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Iconic WomenIconic Sounds Lazie Indie MagazineSpecial Edition - April 2023 Cover FeatureRachel Walker MasonExclusive Interviews:Shalini MohanRoxanne McDanielTanushree SahaSaira JacobLouise Marshal

Lazie Indie has regularly come out with Special editions celebrating some very specialartists and their musical journeys. In past years we spoke about Streetheart, DarbyMills, Neil Peart, Willie Dixon and did a special edition on Josie Awards. We alsocovered some of the best technicians who work behind the scenes to bring out the bestin an artist and a few who took the artist's music to the world. We did cover our IIMFand the artists who came down all the way from across the world to participate. Thisnew edition has been in our minds for some time. A special edition on Women artists. We have some fabulous artists in this edition.Learning about these ladies will surely be a pretty inspiring read for you. The credit forthis edition goes entirely to Hari as the entire job was entrusted to him, and he hasdelivered a well-designed edition that has some really deep and useful content too.Each of these artists is a role model we can look up to. We have taken a consciousdecision not to repeat artists who have already been on the cover of the mag in anyprevious edition, true to our policy of not repeating artists within a year for a fullfeature. Hope you like the read and do share it with the world Thank you Jay Pillai Founding Editor Lazie Indie MagazineF R O M T H EE D I T O R ’ SD E S K

A B O U T T H I SE D I T I O N Edition: Special Editon -11 - WomensSpecial Month and date of release: 10th April2023On Cover: Rachel MasonFounding editor: Jay Pillai Sub Editor: Inge Zimmermann-ProbstSpecial Issue Sub Editor: HariPromotions: Manoj Cover Photo Courtesy: Rachel Mason

C O N T E N T S Cover StoryRachel MasonExclusive InterviewsShalini MohanRoxanne McDanielTanushree SahaSaira JacobLouise Marshal

Cover StoryRachel Walker Mason

Recipient of a prestigious British CitizenAward for contribution to the arts, named “asongwriting expert” by BBC Radio Four’sToday Programme and a RecordingAcademy voting member, Rachel WalkerMason is a multi-award-winning musiciancurrently writing songs with Grammy,Emmy and Ivor Novello award winners, TheVoice UK and American Idol alumni, Oscarnominees, MOBO and BRIT Awardnominees, AMA UK and IndependentCountry Music Association Awards winners.Rachel is also a mentor for The GRAMMYs,Help Musicians and the Ivor NovelloAcademy.Rachel Walker MasonShe is also a featured artist for ColumbiaUniversity’s Songcraft Anthology and anexecutive member of The Songwriters Hall ofFame. Rachel has won multiple awards for her filmmusic and is a published author. Named Woman Of The Year 2020, the onlyBritish musician to be inducted into the IndieMusic Hall Of Fame, and hailed “aninspiration” by Prince Harry, Rachel is theyoungest person to be made a Fellow of theLondon College of Music by ProfessionalAchievement. 2

I’ve written my first musical, which hasbeen a challenging and exciting process.It’s about women and told through aweekly songwriters circle. The musical iscalled The Circle and is being performedin the UK this Spring. I’ve also become a voting member of TheRecording Academy (The GRAMMYS) andhave had one of my songs featured in ashort film, for which I have won 21awards. Rachel is also a prolific songwriting and aCappella judge having judged manycontests including The UK SongwritingContest, National Television Awards-nominated Sing: Ultimate A Cappella andis one of the British representatives forthe World Choir Council.Here’s her full interview.I am a judge and mentor for a schoolchoir contest run by the charityWellChild, for which Prince Harry is thepatron. He asked to meet me in areceiving line after the school choir I hadmentored had performed at an awardsdinner, and told me I was an inspirationfor my work mentoring children andhelping them feel confident performingin front of royalty and a room full ofcelebrities. I’m lucky to have such a supportive familywho give me the strength to carry on whenI’m struggling. Being in the music industryfor a long time also means I’ve experiencedups and downs many times, so I know that ifI’m in a “down” the “up” is just around thecorner.Hi Rachel, its been some time since weinterviewed you in Lazie Indie Maga-zine. What is new from your side to tellus? You have been recognized by PrinceHarry for your efforts. Can you tell usmore about this fantastic achievement? As a woman in the entertainment industrywho has achieved a great amount of success,what do you think has been the strength thattook you so far? What are your upcoming projects?My musical, The Circle, is my big project for2023, but I’m also writing songs for otherartists which will be featured on their albumsor will be their new single. 3

I am a judge and mentor for a schoolchoir contest run by the charityWellChild, for which Prince Harry is thepatron. He asked to meet me in areceiving line after the school choir I hadmentored had performed at an awardsdinner, and told me I was an inspirationfor my work mentoring children andhelping them feel confident performingin front of royalty and a room full ofcelebrities. I would advise young artists to stick with it.It’s a tough industry, but perseverance isdefinitely a quality you need to possess asthere will be man rejections and tough times,but if you’re determined you’re much morelikely to succeed. You have been a judge for many famouscompetitions/awards and overall some-one who has judged a lot of artists. Whatdo you think makes an artist stand out(in a positive way)?What would you tell a young artist whohas immense talent and women as awhole to consider when they are in for atough journey towards success, andwhat can you call a success story ? 4

Shalini Mohan’s awards and accolades couldfill pages along with her achievements. But,isolating the artist from the art, we do get ahuman being who is a quintessentialpersonification of everything good about thetunes we all love and celebrate so much. Adisarmingly charming woman, Shalini has acertain casual intensity that is reflected onher face every time she goes up on stage. Sheloves everything about every second shespends on the stage - that much is evidentfrom her smiles and expressions, guitarfaces if you will. Shalini MohanShalini Mohan from India is an accomplishedbass guitar player who is renowned for bothher live performances and session work. Sheis an extremely prolific musician, playing forat least four big billed bands and musical acts.Adept in western vocals with a distinctiondiploma from London College of Music, she isalso an ace on the trumpets. She commandsmastery in multiple genres like Funk,Carnatic fusion, Progressive Rock and ofcourse, Jazz. She fronts her pet project Ginnyand the Bottle.5

I believe there is not a cell in our bodythat music doesn't have an effect on. On apersonal front, it's very rare that thereisn't a song, tune or rhythm playing in myhead at any given moment. I can'tremember a time, even as a child, whenthis was the case. So when I choose tolisten to something specific, it wouldeither be to heighten whatever I'mfeeling at that moment, or to change myemotion. I have varied genres for everykind of mood. It's a wonderfully maduniverse inside my head! Of course, theway I listen to music as a professionaland how I would while relaxing are quitedifferent. I have immense respect for a musicianwhose knowledge and technique is vast,but they know how to use it, and usesilence as loudly as a hundred notescould sound. It's like knowing all 26letters of the alphabet but deciding howto communicate best with a few choiceletters. Also the ability to appreciate andrespect forms of music that you mightnot necessarily relate to, but knowingthat everything has its place and purpose.What is it about music that you love? Imean, when you put on a pair ofearphones and press play on yourfavourite record, what about music doyou love there? How does the soundsaffect you?What are the qualities in a musician thatyou admire, other than their talent andtechnical ability?If you were to write a song that could changethe world - would it be an instrumental or asong with lyrics?6

To change the world? I would definitelymake it an instrumental! Every listenershould be allowed to write and sing lyricsthat the music has inspired them with.That's the most amazing thing about anyinstrument, isn't it? It can bring out somany kinds of emotions in differentpeople, language no bar! If I had to addlyrics to this song, I'd only be tellingpeople my side of things. That wouldn'tchange the world much now, would it :-)During recording sessions, I've occasionallyplayed and felt like a champ overnight, onlyto be convinced otherwise when I listen to itagain in the morning. :-D But it's been goodoverall. My favorite memories are often thosewhere I've played by instinct against regularrules, and it ends up fitting the pieceperfectly.Is there a mistake you’ve made whileplaying sessions that you went ‘oh my’and then when you went back andchecked, felt like ‘that really works!’?It is arguably famous about how necessity ina situation made you pick up the bass, butwhat made you keep at it? What is it aboutthe 40hz - 400hz that makes you love it somuch - is there a primal, inherent attach-ment to it?You know those rare moments when you feellike this is how things should be, or thateverything is perfect? When I picked up thebass for the first time and played the firstnote, there was such a sense of familiarity.I finally knew what it was that I could hear ina song that always felt like the anchor. It wasfinally tangible! There is an undeniablewarmth in the sound that a bass adds to apiece. The fact that it can either be apercussive, melodic or harmonic instrument,that it can lock with either the drummer or amelodic instrument at the whims of theplayer, and can be extremely subtle or in yourface, is what makes it magic for me. 7

Actually what I've learned is, that theapproach one would have towards writingwith a Trumpet or Bass is quite similar. Thelines of a trumpet can be percussive, verysimilar to a bass. For instance, if you look atlegends like Louis Armstrong, the way theywould approach a vocal line would be verysimilar to how they'd compose on a trumpet,the enunciations flow etc. It was a natural instinct for me to pick up thetrumpet, tough to explain why. I believe Flea from RHCP made it very cool! What is a bass line that you love for itscomplexity? And another one for itssimplicity?Is Ginny and the Bottle a reference to thesong Genie in a Bottle? How did the namecome by?Anything by Jaco Pastorius. Thecomplexity is also so meaningful, he's aonce in a lifetime player!I wouldn't say simplicity, as a lot ofthought would have gone into breaking itdown. But "Another One Bites the Dust"by Queen. That line is such a slap andkiss on the face at the same time! How did you come to pick up thetrumpet? (Is it because brass is speltsimilar to bass, I’m being cheeky here :) )8

The name was inspired by that. To be able toexpress myself despite the heavy cloudsaround. Today the band has shaped up into a solidteam of some of the finest musicians that I'dlove to call family, and the journey it's takenover the past 5 years, covid included, issomething I'm very proud of.Good Lord no! :-DGinny is the name my grandparents gaveme and only a few close people call methat now. When I started the band, it wasa two piece and I wanted to bring out myvoice again. I'd lost immense confidencein general and while I'd use the bass as asecurity blanket, I had completely lost myvoice. I had a wonderful teacher, NeeciaMajolly, who helped me build up toolsand courage to be able to sing in front ofpeople again, and I believe I'm gettingbetter by the day. At this time, I was alsounfortunately surrounded by people whocouldn't control their alcohol (hence areference to The Bottle) and who endedup causing a lot of misery to families andfriends around them. Who is your favourite among the musiciansyou play with? And who inspires you themost?I'm blessed to be able to perform with not justamazing musicians now, but also some of thenicest people around! Some of my favoritemusicians are those who inspire me to stepup and get better and better! Hopefully by thetime this interview comes out, I'd have playeda gig with A R Rahman sir in Chennai for thePS2 audio launch, and if that has happened,he would definitely top the list. 9

Roxanne is an American multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and, ifyou will, all round cool person. She hasprolific mastery over the guitar, bass guitar,ukulele, banjo and the traditionalAppalachian dulcimer. As a trans womanwho had to endure quite a bit of strugglesand hardships just to even find avenues forher to express her art, Roxanne has come tobe a personification of grit, resilience andperseverance. But her greatest strengthwould be her keen wit - her ability to bringhumour into our everyday.Roxanne McDanielRoxanne has an acoustic guitar accompaniedalbum ‘A Real Woman’ out on all platforms - amust-listen for all country music fans. She iscurrently in the studio with her band‘Roxanne McDaniel and the Big Bad Buzz’working on their upcoming single andsubsequent full length album. 10

I try to write what I know. I’ve experienced alot of grief and anger in my life, so thoseemotions fuel a significant amount of mywriting. I was always the outcast growing up,so I find myself writing from that point ofview often. I’m a transgender woman and Igrew up in a very conservative, rural area. Itwas not easy for me. I’ve been kicked aroundand done dirty many times, but I never let itkeep me down for long. Putting my feelingsinto music seems like a productive way todeal with those emotions, and it’s my hopethat other people can relate to my music. Weall have different experiences in life, butmany of the feelings are the same. Roxanne, you play quite a lot ofinstruments, which is the one you wouldnever let go of - if situations demandsthat you do?That’s a difficult question to answer.Hopefully I never find myself in asituation where I would have to give upan instrument; I love them all fordifferent reasons. I enjoy playing thedulcimer because it has a unique soundand allows me to bring more of myAppalachian heritage into the music Imake. On the other hand, the guitar hasbeen my primary vehicle for songwriting.I think if I were ever in a situation whereI needed to give up an instrument, Iwould simply refuse to. Your songs are full of heartbreak andinsatiable longing - what’s the story? Howdo you give eloquence to sadness?How do you approach songwriting? Do youput yourself in another person point of viewor are we listening to multiple facets of you?Songs come to me in a variety of ways.Sometimes a tune will come to me, orsometimes I’ll think of a line that I want touse somewhere and something blossomsaround that.Sometimes when I’m working, Ilike to make up silly little songs narratingwhat I’m doing and sometimes those littlesongs grow into something else. SometimesI’ll hear someone say something in aconversation and think “What a nice turn ofphrase, that should be in a song”. Sosometimes there are bits of other people inthe songs. I’ve occasionally tried to writefrom another person’s point of view, butmostly my writing comes from personalexperiences. 11

A Song at a Time is a song I wrote about mydreams to be a musician and a performer. It’sa dream many of us have had. When I wasgrowing up, I didn’t have many friends, and Ifound myself alone much of the time. Theradio was my constant friend. In all mydarkest moments, music has been there forme. That song is a love song for music itself. The E.P Real Woman - can you tell ourreaders the stories behind the soundsand vibes?When I recorded the Real Woman EP, Iwas going through a difficult time withlots of shake ups going on. I wanted tohave something to release, but I didn’thave a band, and I’m not good withengineering myself, so I called up a localguy named Reed Bushore-Maki andasked if he could produce a simpleacoustic EP for me. We recorded it in hisbasement studio. All the songs wererecorded live: Just me, a guitar and twomicrophones. There were no overdubs; ifI messed something up, I would do thewhole song over again until I got it right. The songs from Real Woman were someof my favourite ones I’d written. RealWoman itself was inspired by myexperiences as a trans woman, but Iwanted it to go beyond that and be a songfor all women who dare to live how theysee fit. People say a “real woman” shouldlook or behave a certain way, but I say aReal Woman is whoever she needs to be.A Tale of You and Me is my attempt at apoppy “love gone wrong” type of song.It’s my personal favourite song of mineand I love to perform it. The Man is asong about working class life and givingtoo much of yourself and getting too littlein return for it. ’m sure many of us canrelate to that sentiment. Wildheart Freeis one of my oldest songs. I wrote it yearsago when I was first starting to seriouslytry to be a songwriter. I was goingthrough a breakup at the time and thatsong was a dig at a man who broke myheart.I have known you as someone who foughtagainst odds to literally just to find avenuesto express your art. Can you tell us yourstory of how you found the authenticity inyour sound?12

The next single is in the can and ready for arelease soon. I can’t say exactly when, but itwill be available in the coming weeks. It’s thelead single of my new album, “TheWatershed”. This album is going to be adramatic change in pace from what the RealWoman EP was. This is my first record with afull band. We perform as Roxanne McDaniel& the Big Bad Buzz. I’m accompanied by myfriends Rheva Myhre on fiddle, KeeganLuckey-Smith on banjo and bouzouki, JamieConstantopolous on bass and John Gardneron drums. This record is something I’ve beenworking towards doing for years, and now Ihave the right people helping me make it areality. I’m excited to share it with the world. Can you give some advice and tips onbeing as authentic in songwriting as youare?Authenticity is a word I find to be a bitcomplicated sometimes. I’m sure I mustbe an authentic something, but I’m notsure what. I just always try to be me. Ithink about what I want to say, how Iwant to say it, and what sort of mood Ishould give to the piece. I incorporatelots of influences. From Classic Rock toOld Time Appalachian music, little piecesof my musical heritage are present ineverything I do. My advice to songwriters is to be honestwith yourself and your audience. Writeabout things you care about and try tomake the kind of music that you want tohear in the world. If there’s a method tobeing “authentic”, I’m sure those stepswon’t hurt. What makes an artist a personendearing to you? What are the qualitiesyou look in a person, who is an artist,whom you’d consider a friend too?The things that make an artist endearingto me are the things that make anyperson endearing to me. I like peoplewho are sincere, passionate, and true tothemselves. I’m sure there are manyartists I could be friends with, but I justhaven’t met them yet. I have a smallcircle of good friends who are alsomusicians and I love and respect them somuch. How’s the next single coming along? Doyou want to talk about it a little?13

Tanushree Saha is trained in various genresfrom Hindustani Classical Vocals to WesternAccapella. She works as a Singer Songwriter,Music Producer and also dabbles in videoconceptualisation and production. She hasbeen featured in National media news,magazines, and TV channels like VH1, 9XOetc. She comes with an academic background indesign, which lends her a keen sense of theaesthetic and supplements her occasionalforays into visual arts. Tanushree SahaTanushree Saha has performed on more than500 stages over the past few years with bandsincluding VST & TanDaze. She also has her own production outfit, She Shree. Alwaysopen to experimentation and interestingcollaborations, she has sung in Internationallanguages like French, Japanese, Italian, &Hebrew etc. 14

Music for me is very divine, it's the languageof God. People who are genuinely into this artform are closer to God as well. A lot of divinemessaging happens through music for me, Iam sure it happens for others too, it's justabout how observant and open-minded youare. Sometimes when in doubt regarding adecision or while needing clarity onsomething, I get divine guidance throughsongs in those very crisp moments. I havestarted loving LOFI instrumentals a lot thesedays. It has a crazy calming effect on me andleaves a beautiful vibe in the whole house. Ihave certain tracks that I use while paintingor when I have my relaxing hat on, at the endof the day, it sort of automatically puts me ina very retrospective zone, where I receiveintuitive downloads and realizations which Iquickly jot down in my journal, I may forgetlater.Is there an origin story for your forayinto music? If so, could you tell us?So, it isn't a sudden strike into thisindustry, Music has been with me eversince I was 4 or 5 years of age. I comefrom a family where they pay importanceto music. My mother used to sing verywell in her days, but couldn't follow herpassion as she got consumed in theresponsibilities of a domestic life postmarriage. I got exposed to Assamese Folkmusic, Rabindra Sangeet and some RetroBollywood during my early days, as theyplayed albums on the cassette all thetime. It was her who noticed I could singand was able to catch tunes very quickupon listening just once, when I was atoddler running around in the house. So, I started getting trained by varioustutors at different times, starting withBhajans, Ghazals. Then once we changedcities I got enrolled in a music school tolearn Hindustani Classical by the Grades.My base is Hindustani, which is a verygood foundation to build upon, I feelother genres came easy to me because ofthat. And growing up as a 90s kid, boththe Indie Pop and Western Rock/Popculture had a huge influence on me.What is it about music, aside from youas the artist, that you love the most? Imean, when you wind down and listen tothe sounds and enjoy the vibes - whatdoes it bring you?I am a very genre-less, language no barperson, you must have figured it out bynow. So, I love music as a whole, withoutbreaking it down into bits, withoutjudging it, without having reservationsfor languages and styles15

I seek a lot of adventure in life, learning newthings, taking challenges, having newexperiences etc. And staying at a 9 - 5 for longyears is just the opposite of that. I felt veryunfulfilled in a corporate environment, and Iknew I had to make some changes. I wouldbrainstorm everyday on what my existence isabout, do SWOT analysis on various ideas,interests trying to understand what should bemy priority. Because I just couldn't see myselfin a regular job for long. And after I decided Iwant to learn music production and give thispassion a serious chance, I quit my highpaying job. When I left I was the CreativeHead of the company, friends and familywere all perplexed with my decision, some ofthem still are.I was in a steady relationship which was asource of support then, but even that ended. Ilost all friends, family wasn't even in talkingterms, it was a huge turning point. I literallyhad no one to talk to. Something whispered inmy ears one day when I was crying all alonein the bedroom, that 'Everything that you lost,will come back to you, Just stick with whatyou believe and keep working, Just keep yourvision in front and the reason for which youhave made these choices, don't let that reasonfade. The sacrifices you made won't go invain'.What do you wish to convey with yourmusic? What do you believe peopleshould take away from your art?Now when you are a musician, whetherlive or recording artist, depending onyour fan base, quantity of your followers,you have some amount of power. You areable to reach a lot of people, a mass, andthat's when it also becomes aresponsibility. Just like they said, 'Withgreat power comes, great responsibility'.You can use your power to just entertain,give things that they already know whichthey already like, so that they keepcoming back to you. Or you can take arisk and give your listeners somethingbrand new, you can spread awareness,provide meaningful messages that willopen their minds, make music on tabootopics, difficult truths, and evensomething otherworldly that only youhave thought of, which they may like ordislike. We shouldn't limit our workbecause of the fear of judgement andlosing followers. We are ever evolvingourselves, and our genuine well-wishersand listeners will understand that. Evenif you lose some, you will ultimately findyour real target audience if you remainauthentic to yourself and your art.Have there been difficult times when youstruggled as an artist, and how did you getover them? What would you tell a budding artist to letthem know they shouldn’t give up?Follow your heart, follow your intuition,it's the greatest gift all of us have. If youhave chosen a path after listening to yourheart, then please stick to it. Don't goback and forth. Advice to budding artists: 16

Who are the artists you considerinspirations for you - please give us onewho you’ve never met and want to meet,and one who is close to you?Have faith in yourself, and if you stayon course for long enough, you willsee results. No decision is right orwrong. Once you have made up yourmind, made a decision, you have toMAKE it RIGHT.Also keep polishing your skills, addnewer skills to your existing talentwith time. That is how you increaseyour portfolio. Don't stay stuck withwhat you know, keep yourselfgrowing. Collaborate with the right people, forthe right causes. Don't be shy to experiment, and don'tlimit yourself to fit into predefinedboxes. Don't be scared to create yourown unique style, even if you are oneof a kind. You might have to struggle in thebeginning, but 'no pain.no gain'. Doad hoc jobs if required to protectyour dreams.I was greatly inspired by Yanni around2010. His compositions have a God likeeffect on me. Every track is so unique andso aptly composed for the emotion or story the title suggests, the way he uses human voice as another instrument. No words, just the voice, because as soon as you introduce words there is this limitation of language.Music is not only global, but a cosmiclanguage of the most HIGH. And I love whenpeople can tailor it like that. Until him, I waslooking at music from a vocalist's point ofview. It was because of him that I started tothink like a Composer, I started off withWorld Music, because that broad myumbrella was. My 1st few tracks werecollaborations with African, French artists,who even helped me sing in their languages,Bambara etc. I was lucky to have attended hisconcert in Bangalore. The love he shows tohis orchestra while performing, whileconducting, is one of a kind. He operatesfrom a very high frequency andunderstanding, his approach to musiccreation is very authentic and personal,which is what makes him a living legendarymaestro. Imagine what would have happenedif he tried to fit in. Haha! A disaster and ahuge loss of divine talent. I would like to meetChristina Aguilera someday.17

When people pursue music as a profession,say a studio producer, a recording artist,when they work for corporate clients,production houses and other requirements…What is an unforgettable personalanecdote in your journey with music?Could you give us details?I had to think hard, but I can say this oneas a breakthrough, a very personalexperience. So, in 2020 during lockdownI started a cover series, called, where Iproduced the track and shot videos in myliving room, creating a differentambience with props and a differentmakeover every time with my elaboratecostumes. It was getting difficult to evenfind video editors, so after a few videosthat I got done through someone, Idecided I'd edit them myself. Soon Irealized it's pretty simple, so I did thempretty quick. It was during these videoedits that I spotted 'ORBS' for the 1sttime. Earlier that year I was readingabout various spiritual entities and howOrbs can be captured by camera, theycan't be seen with a naked eye. But Ireally didn't expect to spot them in myown video. They are energy beings,fairies from other dimensions, sent toassist you at various times of your life.They are seen as circular light beings ofdifferent colors that move around, andcan be easily confused with dust or lensglare. But when you see an ORB and youare sure it is not a glare, you know youwere lucky to spot it. I had shot around 11videos in that series, and later on when Ichecked the raw footage out of curiosity,I found that ORBs were there in everyvideo. I was very shocked and happy atthe same time, because all the 11 shotswent very smooth without a single glitch,always protected and well executed. Inthat same month I wrote a songdedicated to them called, 'ORBS OFLIGHT', honouring them for their serviceand love.How do you distinguish music as aprofession and music as a helpful life force?Do you think that distinction is arequirement for all artists to arrive atfulfilment through their art?18

they have to follow the brief, which getschanged many times, lot of instructions,iterations and the final product that goesout is barely out of his creativity. It'smany minds that came together to createit to fit the bill. If you are just doing thisand not having time to create somethingfor yourself, from your core using yourintuitive musical guidance, you won't befulfilled. It will feel like any other day jobwhere you are just taking instructions,and there is no point in doing that. Youwill feel depleted and drained at the endof a few years. The happiness that musiccreation brings, the bliss you are meantto experience during the process whichenriches your soul, charges you andbrings a certain meaning and glow wasnever even given a chance. So yes thatdistinguishing line has to be there whereyou know what is for others which youcreate for a living to fill your stomachand what is it that you create for yourself tofill your heart and soul. Am sure peoplerealize this after a few years if notimmediately and then accordingly make someshifts. I compose and produce just for myself,I had done a few commercial projects, but Ididn't like the way it was going, so I decidedto keep it for myself, because what I composeis very sacred to me and I wouldn't like to seeit get morphed by others' opinions. AlthoughI lend my voice and write lyrics forcommercial requirements. In today's times,we are slowly accepting our multidimen-sional nature, gone are the days when peoplehad just 1 profession from which they earnedand other interests were labelled hobbies andtook a backseat. We are no longer this 'OR'that, but this 'AND' that. People have 5+streams of income now and take each one ofthem seriously, follow through with dedica-tion and don't necessarily consider justwearing 1 hat as their profession.19

Saira hails from the small town ofTrivandrum, Kerala in the south of India.She started her musical journey at the age offour. And she is classically trained gettinggraded by trinity school of music, London. Saira Jacob From covers to her originals, she has beencapturing hearts and stages throughout SouthIndia and has already some live recordingsessions with Wonderwall media.Now she is an accomplished vocal trainer anda singer-songwriter who has proven hermettle in multiple stages. The youngster iseasily one of the most hard-workingmusicians you would ever come across. 20

I changed the name of the song from 'candlein the rain' to 'stranded' and that would bereleased by Wonderwall media soon.What about music do you love most?Aside from playing - as an artistlistening to music?What I love about music the most?I love everything about music, but thething I love the most about music is thefreedom of expression and emotionthrough a simple tune that toucheshearts and souls, the euphoria of it all. Nomatter what language, everyone gets it,and that's what I love the most aboutmusic.Artist view on listening to music?I love listening to music, you can learn somuch from great musicians through vastgenres and figure out a way to implementit in your own music with your own styleand way. The different techniques, style,and trying to make something out of it allis just an amazing growing process Ireally love doing.Is there a point in your life where youdecided that you were going to be an artist?If so, how did that come by?Do you have a go-to song that helps youget over the worst of times? How didthat song come to be of such immenseimportance to you?Oh yes, I certainly do have a song, I was 11at the time both my grandfather's passedaway and they both meant the world tome, they were my two pillars of love,knowledge, care, protection... My heroesbasically, and they left me without sayinggoodbye, so I wrote a song for them, andit was called 'candle in the rain' at thattime. That used to be my go-to song. Iused to sing it when I'm down or whenI'm missing them. I grew up listening to music 24/7. So I alwayswanted to sing and perform, and I startedsinging lessons when I was 4. Michael Jacksonand Freddie Mercury played heavy roleswhen I was young... Oh, how I so badlywanted to perform like them on a stage infront of millions... Music became my bestfriend that I could always turn to, and I wasnever lonely cause there would always be asong playing in my head. My parents werealways so supportive for my music career andI guess I was destined to become a musicianbecause I haven't thought of anything otherthan music.21

and to not hurt my loved ones in that process.I feel I wrote that song with a lot of emotionsI couldn't express in any way.How do you decide you've completedwriting a song, and you want to record itand put it out for your audience?When I write a song, it would be due toemotions, and when I feel light afterwriting a song, and it sounds like how Ifeel, that's when I know I would have tostart producing and recording. I lovegoing through the whole process ofwriting, composing & producing, it's realfun.How did such a young person quantify thedarkness around the world with your art?Life has been a really big roller-coaster ride,with a lot of highs and lows. I've had toovercome certain challenges because Ineeded to know why I had to do certainthings. Losing my grandfathers had a realdark impact in my life and all I ever turned towas music, it was a way I could express myemotions without the fear of being judged byany.What's the story behind ’Leaving’?There was a time in my life, where I feltlost and relationships to my dear oneswere at stake, so I wrote a song aboutleaving everyone, to work on myselfIs there a profound realization of philosophythat you believe in - would lead to bringabout more happiness than darkness?22

but it's something that makes sense to me. Ialso felt this true to me,' My happiness wasnot in ME being happy but how much I couldmake others happy when they are with me',and I feel I can do this better through music.I grew up listening to a lot of philosophysaid by my dad. He reads a lot, I get thesekinda things from him. He used to say 'Iexpect to pass through this life once. Iftherefore, any kindness I can show, orany Good thing I can do to any fellowbeing, let me do it now and not defer orneglect it, as I shall not pass this wayagain.' He might've read this fromsomewhere or maybe come up with it,There is a feeling among musicians abouthow the olden days were the best. Do youfeel so? If so, is there a historic venue orfestival you'd want to play now?I do feel that OLD IS GOLD. Pink Floyd,Queen, Guns N Roses, Metallica... The listgoes on.The meaningful music that people could justlose themselves to. It was an ERA OF THEGODS. I have always wished to play atWembley... Live Aid changed mylife... My favourite band, Queen,rocked the Live Aid stage and Iwant to do that, and I hope I do pursue my dream, to hear the crowd singingmy songs back to me... that adrenaline rush iswhat I crave for. So hopefully one day... ❤ 23

Louise Marshall is an Australian singer-songwriter based in Adelaide. Louise hasachieved local notoriety in Adelaide and onher YouTube platform, uploading weeklysong covers for her fans. Louise Marshallreceived great praise for her first EPJuvenile, the haunting melodies and movinglyrics being well received. This got Louisepicked up by many locals blogs and garneredthe start of her loyal following. Shortly after,Louise filmed her first music video forOcean. A song out of her EP. This gainedmore success reaching thousands of views.In July 2020 Louise Released her anticipatedSingle Collagen. This received great successwith Spotify receiving thousands of streams Louise Marshall and features on popular playlists, Indie SkateVibes, Chill Out Afternoons and Pop New Hits. The Indie pop singer has been writing songssince the age of 13. This later inspired herappreciation for poetry. Louise Marshallfound her musical muse from classics likeMassive Attack and Radiohead and modernday artists Lana Del Rey and Florence and theMachine. Louise’s music has always containeda dark force that portrays her vulnerability.This has given depth and authenticity to hermusic. Louise Marshall understands thepower of this and challenges herself to alwaysstrive towards these values. The dream popartist now regularly uploads original music toYouTube and Spotify.24

I find it easy to keep going. I have a love formusic and singing-songwriting. Advice Iwould give is to not be afraid to makemistakes and to fail forward. You learn a hellof a lot more than someone that never tries.Congrats on a fantastic release for yoursong, fever dreams! What is the storybehind that one?The story behind Fever Dreams is amixed one. I wrote this song when I wassick with Covid. I remember havingblizzard lucid dreams and overwatchingVikings on Netflix. This somehow allresulted in the Fever Dreams track.What is the beginning of your career? Yourorigin story, so to speak?What got me started on music was my dad. Ilearnt to play the guitar when I was about 15and I would strum the guitar for hours a day.However, I hid my singing behind my guitarplaying. I began seeing a vocal coach to teachme vocal techniques and maintenance. Iattended my vocal sessions for up to 5 years. Ieventually started asking around in Facebookgroups for producers to work with, whilewriting volumes of music. Something that has always drawn me toyour art is your perseverance - how doyou find the heart to keep going? Towork as hard as you do for your musicand your art? What advice would yougive to a budding artist so that they findthe courage to keep going?Personally, I know you as a happy-go-luckyperson - but you deal with some profoundlydark themes in your songs - think spoils(you probably knew I’d ask you about it) andchlorine? How do you come by writing thosesongs? My first producer and I put together my firstEP Juvenile. I later branched out to a newproducer called Sam. I released many singleswith him, Spoils being one of them. I am ahappy-go-lucky person, but I treat my craftlike a job. The job is to communicate what isimpossible to put into words. Which of your songs is your absolutefavourite? What is the story behind it that itis so touching for you, personally?25

I will always be an artist. I clearly have beenone many times before. :) My personal favourite song would beSpellbound. I have not released this oneyet. This track was the easiest track towrite and record. I honestly believe it ismy most beautiful piece and I cannotwait to drop it!If you weren’t a musician, would you havestill become an artist? What would be yourideal form of expression, then?Who among all the artists you listen toinspires you the most? Why and how?I don't have a certain artist that inspiresme at the moment. I love them all! I likeall kinds of genres, and that's why I find ithard to choose.26

Looking Back on Three Yearsof Lazie Indie The Lazie Indie Magazine has been running monthly since the Mayof 2020. And here’s a look at what we’ve achieved in the span ofthose three years. Started as a one-man effort by Jay N Pillai, today we havecollaborators and contributors from all around the globe, fromcountries like Germany, UK, France, Canada, USA, Middle East,New Zealand, Australia and India. We have featured over 500 artists across 50+ countries. From iconsand industry legends to up and coming, but incredible talents. We are read across 100+ countries. We have covered awards like the Josies, ICMA, LDM, ISR. We have featured Grammy winners, mentors and voting membersand all of them remain friends and trusted associates. The International Indie Music Festival is an offshoot of LIM andsaw a successful first edition in the November of 2022. We are thankful to each of our readers, artists, associates andcontributors who have made us what we are right now. Happy third anniversary to all of us.