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Lazie Indie MagazineMagazine Edition 2227 February, 2022Frederik ArnoNeil NayyarHayley VerrallEthan GontarTEFDavid FranklinJeremiah De RozarioPeter HurleySandy HaleyTedi BurnettiCover StoryBrian Tarquin

ContentEditors CornerFeaturesGround Zero - New ReleaseHayley VerrallSandy HaleyEthan GontarTedi BrunnettiFrederick Arno- Just like EmmaNeil NayyarPeter Hurley -TDGBRJeremiah D' Rozario- Dat's ColumnTEFSanthosh Chandran - New ReleaseDavid FranklinCover StoryBrian TarquinLIM Page 4

Editors CornerInformationThe magazine ispublished byLazie JPrint Edition 22The month ofpublishingFebruary 2022Editorial TeamEditor:Jay N PillaiCoordination andPromotions:ManojVerified by:Inge ZimmermannProbstGuest Feature:Column and Review:Tomiko DixonDarshan ShankarEmma GoldbergCover Photo:Brian TarquinCover Photo CourtesyTeam Brian TarquinWe are moving at great speed.Thank you2022 is going to be exciting and hectic for us at Lazie IndieMagazine. The activities at the magazine front are atbreakneck speed with 2 special editions already in the releasestage. That means we already are 4 issues in this year and ithas been quite a ride. We also have great plans for LIM whichis almost in the final stages through which we are looking tocreate more opportunities for artists apart from theMagazine. It will need a few months more, but the workbehind the scene is already at high speed. LIM has been anoutcome of my existence as an Indie artist for 30 years andfriendships forged with co-artists. The best part is that allshare an idea of supporting independent musicians inwhichever way we can. As long as that is the main objectiveLIM will keep growing at a fast pace and we will be in formore and more colorful times. Coming to this edition, as istradition, we have artists from all over the world talking toour readers. We have some great artists from Canada, USA,India, Israel, Netherlands, France and more in one issue andthey range from someone who is as established as BrianTarquin to Neil Nayyar, a very unique artist who is already inthe Book of Records for being able to play 107 instrumentsand the best part is that he is still in his teens. We wish himthe best. There are some great artists to learn about and thereare many things in pipeline for LIM family. Our contributorshave been prolific and we sincerely thank them for the timeand energy put in. Special thanks to Ann Aria for the specialedition on Canadian Indigenous Artists and KathrynWashington Shipley for the special edition on the mostcoveted Josie Music awards. There is a lot coming so, need allyour support. So do read and share LIM ... Thanks - Jay PillaiLIM Page 5

For the past 30 years multi-Emmy award winning composer/guitarist BrianTarquin’smusic has been heard by tens of millions on a plethora of television andfilm scores including: CSI, Sex and the City, Godzilla. He has won 3 Emmy’s for“Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction and Composition for a Drama Series”and has been nominated for an Emmy 6 times. In 2019Tarquin received a GlobalMusic Gold Award for his release Orlando In Heaven for “Best Album.” Three yearsin a row (2016-2019)Tarquin received “Best Album of the Year” nominations fromthe Independent Music Awards for his releases: Guitars for Wounded Warriors,Orlando in Heaven, and Guitars for Veterans showcasing his guitar prowessalongside such world-class shredders as: Steve Morse, Larry Coryell, Billy Sheehan,Bumblefoot (Guns N’ Roses), Reb Beach (Whitesnake) and Chuck Loeb (FourPlay)to name a few. In 2006 SESAC honored him with the Network TelevisionLIM Page 7

Performance Award. Tarquin has gracedthe Top Billboard Charts with his releasesBrian’s weekly NPR radio show calledGuitar Trax on WFIT 89.5FM on theFlorida Space Coast is streamed onwww.wfit.org. He hosts in depthinterviews with world-renownedguitarists every Monday night from10pm-Midnight.Tarquin is also an award-winningpublished Author of the followingpublished books.• . Survival Guide for Music Composers(Hal Leonard) – 2018 USA Best BookWinner Award• Guitar Encyclopedia (Allworth Press) –2014 USA Best Book Winner Award• Guitar Amplifier Encyclopedia (AllworthPress) – 2017 USA Best Book FinalistAward• Stomp on This: The Guitar Pedal EffectsGuidebook (Cengage) – 2015 USA BestBook Finalist Award• Insider’s Guide to Home Recording(Allworth Press) – 2015 USA Best BookFinalist Award• Insider’s Guide to Music Licensing(Allworth Press) – 2014 USA Best BookFinalist Award• Recording Techniques of the GuitarMasters (Cengage) interviews with SteveVai, Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson ...In 2006Tarquin opened his ownboutique record label called BHP MUSIC/GUITAR TRAX RECORDS, specializingin instrumental guitar music. The labelreleases the Guitar Master Seriesfeaturing legends: Joe Satriani, Steve Vai,Allan Holdsworth and Zakk Wylde.Jay from Lazie Indie Magazine spoke tothis master guitarist to learn more abouthis illustrious career so far and his plansfor the future. Let us know more...LIM Page 8

Jay: Hi Brian, welcome to Lazie IndieMagazine, it is an honor to speak to you!You have had a fabulous career and havehad a great run-in whatever roles youtook so far as a guitarist, film musiccomposer, producer, a columnist, aRecord Label and more. What keeps yougoing equally strong in whatever you takeup?Brian Tarquin: Hi Jay! Thank you foryour kind words. Yes, I consider myself tohave been very fortunate in my career.The bond that ties all these undertakingstogether for me is the sheer love of music.Just a little background: I always felt Iwas one of the last Baby Boomers born in1965, as my older ½ siblings were born inthe 50’s and enjoyed the golden musicdecade of the 60’s. Hence my earlymusical influences stem to many of theBritish invasion bands like The Who, TheStones, Cream, The Yardbirds, LedZeppelin and of course The Jim HendrixExperience (though Jimi was anAmerican reimported to us through theBrits). I grew up in the heart of New YorkCity on 85th street between 3rd andLexington in the 60’s, 70’s and early 80’s.During this time in my life, music wasvery influential on me. Such great musicwas being released and played on radio inthe 70’s everything from Rock to Jazzfusion artists like Jeff Beck, Queen,Aerosmith, and Led Zeppelin. Also,during this time Jazz was evolving withthe sounds of Funk, Rock, Latin, Worldbeat and was becoming a bit morecontemporary and interesting than theold standard Jazz. My father, PerryBrowne, was a big band radio disc jockeyin the 40’s & 50’s and worked with thecomedy team of Bob and Ray in Boston.So, he was always playing jazz records inthe house like Benny Goodman, GlennMiller and even hipper guys like JimmySmith and Howard Roberts. In turn I wasalways exposed to some sort ofinstrumental jazz music at an early age.So, I believe that all these elements in myyounger life made me really encapsulatemusic entirely into my soul. It was anatural progression from artist toLIM Page10

producer to label and beyond. As an author I always wanted to help upcoming artistin understanding how they get paid and what they should expect regardingroyalties. This was the driving force for me to write the book Insider’s Guide ToMusic Licensing.Jay: You have won and was nominated for many prestigious awards includingMultiple Emmy’s, Global Music Gold Awards, Independent Music Awards, been ontop charts at billboards and many more and millions follow your music. When youlook back how do you see your career over all these years?Brian: Wow that’s a great question! My career has spanned over 30 years and asJerry Garcia said, “What a long, strange trip it’s been.” I have kept reinventingmyself through all this time as trends and styles have changed musically - which Ithink is good for an artist. The last thing you want to do is keep rehashing the sameLIM Page11

thing over and over again for decades,very stifling. Looking back, I believe inthe big picture it is discipline that musichas instilled upon my life. It requiredgreat discipline not just mastering theinstrument, but to continue the faith ofwhat God has instilled upon me. Irealized later as an adult the real struggleis making something from that talent. Forexample, once you master your gift ofmusic the challenge will be making thatgift a realization for yourself. In otherwords, making your accomplishment inthe outside world, which takes a lot morework and courage than just mastering theart of the guitar itself. I got my start bybeing an audio engineer in the beginningof my career at such recording studios asFar & Away in NY, Powerhouse Recordingin L.A., and the jingle house Look &Company in NYC. It was an invaluableexperience because it laid thegroundwork for my music productionskills. It took me years to build my ownrecording studio called Jungle RoomStudios, as I started very slowly when Iwas living in Jim Morrison’s oldapartment in Hollywood, CA. 30 yearsago. I kept adding equipment, improving,and redesigning the studio to suit myspecific needs. Now it is located nearWoodstock, NY along with my recordlabel called BHP Music-Guitar TraxRecords, LLC. I release the GuitarMasters Series featuring iconic guitaristslike Joe Satriani, Zakk Wylde, Steve Vai,Larry Coryell, Leslie West, Billy Sheehan,Stanley Clarke, etc. This is how I have hadthe honor in working with one of my idolsSteve Morse from the Dixie Dregs andDeep Purple. He is such an unrealmusician and composer and one of myall-time guitar favorites! I also had thegood fortune of working with the“Godfather of Fusion”, Larry Coryell,right before his passing. In fact, his lastrecordings were with me on the songs,“Metropolis”, “Pulse 49” and “TocarMadera” for my release “Orlando InHeaven”. The album was dedicated to thePulse Nightclub victims which proceedswere donated to Catholic Charities ofCentral Florida. They provided casemanagement and supportive services forvictims and family members of the Pulseshooting in Orlando. Something I am veryproud of producing.Jay: Coming to your guitar works, whowere your musical influences and why didyou pick up Jazz as your genre?Brian: During the 70’s when I was inschool rock guitar really was the music ofthe day for us all. Kiss took us by storm,especially their whole stage presence, likethe cover of their album “Destroyer”. Itwas liberating for Catholic school boysdressed in suits and ties to listen to Kiss,it gave us a feeling of freedom andrebellion. We used to listen to those wildguitar solos by Ace Frehley of Kiss withamazement. So, you can imagine howcool it was for me to meet Ace years laterat the Iridium club when Jeff Beckperformed at the Les Paul tribute show.Ace even signed my Gibson Les Paulguitar - it blew my mind. Guitar hadalways been my main instrument becauseI could relate to all the wild sounds thatcould be made from the instrument. JimiHendrix was always one of my favoriteguitarists, because he was such a trailblazer. He was a universe ahead ofLIM Page12

"My career has spanned over 30 years and as Jerry Garcia said, “What a long, strangetrip it’s been.” I have kept reinventing myself through all this time as trends and styleshave changed musically-which I think is good for an artist".everyone else. Not a lot of people knowthis, but Hendrix had jazz influences inhis playing, like the Wes Montgomeryoctaves. But because of the overdriventones, Jimi’s octaves sounded massivelike in the song “Third Stone From TheSun”. In fact, that is where I learned howto play octaves by listening to Hendrix,years before going into jazz and evenknowing about Wes Montgomery. Ofcourse, when Van Halen exploded ontothe scene it was amazing. I loved Eddie’stone and his raw performances with hishomemade “Stratenstein” guitar withthose wonderful striped colors on themand his screaming dive bomb whammybar techniques. Another great influencewas Jeff Beck, particularly his fusionalbums Blow By Blow, Wired and ThereAnd Back. These records laid thegroundwork for what I really wanted todo with guitar regarding instrumentalmusic. Also, when Joe Satriani came out,I really dug what he was doing with guitarby using it as the main instrument withhis albums like Surfing With The Alienand Flying In A Blue Dream. Joe has avocal quality about his melodies and hiscomposing is very accessible to theaverage listener. Also, guitarists like LarryCarlton and his work with Steely Danreally caught my ear with songs like KidCharlemagne. Let us not forget Al DiMeola’s "Race with Devil on SpanishHighway" from his 1977 album ElegantGypsy. This laid that groundwork forspeed soloing for guitar - what a brilliantpiece of music! However, it wasn’t untilmy late-20’s that I really dove into jazzand started making contemporary jazzinstrumental music. I really liked thefunky jazz grooves coming out of Britainduring the 90’s, which they called AcidJazz. Artists like The Brand New HeaviesLIM Page 14

and Ronny Jordan, who were using urbanback beats with jazz changes really got myattention. So, I sent a studio demo of afew tracks to a couple labels, and I wassigned by a New York record label thatspecialized in Acid Jazz called Instinctrecords. They even took one of the songsfrom the original demo I sent them called“Arrow of Truth” and placed it on thealbum The Best of Acid Jazz Vol 2, whichhit the top 20 Billboard charts. Then formy first two albums with them, “Last KissGoodbye” and “Soft Touch” they sent meto London to record with a producer whospecialized in this type of music. It was awonderful experience which resulted in anumber of top 10 radio hits in the SmoothJazz format, like “One Arabian Knight”,Freeway Jam” (Jeff Beck remake), CrazyHorse, Darlin, Darlin Baby, and TangledWeb.Jay: You have done music scores for someof the most popular films the world haswatched and heard. What do you considerbefore you pick up a movie project andhow do you go about working with that?Brian: There are two ways that I haveworked on film and televisionproductions. The first being hired tocompose music for the project as a “WorkFor Hire” and the second beingapproached by the production companyto license my music for a particular scene.When you are hired to compose music forscenes you are given those visuals andany notes from the director. For instance,I was hired to compose music for onefilm’s opening credits, so they gave methat visual and a music temp track thatwas synced as an example for the vibe.Then it goes back and forth between thedirector and me until he is happy with thescore. For television because of timerestraints, they may not even give youvisuals and just tell you to compose atrack like i.e.: The Chrystal Method orThe Black Keys. The second way is amuch easier process, whereby a musicsupervisor/producer contacts me tolicense a particular song of mine. Thisprocess has ultimately led me to become acomposer for a television show manytimes in the past. For instance, networkslike ABC-TV and MTV asked me tocompose music for their shows after theyhad licensed several tracks from mycommercial albums, which inevitably ledme to become the composer for theshows.Jay: As a guitarist, producer you haveplayed along with icons whom the musicworld reveres. Tell us, who was yourabsolute favorite to work with and why?Brian: Never in my wildest dreams as akid would I ever of imagined playingguitar on songs with Steve Morse, JoeSatriani, Billy Sheehan and all the others.It was truly a real high for me as amusician and a fan. Though I have to sayone of my favorite sessions was with the“Godfather of Fusion” himself LarryCoryell. He was such a great human beingas well as guitarist and I learned a lotfrom my time with him in the studio. Hewrote the book on instrumental guitarfusion music before Jeff Beck and JoeSatriani. Larry was the first to play jazzguitar through a Marshall cabinet andincorporate Rock with Jazz. I know JohnMcLaughlin gets all the credit for thatbecause he had the power of Miles Davisbehind him, but Larry was the man! JustLIM Page15

listen to his releases, Lady Coryell (1969),Spaces (1970), Barefoot Boy (1971) andLevel One (1975). His stories werefantastic which entranced me while hewas telling them. For instance, he told mewhen he first came to NYC in the 60’s hewas going up a 6-floor hippie walkup inthe village and he saw this book calledYou Are All Sanpaku, written by GeorgeOhsawa. Sanpaku is a Japanese termmeaning "three whites" referring to eyesin which either the white space above orbelow the iris is revealed. The theorybeing when the “sclera” (the white part ofthe eye) is visible beneath the iris, itrepresents physical imbalance in thebody. Usually claimed to be present inpeople who have addictions to alcohol,drugs or people who over-consume sugaror grain. In short according to Ohsawa,Sanpaku is a sign from nature, that one'slife is threatened by an early and tragicend. He claimed that the only cure wouldbe by a macrobiotic diet emphasizingbrown rice and soybeans. In fact, one ofLarry’s last albums was called BarefootMan: Sanpaku (2016), which he does aremake of a Charles Mingus song“Manteca”. Fantastic album and I urgeeveryone to listen to it!Jay: What is your favorite thing to do,write, produce or play live?Brian: I love to create so composing/recording is my favorite of all. As you cantell, I’m a serial creative spirit, I just can’tstop. Creativeness just runs in my bloodbecause my mother Pema Browne was amodern artist in New York City in 50’s &60’s. She had a painting exhibition at the1964 World’s Fair in the GreyhoundPavilion and her abstract paintingAmbush In November is part of thepermanent collection of the John F.Kennedy Presidential Library andMuseum. Hence, I love to lock myself inmy recording studio “Jungle RoomStudios” and create new music, ideas,moods and passages of music. It is a trueemotional outlet for me and in a wayheals my soul and mind. I was veryfortunate because as a child my parentsencourage the arts and gave me room toexplore music as a way of expressingmyself.Jay: Can you tell us a bit about your latestproject? Where in the internet can wefind your music on, apart music scores forfilms?Brian: Yes, I am super excited about anew project I am producing, composingand performing on right now calledBrothers in Arms, which will be releasedlater in 2022. I just worked with one ofmy huge influences and guitar legend, JoeSatriani, on a track for the album called“Speed of Sound”. It was such awonderful experience as he is a super niceguy. The album also features Steve Morse(Deep Purple), Jean Luc Ponty(Mahavishnu Orchestra), Ron'Bumblefoot' Thal (Guns N' Rose), VinnieMoore (UFO), Steve Kindler (Jeff Beck),Hal Lindes (Dire Straits), Carl Verheyen(Supertramp), Dean Brown (BillyCobham), John Tropea, Larry McCray(John Mayall), Travis Stever (Coheed &Cambria), Chris Haskett (Henry RollinsBand), Johannes Weik (Son of a Bach),Gerald Gradwohl (Tangerine Dream) &Jeff Duncan (Armored Saint). These areexclusive tracks inspired by those militarysoldiers who have fought for theirLIM Page17

"I must go back to my session with Larry Coryell when he said to me, “we as musiciansmust keep the faith going in times of trouble because we have the power of musicbehind us.”country. I love collaborating with otherguitarists on special projects for helpfulcauses. For this album I also collaboratedwith the fusion violinist Steve Kindlerwho was in Mahavishnu Orchestra andplayed with Jeff Beck. Being a lifelongJeff Beck fan, I jumped at the chance towork with Steve because I was so blownaway with his performance on the 1977album Jeff Beck Live With Jan Hammer.I was first turned onto this album by aclassmate in Catholic school when I was agrowing up in NYC. I remember during aconversation at lunch in the gym he said,“you should get this album.” So, I hadhim write it down on a napkin and I wentstraight away to Musical Maze across thestreet from my apartment and bought it.What struck me was not just Jeff’samazing playing, but the violin playerkeeping up with every note that wasthrown to him by both Beck & Hammer.The solo trading was simply amazingbetween the three of them. Until thatcauses. For this album I also collaboratedwith the fusion violinist Steve Kindlerwho was in Mahavishnu Orchestra andplayed with Jeff Beck. Being a lifelongJeff Beck fan, I jumped at the chance towork with Steve because I was so blownaway with his performance on the 1977album Jeff Beck Live With Jan Hammer.I was first turned onto this album by aclassmate in Catholic school when I was agrowing up in NYC. I remember during aconversation at lunch in the gym he said,“you should get this album.” So, I hadhim write it down on a napkin and I wentstraight away to Musical Maze across thestreet from my apartment and bought it.What struck me was not just Jeff’samazing playing, but the violin playerkeeping up with every note that wasthrown to him by both Beck & Hammer.LIM Page19

The solo trading was simply amazingbetween the three of them. Until thatmoment I didn’t realize you could do suchcool instrumental music on guitar. So, Irecently connected with Steve Kindlerand had him do one of those shreddingsolos from his Jeff Beck days on a trackcalled “A Soldiers Journey” that willappear on Brothers In Arms. The songalso features live strings recorded by theBudapest string orchestra. A very excitingpiece of music! On the jazz side of things,a very interesting thing happened duringthe pandemic lock down in 2020. I delvedinto the Lofi Jazz genre with my alter egoAsphalt Jungle. I met and was persuadedby music executive Rod Linnum aka“LoFi Rod”, who turned out to be a fan ofmy early Contemporary Jazz releases asLast Kiss Goodbye & Soft Touch. Hence, Iwound up successfully entering the newLofi format releasing a host of new singlesthrough DashGo distribution.Unbeknownst to me, Lofi has become avery popular style of music on streamingplatforms like Apple and Spotify,especially on the Study Beats playlists.Lofi really reminds me of the Acid Jazzdays when we were combining Hip Hopgrooves with Jazz progressions andovertones; adding cool horn riffs withclean guitar octaves ala George Benson.My music is available on all the DSPplatforms, Apple, Spotify, Deezer,Pandora, Amazon etc. You can also visitwww.briantarquin.com orwww.bhpmusic.com to check out mymusic.Jay: Being a top guitar player, acolumnist, a radio host and a reviewer ofguitarists, what makes a great guitaristaccording to you?Brian: Guitar is a very diversifiedinstrument as it can be very subtle andtender heard in classical players likeSegovia or extremely aggressive in a bandlike Metallica. But guitar also can hiteverything in between those two styles.The important quality is the guitar mustspeak and say something, especially ininstrumental music. Since a youth I havealways gravitated to guitar as the voice ininstrumental music because of the myriadof tones and emotions you can wield fromit. In guitar tones everything changeswhen you play a different guitar throughvarious amps. For example, listen toStevie Ray Vaughan’s instrumental track"Riviera Paradise" from his 1989 albumIn Step. What beautiful Strat tonethrough a Fender Super Reverb, probablyone of the best guitar tones he everrecorded. The song itself is a great pieceof composition as well and takes you on afabulous journey. Same can be said aboutthe song “You Know What I Mean” fromJeff Beck’s 1975 groundbreaking albumBlow By Blow except he’s using a Les Paulthrough a Marshall. On the jazz side ofthings listen to Pat Metheny’s song“(Cross The) Heartland” from his 1979album American Garage. Very lyricalguitar lines combining rock with jazzelements. Scofield is another goodexample especially anything off his 1986album Blue Matter. And of course, EddieVan Halen the crème de la creme withinstrumental tracks like "Baluchitherium"(Balance-1995), “Cathedral” (DiverDown-1982), “Respect The Wind”(Twister Soundtrack-1996) or “Catherine”(Sacred Sin Sountrack-2006). There areLIM Page20

thousands of examples, but guitaristsmust know when to play and when not toplay. It’s a tricky thing because the guitaris a very bravado and macho instrument,especially in Rock. So, the first thingsomeone wants to do is show off theirskills, I have trouble myself sometimeskeeping the reigns on, but of course themusic dictates you’re playing. Jay: Whatwould you tell Lazie Indie Readers acrossthe world as a new year message to keepup during these tough times? Brian: Keepthe faith and just keep producing music!This is the time for everyone to create aswe are all going in and out of lock downsacross the world. Take all your pain andfrustration and let it come out in yourmusic.Jay: What was the best advice given toyou? What would be your advice to anaspiring Indie artist who is talented andwilling to put that extra effort?Brian: I must go back to my session withLarry Coryell when he said to me, “we asmusicians must keep the faith going intimes of trouble because we have thepower of music behind us.” At the timewe were recording the album Orlando InHeaven dedicated to the Pulse Nightclubvictims. But this same advice can beapplied to any world tragedy or crisis.Now for indie musicians I know firsthandit’s not easy being an artist in general, butperseverance is the key to success. Keepyourself open for any new formats to getinvolved with and remember there’s a lotmore to music than being a famous staron the internet - do it for the rightreasons!LIM Page22

You can't get a better education to the old school music in time zone like this. Musicallymore upfront rock and roll, with a love for playing the best of yester years,Ground Zerohas stripped its hype and enjoys the rediscovering process of just rocking out. Withthrongs of fans, an excellent line up and new adrenaline, the band is journeying to createthe magic. Not only have they got the attitude and tunes to rock out, they also have theperformance ability to pull it off. What seemed to have missed for years finally came intobeing. With this new equation, right chemistry and attitude the band christenedthemselves asGround Zero. Paul K Joseph (Pauly) - BASS, Darshan Shankar (Dats) - LeadVocals,Deepu VS (Deeps) - Lead Guitars Steve Thomas Kotoor (Steve) - Keyboards NirmalAnthony Xavier(Nimmy) - drums and percussion. In an attempt to relive the 80s Rockgroove, the theme of mankind’s expectations & hope against the global meltdown, askingthe world to be patient & resilient until all the chaos settles down, RADICAL MELTDOWNseemed just appropriate a track to spread the message.LIM Page23

Burlington, Ontario, Canada based country pop singer/songwriter Hayley Verrall isa fresh young artist who is quickly edging her way into the Canadian country musiccommunity over the past couple years with her roots and contemporary inspiredoriginal music. Hayley has been honored to present her original music openingshows for, working with and alongside other iconic Canadian musicians. Hayley hasa beautiful voice which has a very likable but a very assertive tone in it. Her songsare instantly attractive as they are simple yet really well crafted. The song Side ofSmall Town drew us at Lazie Indie Magazine to her music and we were notdisappointed at all. Hayley has it in her to take her music to a lot more people acrossthe world and Lazie Indie Magazine would love to do a little talking about Hayleyand her journey so far as a musician ... Jay speaks to Hayley Verrall about her musictill now and her plans for future ...check out...LIM Page25

Jay: Hi Hayley, welcome to Lazie IndieMagazine, and great to have you here.You have had a great career as a musicianso far. When you look back, how do YOUfeel about your musical journey so far?Hayley: When I look back, I feel proud ofhow far I’ve come. I’ve learned andexperienced so much in such a short time.I’ve had amazing experiences andopportunities that make me excited forwhat’s to come. I’ve opened shows foricons like Dan Hill and BurtonCummings, performed at some ofCanada’s largest events like Sound ofMusic Festival and Canada’s LargestRibfest, performed in Tennessee and wonawards, been honored/immortalized inmy city’s arts and culture communitytwice.Jay: Who or what were your musicalinfluences and who inspired you to playmusic?Hayley: I grew up singing in the churchchoir and listening to my dad who sangbarbershop a cappella. My parents werecountry music fans and took me tocountry music festivals. I was influencedand inspired by Dolly Parton. Her story,kindness, and what she does, even today,continues to inspire me to be the bestperson I can be. I have also been inspiredby Justin Bieber. He may not be country,but the way he writes his music, and thefact that it has so much purpose issomething that inspires my songwriting.Jay: How did you pick up this genre andhow do you go about composing music?Hayley: This genre attracted me because Ireally enjoy the storytelling. Countrymusic has a way, not only through thecatchy tones of the instruments but alsothrough the lyrics, to illustrate everymoment of the song. When I’m writing, Itake a look at titles or lines that I’ve beenscribbling down and keeping. I begin bywriting the biggest moment in the song,the chorus, and then I start telling mystory through the verses. Some songs arewritten in a few hours, some in a fewdays. Being able to convey a message thatnot only inspires me, but inspires othersis something I aim for when writingLIM Page26

"My latest release was on December 11, 2021 and it’s called Side of Small Town. Side ofSmall Town's anthem melody visualizes the small town pride you see at college footballgames: cheering and loyal crowds, the team showing off for its fans. I wanted totransfer those same small town ideals to relationships".music.Jay: How do you record andproduce yourmusic?Hayley: When I have finished writing asong that I really want to put out forpeople to enjoy, I reach out to producersand engineers and find someone thatsuits the style I am going for, and therecording journey begins. We get theinstrumental tracks down with livemusicians, and then I come in and recordmy vocals. It gets mixed, I listen to ithundreds of times, make my edits. Then Iget the master, make sure it's perfect tome, and only then does it get released foreveryone to hear.Jay: Where do we find your music on theinternet? Which is your latest release?Hayley: You can find my music on allmusic streaming platforms, such asSpotify and Apple Music. You can alsofind lyric videos and live videos of any ofmy songs on YouTube. My latest releasewas on December 11, 2021 and it’s calledSide of Small Town. Side of Small Town'santhem melody visualizes the small townpride you see at college football games:Cheering and loyal crowds, the teamshowing off for its fans. I wanted totransfer those same small town ideals torelationships. If you love someone withthat 'side' of small town, that classic smalltown simplicity and loyalty, therelationship won't break.Jay: What excites you most, writing,recording or playing live?Hayley: What excites me most is playinglive. Being able to see how people react inperson to my writing is inspiring. I enjoyboth intimate shows, and shows withhundreds of people. Playing much smallerlive shows allows me to really look at eachperson and sing to them personally.Seeing how that affects them, andLIM Page 27

inspires them, inspires me. Playing much larger live shows allows me to give mymusic and passion to inspire to as many people as possible.Jay: The lockdown brought the industry to a halt for some time but many in musicused it for creating new music. How did you spend this lockdown with respect toyour music?Hayley: When the lockdown happened all my shows and festivals were cancelled. Atfirst it was devastating, but then I looked at it from a different perspective. I tookthat time to really focus on my social media, and keeping a presence by doing virtualshows. I created new ways to continue doing what I loved with the limitations wehad. I continued songwriting on my own at first, but with the ability to meet peoplefrom any distance over Zoom I was able to widen my artist circle and began to domore co-writing.LIM Page28

Jay: What are your immediate futureplans?Hayley: As soon as restrictions areloosened, I will be jumping right backinto live performances. I have showsbooked and can’t wait to get back to myaudience. I’ve got new music coming outin the spring and in the meantime I’ll becontinuing to co-write and to get as muchmusic written as possible. One of mygoals for 2022 is to record and releasemore consistently.Jay: What is the best advice given to youand what would you share with fellowyoung artists?Hayley: The best advice that has beengiven to me, is to remember that themusic industry is full of ups and downs. Ihave learned so much being in theindustry, and meeting so many people inthe industry. Everyone has the samedream, so you need to figure out whatmakes you unique from everyone. Don’tbe afraid to get out of your comfort zoneand don’t be afraid of failure or rejection.Use those experiences and learn fromthem. I believe everything happens for areason. You may not know or understandthe reason right away, but one day youwill understand.- Thank YouLIM Page29

Sandy Haley grew up playing piano and singing Gospel in the soulful city of Detroit.She attended Eastern Michigan University where she honed her craft in the musicdepartment. She connected with the now-legendary producer Eric Morgensenwhere her songwriting skills developed in the famed "Studio A". Upon her coming ofage, she and the band moved to LA where they played the local blues/rock festivals.Along the way, she has shared the stage with contemporary blues stars TeresaJames, Coco Montoya, Tommy Castro, John Nemeth, and many others. As amember of Detroit's popular rock band The Rockets, she shared the stage withmusical giants Joe Walsh, The Beach Boys and Sammy Hagar.Lazie Indie Magazineinterviews Sandy Haley... let us read...LIM Page31

LIM: Hi Sandy, welcome to Lazie IndieMagazine. Let's talk about the newrecord, "Feels Like Freedom”, how did thealbum come together? Share some detailsand discuss some of the songs on thealbum?SH: "Feels Like Freedom" the new albumreleases January 17, 2022. I startedwriting this track when I was on theLegendary Rhythm and Blues cruise tothe Caribbean. It was so inspiring to besurrounded by great blues music 20hours a day. The lyrics and melody cameto me, wow this feels like freedom, “Nowork, all play... feel the vibe of thebeautiful breeze, takes me where thehappy people go!" So, when you listen tothis song, have your favorite drink inhand and just enjoy the vibe. When myband performs, the fan favorite is always"Dirty Dog". They jump on the dancefloor and sing the chorus with me! Thissong has a lot of my personality in it,deals with a stressful situation with mysense of humor. "Love Me Right" is abluesy ballad written to inspire othersingle parents. If you can't love me right,if you can't find the time, cut me loose.This lyric comes from a place of raisingtwo children and choosing to deal withbeing lonely instead of being played.When we play this song live, single Momshave come up to me with tears in theireyes and say that the song make them feelempowered. No one is really writingmuch about the struggles of doing yourabsolute best for your kids no matterwhat life brings your way.LIM: But wait, there’s more, you say?SH: Never Sleep Your Way to the Middle,I had years of experience working in anoffice while trying to get ahead in themusic business. Never Sleep Your Way tothe Middle is a true story. We worked fora middle manager who was an Aussieman. He was terribly charming but alsovery married with children. We wouldtrain his new hires which were mostlybeautiful young ladies. He would work hismagic on them and then well… eventuallythey would quit. We had one gal thateveryone loved and we didn’t want to loseLIM Page32

her so one day when I saw this patternrepeat itself, I took her aside. Gave her aword of advice, “He is a middle manager,his charm is temporary so look afteryourself” and then we both laughed and Isaid remember, “Never Sleep Your Way tothe Middle!” And the song was born atthat moment.LIM: Any feedback from the press yet?SH: We really like what Blues Highwaysaid, “Sandy Haley is the epitome’ of aworking-class success story… her SandyHaley Band is sportin’ a new EP (“FeelsLike Freedom”). Five solid tracks ofvarying styles demonstrating her diverserange. She’s mostly rooted in the blues,something she takes great pride in. Hergreatest asset may be her thoughtfulsongwriting. Her soulfulness shinesthrough not only in her performance butin her ability to tell a story.”LIM: You recently competed in and won,your area's IBC, and now head toMemphis in May (postponed from thisJanuary due to Covid concerns) tocompete. Discuss how that all cametogether.SH: My band is honored to representSouthern California as a regional winnerof the International Blues Challenge for2022! We have had so much lovingsupport from the Santa Clarita ValleyBlues Society, many of the members willcome to Memphis to cheer us on May 6-9,2022. It's expensive to take a band toMemphis so the blues society is doingfundraisers to offset the cost of flights andhotels. Beale Street will be open all nightuntil 3am with great blues music fromevery venue from Rum Boogie to BBKings, we will be playing our show eachevening then jamming until 3am withmusicians from around the world. Alsojust found out we’ll be performing at theWoodystock Blues Festival in BullheadCity, Arizona, near Laughlin, Nevada atthe Colorado River, on Saturday, April 9.LIM: What's it like maintaining a careerLIM Page33

in the corporate world, and one in themusic industry, as well?SH: Many musicians are struggling withbeing out of work during the pandemic.Southern California people are resilientbecause many of them participate in "theindustry" which has ups and downs.Some of the restaurant owners andwineries have kept us playing at leastonce a month by doing outdoor eventssafely. People need to feel some freedom,to have a meal, to hear live music to keeptheir sanity! Some of my band membersrely solely on music to pay their bills. Sowe tried to keep things going as much aswe safely could. I have always had a lot ofenergy and a strong mid-western workethic so was lucky to have a dual career.In addition to being a band leader, I alsomanage an innovative consumer productscompany. My style is very collaborativeand inclusive, because I enjoy workingwith creative people and helping thembecome their best.LIM: What's your blueprint for the next3-5 years, how you'd like your career toprogress?SH: Our plans for the future areunderway! We just released a video onYouTube for our first single "Never SleepYour Way to the Middle" a true story ofan office romance and some cheekyadvice to women. https://youtu.be/7lnWBALVKXg. The band is planningworking on a new CD already - we go backinto the studio this month. The next CDhas some inspirational blues anthems, wefeel like we have survived some roughtimes, it's time to celebrate friendship,family and lift people up! We are workingon booking some tours on the East Coastand internationally.LIM: How can people keep up with thelatest Sandy Haley Band happenings?SH: Best way to keep in touch ishttps://www.sandyhaleymusic.com andour Facebook is very activehttps://www.facebook.com/sandyhaleyband as well as our YouTubechannel @SandyHaleyBandhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpsUZOlIfSI. Thank you somuch for keeping the blues alive onBlues-E-News! We look forward tomeeting you online and in person!- Thank you.LIM Page34

Ethan Gontar is an Israel-based musician, composer, producer and a singer-songwriter who primarily records covers and original songs with a strongfoundation in acoustic folk styles, classical, pop and electronic music. He is the firstmusician from Israel to feature inLazie Indie Magazine and we are glad to talk withhim about his career so far.Ethan is a multi instrumentalist as well and his music isof great quality in production and in content.Jay from Lazie Indie Magazine spoketo this phenomenal artist. Let us check out ...LIM Page36

Jay: Welcome to Lazie Indie Magazineand great to have you here. You have hada great career as a musician so far. Whenyou look back, how do YOU feel aboutyour musical journey so far?Ethan: It's nice to be here. Thank you forinviting me. Well, it's a difficult andfascinating journey. You can never knowwhere you will go, how you will get there,when you will get there. I rememberstarting this journey almost 20 years agowhen I first owned a musical instrument.It was definitely love at first sight. I'mgrateful to be a musician and to be able tocreate music.Jay: Who or what were your musicalinfluences and who inspired you to playmusic?Ethan: I remember when I was 6, my dadshowed me all his pile of CD's he had, andwhether I wanted to or not, I had to hearthat music because it was played all thetime at home. Over the years, I realizedthat I really grew up alongside a goodmusic at home, if it's bands likeScorpions, Bon Jovi, Queen, DepecheMode, Pink Floyd, Bon Iver, Tycho andmore. The music I create today is notsimilar to the music I used to hear when Iwas a kid, but it definitely led me to agood place.Jay: How did you pick up this genre andhow do you go about composing music?Ethan: To be honest, I have some favoritegenres for making music, but I'm still at astage where I've researching anddiscovering more and more. Slowly I amdeveloping some way that I will probablystick to throughout the years. I'mcurrently in electro pop mode, sometimesI have a mood to compose classical musicwithout lyrics, it's all according tosituations in life.Jay: How do you record and produce yourmusic?Ethan: I am an artist who works aloneand sometimes with my friends. I'm luckyto be blessed with musician friends, so Ioften work with them, but do not rule outthe possibility of working with myself. Wehave a recording studio, and this is whereall the magic happens.LIM Page37

Jay: Where do we find your music on theinternet? Which is your latest release?Ethan: You can find my music on myYouTube channel, my Facebook page andon my Instagram.https://www.facebook.com/EthanGontarOfficialhttps://www.instagram.com/ethangontar/ https://www.youtube.com/EthanGontar Of course, also on mySpotify page. https://open.spotify.com/artist/6h3NoYXNKkHE1lbqUaWqpL?si=Mlq_QMgLTmaIuPL96YsYdgJust type Ethan Gontar on google. Mylatest single is called Say Goodbye and Iinvite you to listen to it. This song waswritten about a sad story that happenedto me, but I decided that the song itselfwould be with a happy and rhythmic beat.Jay: What excites you most, writing,recording or playing live?Ethan: I really like the process ofcomposing and recording. Thecombination between them can beendless. Sometimes when I finishcomposing something, suddenly in theprocess of recording and editing, youcome up with more ideas for composingand you are every time in a loop, a loopthat I really enjoy.Jay: The lockdown brought the industryto a halt for some time but many in musicused it for creating new music. How didyou spend this lockdown with respect toyour music?Ethan: This period was definitely difficult,but not for me. I took this time to exploremore genres of music, and to my surprise,I really enjoyed them all. I'm looking for away to combine them and you're all goingto hear it soon.Jay: What are your immediate futureplans?Ethan: I plan to release a new single soon,with my very first video clip. My team andI are going to give it our all power in thisproject, its going to beLIM Page38

difficult, fascinating, magical and most importantly, a great experience. I also planto do some cover versions of some new songs that are going to come out, but that'sstill in the initial planning.Jay: What is the best advice given to you and what would you share with fellowyoung artists?Ethan: The best advice I have ever been given is to not stop believing. I promise you,I always stick to this advice and even when it's hard, I do not fall down. So from meto all the other artists out there, believe in yourself and that's how your passion formusic will be most real - and as a result, your music will come from the heart, and itwill be the most natural and yours. There is a sentence I always say - passion is thekey to any creation.- Thank youLIM Page39

Tedi Brunetti is a veteran drummer. Coming up in the 80’s that opened for topnational acts like The Clash, Brunette has had long and successful career in music.Lead guitar husband of 44 years Jim Mason and co-producers Michael Henegan onbass and Dean Allen Sargent on guitar from the core band. A host of other localmusicians adding horns, guitars and keys including “I wanted our grandchildren toknow grandma and grandpa were cool once".Tedi Brunetti's latest album Queen ofPittsburgh carries their passion to music all along and certainly leaves a lastingmark.Lazie Indie Magazine caught up with this amazing musician asking about hercareer, her music and talks about her new album. Thanks to MTS Management forintroducingTedi to LIM. Let us read...LIM Page41

LIM: You have had a rising career inmusic so far creating a substantial fanbase worldwide with our music. Whenyou look back, how do you feel was yourjourney so far?Tedi: Well, it has been a learningexperience creating a substantial fan baseworldwide, for sure. I’ve enjoyed it for themost part. It is also a lot of work. It’s thekind of work musicians/artists sometimesneglect because it’s not performing orwriting music, which is the actual art wecreate. Like anything, it takes persistenceand consistence which doesn’t bother mebecause I can be a disciplined when Iwant to.LIM: Who/what were your musicalinfluences and how did you arrive at thisgenre you play?Tedi: The music I write comes from avariety of musical influences. So, Idescribe it as “genre bending” because ofthe various musical styles I incorporate ineach song. I am heavily blues, jazz androck influenced. There’s quite a lot thereto draw from in those genres. Nothing Ido is generic really. I might write a songthat leans towards one genre more thanothers, like my song White Man Dancin’Blues which is decidedly blues but hassmooth jazz influences as well. I’m kindaa stylist that way.LIM: How do you go about selecting yoursongs?Tedi: I rarely do covers and I write for apurpose and mostly for myself as a singerand drummer. I’m not a prolificsongwriter. I write out of necessity. If Ineed a song or songs for a project then Iwrite. It’s not the norm. And I write andrewrite a song until it’s ready to record. Ithink about songwriting and compilenotes with song titles and song ideaslyrically and musically, so I have a stashof ideas to draw on when it’s time towrite.LIM: How do you record and produceyour music? Do you have any specialgear/recording system which you feel isimportant to bring out the kind of voiceyou want? If so why?Tedi: I have an excellent team ofLIM Page42

"The great thing about pop music has always been that people are always looking forthe next new thing! So everyone has a shot".experienced and artistic gentlemen Irecord and coproduce my music with.Michael Henegan who engineers andplays bass and sings and Dean AllenSargent who plays second guitar andsings. Dean was a first call recordingengineer back in the day and has workedwith many major artists. Dean and Mikehave some special mics they use to recordmy voice. My voice has a uniquecharacter/timbre. We use very little if anyeffects on it. It’s become part of mysound. People have no trouble identifyingwho is singing because our productionstake advantage of my unique vocalquality. There’s no mistaking TediBrunetti for anyone else!LIM: Where do we find your music on theinternet?Tedi: I’m on most all streamingplatforms, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Pandoraetc. and available on iTunes, Amazon etc.Physical CD’s and other merchandise areavailable through my websitewww.tedibrunetti.comLIM: What gives you the kick, writing,producing or playing live and why?Tedi: I love the entire game of creatingand performing. Right now my jam isproducing music videos. My videoproduction team, B-MHAC is top notch!My songs tell stories and so they lendthemselves to video production. B-MHAC’s Abe Urquilla and ChrisRodriguez are bonafide film makers. Theytoo are artists, like my music producersDean Sargent and Mike Hennegan, andare wonderful collaborators. They makemy visions come to life on the screen. I’ma lucky lady! You can find my musicvideos and SUBSCRIBE to my YouTubeChannel - Tedi Brunetti Official.LIM: Tell us about the success of youralbum "The Queen of Pittsburgh"?LIM Page43

Tedi: I have been so happy with theresponse to my latest album Queen ofPittsburgh. It’s gotten rave reviews andthe accompanying music videos havebeen award winning productions. I amstill growing my fan base internationallyand have more singles and music videosin the works from this album. It’s beenexciting to have the public acknowledgeme and my team’s hard work.LIM: How are you coping with the newrealities post the covid scare especiallywhen the live music scene is hit hard?Tedi: COVID has changed everything ofcourse. I am fortunate to be financiallysecure enough to continue to create andput my work out there. I know some verytalented musicians who have had to puttheir music to the side and find anotherway to make a living because the livemusic scene was hit so hard. I have beenconcentrating on music video production.It’s a new art form for me and I find itvery satisfying. It’s taken the space thatlive gigs had in my life.LIM: What are your immediate futureplans say, for 2022?Tedi: I have started pre-production ofanother music video from The Queen ofPittsburgh album. I will also startrecording new music this year. I havebeen asked to headline a few musicfestivals this summer so I’m consideringputting a gigging band together to takeadvantage of those opportunities.LIM: Being a very successful musicianyourself what would you tell an upcomingmusician to keep in mind when a) he/sheis struggling to get recognized and b) oncehe/she has just made a mark in the sceneand needs to sustain here?Tedi: I would say the world is your oyster!Be prepared to spend time marketing,working the socials, and learning aboutinternet marketing and todays musicbusiness which is constantly evolving.Once you’ve found “your people” andmade a name for yourself you have tokeep on doing what got you there to beginwith. The great thing about pop music hasalways been that people are alwayslooking for the next new thing! Soeveryone has a shot. Good Luck there’sroom for EVERYONE.LIM: Thank you for your time and it wasgreat speaking to you.LIM Page44

French singer with pop-rock influences, Frederick Arno was born into a music in afamily of artists. Very young, he embarked on the roads. He started performing atthe age of 11 on the violin in the mythical room of "Bobino" in Paris. It was at theage of 20 that he really started, irresistibly drawn to cabaret, he toured all overFrance and he made his mark. He made his stage debut in the musical "SoapBubble". He has released his 5th album "I live outside" has come out recently.Emma Goldberg in her column Just Like Emma interviews this popular musician toknow more about his career so far, his latest release and his future plans ... Let usread...LIM Page46

Emma: You have had an exciting careeras a musician so far. How do you feel wasyour journey so far?Frederick Arna (FA): Hello I am a Frenchsinger, I like concerts, I like to be onstage, I’m song writer.Emma: Who/what were your musicalinfluences and how did you arrive at thisgenre you play?FA: I like French singers (SergesGainsbourg, Etienne Daho, Jean-JacquesGoldman...) Since child, I listened to theFrench variety.Emma: How do you go about writing yoursongs? How do you record and produceyour music?FA: I write songs a lot by car, during longjourneys. I write at home and then Irecord in the studio. My great pleasure isto sing on stage.Emma: What do you look to convey toyour listeners when you create music,which dominates, a lyrical theme or amusical feeling?FA: For me, the lyrics are the mostimportant.Emma: Where do we find your music onthe internet? Which is your latest release?FA: You find my songs on all musicplatforms and my new album "Je visdehors" and my latest song “Les saveursdouces amères” in my YouTube channeland my website: www.frederickarno.comEmma: What do you like the most?Writing, producing or performing?FA: I like to write and I like the stage.Emma: How was 2021 and what is yourNew Year's resolution as a musician?FA: 2021: production of the album “Je visdehors” including a song in English"Senorita" 2022: production of a newalbum.Emma: What are your immediate futureplans? Say, the next two years.FA: New album, new collaboration andmore perfomances.Emma: What is the best advice given toyou and what would you share with fellowyoung artists?FA: Live in passion, never let it go, nevergive up.LIM Page47

About the ColumnistEmma Goldberg is French Pop Singer,Composer, Video Producer, Authorwriting in Italian, Spanish, English,French. She also is a radio host in Radio242 UK introducing independentmusicians to audiences across UK, Franceand the nearby countries.Emma has herown radio show calledJust like Emmawhich is maintained here for the columnshe contributes toLazie Indie Magazine.LIM Page49

He plays 107 World Music Instruments. Learned from 130 music teachers so faronline and offline. He has two world records, for ability to play 44 musicalinstruments at age of 12 and the second for 107 instruments at age of 13. Wasdeclared World Record holder by multiple organizations including AssistFoundation and "World Records India" his feat. He is also giving music to a coupleof short films and one full feature film. He is also releasing album with 5 Songs inbefore summer 2022. Album is currently in mixing/mastering process. He hasperformed in front of dignitaries all around the world including Joe Biden duringelection campaigns and Bollywood singer Palak Muchhal supported him generatemedia coverage for my music and causes that he supports.Jay of Lazie IndieMagazinespeaks to this Whizz Kid, Neil Nayyar to know more about his fantabulousjourney so far and his future plans.LIM Page51

Jay: Hi Neil, welcome to Lazie IndieMagazine. It should been a very excitingride for you so far entering into the AssistWorld book of records and gettingrecognized for your talent and efforts,How do you see your journey as?Neil: Getting all those awards andrecognitions confirms further that myefforts, my passion is in the rightdirection and align to my goals. Music hasalways pulled me towards it since mychildhood. I remember when I startedplaying the first instrument, it was justmy passion or I can say inner pull. I hadno idea why I was doing it or what thepurpose of it was. I was playing just forfun and very naturally. Now where I amtoday, I can see how progress ishappening and how my music is gettinginto the shape. Learning never stops, itwill be part of my journey and willcontinue.Jay: How did you come into music? Whowere your first musical influences?Neil: Heard about Mozart being yourinfluence even while you were in yourmom’s womb. My dad loves books toread. In the local library, he was reading abook where it was mentioned that if yougive music over the womb, the baby willlater become a musician. My dadexperimented without any doubt. Hestarted playing Mozart music. When I was2, they bought me a $100 drum set and Ishowed no interest. When I reached theage of 5 ½ they took me to free drumlessons. And I started to play fluentlyfrom the very first beat. Everybody in theroom was shocked and asked my parentshow long he is learning drums. The firstpiece I played on drums was from thepercussion section of Jai Ho(A.R.Rahman) song from Slum dogMillionaire. From the womb, I startedwith Mozart and later on I started tolisten more to Bollywood, Pop, Jazz, andWestern classical.Jay: How did you discover your capabilityto learn and master multiple instrumentsand what made you attempt to do it?Neil: When I started playing drums, I wasnot feeling satisfied. Within meLIM Page57

something was pushing me to exploremore. Whenever I used to go to any musicstore, I picked up the instrument andstarted to play it without any formaltraining. I used to play melodies on thoseinstruments, whatever song I used to hearat that time. I still remember I used toconvince my parents to buy guitar, flute,piano, saxophone etc. I love to exploremusic from different genres from aroundthe world, that’s what took me to getmusic instruments around the world. As aresult, today, I have more than 100instruments in my collection.Jay: Have learnt that you have 130 tutorshelping you master instruments, how doyou find time to accommodate all ofthem?Neil: Till today, I have been throughmusic instruction from 130 musicteachers from around the world. Few ofthem are very well known professionals. Iam very thankful to my parents whoprovided all the resources to refine mypassion for music. Music learning is timeconsuming. If I had been to a traditionalschool, it would have been impossible forme to learn so many instruments. Fromfirst grade, I chose virtual school which isalso called online schooling. This type ofschooling allows me to have flexibility inmy routine. I can study any time of theday. I can set my own schedule. It reallymakes my music journey easier andefficient.Jay: Has your Indian roots helped you inyour learning as India has this diversemusical culture and there is a load ofmusical instruments and styles withdifferent origins in the musicallandscape?Neil: Of course, my Indian roots play abig impact on my music styles and addrichness to my music. Indian music isquite diverse from north to south. I havemany musical instruments which belongto Hindustani classical (North India) andCarnatic Traditions (South India). I doLIM Page53

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have traditional instruments from thestates of Punjab and Rajasthan. Due toIndian music, I am capable of listeningand playing music on instruments. I amalso very fluent in playing music byreading the western music notation.Indian music helped me to learn melodiesfrom other countries and cultures. Due tothe melodious nature of Indian musicwhere music is played note by note, ittrains me to sound the music with clarityand purity.Jay: What made you attempt for a worldrecord and who guided you to it with theprocesses etc?Neil: At age 10, I had learnt around 12instruments. I saw a post of one musicianwho was 23 years and played 27instruments and had a world record. Thatpost inspired me to push further andlearn more instruments. When I reachedage 12, I was playing 44 world musicinstruments and made my first WorldRecord to become “Youngest to playmaximum number of musicalinstruments” given by Assist WorldRecords.Jay: What are your immediate futureplans?Neil: I am in the process of completingmy first music album. It is in the processof mixing and mastering. Hopefully, I willbe launching in spring 2022. I have alsocompleted a music book for kids aboutmusic instruments. I am very excited toshare my exploration with the youngergeneration so they can benefit from it. Iam also an actor. I will be acting in ashort movie where I am also composingthe soundtrack. I am also composing thesoundtrack for a full feature film whichwill go for filming in June 2022.Jay: The covid lockdowns were in a way atime for experiment to many musicianswe interviewed, how did you spend yourtime?Neil: The covid lockdowns had reallygiven all of us more time to experimentand look differently than otherwise. I wasin the process of completing my musicalbum. During lockdowns, I was busyfinishing recording more than 100instruments in the studio. I also started tolearn composing soundtracks for movies/short films. Lockdowns gave me enoughtime to learn composing. I have alreadygiven soundtracks in two short films andam working on the soundtrack for a fullfeature film which will begin filming inmid 2022.Jay: If you pick One Venue, OneInstrument and artist to play, what wouldbe your choice?Neil: I would love to play Oakland Arenain California. I love all my instruments.Choosing one of the instruments is hardfor me. I would love to play along withOscar Winner Indian film composer,record producer, singer and songwriterA.R.Rahman. That would be a dreamcome true. I will choose the instrumentwhat A.R.Rahman asks me to play.Jay: What is the best advice you receivedso far and advice would you tell a fellowupcoming musician who is looking tolearn an instrument?Neil: First thing is choosing the rightinstrument which sounds you love tolearn. Do you like to play melody orharmony or beats? Go to a music store,explore which instrument connects toyou. Next comes how to learn. If you haveLIM Page56

the luxury of time, there is no harm inlearning from Youtube/apps or bookswhich come with video instructions.There is a drawback in self learning. Ifyou form the wrong habit, even holdinginstruments with wrong posture, canhinder your progress and quality ofmusic. Later, it will take more time to fixthose wrong habits. I recommend takingmonthly lessons for a few months in oneto one instructions from a good musicteacher. Once foundation is good,progress happens quicker.LIM Page59

Peter Hurley is a Blues singer-songwriter who writes and photographs and alsoworks on murals. He is currently working on his project along with the best in theBlues music and the project is called 'THE REAL THANG' and also is working on hisbook 'Darlin Bridget' while continuing his work with Living Blues Magazine."Granddaughter of Blues"Tomiko Dixon in her column Tomiko Dixon Grand BluesReviewinterviews this multi talented artist to know more about him... let us checkout...LIM Page61

Tomiko: Who inspired your most recentproject and/or music?Peter Hurley: As a songwriter, my interestin blues music was inspired by the geniusof Willie Dixon in particular, who wrotemasterpieces for Howlin' Wolf, MuddyWaters and Little Walter. My recentproject is with none other than the“Granddaughter of the Blues,” WillieDixon’s granddaughter, Tomiko Dixon.Tomiko: Who would you most like tocollaborate with and why?Peter Hurley: I'm fortunate to havecollaborated with the dynamic TomikoDixon on my first venture in production.We wrote a song that acknowledges herplace in the pantheon of great bluesperformers, a tribute to the great artistsbefore her, it embodies the living blues byvirtue of her talent and having a bloodlineconnection with Willie Dixon. In responseto and in kind spirit we amplified itsmessage by including the names of a longline of blues artists with whom she feels akinship. As for future collaborations, I'dbe honored to work with MudMorganfield, Freddie Dixon, a youngperformer named Joseph J. Saye Jr.,nephew of Hubert Sumlin Gary Martin,and any blues musicians who areinterested in original material that tips ahat to the old masters.Tomiko: What is one message you wouldlike to give other artists that are inspiredto get into the entertainment industry?Peter Hurley: Just do it. As daunting as itmay seem, give it a shot and bring your A-game. Collaborate, self-organize, createproductions of your own, write your ownmaterial. I came late to the"entertainment" realm but I spent alifetime as a visual artist creating andproducing exhibits with like-mindedartists. I can relate to the energy andpersonalities that it takes to be inentertainment as a result.Tomiko: Which entertainer(s) do youadmire the most and why?Peter Hurley: So many, so many. Havingcome up as visual artist, the list ofpainters I've admired is endless. But inthe world of songwriting it is WillieLIM Page62

Dixon, Lieber and Stoller, King andGoffin, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder,Holland Dozier Holland, Cole Porter,Robert Johnson, Bob Dylan, Chuck Berry,Willie Nelson, Hank Williams, Lennon/McCartney and Bo Diddley. My favoriteworking blues performers are both localand national. There's Tomiko Dixon, ofcourse, Ronnie Baker Brooks, MikeWheeler Band, Billy Branch, Cash BoxKings, Jimmy Johnson, and so manymore.Tomiko: What is the best advice beengiven to you?Peter Hurley: I tend to put my head downand just go. But there are a lot of smartpeople in the business who are willing tooffer generous counsel. I look for it and Irespect the advice of the mostprofessional of them. Occasionally somehave advised "don't”, and if I had listened,I would have stopped. Seek your owncounsel as well as others. God knows,mistakes will be made. Be stubborn andwilling to be stupid at times. Then learnfrom it.Tomiko: What’s next for you? Do youhave any upcoming gigs or events?Peter Hurley: Most pressing project is towrap up our production of THE REALTHANG with Tomiko Dixon and release itas a digital single soon in the New Year. Ialso have a book that I'm working oncalled DARLIN' BRIDGET about a youngcouple’s quest from antebellum Kentuckyto the California Gold Rush. I recentlycompleted and installed a 55’ outdoormural in the Denver area. I continue towrite and photograph for LIVING BLUESMAGAZINE, design and book covers,write song material for blues artists anddesign cd covers for record labels likeDelmark Records here in Chicago. *Tomiko: How would you best describeyour music or project?Peter Hurley: My music is bluesy andcountry-ish. I write with other voices inmind drawn from decades of listeningand loving pop, blues, rock 'n roll andcountry & western music. My goals are toengage performers on a personal level bywriting for them, and by getting insideLIM Page63

their heads and hearts. I'm old school. Iimagine myself as from the same era asWillie Nelson hanging out at Tootsiesnext to the Ryman Auditorium pitchingsongs to performers as they stop into thebar the between sets at the Grand OleOpry. Not having lived in Nashvilleduring the ‘50s and ‘60, I acquaint myselfwith the blues stars of Chicago and sharemy songs with them.About the ColumnistThis column is contributed by TomikoDixonwho is the granddaughter of theGreat Willie Dixon and also the youngestinductee to the Blues Hall of Fame and anAmbassador of Blues.Lazie IndieMagazineis glad and honored to join hercause to keep the spirit of Blues alive.LIM Page64

Simple lyrics, great singing, very catchy and emotive tunes make the listener sitback and notice this upcoming star in music. From Kochi, Kerala - India.JeremiahDe Rozariohas certainly made critics as well as common listeners appreciate hissinging and his songwriting skills whole heartedly. He has just started and yetsounds like a seasoned performer.Lazie Indie Magazine is excited to bring thisbrilliant musician to our readers through our contributing columnistDarshanShankerin his column ‘Dats Column’. Jeremiah speaks to Dats telling us about hismusical journey so far and his plans to reach out to audience worldwide. Let usknow more about this star on the rise who according to us atLIM will go a long wayin the music world. Let us read...LIM Page66

Dats: Introduce yourself and/or yourband?Jeremiah: My name is Jeremiah deRozario. I'm an Independent Singer/Songwriter and I'm from Kochi, Kerala.I've been an Indie musician for about yearand I do a lot of indie rock, soft pop andpop music.Dats: Since how long have you been intomusic? And how did you come intomusic?Jeremiah: I've always been in and aroundmusic. I grew up in a (very) Anglo IndiaFamily that constantly looked for reasonsto party and jam. And eventually I pickedthe guitar up at around the age of 17. I'lladmit, the only reason I did that wasbecause I thought it would get me moreattention from the ladies, haha, but Ifound something else that I didn't know Iwas looking for. I did a lot of small gigsthrough college and after as well for thesake of it but never really took it seriouslyuntil about a year and a half ago. Now,I'm living the full-time musician life andits amazing.Dats: Who were your musical influences?Jeremiah: I grew up around a lot ofgenres of music so there are bits andpieces from everywhere. Ed Sheeran,Bruno Mars, Daniel Caesar, The Beatles,Lifehouse were some of the acts I watcheda lot growing up but Ed Sheeran probablyhad the most influence on me. When Istarted out, I taught myself to sing byimitating Ed Sheeran and even now I takea lot of notes from the way he writes.Dats: How do you go about writing yoursongs ...in case of your band who writesthe songs and how?Jeremiah: Most of my writing happenscompulsively I try not to force themotivation for it. I sit down with a penand paper every time something majorhappened in my life and I just try to let itout, as raw as I can and I let the melodytake its own shape as well. Once I have arough picture then I have a little check listor rather, I have a couple of questions Iask myself 1. "Is this too poetic?". WhenPaul McCartney was asked why TheBeatles were so successful, he said "EasyLIM Page67

Lyrics". Uncomplicated with a touch ofpoetic, is always the way to go. 2. "Arethere better words that I can use?". It’simportant to not come across too shallow.I firmly believe that songs have to have alevel of meaning, that it should bring outemotion in other people that they wouldnormally have a hard time expressing.Choosing the right words is key to bringout those emotions. 3. "How can I makethis catchy?" Finding a hook is soimportant to make sure that the song isdrilled into your audience's mind. So Iplay around with different melodies andchord progressions to make it moreinteresting. 4. "Does the reason stillexist?" Or to put it more elaborately,when I finish writing the song, is it stillclear why I started it in the first place?One has to be very careful that the visionis carried forward till the end of theprocess and that the final productmatches it. A song will continue to gothrough changes from its inception till itfinally does become a song, but it’simportant to not lose sight of what it isactually about at the core.Dats: How do you record and produce thesongs?Jeremiah: Once I have the skeleton of thesong, i.e. the melody, the lyric, theprogression of the song, my next step is tofind a programmer/producer for it. Thisis something I could do on my own but Irecognize the importance of having asecond mind on the project. So once Iknow what vibe I want for the song, I goin search of producers who have workedalong similar lines. This usually gives meideas and insights I probably would nothave had otherwise. When producing, weusually try to follow a time line and try togive time stamps for everything. Our firstjob is to get a basic arrangement lockedin. After recording a rough vocal andguitar, bass, drums, keys are the nextthings to go in and then from their ownwe start experimenting. Again, keepingthe core vibe of the song intact, we try ourdifferent instruments, synth tones,samples and sounds till we find the rightmatch. Once we have the arrangement ofthe song down then I head into the studioand the first job is to get a clean, goodmain vocal. That usually takes time butonce that’s down then I get a littleexperimental. I usually bring in singerfriends and we try out different vocalarrangements, double takes for certainwords to further stress its importance,etc. The whole process is a lot of fun andwhile this is the general path we go; eachproducer has their own way of working.Some songs have taken 2-3 months tocomplete and some have taken days. I tryto stay as patient as I can so that thecreativity flows uninterrupted.Dats: In your opinion has the internethelped your music pursuit and otherindependent artists?Jeremiah: For me personally, it really hashelped grow a pretty good following. Ifyou're good and you are engaging as anartist, it’s very hard to go unnoticed.Everyone loves music. Obviously, there isthe bad side to it as well. Social mediarequires you to be a content machine inorder to really thrive and that could resultin burning out if you're not careful. Ibelieve that having the right balance iskey. Social media is a tool, just have touse it right and not fall into the scrollLIM Page68

"Our best advice is, listen to your instincts and heart, don’t let anyone tell you to quit,don’t worry about what anyone else is doing, just build your own road and be proud ofyour story, there is only one YOU!".trap.Dats: What are you plans for year 2022and immediate future.Jeremiah: Oh, there are big plans for thisyear. I hope to do a small tour in a coupleof cities in India and I have about 5original songs coming out this year. Iusually start the year with a couple oftargets that I set for myself and I've setthe bar high for myself this year. So, yesbig plans!Dats: What gives you the kick? Writing,recording or playing live and why?Jeremiah: This is a really hard question toanswer. But if I were to pick, I would saywriting and playing live. They're bothequally important to me. I started thiswhole thing simply because I loved to singbut the process of creating is what reallydoes it for me. There is this rush I getwhen sit down to write. Those momentsof inspiration, when they hit, I lock mydoor and go into my own world. I can behonest when it comes to my writing andthat’s why I love it; I control it. And goshperforming live. I haven't done too manyIndie performances as of late due to allthe restrictions but i recently opened forWhen Chai Met Toast in Hyderabad andthere were people there who already knewmy music. And while I was performing,they were singing the song back to meand God, there is no better feeling as anartist. I'm still riding that high, haha.Dats: Where can we get your music on thenet?Jeremiah: My music is everywhere on allstreaming platforms; Spotify, AppleMusic, Amazon Music, YouTube, youname it, it’s there. I'm also very active onInstagram where I post of about newupdates of my music and whatnot.Dats: What would you suggest to anaspiring independent artist?LIM Page69

Jeremiah: You have to work. Releasingone good song will only get you so far.The concept of going viral sounds nice butthe sustainability of that is very iffy. Ifyou're planning of starting anIndependent music career, make sure youhave a lot in your tank and you have tobrace yourself. That first year is thehardest but if you're relentless and youreally put love and hard work into it, youwill achieve.About the ColumnistDarshan Shankar is a popular singer andhas been the frontman for many top actssuch as the legendary Indian Band 13 Ad .He runs a very successful event companyin the Middle East.Darshan has also beena very active promoter of IndependentMusic and has conducted festivals andevents promoting Independent RockBands in India and Middle East.LazieIndie Magazinethanks Darshan for hiscolumn DATs Column which will fromnow on, introduce great musicians fromacross Middle East to LIM readers.LIM Page70

TEF is the musical identity of Amsterdam based musician/composer ThomasJongsma. TEF produces indie rock music with grunge and baroque pop influences.Starting off as a pianist he released his music first time in 2011 and again in 2019has release. His latest single Coconut Concussion is out this January!Jay from LazieIndie Magazinespoke to this fantastic musician to know more about his career sofar and his plans for the future. Thanks toDamian Carruthers for introducing TEFto Lazie Indie Magazine. Let us read on ...LIM Page72

Jay: How was your musical journey sofar, how is 2022 shaping up?TEF: My musical journey starts in myearly teens, when I start playing classicalpiano, I've been keen on creating musicmyself right from the get go. During myyears as a student in Leiden ('94-'01) thecreative spark really ignited big time! Iwas full of ideas; I was producing rock athome on my Atari ST, composing andscoring classical piano pieces (eventuallythese were only recorded and released asan EP in 2020), ‘90s techno, and I playedoriginal material with my band VLEEQ.In 2011 I released a rock opera, "TheConcept" (2011). Doing a conceptualthing like that was something I'd beenwanting to do for some time, andeverything came together in a great way. Igot some serious commercial response tothat project which made me reconsidermy musical quest up to that point. I alsorealized that the inspiration wouldprobably never stop. Since my last album(Faith & Superstition, 2019) I've beenmore serious about getting my music outto the people. I went through anexistential crisis of sorts during the startof the pandemic, which was horrible, butit did create a very interesting album, myupcoming release "Exit/Enter" (spring'22). A classic breakup album. Over thelast few years my fanbase has grownsubstantially, so I plan to really makesome waves with this new one, which isdefinitely my best so far.Jay: Who/what were your musicalinfluences and how did you arrive at thisgenre you play?TEF: I had a very decent musicalupbringing by my two older brothers.They taught me Led Zep, Floyd, DeepPurple, CSNY and so forth, classic rock ifyou will, and we've always shared thismutual musical base, which is great!However, my oldest brother deviated a bittowards the hard rock and glam rock side,and I got the best of the best on that frontfrom him. The middle one went in a morealternative direction, Lou Reed, Pixies,Smiths etc, again passing on the bestinside info to me. I live and breathe musicLIM Page73

and love a lot of different music. Myheroes are again different from those ofmy two brothers; Beatles, Zappa, Bowie,Joni, Prince, Steven Wilson, there aremany greats in my book. My musical styleis mostly inspired by Bowie, Pearl Jam,CSNY, Alan Parsons and eighties acts likeTalk Talk and Simple Minds, I guess... Sohard to describe your own sound, isn't it?Jay: How do you go about writing yoursongs? As a band what do you considerthe lyrical message or the musicaldirection?TEF: I write mostly on guitar and piano.My music starts with snippets on piano orguitar, or maybe a melody line, which Imay whistle or sing. Most of the timeswhen I've had an idea for some days, Ijust sit down at one point and create thebasis for a new song in a couple of hours,when the feeling is right. Recording it onmy phone and writing down some lyricsand chords. That's the best thing aboutmusic! Creating something from nothing.An old friend of mine had a good term forthis; he always referred to a good musicalidea as a present. You hear it in yourhead, you grab it and you say "thanks!". Iused to write pretty metaphorical lyrics,talking about social issues, personaldilemmas or just odd things in life. Mylatest album is my most personal yet. Itwas created during a dark stretch of timeafter my father passed away in 2018. Mymarriage fell through, and the pandemicstarted. All this is reflected in the lyrics onmy new album, which are very personaland direct because of that. Frank Zappasometimes referred to his art as"conceptual continuity". There's a lot ofthat in his repertoire, and I tend toapproach my music and lyrics in a similarmanner. Duality for instance has been agrand theme throughout my work, as wellas religion (and the duality in that). Ingeneral, there's a lot of little connectionsand references in my music. I really likethat sort of thing but at times it feelsLIM Page74

weird, because I'm probably the only onewho knows how’s it’s all connected... ha!Jay: How do you record and produce yourmusic?TEF: I record demos in my home studiowhich I then send to a session drummerand a session bass player. They reallylight up my songs with their playing. Ionly produce rough sketches at first,using tools in Logic Pro like the Drummerfunction and bass programming. I do tryto have the whole arrangement in placebefore I get the drummer and bass playerinvolved. After we finalize the drum andbass parts I overdub a lot, especiallyvocals. I mix the tracks myself but there'ssometimes still little productional stuffdone at the mastering stage. Themastering engineer performs a stemmaster, so that's sort of an extra mixingstep right at the end.Jay: Tell us more about your latest release"Coconut Concussion", where can we findit on the internet?TEF: Coconut Concussion is the secondsingle from my upcoming album "Exit/Enter". It's about the realization that youmay think you're having a great time butactually you aren't. Like a coconut fallingon your head while you'rechilling in a hammock in the sun. It wasreleased mid January on all digitalplatforms. Spotify is my main outputchannel. It's a nice uplifting alternativepop/indie track with a "happy/melancholy'-feel, which I really like, thinkArcade Fire, or Bowie.https://open.spotify.com/artist/4wOIrUqtMpcSXPYj03o5Fo?si=SpHQUGB5R2aQz6cVTMgTZA I have niceYouTube channel with some great video'shttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe1qM1n5yhfac8J2j_Pba4g You canfind background info on me on mywebsite https://www.tefmusic.comSocials: https://www.instagram.com/musicbytef/ https://www.facebook.com/TEF-Music-109441850421246Jay: What gives you the kick, writing,producing or playing live and why?TEF: I really like a lot of aspects ofcreating music. The pure creation side,the "unpacking of the presents", so tospeak. The recording side, when you laydown that one terrific take! And themixing side, polishing rough gems intoshiny diamonds using creative arranging,and little effects or automation curves inyour DAW. Then I also tend to getinvolved in the visual aspect of my art,trying to come up with beautiful andmeaningful artwork together withindependent visual artists, through onlinecollaboration. I don't play live at themoment, which I miss, but it's somethingthat I sacrificed to make time to createthe music I want.Jay: Live music is an integral part ofmusic promotion and that being hinderedby lockdowns, how do you plan topromote your music? Will the internet beable to bridge the gap?TEF: I've been working with a PRmanager recently which has proven veryhelpful in getting my music into the earsof potential fans so that's great! I'mhaving a final interview next week for apretty neat artist development programby Modern Musician, which should getme even closer to creating a loyal fanbase,which is basically the hardest part whenLIM Page75

you're not doing gigs. So yeah, for me theinternet definitely bridges that gap. It'sthe only way I connect with my fans at themoment.Jay: What would be your immediate goalsas a band?TEF: It would be great to be picked upsomehow and to enjoy some genuinecommercial success. It would sort ofjustify all the time I invest in my passionnext to my professional career as adoctor. So that's a goal of course. There'salways a bit of recognition involved, Iguess. But in general I make music formyself first. I just throw it out into theworld the best way I can and that's that.Jay: Being an emerging band yourselves,what would you tell an upcomingmusician to keep in mind to launch asuccessful career in music?TEF: Put in the hours. And invest in thestuff that matters. For me that isn'texpensive instruments or mics forinstance, but it’s a stable computer andsession musicians. There's so much talentavailable online, so work your strengthsand complement the music with otherprofessionals when your own talents runout. And don't forget to have fun, that'swhat matters most!LIM Page76

Hey folks Check this out !!! Ace guitarist and inventor of Indo- Flamenco style ofguitar playingSanthosh Chandran releases his first single from his upcoming ProgRock album -Milestone"Every human is born with a destiny. It's sheer will that always make him surpassthe hurdles he come across and helps him achieve remarkable feats and reach theirdestiny.The Milestone".The single features drummerSidharth Nagarajan. Music Credits: Composed &arranged bySanthosh Chandran, Drums: Siddharth Nagarajan, mixed by Sujith,mastered bySiva Ramaswamy.Link ://open.spotify.com/album/2mhSjmjYCfJYovLqguka4R?si=DIDOZR_PRIG01oXxsFBHvwLIM Page77

A lifelong musician and a licensed psychotherapist, David Franklin has spent morethan 45 years exploring musical genres and experimenting in sound, evolving as amusician though rock, folk-pop, avant-garde and ultimately to contemplative andinstrumental music.Franklin believes that music is one of humanity’s mostpowerful tools for healing. “Passings” his new album is a follow-up toFranklin’s Top10-charting albums songs of Potential Embrace (2017) and Dancing with Shadows(2015).Jay from Lazie Indie Magazine interviews David Franklin … let's read...LIM Page79

Jay: Welcome to Lazie Indie Magazine,tell us about your latest release. How didit come through and what made you dothe album?David: Hi and thanks! With so manychanges occurring within my world andwithin our society, I just had so much tosay. Music is my first language and I’vebeen feeling things so deeply as oursociety shifts, but Covid and extremeweather events are just part of it. Therewere major shifts in my personal world aswell: Both of my parents died, mychildren left home and some otherprofound changes were happening aswell. I realized that endings were allaround me and so I recorded this album,a collection of instrumental songs aboutendings, called Passings.Jay: You have been more than 4 and ahalf decades into music, how did it allstart? Who were your musical influences?David: When I became aware of music atthe age of 4, my musical journey started;it was a language which touched me sodeeply that it became a profound force inmy life. Music which contained any depthof feeling would - and still - speaks withme. There have been many influences, butMichael Hedges stands out: I probablywould have stopped playing guitardecades ago if I never heard him. Hebroke many rules of the instrument andhelped me to envision it differently. I’mhonored to have recorded this new album– Passings – with Michal Manring, thelong-time collaborator of MichaelHedges; this is our second album togetherand simply a dream come true.Jay: How do you compose your music?David: If I knew the answer, I’d happilytell you, but it’s shrouded in mystery tome: Sometimes I’ll experiment with aninstrument and sounds finds me; othertimes I’ll hear a melody inside me andexplore it; in rare times, I’ll press recordand play a new song, from beginning toend, which I’ve never even worked on. Idon’t know where these energies comefrom, but I’m honored to be part of thisprocess.Jay: You have written songs for modernLIM Page80

dance companies and also composed yourown music. Which one gives you moresatisfaction? And why?David: When I have permission to explorea musical creative process, to find some ofmy essence within it and communicatemy own humanity through it, that’s themost satisfying process. I’m lucky thatI’ve worked with choreographers whohave a vision of authenticity andhumanity though music: Creatingsoundscapes in this way has been atreasure for me.Jay: While producing music what wouldyou consider the most important aspectyou would want to establish. Do you usemusic for any of your therapies?David: Have you used music as a tool forhighlighting causes that are very near toyou? Music needs to communicatesomething. If I had to come up with adefinition of “music”, I would say it’s“organized sound”, and the mostimportant aspect is to communicate somepart of my humanity though that. I’m apsychotherapist by training, and I usemusic in my practice. For someonefeeling emotionally blocked, I may askthem to bring in songs whichcommunicate deep feeling for them, evenif they can’t identify them by name. In mysinger-songwriter days, I used music tocommunicate a lot about environmentalissues: I did that, in part, while walkingacross the country in 1990 with TheGlobal Walk. These days, I believe writingmusic without words, allows me tocommunicate parts of my humanitywhich words can’t even describe. Jay:What do you consider the most excitingthing you do in music, production,composition or performance? David:They’re all important but performing isessential because that’s when the music isfully alive and reaching someone. I loveall aspects of recording and have used allof the technologies of the past 45 years torecord various albums of mine, but to me,LIM Page81

performing is essential.Jay: The current state of the worldrequires a lot of healing touch andmusicians like you can do a lot to helppeople to overcome the depression theyhave undergone past two years. Have youthought about producing music in thisline?David: The main point of my music is totouch another’s humanity: To celebratelife, to help grieve and to offer – I hopeanyway – some sort of healing. To me,this is the highest calling of music. I’vewritten music which has been used inKetamine Assisted Therapies and for theclinical trials of MDMA Therapy. Both ofthese medicines have been used fortreating depressive and anxiety disordersand I’m honored to be part of this work.Jay: What are your future plans in music?David: It may sound strange, but my nextproject will involve destroying pianos.There are many pianos which have cometo the end of their lifespans, and I plan toget a few and profoundly alter them: Mydesire is to create sound and music inways they were not originally designed tocreate. I have personal resistance tohurting ANY instrument by the way, but Ialso acknowledge that all of us andeverything, ultimately, is finite. Perhapsthis project will help me understand myown mortality?Jay: To a listener who reaches out to youfor the first time. What in your opinionwill be the one thing he/she should lookfor in your music?David: Authenticity.Jay: What was the best advice given toyou and what would you give as advice toan upcoming musician?David: Always listen to yourself and toyour heart: No one, ABSOLUTELY no onehas the power to tell you who or what youare, and this is especially true for you as amusician: Regardless of your skill-level,be your truest self and music willultimately flow. Thank you for your timeand it was great speaking to you.- Thank youLIM Page82

Check out some cool merchandises fromLazie Indie Magazine@ https://wangdangdoodletees.com/lazie-indie-magazine/Quote discount code: lazie indie magazine fan to avail an introductorydiscount.LIM Page 83