredible artists we knowand love. What do you do for “downtime”? And we also hear you are nowENGAGED??!!!!Lee- Oh my gosh these past few yearshave been so awesome, and it keepsgetting better. I travel back and forth a lotfrom NC to Nashville. I have had thepleasure of being asked to open for orperform with legends such as RonnieMilsap, Ronnie McDowell, Diamond Rio,TG Sheppard, The Gatlin Brothers, T.Graham Brown, and Edwin McCain.There are several shows next year that Iwill be opening for that I can’t announceyet that I am over the moon about. Life isgreat! My album hit #1 on theNDEXPRESS Charts and my song“Working Girl Blues” featuring LeonaWilliams, Pam Tillis and Lee Roy Parnellhit #1 also. This song has been burning upradio being played all over the world fromradio stations then Bill Cody Coffee,Country and Cody WSM Radio, AccessCircle TV, to NBC and Fox Studios RockReview with Eric Dahl. My downtime isreally just writing my songs and thenliving and soaking up every singlemoment I get with my family. I am newlyengaged as you said. He popped thequestion while we were in California. Itwas so romantic. He is just like me whenit comes to loving life and makingwonderful memories. He is also a countrysinger and him and I are planning oncollaborating on a duet album in thefuture. We have also co-written someincredible songs together. He inspires meto be the best I can be, and I do him theLIM Page 17

Page 18

same way.KShip--Back-to-back success with youralbums UNdamaged, followed byUNLEESHED, and now you are goingto switch gears and go a bit into aGospel vibe? Is that correct? How hasthis ride of music been for you over thelast 2 years and really it seems you’vecome into your own as a songwriteronly really digging into this 2 yearsago.Lee- Both albums “Undamaged” then“UNLEESHED” has truly been frommy heart. Produced by my awesomeproducer Bill McDermott. Except for 3songs, I have written or co-written allof them. So they are about my life, lovegone bad, love going great, strength,hope and about how I was raised. Thegospel album coming November 24 onThanksgiving is called“CROSSROADS”. I am so proud of thisalbum. They are all older hymns on itfrom when I was a little girl growingup in church. I have 2 producers onthis album. Larry Strickland producedthe tracks. He sang bass and was partof the Jordan Aires that sang backupfor Elvis Presley. John Heinrich is myother producer on this album. He playswith Ronnie Milsap and can play almostevery instrument. Both have reallycaptured what I wanted on this album. Ido have one song I wrote called “Changethe Ending” that I decided to put on here.It was inspired after Naomi Judd passedaway. I know like I said how my mom hadsuffered with depression and it broughtback a lot of my memories of mychildhood. I also have Ben Isaacs fromthe Opry Members, The Isaacs. Gospelroyalty. Also, I have a duet with thesensational Tony Jackson. He is just anincredible talent. I am so proud of thisalbum.KShip--What is the genre that you feelconnected to the most, TraditionalCountry or Modern Country? And whatdo you have coming up as far as collabs,which I know you and I are going to dosome fun stuff soon as well. What is thebalance of 2022 looking like and what doyou have coming up for early 2023?Lee: I feel connected to music that is fromthe heart. I think it shows in mysongwriting and music. I love classiccountry. I love songs that tells stories andspeak to people. I love to listen todifferent genres, but I feel if you are popthen be a pop artist, rock then be rock…etc. I might get backlash for this buthonestly, I don’t think most country todayis country. I feel it is, so sugar coated,words added to pop beats and so dancedriven that they are trying to appeal towhat “Nashville” has become. Honestly, Ihate to say it, but even “The Grand OleOpry” has become. It is not the sameOpry my Daddy and I listened to growingup. You used to have to truly pay yourdues to be invited to sing there. It wasn’tabout a popularity contest, it wasn’t “ohhave them on because they are the newesthot thing on Tik Tok. That’s not how theiconic singers came about. They earned itand now you know them by just their firstname. Roy, Loretta, Patsy, Possum,Stonewall, Grandpa, Minnie, Kitty, Hank,Ernest, Dolly, Porter, and so many others.Now the question is “Who’s going to fillLIM Page 18

Page 19

their shoes”. Now ithas turned into Vegasdowntown onBroadway and partycentral. Music so loudyou can’t even hear thesinger sing. You knowI had a top recordlabel just last year thatwas going to sign me.They loved my voice,but they wanted me tosing to these pop looptracks. I turned itdown. I just couldn’tdo it. I am me; I amcountry, I write my lifeinto songs. I can’t orwon’t ever bringmyself to sign to alabel … to just besigned. I want to dothe music that I lovewhich is countrymusic". xxxMeaningful mentions“My mother is and has always been able to light up any roomwith her personality, she is so caring to other people, my momloves Jesus, her family, and her fiancé. My mother is thehardest working person I have ever known, from sacrificingand working two jobs to make sure Madison and I had thechildhood we wanted, to working hard and proving that itdoesn’t matter age and there is no limitation to achieving yourgoals and dreams. My mother is very strong and very smart, Iam very proud of her music career and I’m very proud to beher son. My mom has taught me so much about life and hasshown me how to be grateful for everything you have. Myfavorite song of my mother’s is a tie between “Red White andBlue” or “Carolina”. My mother deserves her dreams and willachieve every goal she has because she has courage and love.–Lee’s oldest son-- Trystyn Rhinehart"The last year and a half with Lee Newton have been the bestin my life. Not only is she my best friend, fiancée, and the loveof my life, she is one of the most naturally talented singer/songwriters that I've ever had the pleasure to work with. I lovewriting and singing songs with her, and she makes me betterat it too. She inspires me to be better, and to keep up with her, Ihave to be. Every day I get to see her excitement over a newsong idea she has, or a new interview she's going to do... it'scontagious! I can't wait to see what each new day brings us, aswe travel through this life together. Two things we can dependon... there will be music, and it's going to be lots of fun!"–Fiance’- Dale HoustonWorking with Lee was fantastic she’s a great singer, her songsare very well written and heartfelt. Her music is who shereally is. a very genuine, caring person who has lived a lot oflife and has a very special way of singing about it. She is a trueartist and anyone who listens to Lee will be a fan! Awardwinning Music Producer for UNLEESHED-- Bill McDermott-Omni Studios/NashvilleLIM Page 19

Page 20

Congratulations to Lee Newton on herwin this year for "Album of the Year" forher album UNLEESHED at the 8thAnnual Josie Music Awards. Lee is atalented music artist and songwriterwith strong vocal abilities who truly canconnect with her audience. Her materialis relatable and leaves a great impact onthe listener. We recommend you give alisten to Lee Newton, if you haven'talready!Tinamarie Passantino and JosiePassantino-Boone CEO and Co-OwnerThe Josie Network of BrandsI will be releasing Gospel albumCROSSROADS, my autobiography book“Strength of a woman” will be out midspring 2023 and then book tour. I willalso be adding lots of tour dates all overUS. I have several big-name countryartists that are in works to open for sothey will be announced as soon as theybecome available. I have been writingsongs for next album so I’m sure I will begoing back into the studio next year aswell. Lots of great things ahead for 2023but the one thing I’m so excited about ismy wedding date. We set a date for June24, 2023, so lots of wedding planninggoing on. Hey, we might even write alove duet to sing to each other. Be on thelookout. -Lee NewtonFollow Lee Newton on thefollowing Media Platforms:Leenewtonofficial.comLeenewtonmusic |Instagram, Facebook, TikTok| LinktreePhoto creditsBuffy JonesBuddy Jones photographyWilliam ArmonaitisDale HoustonLee NewtonAlise JacobsLIM Page 20

Page 21

About the columnistAround the Galaxy is a columncontributed by Galaxy FM 107, NewZealand, introducing artists from acrossthe world especially from New Zealandand Australia. Galaxy FM is one of the topradio stations in New Zealand and isquickly expanding its listener base acrossthe world. The authors of the column,Barbara Harkins and DJ Grant are wellknown radio hosts at Galaxy FM hostingthe popular Breakfast Show. LIM thanksteam Galaxy for their support. Website-www.galaxyfm.co.nz.LIM Page 21

'Real talk with KShip' is a column

presented by Kathryn Washington

Shipley who is an Award-Winning

Modern Country/Christian Singer-

Songwriter who is recognized as One of

the fastest-growing Indie Artists over the last few years. She interviews top Indie artists and present them to Lazie Indie Readers through this column.

Page 22

Page 23

Sandy, writer, of the book "La fille entre les ponts" and François, press officer meetin 2016, during a concert of french singer Alain Turban at the famous music hall“the Olympia.” They meet after the concert, at the corner of rue des Saules for anafter-show at the restaurant "La Bonne Franquette". Undoubtedly and with the helpof Cupid, It was then that their love story started with the blessing, not of the HolyFather of the Basilica of the “Sacré-Coeur”, Sandy and François meet in the studio torecord their duet and decide to create a partnership for a lifetime in a journey whereeternity belongs to them. Now media are taking interest in their story, the one of agirl, Sandy, from Honfleur, in Calvados, her native Normandy, and of François wholeft Les “Côtes de Blaye” a long time ago to find those of the Sacred Mound ofMontmartre.Emma Goldberg explores their lives till now and their plans forfuture...LIM Page 23

Page 24

Jay & Emma: Hi, Welcome to Lazie IndieMagazine. It is great speaking to you !!!Emma: You have had a fairly successfulmusical journey together. How do youfeel it was?François: Hi Jay, Emma and Lazie IndieMagazine, really happy to be there Ourduo (composed of Sandy LR and FrançoisDeblaye) started well before thelockdown, via the author Alain Turban,who proposed us to sing his song «LESAMOUREUX DU SACRE-COEUR» songfrom the musical «la Légende deMontmartre» The name of the songbecame the name of the band and ourcareer began.Emma: How and when did you come intomusic? When did you make your firstclear step into music as a profesionalcareer?François: Me, I made my first record at20 years old under my name FrançoisDeblaye and today because of our duet,Sandy LR started singing, our duetstarted in early 2019 .Emma: When did you take your first stepin music as professionals?François: 20 years old, I was already inthe business and music industry andSandy in early 2019, with the album thatwas released this year in May 2022 «THEDIFFERENCE» album composed of 13unreleased tracks .Emma: Who were your musicalinfluences?François: Our influences are usually theFrench Songs , from Gainsbourg toDutronc via Balavoine.Jay: How did you form the this wonderfulmusical partnership?Sandy: We met via the famous Michou,the man in blue, Michou is known allaround the world for his French famouscabaret « Michou », I was Michou’s pressagent and Sandy LR wanted to meet me.Sandy LR had written a text aboutMichou for his book, «Michou, PrinceBleu de Montmartre» . (Translation of thetitle of the book : « Michou, Blue Princeof Montmartre ») And our story began.Emma: How do you go about creatingyour music?LIM Page 24

Page 25

François: We have on the album authorsincluding Alain Turban as Author, wellknown in France with his great hits, andRichard Sanderson as Composer, is alsowell known for his international titlesnotably for the interpretation of the musicof the film «La Boum», song known as«Reality» (Music written by VladimirCosma). We also have in our team MarcFichel (of the new generation ofsongwriters in France), who wrote a song«On fait tout ensemble», and the famousarranger Frédéric Andrews (notablyMusical Director in Chief of CharlesDumont).Jay: Do you venture outside your genre ofmusic when you create?Sandy: We are staying in our style of thePure French Pop Tradition, duetsessentially of the Traditional FrenchSongs, revisited with new arrangementsby our faithful team. Sandy LR also did asolo cover of «Nuit Blanche à Hontfleur»,Charles Dumont’s Huge internationallyknown composer. Charles Dumont hasalso written songs for Edith Piaf, theworld-famous French singer, (“Je neregrette rien” “Mon Dieu” “L’Hymne àl’Amour” etc...) . It’s a piano-voice, SandyLR is accompanied by Frédéric Andrews.Emma: Which is your latest musicrelease?François: The next song is «La Fille EntreLes Ponts» song sung by Sandy LR, whichfollows his book «La Fille Entre LesPonts», you can buy it from ÉditionsThierry Sajat We are both promoting therecord and the book at the same time.Emma: Tell us what you like the most...Writing, Producing, or Performing?François: We love singing, performing onstage, and also meeting our team in therecording studio to record our songs, it’simpossible to choose, we absolutely loveeverything about this great adventure.Emma: What is your plan for theimmediate future say, 2022 as amusician?LIM Page 25

Page 26

We are still both promoting our album«La Différence» and Sandy LR’s book «LaFille entre les ponts». We are also leavingfor a 52-minutes show on France 3Channel (National) in Montmartre, wherewe are doing our promotion, released in2023. Sandy LR participated in a conceptcalled “Place aux Femmes” with humoristYvette Leglaire who released an EP thatsings with 21 women , French knownsingers, humorists including ChantalLadesou, Fabienne Thibault (Quebec andFrance - Starmania), Zize (Humorist),Corinne Hermès, Lucid Beausonge,Marie-Paule Belle... The purpose of thisconcept is to highlight the FamousWomen who have made History… Therecord was released on November 6,2022. On November 29, 2022, there is anevent where all the women who sang onthis record, they receive their plaque(kind of French Walk of Fame ) and wewill be there to receive an honoraryplaque for the performance of Sandy LRon this EP.Jay: What is the best advice given to youand what would you share with a youngupcoming artist?Sandy and François: Believe in yourself,be positive, Make your best on yourprojects to the Top, surround yourselfwell, work without stopping, even ifsuccess is slow to come, write again andagain, and do not stop, everything comesat the right time to who knows how towait, be patient and fear nothing. Trust inyourself! Thank you to our Fans, To LIMreaders, To Jay and Lazie Indie MagazineTeam for introduced us and we will shareyour links in France and we will read thenext issue of Lazie Indie Magazine! BigKisses from France "Les Amoureux DuSacré-Coeur"(Translation : "Lovers of the Sacred-Heart", Sacré-Coeur, Famous MonumentIn Paris-Montmartre)LIM Page 26

Page 27

Page 28

Page 29

Page 30

LIM: Youhave had an exciting andrewarding career in music so far, how doyou see it yourself?TIJ: For us the real deal hasn't startedyet. We're still figuring out how to get ourmusic to those special minority of thepeople for whom our music would make adifference. We do have people listening toour music but there are certain peoplewho write in to us saying a certain part ofthe lyrics struck them and made themfeeling so and so. Our song follow has thelyric ‘what the f*** is wrong with you’ andthere was someone who wrote to ussaying they are compelled to sing itbecause of our song. These are the fansthat matter to us more than just afollower on social media.LIM: Who are your musical influences?TIJ: For music produced by just twopeople sitting at home our music soundslike it was made for a four piece or fivepiece band. Growing up, listening to rockbands from the 60s and 70s like theStones and Led zeppelin seems to haveforced certain sensibilities into our music.We listen to anything we can get myhands on that gives me anything new. Thehard part of being a musician listening tomusic is to just let go and enjoy it formusic's sake, you know, without overanalysis or trying to take it apart to learnnew things. In terms of major influencesit would be the old era of Led Zeppelinand Stones, but also we celebratecontemporary music too. Like Hozier andBillie Eilish. Jay is taken in a lot by jazzand a lot more complicated musicpersonally, while Hari is a lot into wall ofsound production of shoegaze and noisepop. Other than these there are a lot ofcommon influences and a lot ofdisagreements too.LIM: What would you consider as thebiggest achievementsso far?TIJ: We’d say getting the follow musicvideo done completely by ourselves. Itwas a massive effort over just two days tosave money. Then again it's the bestfeeling when someone says the musicmeans something to them. And the videoput out for the world to see is a reflectionLIM Page 30

Page 31

"Make stuff and put it out. Everything else is secondary".of that.LIM: Where can we get your musicreleases over the internet?TIJ: It's there on whatever platform youlisten to music. We even try to cover theobscure ones because there are fanslistening to it wherever they can. Spotify,Apple Music, Amazon prime, gaana,Deezer. We’d like to give a shout out toour distributors, Aurum Musica andAbhishek for being with us throughoutour journey and being such help duringall of our releases.LIM: How do you balance music withyour interests ?TIJ: Hari has a career in advertising andJay was all set to pursue a doctorate ineconomics after his masters from MadrasSchool of Economics. Both of us don’tidentify as just musicians, with a lot ofthings to say about the state of affairs ofthe world and contribute to the zeitgeist,music is the primary love for both of usthough. Striking a balance is hard, Hariparticularly finds it hard to keep himselffrom burning out, but with support frompeople around and each other, howevertough the going gets - we make it work.LIM: What do you like to do the most inmusic ? writing, producing or performinglive.TIJ: Jay likes to think of himself as awriter first. But really the music comes tothe both of us naturally. The writing partis more deliberate, for Jay who iscurrently the principal songwriter eventhough Hari has also penned a few.Performing on the other hand is kind of achore to Jay sometimes, but Hari lives tobe on the stage.LIM: What are your immediate futureplans say for 2022 or 2023?TIJ: there is an album coming with somesingles ahead of it. We’re really excitedLIM Page 31

Page 32

for this because at least outwardly thiswill define a sound for us.LIM: What was the best advice given toyou and what would you give as a piece ofadvice to fellow artist?TIJ: Make stuff and put it out. Everythingelse is secondary. Jay says he stillstruggles to do this as he is not active onsocial media even though he would like totake some time out to be there. Hari is theextrovert in that regard.LIM: How did you form your band.. Whopicked whom? Why this genre of music?Jay from TIJ: We have been alwaysmaking music together since high school.Hari on guitars and Jay belting out LedZeppelin numbers in our bedroom. Beingbrothers who complement each otherwhile figuring out their musicaldifferences, it was tough. But that's thething at the end, we both know how wellwe work together. The music comes fromthat place. We didn't have a specific idealike this is the music we are going tomake. Rather, wemade music and this is what it endedup like. I personally struggle to tellpeople what type of music we makebecause there's all kinds of genresspilling into our work.-Thank youLIM Page 32

Page 33

Page 34

Welcome to "Jørg's Corner". Here I highlight one independent band or artist. Thistime I feature Bluesman "Ryan Neville" from Christchurch in New Zealand. As usualI try to look a bit "behind the scenes".Jorg: Ryan, thanks for taking the time and doing this Interview with LIM. I knowyou are a busy man between studio, live gigs and guitar students. How do youmanage your day?Ryan: Thank you for the introduction. Well I love to be busy, so to be honest I bringall the craziness onto myself. It definitely is a balancing act seven days a week.When you do something you love it’s not really work. Creativity strike sometimeswhen you least expect it.Jorg: Let us start with the beginning. I'm sure you started in your early yearsplaying acoustic guitar?LIM Page 34

Page 35

Ryan: Hmm, that was a few years ago lol.There was an acoustic guitar floatinground the house since as far back as I canremember. I was 7 or 8 years old when Ipicked it up and strung a few chordstogether. I had guitar lessons at 15 yearsof age, for about 2 years. First band wasafter 6 months of lesson. “Crosstowntraffic” was the name. We were very muchHendrix fans lol. I left school and wastouring a little with Crosstown Traffic inthe weekends and teaching Guitar duringthe week. That was my 9-5 job 7 days aweek. Not a lot has changed lol.Jorg: Was there a special moment thatkicked you into the blues music? Was it inyou from the beginning or was itsomething that developed like a goodwine?Ryan: Funny story; my Guitar teacherwas and still is a brilliant Blues/Jazzmusician. We found out within the firstfew weeks of lessons that I was a betterBlues player than a long haired metalplayer living in the 80s. I have alwaysenjoyed the idealism of the lonely Bluesplayer living day to day, the stories andfolk lore surrounding the blues reallypulls me in.Jorg: Did you ever leave New Zealand toconquer new markets?Ryan: You know what, I have been soclose 3 times now to shifting to the USAand living the dream of nonstop day today shows. Something I miss in NewZealand. It is a very different musicallandscape here. I have toured the USA 4times now and aim to continue doing so. Ilove the culture, the people, the placesthere. Europe is definitely on the cards,I’m just waiting for the invite lol.Jorg: As a musician myself I know thatthe blues is a strong medium to tell talesthat come deep out of your soul. How doyou find new songs?Ryan: That is a great question. I often saywhen asked the question that to me theBlues is a difficult genre to write. Verynarrow options, 1. Dog died, 2. Wife leftyou, 3. Train jumping, 4. Drinking. Right?Joking of course, I believe for me it’s stillabout the soul, the journeys, the peopleLIM Page 35

Page 36

we meet, feelings emotions etc.Jorg: What is your process of developingmusic? Is it a very private thing or do youalways work with the band?Ryan: 99 percent of the songs are writtenby me, but I really enjoy the process thatthe Midnight Blues Band has created.Some songs I’m a little selfish and keepclose to my chest, but I record a roughdemo and send it to the band and say“completely up to you how you hear andfeel where the song is going” I’m so in toletting other people completely doingthere thing. That’s the magic of having areally strong connection with the band.Jorg: What were your thoughts during thedays of lockdown? Was there a threadthat lead you through the Pandemic?Ryan: Covid was a really tough time forall of us. The savour for me was I’m verygood at keeping busy, so it was headdown writing and recording as I’m luckyenough to have a recording studio built into my house. So the weeks just flashed by.Shows were all put on pause until it wasok to tour again. There was a lot of zoommeetings and online chatting with theband.Jorg: As your label guy I welcome yourconstantly produced singles. Are youworking on a wonderful new album, too?Ryan: I so enjoy being with you and MXPro records. We have a great friendshipand business arrangement, I’m so luckyto have that connection with you. Wehave a new album out January 2023,that’s all I’m saying lol, my lips are sealed.Jorg: What do you plan for promotingyour forthcoming album? Is there a tourin sight?Ryan: I like to plan things months aheadto feed my obsession of fun, happinessand joy. So yes - we will be kicking of the2023 tour in February with a 1 monthtour of the USA in May. (oops did I saythat out loud, that may have been asecret)Jorg: When you have a look on yourcareer as an musician - would you sayLIM Page 36

Page 37

shows were all put on pause until it wasok to tour again. There was a lot of zoommeetings and online chatting with theband.Jorg: As your label guy I welcome yourconstantly produced singles. Are youworking on a wonderful new album, too?Ryan: I so enjoy being with you and MXPro records. We have a great friendshipand business arrangement, I’m so luckyto have that connection with you. Wehave a new album out January 2023,that’s all I’m saying lol, my lips are sealed.Jorg: What do you plan for promotingyour forthcoming album? Is there a tourin sight?Ryan: I like to plan things months aheadto feed my obsession of fun, happinessand joy. So yes - we will be kicking of the2023 tour in February with a 1 monthtour of the USA in May. (oops did I saythat out loud, that may have been asecret)Jorg: When you have a look on yourcareer as an musician - would you sayyou're exactly in the place where youshould be in life?Ryan: Well my alter ego says no there isso much more to achieve. But realisticallyyes I am very happy with the band, crewand people I have surrounded myselfwith. That is the most important thing tome is positive people who share yourvision.Jorg: Your music can be heard on alldigital outlets all over the world.Streaming has become the #1 medium forlisteners. Is it a fortune to have access tomillions of listeners or do you think thereshould be changes?Ryan: Whoa that’s a hard one to answer Iwant to say positive things. But I do feel alot of musicians are held hostage to thesedigital stores, or though a lot of recordlabels use to do that too. It certainly hasopened doors for musicians to share theircreativity, but I personally believe thereneeds to be a change for sure.Jorg:Thank you so much, my friend, fortaking the time. I'm sure this interestinginsights will wake the interest of manynew listeners! All the best, and may Godbe with you on all your ways!Ryan: Thank you so much for all you dofor musicians. -- Kind Regards RyanNeville.www.ryannevilleshowband.co.nzhttps://www.facebook.com/Ryannevilleandthemidnightblues/LIM Page 37

Page 38

Page 39

Skreen 6 is a Rock band based out of Kochi India. The band was formed by comingtogether of artists from different cover bands. Adithya and Krishnan being friendssince school days had this idea of forming a Rock band and that's when theyapproached Salas who later called Amal and Jayakrishnan. Skreen 6 wears theirinfluences on their sleeves and they have truly conditioned themselves to the era ofclassic rock inspired a lot by bands like Motley Crue, Def Leppard, Whitesnake, SkidRow and Guns N’ Roses. They do have an uncanny resemblence to Motley Crue withtheir frontman sounding quite close to Vince Neil. The band performed as one ofthe select a few bands at the International Indie Music Festival at Trivandrumsharing stage with top Indian and International Bands.Jay From Lazie IndieMagazinespoke to the boys at Skreen 6 ...LIM Page 39

Page 40

Jay: You have had an exciting andrewarding career in music so far, how doyou see it yourself?Skreen 6: Oh boy, we've had an excitingcareer for sure. Like we've said at manyvenues... We're a relativity new band. It'sonly been a year and to experience thislove from audiences all over the worldand peers who share the same love forRock n Roll is truly out of this world.Jay: Who are your musical influences?Skreen 6: We all are hugely inspired bythe 80's and 90's Glam metal, Hard Rockand Heavy metal bands . To name a few,bands like Motley Crue, Skid Row, WhiteSnake, Iron Maiden, GnR etc have alwaysinfluenced us a lot . Also, many Indianbands like Kryptos, Amorphia, IndusCreed , Motherjane etc have also been ourmajor influence.Jay: What would you consider as thebiggest achievementsso far?Skreen 6: For us , the greatestachievement is all about peoplerecognising us through our music .Jay: How did you form your band.. Whopicked whom? Why classic hard rock?Skreen 6: Before Skreen 6 were formed,all of us were in different cover bands.Adithya and Krishnan being friends sinceschool days had this idea of forming aRock band and that's when theyapproached Salas who later called Amaland Jayakrishnan. We needed someoneto the production and play the keys, thatswhen Dibin joined the band . We all metduring lockdown and we used to writemusic in zoom calls . That's how Skreen 6was formed. All of us were deeplyinspired by the 80's Hard rock and glammetal bands and that led to us being anOldschool Hard Rock band . Later ourkeyboardist Dibin left the band forpersonal reasons . And now we are heremore stronger than ever and rocking.Jay: Where can we see your musicreleases over the internet?Skreen 6: All of our releases are availableon all streaming platforms includingBandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music,YouTube, SoundCloud etc.LIM Page 40

Page 41

Page 42

"We have always been lucky enough to have met many of our idols from the Indian Rock/Metal sceneand receive great advices from them people including our fans , organizers, technicians, venue managersetc . It's all these people's contribution and support that always push us to sustain and make more music.You have to stay grounded and respect all the people who have been involved in your journey".Jay: How do you balance music with yourinterests ?Skreen 6: To be honest, music for us issomething beyond obsession... It's like aneed. You don't have to force yourself tobreathe. When you're drowning you justfigure out a way to swim to the shore andcatch your breath. So, basically music isjust embedded in us in such a way that wesomehow end up engaging with it nomatter what else is going on in our life asindividuals.Jay: What do you like to do the most inmusic? writing, producing or performingliveSkreen 6: Music is a wonderful journey.All the way from writing it, seeing it cometo fruition, putting it out there and thenreceiving feedbacks, all this is just fuel forus to keep going. It's really difficult topick a favourite when all of these holdequal value in your eyes.Jay: What are your immediate futureplans say for 2022 or 2023?Skreen 6: So we have been working onour debut album for the past 1-1.5 yearswriting and recording the songs. Ouralbum is called "Rockin' Head" and itconsists of 8 killer tracks blending catchyriffs , speed running guitar solos, groovybasslines, snare attacks and sing alongchoruses. The album is mixed andmastered by Le Charles Blue and it's allset for the release. Also we have plans totour across the country once the albumreleases.- Thank youLIM Page 42

Page 43

Page 44

Page 45

Page 46

Page 47

Page 48

Page 49

Page 50

Sherise's Moments at the IIMFIt was a powerful experience being called to participate in Kerala’s first-everInternational Indie Music Festival (IIMF) which began on Wednesday, November 9at the Kerala Arts and Crafts Village, Kovalam and continued till November 13,2022. Here is an account of my personal journey, as I arrived at Trivandrum airport.I was immediately contacted by a festival volunteer representative who helped meget into the cab that was waiting to take me to my accommodation. This was my firstever visit to Kerala and I was in awe of all the amazing scenery and beach viewsalong the way. As my cab approached my assigned accommodation, I was awestruckby the natural beauty of the place and how well maintained it was. I was staying in apalatial room at the Kovalam Guest House that was a little before the LeelaLIM Page 50

Page 51

Kovallam property. The views of thebeach from my room was amazing! I trulyenjoyed staying in the palatialguesthouse. I enjoyed amazing kerala farewhich including Kerala authentic rice andfish curry as well as fried fish. Aside fromthe amazing food, I also enjoyed thebeautiful view from my room.On day 1, I was happy to finally meet theLazie Indie team – Jay and Manoj warmlywelcomed me and told me all about themagazine and the Lazie Indie App. Iimmediately downloaded it on my phoneand starting posting content on the Appwhich is a great way to connect with myfans and share my music and shows. Iwent to check out the stage and wassurprised at the size, design andequipment used in the stage. The soundand light equipment was top-notch andOn the second day of my stay inKovallam, my band arrived and weimmediately had to proceed for sound-check. was happy to meet and greet somany international artists as part of thefestival. I made so many new friends. Itwas phenomenal bonding with so manylike-minded friends.This festival also gave rise to so many newcollaborationsa I was treated toperformances by amazing artists like,When Chai Met Toast, Inner Sanctum,Skreen 6, RCliff, Chaos, and Lazie J. Itwas amazing to get up on that massivestage! Loved everything about it,including the design, the crisp sound andmonitoring and the amazing lighting!Truly a crown jewel built by artists andarchitects for artists at the InternationalIndependent Music Festival. I enjoyedevery minute of performing my set!I loved that the audience was groovingwith me and enjoyed all my originalsongs! It was pure magic, being amongstso many Indie Music Lovers and being inthe best environment to perform mymusic with my amazing band which flewdown to Kerala from Goa. My Bandconsisted of Alton Souza on Lead Guitar,Clarisan Fernandes on Keys, GraysonLIM Page 51

Page 52

Mendonsa on Drums, Peterson Gomeson Bass and me on Lead Vocals. Theywere all really happy with the lovely timethey had at the festival, as well as with theamazing sound set up on stage. After myshow I was really happy to meet all thelovely bands that performed on the sameday as me and meet and have dinner withthe Lazie Indie Team. After I completedmy performance, the next few days at thefestival were very relaxing for me as I gotto enjoy a plethora of performances by allthe other bands and I also had theopportunity and the privilege to conductinterviews of bands on behalf of LazieIndie Magazine. On the last day of thefestival- the finale, all Lazie IndieMagazine members and bands got up onstage and sang the festival anthem – ‘Letthe Party Never Get Over’ After all theperformances were over, we were treatedto an after-party at the Leela, Kovalamand had a gala time together!This truly was a magical experience, all-in-all with multiple miracles and smallthings piecing together well for thefestival to be a success and I am eternallygrateful to be a part of the Lazie IndieFamily as an enabler with dreams andstrategies for more greater things to comefor Independent music in India!.- Thank You,Sherise D' SouzaLIM Page 52

Page 53

Page 54

Page 55

Salil Hutton son of Archie Hutton, a veteran musician of Kozhikode, Indiaknown for Hutton’s Orchestra of the 1950s, one of the first music clubs in thecity has had a fabulous career in music so far. He was quite popular in Keraladuring the 1990s through ‘Dread Locks’, the first band from Kerala to featurein MTV and RSJ MTV Music Festival in 1997. Back home after his two-decade-long hiatus in Mumbai, Salil Hutton’s latest music video ‘WitheredLeaf’ is a tribute to old age and his parents, especially his father ArchieHutton, who passed away this year. It is an experiment involving threedifferent genres of music and singers of four different nationalities.Jay fromLazie Indie Magazine talks to this veteran musician to learn more about hismusical journey so far...LIM Page 55

Page 56

Jay: You have had an exciting andrewarding career in music so far, how doyou see it yourself?Salil: I am quite happy and heart content,because my music compositions andlyrical contents are mostly 'Goodwillthemed and I’m trying to convey positivevibe and its motivational .Jay: Who are your musical influences?Salil: My influences has changed over theyears, During college days it was Beatles,CCR, Who, Fleetwood Mac, Then afterperforming in a Pro Rock band, used tolisten to TOTO, RUSH, IRON MAIDEN,VAN HALEN, DREAM THEATRE..Living in Mumbai has opened up ears toJazz, Soul , world Music, Latin music,New-age Rock & pop...Jay: What would you consider as thebiggest achievements so far?Salil: As a Live performer, the biggestAchievement is Applause and hugeSupports from the Crowds, Apart fromthat, as Front man of DREADLOCKS forone of the Most prestigious RSJ-MTVMusic fest in 1997,CalcuttaJay: Where can we see your musicreleases over the internet?Salil: I have released 2 Music videos inYouTube and I’m planning to release anEP by 2023Jay: How do you balance music with yourinterests?Salil: Living in Mumbai for past 15 yearsand being a Live performer, has manyAdvantages. Travelling to different cities,meeting new people, get to know newculture, food.. So life is goodJay: What do you like to do the most inmusic? Writing, producing or performingliveSalil: Being from a Musical family, byDefault, my interest is composing musicand singing, but lately I’m penning downlyrics and I’m a good Art visualize.. Myrecent YouTube Release WITHEREDLEAF, I did the Video direction, Storyline,art direction & artist casting, So it wassuper fun and ChallengingJay: What are your immediate futuresplans say for 2022 or 2023?Salil: I’m Planning to release My New EPLIM Page 56

Page 57

Page 58

Page 59

R Cleff is a band based out of Trivandrum formed by keyboardist Rohit Krishnan.He has been working with greatest of musicians like John Antony in ' Karnatrixx'.He has also been a part of bands and projects like Pragathi, Zehen and Groove. Hestarted his production house 'R Cleff Music Lab' at Trivandrum where independentprojects are being produced. The band boast of popular singerAmritha Rajan who isa very accmplished musician. Amritha Rajan is known for her brilliant andmelodious voice. She is known for her sweet voice and melodic rendition. She wasone of the finalists for the well-known television show Rising Star season 3. Theband aslo hasArjun on guitars and Rinu on drums. The band is one of the very fewbands that made it to theInternational Indie Music Festival - Kovalam which hadthe best of the world indie music coming together.Jay from Lazie Indie Magazinespoke to Members of R Cleff to know more about this upcoming band. Check out!!!LIM Page 59

Page 60

Jay: You have had an exciting andrewarding career in music so far, how doyou see it yourself?Amritha: I started my professional musiccareer during 2018, when I joinedGROOVE BAND for the show Autumnleaf. After that it was a rollercoaster ridewith GROOVE BAND performing over100 College fests and festivals. In 2019, Iwas one among the top 6 finalists of anational level reality show 'Rising starSeason 3', where I could interact withShankar Mahadevan, Neethi Mohan,Diljith Doshanj and other industryprofessionals from Bollywood. In 2021, Iwas selected as one among the top 10musicians by AR Rahman for a contestand could talk to him over a zoom call.Currently I and Rohith together make ourown original tracks and get streams allover the world..Rohith: My music career has always beena challenging one. Initial part of my musiccareer I had been just a keyboard artist,performing with many artists fromKerala. After completing B.tech I decidedto build a career in music. I was so muchinterested in performing for festivals,college venues, cafes and all the placeswhere people would like to hear musicand recognise artists. I believe music hasthe power to connect people and spreadhappiness. Only after moving to Chennaifor pursuing Audio Engg from KM Musicconservatory did I start to find a musicproducer and composer in me. After thattime I worked for some Tamil movies aswell as famous artists in the South Indianmovie industry. Later I joined a Bandbased in Bangalore called Zehen. Iworked and travelled all over India withZehen for 2 years. It's at that point that Iwanted to start my own band andproduction house. So I came back to myroots and started a studio 'The RCleffMusic Lab' at Trivandrum, which is myproduction house as well as jamroom.Also I started my band ' The GROOVEBAND', which is now a popular band inKerala. We are currently working on ouroriginal music which is expected to bereleased by January.LIM Page 60

Page 61

I have my originals released on allplatforms as RCleff. Meeting Amritha wasone of the best achievements in my life.Together we run the studio andproduction house.Jay: Who are your musical influences?Amritha: As i started learning music atthe age of 5, Carnatic music hasinfluenced me a lot. My GuruRajalekshmi Ashokan was the 1stinfluencer. Rohith and his music has beenan influenced and inspired me Coming tofilm Music A R Rahman, Ilayaraja,Vidyasagar, Johnson master, KS Chitra,Shreya ghoshal, Pradeep Kumar,Santhosh narayanan, and the list goes on.In indie music scenes, Sooraj Santhosh,Thaikudam bridge, When chai met toast,Job Kurian..etcRohith: I have a lot of music influences.All the musicians influence us in a way orthe other. The ace guitarist 'John Antony'was one of the greatest influences, as aperson as well as musician in my life. Ihad the opportunity to perform with himand spent time with him and learn fromhim. Then my keyboard teacher'Thankaraj', who is one of the well knownkeyboardists from Trivandrum, hadinfluenced me through his music andcharacter. AR Rahman was one of themajor reasons why I became a musician.His music influenced me in various stagesof my life. To work for him is still adream, which I hope will come true soon.And Vidhyasagar, Ilayaraja, Johnsonmaster are my favourite composers fromIndia. I love The Beatles, Coldplay, JacobCollier, Imagine dragons and many more.If u look at Indian bands my favouriteones are Local train, the functuation andWhen chai met toast.Jay: What would you consider as thebiggest achievement so far?Amritha: Continuing my Music careerwith the support of our parents itself is anachievement. I have been gettingmessages that my voice is helping them toLIM Page 61

Page 62

heal themselves. My music bringshappiness for them. That's indeed anachievement.Rohith: For me the biggest achievementis marrying Amritha and having a musiclife with her. So basically we talk aboutmusic all the time. Everyone connected tous talks about music or has to talk aboutmusic. All the people from the 2 familiesthink of us when they hear music andthey try listening to more music for us. SoI believe we can do a lot of things formusic and can create a path for theyounger generations like how our seniorsdid for us.Jay: Where can we see your musicreleases over the internet?Amritha: I am on all streaming platformsas Amritha Rajan.Amritha 0307 is myYoutube Channel.Amritha_0307 is myInstagram Id where i share most of myMusical and personal updates.Rohith: I have a youtube channel namedRCleff. Also Groove band has a youtubechannel with the name 'Groove'. OurOriginal 'Hope' was released in Amritha'sYouTube channel 'Amritha0307'. You canalso find us on all Audio streamingplatforms under Rohith Krishnan,Amritha Rajan and RCleff Music Lab.Also on Instagram you can find ourprofiles asR_cleff_music, Amritha0307Rcleffmusiclab.Jay:How do you balance music with yourinterests?Amritha: Music is the most prior interest.All the other interests like painting,travelling,designing add on to music only.Other interests help me to refresh myselfand thus help to create better music.Rohith: Music is my passion. So naturallyI am always inclined to somethingconnected to music. Other than music Iam a huge fan of cricket and I playcricket. So I try to find time for somecricket matches once a week. Other thanthat basically I am an engineer, so Iwanted to make some projects based onwhat I have studied in college. But Iwanted the project to be connected tomusic as well. It's a dream, maybe in afew years I can come up with something.But other than music performance andmusic production or music classes, otherconnected activities like music stores ormusic events or media record labelsmight happen soon as I believe it is a partof this process.Jay: What do you like to do the most inmusic ? writing, producing orperforming?Amritha: Performing Live brings up a helllot of dopamine level in us. Althoughmostly we perform Cover songs, Myultimate goal is to perform our own songsand make them sing along. So writing,and producing is also happening parallel.Rohith: I enjoy all 3 equally. Actually forme they are so connected. The thing Ienjoy the most is performing the song Iwrote and produced. So other than thatall the processes are equally thrilling andchallenging and exciting at the same time.Jay: What are your immediate futureplans? say for 2022 or 2023?Amritha: To release our new tracks is thenext plan. 'Travel song written' by me, 'itsin me' and 'caught in the rain ' by Rohithare our upcoming releasesRohith: My immediate release is myoriginal composition called 'It's inme'. Basically I wrote the lyrics andLIM Page 62

Page 63

composed the melody and programmedthe track. So it's fully my original idea. SoI am so excited to announce it. Hopefullythe song will be available from January.Another immediate release is an originalby GROOVE BAND. It is called'Appooppan Thaadi'. The productionworks are going on. And another is theshort movie called 'Oppu'. I did thebackground score for this short movie.It's a comedy based romantic dramamovie.Jay: What was the best advice given toyou and what would you give as a piece ofadvice to fellow artists ?Amritha: "Stop expecting validation fromeveryone around you! You can't pleaseeveryone " I read this somewhere. "It'snever too late to start " and "Don't waitfor you to be completely ready to start.Start small, believe in yourself and slowlyyou will make it big one day."Rohith: The best advice I got was to enjoythe process without worrying about theresult. It looks like a very common pieceof advice but that's the best thing to say toany creative person because when we arein the creative space and you are tooworried about your result it affects thecreative or even the creation as such.Although I know all these things I tend toget anxious and worry unnecessarilyabout how the work is going to be ratherthan enjoy the process of doing it. But inthis busy world everything sort of makesyou stressed out and anxious. That is onething that I want to do. Stay focusedwithout thinking about results, justenjoying the process of creating the work,which I hope will bring a lot of change toyour career. And this is the best advice Ican give to anyone out there.- Thanks and CheersLIM Page 63

Lazie Indie Magazine - Edition -31

Page 1

Page 2

Page 3

Page 4

Page 5