Lazie Indie Magazine Edition 20 December 27, 2021
Featured Artists Denroy Morgan Emily Glazener
Kitt Wakeley Lorenzo Gabanizza Jasmine Thakral
Trenton Chandler Vaga Vybz, Herrick Scott Kempler, MIMIFE, Marlon Hoffman Canadian Content Corner
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year - Team Lazie Indie Magazine
Content
Editor's Corner
Featured Artists Denroy Morgan Trenton Chandler Jasmine Thakral Emily Glazener Herrick Kitt Wakeley Lorenzo Gabanizza Marlon Hoffman MIMIFE Scott Kempler Vaga Vybz
New Release - L&M Project New Release - Lazie J Santhosh Chandran Project Ft. Sherise D' Sousa LIM Merchandises
On Cover Team LIM
LIM
Page4
Editors Corner Information The magazine is published by Lazie J Print Edition 20 The month of publishing December - 2021
Editorial Team Editor: Jay Pillai Coordination and promotion: Manoj Verified by: Inge Zimmermann Probst Guest Feature: Column and Review: Tomiko Dixon, Galaxy FM, Kathryn Shipley Jorg Klein, Ann Aria Emma Goldberg Cover Photo: Team LIM Cover Photo Courtesy: LIM Team Members Photos Courtesy: Featured Artists & Columnists LIM
Wish you a Merry Christmans and a Fabulous Year- 2022 Well! What can we say about the year 2021... It has been a long tunnel with a few spots of light coming in between with world going into lockdowns the second time around and finally deciding to live with the pandemic side by side... Well we all did our part in getting vaccinated and using the mask to somehow keep the deadly virus away... and now the year end offers a bit more light and we sincerely hope that we are at the end of the tunnel and in 2022 we will be in full flow. As a musician the past two years have been one of learning tough lessons and reinventing oneself to suit the time. What was inspiring was almost everyone we interviewed took the pandemic in their stride and got seriously into music creation and that in fact has kept them going through these days of trouble. Well 2022, will sure bring back the vibrant music industry and yes, there will be a lot of quality music coming out. At Lazie Indie Magazine we thought the current edition will have the Team LIM on cover. We really wanted to thank you all for supporting us and helping us to present some great artists from across the world. So each one of us on cover owes a "Thank you" to each one of you who read the magazine. We are blessed to have you as our reader and your support has inspired us to contribute more and reach here at this sweet spot though we know that there is a lot more to do and miles to go. Keep reading our magazine and share it with your friends. We will try and bring the best out month after month like this edition. Check out interviews with some great artists from all over the world as we always bring to you... Thank you Best Regards Jay Pillai Page5
'Ras' Denroy Morgan the Reggae patriarch and preacher, an iconic force within the Reggae music industry, left Jamaica in 1965 at the age of 19 to the United States to become a musician. He formed the Reggae band Black Eagles, in New York City in the 1970s, later he launched his fabulous solo career in the 1980s. His single ‘I’ll Do Anything for You’ was a smash hit and took him to the Billboard Charts. His children, encouraged by his success, have also taken on musical careers themselves they include Laza Morgan, Gramps Morgan, and in family bands LMS and Morgan Heritage. Jay from Lazie Indie Magazine quizzed Denroy Morgan and we captured his thoughts on some exclusive photos of him. We thank Barbara and DJ Grant of Galaxy FM NZL for introducing us to this legendary Rastaman... Here are some photos with his quotes. Let us check... LIM
Page7
Trenton Chandler comes from West Texas that has given birth to such musical legends as Buddy Holly, Waylon Jennings and Don Williams. He got his first guitar at the age of 7 after seeing an inspiring performance by the one and only Elvis Presley on television. It didn’t take long for him to string a few chords and melodies together, and since then there was no looking back. Trenton has been a songwriter and performer for most of his life performing on stages all across Texas. On August 12, 2012 he made the move to Nashville, TN to pursue songwriting on a professional level. Now, he writes with some of Nashville’s best and spends his nights on a Honky Tonk stage singing his songs and some of theirs now and then. Jay from Lazie Indie Magazine caught up with this fabulous Country musician to know more about his career so far and his future plans... LIM
Page15
Jay: Hi Trenton, welcome to Lazie Indie Magazine. Great to have you speaking to us. Let me start by asking you this. You have had a great career so far as a musician. When you look back how do you feel was your journey so far? Trenton: If I had to boil it down to just one word, I'd use FORTANATE to describe my journey thus far. I'd have started earlier if I could do it all over again because I didn't leave the corporate world and rely on music to pay the bills until I was 38. That's when I felt that if I was going to grind and hustle in life... I'd only be happy doing it with passion and music is and always has been that for me... my passion. Jay: Who/what were your musical influences and how did you arrive at this genre you play? Trenton: My first admiration was about age 6 when I saw Elvis performing on TV I knew right then that music was for me. While I grew up listening to Eddie Van Halen, ACDC, ZZ Top and bands like 38 Special - My Dad on the other hand was a pure classic country man and you never messed with his radio dial. Much of my country set list covers are from artists like Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Keith Whitley, George Strait but also, the old western classics of Tennessee Ernie Ford and Lefty Frizzell. Jay: How do you go about writing your songs? How do you record and produce your music? Trenton: Writing is the most enjoyable for me and I'm always filling notebooks, napkins and scribbling everywhere I go. I really find it fun to kick around ideas with other musicians too and see what comes naturally… Nashville was great for that... so many hungry super talented artists with overflowing creativity that collaborations seemed both therapeutic and fun. Singing and songwriting is my niche and I leave the mixing and producing to the pros. I've a home studio here in key West where I can lay tracks and vocals with the expertise of Terri Martin, but plan to return in the spring to Nashville where 10 Steps From Tootsies LIM
Page16
"Writing is the most enjoyable for me and I'm always filling notebooks, napkins and scribbling everywhere I go. I really find it fun to kick around ideas with other musicians too and see what comes naturally..Nashville was great for that".
was recorded, mixed and produced at for my next album @ Larry Beaird Music Group in Nashville Tennessee. Jay: What do you look to convey to your listeners when you create music, do you look to set a theme/lyrics first or do you let the song take over your lyrics? Trenton: I write to please myself really (lol) from how I’m feeling at the time and remember my own life experiences… and if sounds good, it's enjoyable, real and fun for me while capturing the story or event that got it started and then others resonate with something in that… well, that's when the magic truly happens... the connection to people through music. Its fantastically rewarding to have folks tip me and request my music knowing they're getting enjoyment too. I even keep a guitar on my boat to have at the ready when inspiration strikes in the middle of the ocean. LIM
Jay: Where do we find your music on the internet? Tell us more about your latest release... Trenton: My music is available for immediate download purchase on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and CDs ordered via my website. And during any LIVEstream Song requests can be made during my gigs from folks watching online for 10.00 each or 25.00 for 3 using my PayPal tipjar. All my LIVEstreams are sponsored by a virtual audience member for 25.00 where they receive a complimentary CD and 4 song requests for sponsoring and triggering the activation of me going live. I've got over two albums worth of songs ready to record and I'm really excited about America To Me - where I reference my own family members and their service to our country and most recently a song called Woman Letting Go... a song that still gets my gut when I sing it... about the Page17
heartache of how emotional it can be at the end of a relationship. Jay: What gives you the kick, writing, producing, or playing live and why? Trenton: I'll always be a writer and singer of songs and I learned fast exactly how to entertain all types of crowds in my over 7 yrs in Nashville. There’s nothing that compares to that live energy exchange between a performing musician and a live audience... it’s really incredible and always fills me. Jay: The lockdown brought the industry to a halt for some time but many in music used it for creating new music. How did you spend this lockdown with respect to your music? Trenton: The pandemic brought the world to a standstill and the shutdown began but, I feel grateful to have already been building a dedicated and loyal fan base of supporting listeners on Facebook that kept me going throughout until things began opening again. I went live everyday from home... often twice a day being sponsored and singing paid song requests for people all over the globe. I became a human jukebox and am so privileged to have found that kind of support online. Human Connection was LIM
especially important during the pandemic and social media was the convenient platform for that. When the islands opened back up, I sang behind plexiglass for months and continued to LIVEstream from my gigs having both a live and virtual crowd going simultaneously... which I continue to do now. Flexibility and pivoting during difficult times is a strength. Jay: What are your immediate future plans? Trenton: I’m still chasing my dreams in a roll with the flow grounding spirit of gratitude while working hard… Immediately, I plan to keep doing what I'm doing… always writing... singing when and wherever I can while appreciating the folks that support my dream of playing The Ryman Auditorium. I'm looking forward to participating in the next Singer Songwriter festival event here in Key West and in a perfect world... for the record… I would indeed accept a call from an interested Luke Combs about singing something I've written. He'd crush Woman Letting Go! Jay: What is the best advice given to you and what would you share with fellow young artists? Trenton: Be early ALWAYS... work hard and as often as possible AND use the very best equipment you can afford. - Thank you
Page18
Jasmine Thakral makes ‘dreamy sad girl Indie pop’ that can be a soundtrack for whenever you’re walking home late at night. She grew up in a little coastal town in East Sussex in England and was heavily influenced by trinity of songwriters – Taylor Swift, Lorde and Lana Del Rey. She also got her basics from the Hindi music her parents listened to. Student of English Literature she dramatically decided to pursue a music career. Jasmine has a strong grip over the lyrical side of her music and has come up with some really fresh and catchy tunes to present her thoughts to the listeners. Jay from Lazie Indie Magazine spoke to Jasmine Thakral to learn more about the musical journey of this young singer-songwriter who can become the next big star in the POP music world. Let us check out ... LIM
Page20
Jay: Hi Jasmine, you have a rising career as a musician so far. How do you feel was your journey so far as a musician? Jasmine: It's been scary but exciting at the same time. I've really enjoyed connecting with people who listen to my music and resonate with the topics I write about. I’ve had a lot of people message me mostly on Instagram about how they really relate to my songs. Jay: Who/what were your musical influences and how did you arrive at this genre you play? Jasmine: My musical influences are Taylor Swift, Joni Mitchell and Clairo. I think they write very poetic lyrics and are great storytellers. They’ve definitely shaped my own songwriting. I’m also really inspired by the Bollywood music I grew up listening to. I tend to write Indie Pop music because that’s what I like listening to. Jay: How do you go about writing your songs? How do you record and produce your music? Jasmine: I usually start writing songs on the piano or the guitar. I come up with the melody and lyrics at the same time. I love recording little song ideas on my voice memos app on my phone. Sometimes I watch a tv show or read a book and that results in me writing a song from the character’s perspective. I have a home studio where I write and record a lot of music. I work with producers in my local area. Jay: What do you look to convey to your listeners when you create music, do you look to set a theme first write lyrics and then the song or do you let the music take over your lyrics? Jasmine: The majority of the time, I don’t really set out a theme or have a plan of what the song’s about. I usually just let the lyrics flow and that reflects how I’m feeling at the time. But I want my listeners to feel a sense of belonging and comfort when they listen to my songs. Jay: Where do we find your music on the internet? Can you tell us a little bit about your new release? Jasmine: My new release Turning 23 as LIM
Page21
well as the rest of my music is available on all streaming platforms and YouTube under the name Jasmine Thakral. Turning 23 is about when you turn 23, graduate university and have no clue what you’re doing with your life. Jay: Do you perform live and what gives you the kick, writing, producing or playing live? Why? Jasmine: I love performing my music live. It’s a great way of connecting with people face to face. For me ultimately the most satisfying part of the process is the songwriting. It's a process I tend to do in my bedroom and I find it a lot of fun but also pretty cathartic. Jay: The lockdown brought the industry worldwide to a grinding halt for some time but many in music used it for creating new music. How did you spend this lockdown with respect to your music? Jasmine: I actually started my music career in lockdown. Lockdown was obviously a very tough time for everyone, but it gave me time to start releasing music and pursuing a career in the industry. It was strange to start a career without being able to perform live. However, it did give me more time to write songs and develop my craft. LIM
Jay: What are your immediate future plans? Do you plan to travel and perform in India anytime soon? Jasmine: I have another single called Dead Language which is being released on the 19th November. I also plan to release my first EP, beginning of next year. I would love to travel and perform in India if they'll have me! Most of my family are there so it would be great to be able to do a tour there one day in the future. Jay: What is the best advice given to you and what would you share with fellow young artists? Jasmine: If you pursuing a career in music and not just as a hobby, marketing your music is almost just as important as creating the music! If you're a young singer-songwriter I would also say that you should accept the fact that not everything you write will be great. Most of the stuff you write will probably never be released. But if you just keep going then every now and then you will write an amazing song that you're super proud of. - Thank you
Page22
Jorgs Corner: Artist: Emily Glazener. Welcome to "Jørg's Corner". This time I have a bit of an unusual interview. I would like to highlight Emily Glazener from Houston, Texas (USA) and ask a few questions about her and her upcoming album. Emily is one of my signed artists on my label "mx-pro records" and I produced the songs in my studio in Germany. So it's unusual :-).
LIM
Page24
Jorg: Emily, won't you tell our readers in a few words about you and about your music, please? Emily: I’m a 41 yr old widowed mother of 3 boys. I’ve been playing music since I was a kid with influences like Elton John, James Taylor, Roy Orbison and the Beatles just to name just a few. I am the lead singer of Houston based rock band Red Iris, and I play in cover tribute band The Joan Hearts as well as being a solo acoustic artist in the Houston and Galveston area. Jorg: You're a mom of three, you're the singer of a rock band, playing one solo acoustic gig after another and recorded a complete album (in the past few weeks). Is it a creative pressure, your love to the music or the messages you spread that gives you the power to get through that all? Emily: Ya know I think it’s a bit of all three, Jorg. I love to play live. Singing to an audience is where I feel most at home. LIM
I’ve been doing it since I was very young. And there is pressure to be out there. There are a lot of amazing artist pounding the payment with their guitars looking to make their break, and yeah that’s a lot of pressure, but honestly I love sharing my story with others through my music. I love the idea of people hearing my words through song and knowing they are not alone. We hear you and we are with you. There truly is so much good in this world. My journey in life is not the same as anyone elses, but we all have pain and joy. You can make it out on the other end smiling back at the world. Jorg: What is your inspiration for the lyrics? Emily: The songs ("Petal of a Rose", "Blue", and "In Time") were inspired by my life after the death of my husband who passed from lung cancer in 2014. Our youngest was 1, middle almost 5, my oldest 12, my stepsons 12 and 17. They all loved their dad and I truly I loved my Page25
husband. But Jorg, the world doesn’t stop turning when your heart is broken. You still get the kids ready for school, you still go to work. Life goes on, as much as you don’t want it to, the world still turns. “Spotlight” was inspired by the amazing women in my life who lift each other up. “I Lost Her” is about my beautiful friend Tracy who passed a few years after Christian. We were childhood friends and she meant so much to me, but when she passed I was numb. The tears didn’t come til years later. I have a piece of art she made for me and it is displayed in every home I’ve lived in. There is even a song about my childhood. “Mississippi Take Me Home”. Being from Mississippi there are moments and memories that are forever in my heart. And I’m proud of my roots and where they have led me. Songs like, ("Au revoir Mon Amour", "The Fire", "Bonnie to Clyde") are of a love that was never meant to be as I have maneuvered my way through life as a single mom. “Trouble” is a cheeky fictional take on mine and my husbands first date. And my Christmas song, “Merry Christmas, A Happy One Too”, and the first track of the album “Like a Circle”, were inspired by the Make Humanity Great Again Fund LIM
started by Eddie Izzard. Jorg: Your first released single was "Spotlight" (which gathers a lot of Spotify plays right after the release), the second song is "Happy Christmas, a happy one too" (released on Dec. 8th). Together with the songs on the forthcoming album "Finding Irene" your music has become very different to what you did with "Red Iris". How would you describe the style and how does that feel for you? Emily: Finding Irene is a mix of different genres like, Rock, Pop/Rock, Folk and Southern Rock with a touch of Country. Red Iris is a Rock band made up of four very different individuals, styles, and influences. And our main genre is Rock. I love the feeling of getting to tell my stories, feeling and melodies through song on this album. There are a few ballads and surprises of brass and strings sprinkled through the album and I love that. Jorg: For our readers: On the album you'll find 12 songs. Emily sent me 1x click track, 1x guitar basic track and 1x vocal track for most of the songs. So I had to record and produce everything around to present her voice in the best possible way. But I heard it was always a bit of an adventure to do the recording on your side? Emily: Oh yeah, some crazy moments here trying to record the vocals and scratch guitar for references. Even a few spooky moments. Like the mic falling out of nowhere and crashing on my desk. My friend/recording engineer Matt Garrie would come over and set up the recording equipment in my room and we’d get a good dry vocal, and then there would be people painting and pressure washing outside, or time would pass and I’d have to head out to pick my kids up from school, or we’d have a great take, go back and listen and there would be the faint sound of a lawnmower. We went through two mics, but we were able to get two to three songs down a week and it was a really cool experience. Jorg: Is there one or more favorite songs on the album and why? Page26
Emily: I absolutely love “Au revior Mon Amour” it’s cheeky and fantastic and I love the Parisian flare mies with Rock you’ve given it. “Like a Circle” is so positive and the chorus kicks in and just lifts you up. Love it. “In time”, I feel as though I’m sitting on a train gazing out of the window like memories when I hear it. That’s how I felt writing it so to hear it like that with the strings and beautiful solo. Brings tear to my eyes every time and it’s my song… lol. I love that one. I really love them all, and my favorite changes from day to day. Finding Irene is a beautiful album and I’m so grateful to you Jorg. Jorg: How do you see the nearer future do you plan to tour with the songs (with a band?). Will there be available physical copies of the Album and where can we order that? Emily: Yes I’m planning to tour. Whether it’s with a band or solo really depends on the state of the world. And I’m in the LIM
process of looking to have CDs and if I’m lucky Vinyl copies of my album and they will be for sale on my website emilyglazener.com. Again thank you so much, Jorg. Thank YOU so much, Emily. Let's hope "Finding Irene" will become a bestseller! • Web: emilyglazener.com • FB: @emily.glazener.5 • TW: @emily_glazener • Spotify @Emily Glazener Album Release (worldwide on all services) of "Emily Glazener - Finding Irene" is on the 23rd of December 2021.
Page27
Jorg says: "Emily sent me her tracks via Internet (Google Share, eMail etc). The vocals are processed with Limiter, Sibilance, Equalizer. Recorded with Shure SM 58 and MXL 770. To create the very unique sound: • All instruments, mix, master made in my studio at "mx-pro records" in Germany. For this I used my "Framus" Acoustic guitar (built in 1973!!!) equipped with LR Baggs system, "Vintage Organs" by Native Instruments, my Ibanez 7-String RGIT27FE using LePou Amps & FaIRmageddon Cab simulation, 6-string Bassguitar by Thomann with active electronic, Fender Strat and Epiphone SG using Laney Lionheart & JetCity Silent Cab, additional Vocals on "Mississippi take me home" are done with Shure SM7b. Drums programmed using the Superior Drummer 3 by Toontrack. Brass section by N.I. Session Horns, Strings by N.I. Session Strings II. Further another ton of hardware and software plugins".
LIM
Page28
Kerry and Donna Herrick are married, both literally and musically. Their partnership started all the way back in junior high school, a couple of kids growing up together in Spokane, Washington. Kerry came from a musical family and Donna a phenomenal singer. Their music and their band Herrick is the patchwork of their lives long-lived together sewn up in organic composition and exquisite harmonies. Donna and Kerry have been delivering hit after hits from the time they moved to Nashville and have been recipients of many awards ever since they launched music through their own independent label. The band earned high praise from some of the most coveted music critics including music historian Robert K. Oermann of Music Row Magazine and award-winning journalist Chuck Dauphin of Billboard Magazine, both citing Herrick as “the real deal.” LIM
Page30
"We never set out to produce a certain type of music. We just write and perform what we are feeling at the time."
Chuck Dauphin continued to say that “Herrick may very well contain the next great female voice of this generation in Donna Herrick.” Barbara Harkins and DJ Grant of Galaxy FM speaks to Donna Herrick. Barbara: Hi Donna, welcome to Lazie Indie Magazine, you have had a very exciting career in music so far as an artist and as a band, when you look back, how do you feel your journey was? Donna: "We feel our journey has just begun. We have been together since we were kids. Married at 16 and worked a 5000-acre ranch in the Pacific northwest while pursuing our music career. Building our music from the ground up. Our journey has never been an easy one. We have always been independent. This was out of necessity. We never wanted suits to dictate who and what we are. And we are so different from the mainstream, it was LIM
hard to get a major label to take a risk on us. They always want to play it safe. And boring! Thankfully, it has never been a better time to be an independent artist and musician. It has all turned in our favor." DJ Grant: Who/what were your musical influences and how did you arrive at this genre you play? Donna: Merle Haggard, Kris Kristofferson, Waylon and Willie, Emmylou Harris, Heart, Dolly, Ann Wilson (Heart), Ryan Adams, Dwight Yoakum, The Eagles, Led Zeppelin, The Band "We never set out to produce a certain type of music. We just write and perform what we are feeling at the time." DJ Grant: How do you go about writing your songs? How do you record and produce your music? Donna: "We have a cell phone or book with us at all times. Whenever an idea Page31
comes about (which is usually when we are driving or doing something totally unmusical) we write it down. We write together and apart. Whenever the inspiration hits we are ready to catch it. It’s all about inspiration for us. We don’t force a song." "The recording process we take very serious. After a song is written... or even half written, we lay it down on our phones. Just for reference. Then we go into the studio, lay guitar, bass and mandolin parts down. And build the production around that. There have also been times when we write the song on the fly in the studio as well. We don’t have any rules, but we have to love the song. Or it does not make the album." Barbara: What do you look to convey to your listeners when you create music, do you look to set a theme / lyrics first or do you let the song take over your lyrics? Donna: "It all starts with a great song idea. But without a great melody, no one will care about what you have to say." LIM
Barbara: Where do we find your music on the internet? Tell us more about your latest release... Donna: "Everything about us and more, you will find at HerrickLive.com. Sunderland Road is our latest album release. It's bitter sweet, as it was cowritten and co-produced by our dear friend, Ron "Snake" Reynolds. We lost him in October. It was the last project he worked on. The album is full of our life experiences as well as life lessons. We believe it's our greatest work to date." Barbara: What do you like the most, writing, producing or playing live and why? Donna: "All the above. It's the whole creative process. We have our hand in all of it. It's truly our heart and soul in everything we do. It's who we are. Taking an idea, giving it life and then sharing it with the world. It's what keeps us going." DJ Grant: The lockdown brought the industry to a halt for some time but many Page32
in music used it for creating new music. How did you spend this lockdown with respect to your music? Donna: "We call it the "great equalizer." It forced everyone in the industry to the same level. Only the ones with a true creative entrepreneur mind, made the best of it. We wrote and recorded "Sunderland Road" in 6 months... created a live Internet show and really got to know our fans. It was truly a positive experience." DJ Grant: What are your immediate future plans? Donna: "Right now we are looking for a new booking agent... touring the album, taking it to the world." Barbara: What is the best advice given to you and what would you share with fellow young artists? Donna: "We were told, "You have it! GO NOW. Move to Nashville. Because the industry will not come to you." and the second advice that has been proven the LIM
most valuable... "Guard your publishing with your life." "Our advice to anyone wanting to be an artist, would be... just because your mom and dad say you can sing... you may want to make sure you really have the talent. It will make your life much easier. However, if you have "it", never quit. Anything worth having in life is never easy. The only way you lose is if you quit." - Thank you
Page33
About the columnist (Around the Galaxy is a column contributed by Galaxy FM 107, New Zealand, introducing artists from New Zealand and Australia. Galaxy FM is one of the top radio stations in New Zealand and is quickly expanding its listener base across the world. The authors of the column, Barbara Harkins and DJ Grant are well known radio hosts at Galaxy FM hosting the popular Breakfast Show. LIM thanks team Galaxy for their support. Website- www.galaxyfm.co.nz)
LIM
Page34
During this interview, with Real Talk with KShip, I felt as if it was the makings of an incredible movie script for Hollywood, BUT in fact it is an incredible, true life story of a family man, a musician, with one incredible story of not giving up, finding a long lost sister after being separated from one another at a young age, and having a wife that continues to give him that extra push and support, needed to keep thriving, in an every changing music industry… Five time #1 Billboard Charting Artist, Indie Music Hall of Fame Inductee, Voting Grammy Member, Multiple Josie Music Awards winner, Songwriter, Composer Producer… and so many other musical talents… and someone you just want to say, “Hey, I know that guy!” … please keep reading… it will truly touch you! .. LIM
Page36
KShip: Kitt (Kitt Wakeley) Thank you for taking the time to chat with me, my goodness you have been a busy fellow! Kitt: Thank you! For taking the time to include me in Lazie Indie Magazine. And, yes, it’s been an extremely busy year. A complete a blur, but a fun ride. I’ll be going full tilt until December 12th, then I’m at home until late January for the Grammys. KShip: So let’s just dig in, I read that you got your start at 16, you were that Rock guy? What was that like for you at a young age then? Today, we know it’s so common for a 16-year-old to be doing this, but back then, I think it was a tad bit different? Kitt: Yes, Rock music was my first love. However, Pop music is what dominated things like proms and dances in my younger years. I had to adjust and include those songs, along with the occasional country tune. We had to learn a new batch of tunes each week to stay on par with the latest requests, so that sharpened my musical skillset. Although I loved Rock, other music influenced me to find a nice balance with my writing. That was the beauty of learning so many genres. I didn’t feel like I had to stick within a certain box. Find what sounds good, add the elements of Rock that I enjoy and hope for the best. All of this has been the influence of my music. KShip: Growing up in Oklahoma, was that really considered a place where Rock music was really popular, or was it totally saturated with Country music, since you had Reba, Vince Gill, Garth and Blake and many others from there. But seems like you already had it in your blood at a young age, and situations in life brought your love for Rock music to light. Who were some of your favorite musicians/ bands, then and what is on your playlist now? Also, so many people have different names for your style of music, Pop, Orchestral Rock, Hard Rock, the guitar riffs alone are amazing. Kitt: There’s no doubt that Country music is a dominant genre in Oklahoma, however, there were so many major label LIM
Page37
Rock and Pop bands that were putting on big shows and having big Billboard hits, there was definitely a place for me and my band. I would estimate there were only 1 out of 5 venues that were predominantly country. In fact, Oklahoma has one of the number one Rock music stations in the US, which has proven to be a great asset for me. At the time, even though Country music was very popular, it wasn’t known for the big spectacles that Rock bands did. I think Garth Brooks is the pioneer in taking Country Music Concerts to that level. He said that he and siblings wanted to bring the magic of Van Halen, Motley Crue, Kiss, Bon Jovi and Pink Floyd to country venues. KShip: I know that you are a very humble guy and I love the fact that your wife is
about my wife, family and the number seven. It’s so cliché for people to thank their spouse and family. We become callous when we hear artists, athletes, entertainers, and others acknowledge their family. I’m confident that most mean what they say. I’m equally as confident that there are some amazing spouses out there who are a big reason for someone’s success. However, comments and appreciation for my wife are heartfelt and I’m passionate about making people aware. I’m not sure how I could ever reciprocate her love and support. She knows that my life is 12–16-hour days. She’s sympathetic to life on the road. She understands my stress of whether a show is a sell out or not. She sees what goes into the coordination of 22 performers for
"The story of my sister is a long one, we were separated while we were in foster care. After years of looking for each other, we discovered we had been living within a mile of one another for over 15 years. We realized that because she was half black that the state decided to seek out black parents for her, while placing me with a white family".
the one who pushed you even more to follow your dreams and when I do read about you, you always acknowledge her, and it just shows family is everything to you. I love how you had a scripture reference of the number 7. You have 4 children together and have adopted 3? How ironic with the 7 connections, I simply call that “Gods Plan”. What does your wife think about all of your success? Kitt: First of all, thank you for the comment about being humble. I’m not sure how that has become the common thing that people point out, but I’ll embrace it. It’s one of the things my parents taught me and it’s the number one thing I try to instill into my kids. It all boils down to character. As a sidebar, one of the reasons I’ve always felt a connection with you is the values you’ve conveyed through your music, in person and social media. So, for you to see value in my life on that level, it’s a major compliment. But, back to the question LIM
each performance. And, she recognizes all the work and detail of the writing, scoring, recording, mastering, photoshoots, album covers, etc… It’s a lot for us Indie’s to manage. As a result, my wife gives me a ton of grace and consideration. She offers to help wherever she can, recognizing that my assistant can’t keep up with everything. But, more than anything she’s my biggest fan. She never complains or makes me feel guilty for my commitments. She’s an incredible mother and friend to so many. She’s faithful prayer warrior and makes God her priority. What more could a man ask for? Hence, the number seven. The number of perfection, according to the Bible. And yes, how prophetic that we adopted 3 children which resulted in a total of seven kids. We asked for one and got three. There’s magic in that circumstance and God’s will at the same time. KShip: Keeping with family, something Page38
very, very special happened to you months ago, that really changed your life even more so. Many people may not know it, but you have a sister that you were separated from as a young boy. Can you share a bit about this? Also, on your, “Symphony of Sinners and Saints” Album, the song “Hello Again” which I have told you on numerous occasions, is my favorite song, that ironically this particular track is about your sister?! Kitt: The story of my sister is a long one, but in short, we were separated while we were in foster care. After years of looking for each other, we discovered we had been living within a mile of one another for over 15 years. We realized that because she was half black that the state decided to seek out black parents for her, while placing me with a white family. At the time, we had no idea of the reasons. The concept of race was totally foreign to both of us. After we reunited, I wrote a tune that captured numerous elements of that LIM
story and her personality. It seemed obvious to call it “Hello Again”. In fact, I didn’t say anything about the premise of the song to my band, but my drummer and bass players spotted it immediately and commented. The fact that people like it so much is icing on the cake! So, thank you. We had incredible support for it during the Grammy campaign. I think everyone was surprised that it didn’t get the nomination. The pouring in of emails, texts, messages and phone calls was overwhelming, asking “What happened? Did they miscount the votes? Is this an error?” Unfortunately, sometimes it doesn’t go our way. It has some sting to it, especially when so many thought it was a shoe in for the nomination. This basically means we’ll try even harder next year. KShip: I want to rewind a bit here, so going into adulthood you had a pretty solid career in the medical industry, with a Master’s Degree, in Public Administration, when did you pick up Page 39
music again from your teen years? Or did it just marinate for a while and never really left you? And do you still work in the medical field. What restarted your fire to get back into music, I know your wife pushed you, but was there anything else, that you just knew you had to keep at this? Your composing is so very unique… unique enough that this year, on October 11th, you played to a SOLD OUT Carnegie Hall! (Carnegie Hall, was actually supposed to happen in March of 2020, due to COVID, it was postponed) What was that like for you? I saw on Social Media a picture of you standing outside of a giant Billboard by Carnegie Hall, I can only imagine how that felt, because I think your smile said it best! Kitt: When I was young, I was a single parent with two kids. Playing and touring wasn’t going to pay the bills and I needed to be home on a full-time basis as a father. As you know, parenting is a fulltime job and it takes money to feed and clothe them. So, I started a company in the medical field and I was extremely blessed to find success. In fact, at one point, I had to sell all my music equipment to make sure I could cover payroll. Therefore, music took a backseat LIM
for a while. When I met my wife, she encouraged me to start playing again. It started as a nice hobby, but somehow it continued to evolve to what it is today. I stepped away from my company a few years ago to become a full-time musician. I think my business savvy is what has helped my music. The dreams have continued to come true as the recording projects became more ambitious, and the performances became bigger. More lights, more effects, bigger productions and bigger audiences. I think the uniqueness of the music is what helps foster the success of the shows. The music, lights and video are a very cohesive element for entertainment. My goal is to appeal to as many senses as I can during a performance. Ultimately, it recently peaked as we sold out Carnegie Hall in October. Having sold out shows is always my goal, but other venues don’t have the same sizzle as Carnegie. Even when the venues are bigger. KShip: You have a group of people in the industry, that try and to come and support you, at all of your shows. But they are just more to you than people in the industry they are good friends of yours. Can you touch on that a bit? Kitt: One of the blessings of music is how it brings us all together. As musicians, we all share a passion for our art. It’s something that only we, as artists can truly understand. Therefore, the bond we establish is far more intimate than the typical workplace or other professional industries. Only artists can identify with the passion and vulnerability it takes to share our craft. Social media has proven to be a great forum for us to bond and share. However, the other element that brings this to life are the industry events like the Josie Awards. This is something that people like Josie and Tinamarie should tout with pride. They give us a chance to experience one another in person, to celebrate one another and share our craft in so many ways. I’ve made lifelong friends this way. I travel with them, celebrate holidays, attend their shows and comfort them when Page40
things go wrong. I’m blessed that people reciprocate. I think I can go to almost every major city and call someone for lunch, while I’m there. KShip: I want to close this out, about talking about the awards and a few other touch base items… Again, I know your humble, but for me being in the industry with you, I really admire you, and you have just kept pushing through and making some amazing things happen. If you don’t know it, you are inspiring the heck out of a lot of people, that have watched your story and I think this year it really just opened the eyes for many in the industry and just people that love music. In 2018, lets touch on, “Midnight in Macedonia”… do you feel this was “building the foundation” for Symphony
from this question. AWARDS: Affirmation of our work is always a huge euphoric moment. It’s the acknowledgment and honor that events, such as the Josies (JMAs) give us a chance to pause and appreciate our own work. It is a humbling experience when others validate our efforts. The success of those events lead to a greater level of confidence, opens the doors to more opportunities and help establish a resume/reputation in the industry. All the way to the point that you find yourself at the Grammy Museum in LA being inducted in the Indie Music Hall of Fame. MIDNIGHT IN MACEDONIA As for Midnight in Macedonia, I’ve recorded several albums over the years. I thought they were solid, but when I recorded the
"I started a company in the medical field and I was extremely blessed to find success. In fact, at one point, I had to sell all my music equipment to make sure I could cover payroll. Therefore, music took a backseat for a while".
of Sinners and Saints to showcase how much you have evolved? I saw “Conflicted” from your Album, “Symphony of Sinners and Saints”, that included, guitar legend, Joe Satriani, topped Billboards Hard Rock digital song sales?! And you have also been at #1 on Billboard twice, AND the album hit 11 different Billboard Charts, during its first week of release?! You were inducted into the Indie Music Hall of Fame in September and brought home some hardware from the Josie Music Awards in September as well, and I know there are some other awards you recently received. I have to ask the textbook answer… what are the emotions from all of this? Trying to continue to work around “we are still dealing with a pandemic” and find that balance? And just soaking all of this in, and on to your next masterpiece, which by the way, what is coming in 2022 for Kitt Wakeley? Kitt: Wow, there’s so much to unpack LIM
Midnight in Macedonia project, I knew that I had stepped into a different realm of recording, producing, composing and working with various professionals. Traveling to Europe working with one of the premiere orchestras and choirs in the world? Being treated as an equal? At the same time, it was a great forum for me to learn more about recording, composing and scoring. It’s hard to describe, but somehow it also gave me a sense of legitimacy in the industry. It opened doors that I could never have imagined. It actually made money! Something clicked that this was no longer a hobby. I had labels, agents and music supervisors calling me. I had to start navigating things from a business perspective and not just an artist’s perspective. I learned a lot about social media, publicists, scams, and the true nature of labels and agents. Not that it was a bad thing, but at that time, it wasn’t for me. Besides, nothing that I was being offered was going to set Page41
the world on fire. I’d like to point out, that any of us can do it and I see many of our peers making great music! I was just behind the curve at the time. At the same time, there’s no one steering us in the right direction to help us avoid pitfalls or to navigate from things that are a waste of time and money. LIFE AFTER MIDNIGHT IN MACEDONIA The Midnight in Macedonia project gave me the confidence to record at Abbey Road Studios with the Royal Philharmonic and other artists like Joe Satriani. It also gave me a huge advantage with promotion and so many of the things that it takes to get music out there for listener consumption. And more importantly, having people at this level treat me as if I belonged went a long way in my efforts to succeed. From musicians and major market media to other industry pros, I felt as though I was becoming legitimate. WHAT’S HAPPENING FOR 2022? More Legends on The New Album I’m ecstatic for what is next. I’ve been asked to start preparing music for the next album. I have major legends on guitar and other instruments who want to participate. This includes artists such as Joe Satriani, Nuno Bettencourt, Nita Strauss and a few other LIM
legends on guitar and other instruments. (I’ll disclose those once we have their tracks back from recording.) These artists asked to perform their versions of some of the tunes from Midnight in Macedonia and Sinners and Saints. New Originals, Classics, Peers’ Music and Covers on the New Album I have a few new originals, but this album will include a variety new approaches. For example, I will be taking famous classical tunes and turning them to Orchestral Rock. To clarify, they will have many of the same parts as the original, but will be inspirations, not the actual tunes. I’m hesitant because I don’t want to offend the traditionalist. I’m also going to attempt to orchestrate some of our peer’s songs. This is difficult as well because people may not like my interpretation. The problem is, most singer-songwriter music doesn’t work well with Orchestral instruments, therefore, it’s my job to take elements from their songs and turn them into as massive of a production as possible. If they don’t like it, I accept it and move on. I’m not offended at all because it’s their passion and music. The artist has the final say-so. - I’ve even taken a song to Abbey Road; recorded it with the Royal Philharmonic and had legends play on the song. The production of the song was loved by everyone who was involved with it. It was one of the stronger, more sonic songs for the album. Unfortunately, the artist simply didn’t agree and we cut it from the song list of the album. It sits on my hard drive! Finally, I’ve been asked to orchestrate 4-5 covers of famous songs. This will be a huge challenge because it has to be unique and be good enough to hold up on its own without sounding artificial or like “muzac” or bad elevator music. Part of the agreement for this portion of the project is that I get to make the final decision on whether include the songs on the album. My biggest fear is that I spend months on this part of the project, only to scrap it all in the end. KShip: Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule, to chat with me! We are all looking forward to Page42
your continued journey with music and we can’t wait to see what is coming next! Kitt: NO! Thank you for the forum to discuss all these topics and taking the time to share my comments with your readers. I never take these opportunities for granted. I’ll embrace these moments as much as I can. About the Columnist 'Real talk with KShip' is a column presented by Kathryn Washington Shipley who is an Award-Winning Modern Country/Christian SingerSongwriter who is recognized as One of the fastest-growing Indie Artists over the last few years. She interviews top Indie artists and present them to Lazie Indie Readers through this column.
LIM
Page43
Lorenzo Gabanizza has been a member of groups, Mantras, The Slightly Mad & Christie Again. Gabanizza's self-penned album, Celtic Bridge (Italian way ic), entered the American download charts top 100 and that gained him a place on the list of best Celtic performers in Italy. He performed at the worldwide event Celtica among others such as Vincenzo Zitello, Katia Zunino, and Celkilt. In 2018, he released his single "Demons". Though he suffered a terrible traffic accident he got back to work in 2019 and released another singles "I am wrong", "Straight to the heart". His latest release You are not there was very well received by his fans all across the world. His songs have been hits and they have entered charts all across the music world including MTV Charts, European Indie Charts, Italian Indie Charts, European Country Charts and more... Lazie Indie Magazine spoke to Lorenzo...
LIM
Page45
LIM: You have had a rising career in music so far creating a substantial fan base worldwide with our music. When you look back, how do you feel was your journey so far? Lorenzo: Sometimes weird, sometimes amazing, sometimes awful… All in all, a hell of a ride. LIM: Who/what were your musical influences and how did you arrive at this genre you play? Lorenzo: Because of my parents, who were vinyl collectors and because of my character opened to experiments, I’ve got a lot of influences. I see art as a freedom field, therefore there are no imposed directions or boundaries. Boundaries, walls, barbed wires… that’s all human while art is divine instead, so music is divine too. That’s why I may say that I was influenced by all the music who filled my home. Of course, I had my personal preferences, so, most of all the rest, in the early years was Country Rock and Country music. And the so called, “British invasion”. We had something like thousand vinyls, and each one of us (we were 3 brothers) had his own collection. Christie, Bob Dylan, Donovan, Joan Baez, Southern Comfort, Lally Stott, John Carter, Elvis Presley, Bread, Kate Bush, Olivia Newton John, Neil Diamond, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Sibelius, Glinka, Barry Ryan, Kincade, etc… So, when you ask me how I arrive to this genre I play today, it’s a non-sense question to me, because I don’t play a specific genre. Everything is open, everything is inspired. What I want, is to be true, to give something TRUE to the public, not a product. Listen at my song “I am wrong” and at “It’s been” and you’ll understand what I’m saying. LIM: How do you go about selecting your songs? Do you remember the comic books? Lorenzo: When someone had an idea, a light bulb appeared on his head: That’s me. I could tell that I am an armed gun with no safety. Each moment could be the one that I start composing, writing, indeed, no matter where I am or what I LIM
Page46
am doing, when the inspiration comes, I write down what I feel wherever I can. My pockets are always full of hasty notes on scrap of papers… So, ultimately, there’s not quite a choice in my point of view, because it’s music who chooses me, not me to choose music. LIM: How do you record and produce your music? Do you have any special gear/recording system which you feel is important to bring out the kind of voice you want? If so, why? Lorenzo: The only thing that I ask, is that the engineer may be competent and a Neumann microphone. I tried lot of microphones, but Neumann is the only one which may capture each nuance of my voice. About the engineer, it doesn’t matter which gear or system he uses if he is talented. I don’t see engineers and musicians much differently, so, as the skilled guitarist could produce a lovely sound from a 2 strings guitar, same does the engineer with an old windows 98 pc. The important thing, is that the engineer does what I ask, because this is what a true pro does: Giving voice to the silent sounds in my head. Unfortunately, it happens more often than you think to meet guys who want to teach you how to LIM
work or that want to “Produce” your music, even if you are Bob Dylan. The magic starts (and I would say “Success” too) when all the parts in the act play their own role. LIM: Where do we find your music on the internet? Lorenzo: Everywhere. All the most famous platforms as Spotify, iTunes, Amazon etc. LIM: What gives you the kick, writing, producing or playing live and why? Lorenzo: Each one of the above. But the most exciting part of this business, is in my view when the ideas get a sound. Try to imagine: After all, it is like the visions of silent, pure, mute souls, who becomes human when they unite to a living blood, flesh and bones body. This is the music process. LIM: Tell us about the success of your single "You're Not There": Lorenzo: Well, it’s having an outstanding success, and this is surely happening because, as I said before, no matter the identity and the amazing careers of the players and engineers, each one kept his role without trying to show off. Today, I look at the song and I say, WOW, amazing. Number 1 in South Africa iTunes Country Charts, Number 4 in the European Indie Charts, Number 11 in the World Indie Charts, winner at the 4th Golden Wheat Awards plus many other mentions in other festivals…Yeah, it’s amazing, and these results are still increasing… but the greatest success and the one I will always remember is that “brotherhood” among us musicians, the harmony displayed in the making of the song. That was great beyond words. Jeff Christie has been awesome, as all the involved people were. And I can’t wait to do it again. LIM: How are you coping with the new realities post the Covid scare especially when the live music scene is hit hard? Lorenzo: Well, we just have to grin and bear it. That’s it. Everyone is trying to survive. Surely it was very hard for us, the artists, to survive all the restrictions. Maybe harder for us than any other Page47
categories as we don’t have layoff or any other kind of help from the government: If we don’t play, we don’t earn our pay. Plain and simple. So, I used this time to write and recording, producing demos, developing ideas etc. LIM: What are your immediate future plans, say, for 2022? Lorenzo: Surely a following up single and there is another important collaboration on the road. But I prefer to talk about it when it will be the time. LIM: Being a very successful musician yourself what would you tell an upcoming musician to keep in mind when a) he/she is struggling to get recognized and b) once he/she has just made a mark in the scene and needs to sustain here? Lorenzo: To be completely honest with him/herself. In this business there must be a great deal of honesty in the start. Is it this your path? Are you dying if you don’t do it? Are you bearing a message, something useful for the world or are you simply trying to end up on a printed Vip magazine? If that’s your goal, stop doing what you’re doing. But if you are sure, if you feel music is your oxygen, your reason for living, don’t ever give up, push and try because no matter what, you are LIM
doing what you were supposed to do from your birth. You will get slammed doors but once, that door will open and you will be on your own Camelot. B) Never think to be arrived. You’re not. We, the musicians, are not supposed to arrive anywhere, we are there to “Search”. Searching for the perfect song is our goal. We are extracting parts of eternity, so you may appreciate that eternity doesn’t end. The worst mistake would be to think that that portion of eternity is the eternity itself: Everything is on the move, life, music, universe; We are on the move ourselves and so is the reality we know. Therefore, when you’re there, up there, just keep trying to be honest with yourself and with the public, never forget that you climbed up on the stairs made by the ones who listened and appreciated your music. Keep searching for the perfect song, because nothing matters but the search – and that is worth it, may you be up on the charts or down on the normal life mud. Thank you for your time and it was great speaking to you. - Thank you
Page48
Marlon Hoffman is a multi-faceted, Southern California-based, singer/songwriter keeping the music alive with his friends and his guitar. His never-ending musical path has taken him all over this world: In Recovery, the Arts and live performances of all kinds, just about everywhere. Why did he name his group the Marlon Hoffman Band? "I’d been in bands since I was 12," Hoffman told Hipland.com in a recent interview. "I put my name out front because I was tired of bands breaking up. I knew if I had it this way, it would keep a-goin’, as long as I kept a-goin’. And it's all still a-goin’, strong and furious!” The Marlon Hoffman Band has magic and the players are pros. Jody Daley (bass) and John Poli (drums) have extensive touring history, as does Martin Flores (percussion) who is a Music Producer as well. John Harjo on keyboards is a well-traveled veteran of Los Angeles musical history. Background singers Kimzey McGrath, Jessica Garcia and Angel Levine also have
LIM
Page50
their own gigs and branch out all year long. This lineup kicks butt and take no prisoners! LIM: When did you first realize you wanted to form a band, and then, what happened? Marlon: At 10 years of age, I was a drummer. I had seen an older kid play on his red sparkle set and my father brought home a blue sparkle set. My neighbor Graham was banjo player who liked Pete Seeger and Bob Dylan and I was already a fan of the Beach Boys, The Beatles and Four Seasons. Then more musicians appeared and I was playing Wipeout and Twist & Shout at parties. I was always in a band throughout school and always getting better gigs and playing with better musicians. It’s still happening, better gigs and better musicians. There are so many different music genres, and you've crossed over into a few of these. LIM: Can you give us a chronological order of the music you've played and recorded during your career? Marlon: I started out as a drummer in the orchestra playing classical pieces and military songs. Then in my first band, we played The Ventures, The Beatles, The Music Machine, The Yardbirds, The Beach Boys, The Who and Tommy James and the Shondells. In my next incarnation the Band progressed to Traditional Blues Standards and The Grateful Dead as well as the Byrds and Dylan. Moving on to the 80s I was the front man for a powerful group known as The Clones. When we started it was all cover, The Cars, The Ramones, The B-52s etc. Then it became all original and today I still play a pirate song we wrote, called “Seahawk” that will be on my upcoming third album. We recorded Seahawk, then, and number of other tunes at Rivertown Recording in St. Louis and produced a floppy disc EP down at Evertone Studios in Florida. I recently received a publishing deal form Red Queen Music as a result of that ‘floppy”. After that I recorded where-ever I roamed, mostly Florida and New York City. Matt Stein of Blondie and many LIM
Page51
others, recorded my solo songs that I still now play in my band. The recordings keep getting better and I keep on playing them all, 4 years ago I recorded two albums at the Village Recorder, Le Happy and La Paix, Marlon Hoffman Band Volumes 1 & 2. Today I’m producing my third album at my home studio in Calabasas. Davey Johnstone of Elton Johns band just recorded an album here and is working here on the soundtrack for his documentary of his life. Bernard Fowler of The Rolling Stones visits here and has committed to producing the vocal parts for my next album. I’m in great hands. You can catch a lot of these tunes on the Marlon Hoffman Band Music Channel on YouTube or iTunes and Spotify, LIM: Who do you count as some of your most important influences, musically, that you'd say are responsible for the music you create today? Marlon: Bob Dylan, The Byrds, LIM
The Beatles, The Who, Bo Diddley, Buddy Holly, Hank Williams, Otis Redding, Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, The Kingston Trio, Kinky Friedman, The Yardbirds, Led Zeppelin, Tom Petty, Fats Domino, Chubby Checkers, Elvis Presley, Pavement, Love, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, John Prine, Sandy Denny, The Talking Heads, Gram Parsons and everybody I missed. LIM: As an LA-based musician, how is the overall landscape for today's working musician in SoCal, regarding gigging? Marlon: I’m creative and open to opportunity. I’ve played the little clubs and bigs clubs and a couple of festivals as well as living rooms and backyards. Do your art and the gigs will follow. I love LA and I love the people here who play music and love music. I believe you make your own life and that includes gigs. When I was a kid, it was Veteran halls and Country clubs. Then it was Blues bars and Rock clubs. Now I’m looking toward Page52
festivals and auditoriums and any exciting venue that will have me. It all happens in the little moments between where you are going. I met my current guitar partner in the parking lot at Albertsons. He is John O’Kennedy and he has upped my game. Talk about the musicians that comprise the Marlon Hoffman Band, their musical/touring backgrounds, etc.? John O’Kennedy: A professional musician since 18, playing bar bands to writing music for Disney film, Warner Brothers, Lionsgate and Universal Studios. He worked for Roger Corman and other feature films. John arranged for and accompanied Lori Lieberman, John Andrew Parks, Lynn Langham, Cameron Daddo, RJ Chesney and 100s of other singer-songwriters. He has a robust schedule of teaching journeymen, laymen, stars and their children. John play guitars with me in this band. His contributions have upped my game and brought the music to a whole new level. John jammed with Elvis Costello and gave a lesson to John Fogarty. With our new arrangements there is only joy on this horizon. Jody Daley-Lovett on bass was lucky enough to be born to be musically inclined pa in LIM
Townsville, Australia. He was taught to play music and visualize the possibilities at an early age and he found himself able to play anything from a mean and fast front bass line to a sweet and sultry undertone. He’s worked with several different bands along the way, including Cool, Calm Collective and Strange Karma. He enjoyed success in Australia, and touring in America, which led him to move to Los Angeles to explore what the world might have to offer him. Jody has been with Marlon for 10 years and also now handcrafts custom guitars found on his website, https://jmlovettguitars.com. Martin Flores has appeared on numerous Grammy Award-winning albums and has recorded and/or performed with such legends as Alejandro Fernandez, Marco Antonio Solis, and Paulina Rubio. He has been the drummer for Joan Sebastian and has been heard on hundreds of movies and commercials. Martin is the captain of his ship and he will take you on a cruise. Jessica Garcia is forming a musical family and she sings solo and backup in a number of wonderful projects. The joy and enthusiasm she brings to the songs is contagious. John Harjo, piano, organ and synth artist brings magic every time. A veteran of many bands including a Doors Tribute Show, John provides just the right vibe. Also… I’d like to add he is my Speed Pacer. Jon Poli, drummer extraordinaire, extensive touring with Naked Eyes and Marlon Hoffman Band, a teacher and highly sought after session musician. When Jon plays people wake up and dance. Kimzey McGrath, a soloist and singer in her own right, she works many circuits in LA and has a song out “The Sky” w/Dan Amrich. Kimzey has stage presents that brings the energy and music to great heights. Angel Levine: Currently can be seen performing as a lead singer with several Top 40-Bands along the west coast. She has performed at the Walt Disney Concert Hall and works as a studio session singer So you've also got a recording studio (lucky guy!). What's going on there these days, care to share: Yes I do, I have my own studio. Page53
Myself and engineer/musician, Major Wynn have put together a room that has all the Mojo, Juju and Love that a recording studio should have. So much so that Davey Johnstone from Elton John’s Band has just released his first Studio album since 1993. Davey can record anywhere in the world but he landed here. The album is incredible. It’s called. “Deeper Than My Roots”. Being released now on Cherry Red Records. Davey will be a guest artist on my new record that we have just begun. It’s private special place for family and friends. LIM: Best and worst live shows you've ever performed and why? Marlon: Honestly, I love playing so much they are all best with their joys and challenges. I love telling my stories and I love playing music. Recently we played an outdoor festival in Oxnard California during Covid for the Canyon Club. We played to folks in their lawn chairs next to their parked cars. Folks were dancing next to their cars 100 rows back. Big stage, full on Rock and Roll assault and we delivered. It was a blast. Never worst, but once the drummer, at the time, at a little club in LA called Trip, didn’t show. So I had to stamp out the concert with my boot. That was a challenge, but my brothers in the band agreed, we’d pulled it off. Most smart bands and solo artists have some form of a 5-year plan, may we ask yours? I’m not so smart, but I do dream and visualize and affirm. So my 5-year plan is keep-a-goin’ like we’re goin’ making great music and performing in better and better venues around the world. Get this work up on the radio and have fun doing it with savvy friends and industry players. LIM: Best Social Media links for keeping up with your latest band news, etc.? Marlon: WWW.MARLONHOFFMAN.COM https://youtube.com/channel/ UCROcjroPOywxLgPf9WWOecQ and for all others, iTunes, Spotify etc. its Marlon Hoffman Band For Booking and Info tele: 818-618-0248 email: mehprods@gmail.com LIM
Page54
Mimifé is a multi-talented artist hailing from France, originally from the West Indies, Mimife has carved a very successful career as a singer songwriter, actress, dancer and more... as a musician, she has shared the stage with top stars like Tony Lindsay (singer for Carlos Santana), Myron Dove, Walfredo Reyes Jr (drummer/ percussionist for Chicago and Carlos Santana…) and Dennis Chambers (drummer, George Clinton, George Duke…). She has performed in musical comedies and has acted in French movies. Well as a dancer you can see her in Prince's video “You've got the look". Mimifé released her album SOUL FOOD FOR THOUGHT in September 2021 which was very well received by listeners across the world. Emma Goldberg in her column Just Like Emma interviewed this fabulous multi-talented artist on behalf of Lazie Indie Magazine to know more about her musical journey so far and about her plans for future... let us read.
LIM
Page54
Emma: Hi Mimifé, you have a very exciting career as a musician and IN a band. How do you feel ABOUT your journey so far? Mimifé: First and foremost I feel more than anything very grateful I get to talk about my journey and my project. So, thank you for your invitation. I had a lot of opportunities as a singer, singing with amazing artists around the world, Prince, Johnny Hallyday Manu Dibango and for interpreting some of Disney's CLASSICS! I’ve learnt so much in the service of others. All those experiences helped me gain the confidence to write my own album « Soul Food For Thought » released on September 24th. I’m an independent artist, it’s a lot of work an album, but it gives your faith and determination more amplitude. This album is my resilience. Emma: Who/what were your musical influences and how did you GET TO this genre you play? Mimifé: I was born in Paris but am originally from Martinique French West Indies. During my childhood I listened to Carl Bean music, French artists, but I must admit that discovering Soul Music and Jazz was a big step for me. I’m inspired by a lot of music but my favorite style is the music that touches my soul. Emma: How do you go about writing your songs? How do you record and produce your music? Mimifé: I do not claim to be a song writer. I feel more of an instrument that inspires a force beyond me. Spirituality and inspiration come from the same source according to me. I talk about real life and experiences that touch me, not a fantasy or a sweetened vision of life. I record at home in my « Soul Food Kitchen » I am surrounded by musicians, an author, producers, a Dj, that I named my « Cookers » most of them are friends. Emma: What do you look to convey to your listeners when you create music? Do you look to set a theme first or do you let the song take over your lyrics? Mimifé: It depends... but most of time I start with the melody and the bass. I sit at LIM
Page57
my piano and let myself be guided, go with the flow... Emma: Where can we find your music on the net? Which is your latest release? Mimifé: You can find my new album « Soul Food For Thought » on all platforms and YouTube. You can also visit my website mimifemusic.com to connect with me and my musical environment. Emma: What gives you the kick, writing, producing or playing live and why? Mimifé: Life! Love and Faith! Singing is my heart, my life. To wake up and sing. Emma: The lockdown brought the industry to a halt for some time but many in music used it for creating new music. How did you spend this lockdown with respect to your music? Mimifé: I believe limitation brings creativity. As a Buddhist, I try as much as possible to transcend and transform difficult situations. This terrible Health context is dramatic for everyone and especially for music and artists. I spent LIM
this time at home to create and to transform hardship into something positive. But not during the first lockdown! At the time I just cooked at home!! Lol. Emma: What are your immediate future plans? Mimifé: Performing on stage with my team. We are rehearsing at the moment for that. The goal is to meet my audience and share my music LIVE. Emma: What is the best advice given to you and what would you share with fellow young artists? Mimifé: My song « That’s by you » on my album speaks about something really essential for me. About my philosophy and lifestyle. Everyone should write their own story and not listen to any prejudice. Follow your dreams no matter what. I love this Picasso quote: « Anything you can imagine is real » So dream on! Big Luv. Mimifé. Page58
About the Columnist Emma Goldberg is French Pop Singer, Composer, Video Producer, Author writing in Italian, Spanish, English, French. She also is a radio host in Radio 242 UK introducing independent musicians to audiences across UK, France and the nearby countries. Emma has her own radio show called Just like Emma which is maintained here for the column she contributes to Lazie Indie Magazine.
LIM
Page60
Tomiko Dixon Grand Blues Review presents Scott Kempler the founder of the Blues Music Merchandising Company Wang Dang Doodle Tees. Wang Dang Doodle Tees has been a source of support for Blues Artists to release their merchandises and take their brand to heights. Lazie Indie Magazine also releases our merchandises through Wang Dang Doodle Tees. Tomiko interviews Scott to know more about why he started this business, how to get your merchandises released through his company and his plans for the immediate future... let us learn more about this avid supporter of Blues Musicians...
LIM
Page62
Tomiko: Who inspired your most recent project and/or music? Scott: I have loved the Blues since I was a child and after I was laid off from a Creative Director position in December of 2019 I decided to start an online t-shirt business featuring original designs I would create that were music and Blues themed. I figured it would be a fun hobby that could lead to something bigger. A passion project. Not long after I launched the website (in February of 2020) I decided to design a shirt for a dear friend and popular Chicago musician, Charlie Love. I thought I could sell it for him on my website and send him the profit, as a goodwill gesture. Well he was able to sell several shirts over the next few weeks and even though it was never more than gas or grocery money, it seemed to have a big impact on him and his spirit. In March of 2020 everything shut down due to Covid and I realized that I could do the same thing I did for Charlie for any musician IM
that needed help, especially when all the venues and bars were closed. So I put the word out via Facebook that I would volunteer my services to musicians in any genre that needed help. That’s how Wang Dang Doodle Tees began. ? Tomiko: Who would you most like to collaborate with and why? Scott: I don’t have any real targets as far as people I’d like to work with, I’m open to helping anyone that needs it. Of course, if Buddy Guy, Shemeka Copeland, Charlie Musselwhite, Kingfish Ingram or any big name called I’d be thrilled to work with them (hint hint). I’d like to get involved in the Big Blues Bender in Las Vegas somehow since so many of the musicians on my website perform there. It seems like there are other opportunities to partner with venues or record labels and other related businesses. I’d like to expand more into different genres to grow the business. I’d like to develop an international network of venues that post Page63
my signage and sell my merchandise for a percentage of the sales. I’d like to start a festival or at least sponsor events that the artists on my website perform in. I’d like to start a YouTube channel supporting the artists on the website. I need to sell more non-band merchandise, so I can afford to keep doing this at little or no upfront cost to the musicians. There’s no reason why my website can’t become the worldwide supplier for band merchandise and bad-ass branding. I have a lot of dreams. I’m just getting started.? Tomiko: What is one message you would like to give other artists that are inspired to get into the entertainment industry? Scott: If it’s your passion then you have to keep at it. ? Tomiko: Which entertainer do you admire the most and why? Scott: So many it’s hard to pick one. As a harmonica player and Blues fan I admire Billy Branch because of his incredible talent and his work as an educator and ambassador. ? Tomiko: What is the best advice been given to you? Scott: Treat people the way you want them to treat you. Still the best advice I ever got… From my mom :). More related LIM
to my business, I would say that you shouldn’t take your branding lightly because it says a lot about your band and can directly improve your odds of landing gigs and enhance your money making opportunities. Make people want to hear your music even if they never have before… if you just have pictures of yourselves looking angry in front of a brick wall then who’s gonna look at that and think “I gotta see those guys”. Make your branding match the energy and personality of the band. ? Tomiko: What's next for you? Do you have any upcoming gigs or events? Scott: I am in the process of enhancing the website to make it easier to shop and improve the SEO. I have spent so much time designing over the past year and a half that I have not spent enough time selling everything, so I am planning some significant advertising and promotional campaigns heading into the holidays, as well. ? Tomiko: How would you best describe your current music or project? Scott: Wang Dang Doodle Tees is a passion project that has taken over my life. I feel like I have found a home in the music community and in fact I refer to all the nearly 100 musicians on my website (so far) as my family. I see a need for a service like I am providing so I need to continue to streamline my processes and significantly expand my group of users. I’m continuing to listen and learn and observe, and try to turn this passion project into a sustainable and growing business.? Tomiko: On a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being the highest): What rating would you give yourself as an artist or on your most recent music or project? Scott: I guess I would say I’m around a 3.5 in this venture. In many ways I have acted out of kindness first and rational thought second, so I have spent 90% of my time on things that generate little or no revenue for me personally. And there are many musicians on the website that have yet to sell a single thing. I have tried my best to do something positive for Page64
musicians when they needed it, and I have seen how the shirts have touched people. Dozens of people wearing one of my shirts at a memorial for a friend, a beaming father wearing the shirt of his daughter’s band, a Blues legend wearing his shirt in a stream every Saturday, the friendships that have come from it. These are the things that have made it feel like a success to me. Let’s let the good tees roll! About the Columnist This column is contributed by Tomiko Dixon who is the granddaughter of the Great Willie Dixon and also the youngest inductee to the Blues Hall of Fame and an Ambassador of Blues. Lazie Indie Magazine is glad and honored to join her cause to keep the spirit of Blues alive.
LIM
Page65
Vaga Vybz started playing music at the tender age of 11, playing in a school brass band and at 13 he joined a music troupe called 3M Troupe. He started singing in the church choir and then went to record own music at the age of 18 in 2004 as a hobby and 6 years later it turned it into a career. It’s been 11 years since he is doing music as a career. As a Rastaman, his music stands for teaching, healing, love, unity, peace, oneness, awakening and positive vibes mostly in the Reggae and Dancehall genres. In 2017 Vaga Vybz released his first album entitled Hakuna Matata (no worries). In 2019 his second album entitled African Town was released and now he is getting ready to release his 3rd album entitled Redefinition in February 2022. Jay from LIM spoke to Vaga Vybz. Thanks to DJ Grant and Barbara of Galaxy FM NZL for introducing Vaga Vybz to LIM. LIM
Page67
Jay: Hi Vaga, you have a very exciting career as a musician and as a band. How do you feel was your journey so far as a musician? Vaga (Vybz): As a musician, my journey has been one of learning and teaching. For most lessons I learn, I share them in my music. Jay: Who/what were your musical influences and how did you arrive at this genre you play? Vaga: Being Rasta I found these genres closer to my way of life (Reggae & Dancehall). For Reggae, listening to Bob Marley, Inner Circle, UB40 just to mention a few as for the Dancehall its Buju Banton, Supercat, Gentleman and many more. Jay: How do you go about writing your songs? How do you record and produce your music? Vaga: Some composition come as a vibe while others are intended to put a certain message across. As for production I share a lyrical idea with the producer and he comes up with the music or he shares the music and I come up with lyrics. Jay: What do you look to convey to your listeners when you create music, do you look to set lyrics first or do you let the song take over your lyrics? Vaga: For me the lyrics and music are equally important. None should take over the other but rather sync together to bring out one beautiful song. Jay: Where do we find your music on the internet? Which is your latest release? Vaga: My music can be found on all online stores like YouTube, Spotify, iTunes, Google play, Deezer, Boomplay among others. My latest release is One of a kind off the African Town album. Jay: What gives you the kick, writing, producing or playing live and why? Vaga: Life gives me the kick to make music through the everyday experiences and lessons. Being Rastafari, music then gives me chance to spread positive vibes as an awakening mission for mankind. Jay: The lockdown brought the industry to a halt for some time, but many in music used it for creating new music. LIM
Page68
How did you spend this lockdown with respect to your music? Vaga: It was a testing time but am grateful I managed to record 2 albums during the lockdown. Will be releasing one them soon as my 3rd album soon. Jay: What are your immediate future plans? Vaga: My third album being on the way, am looking forward to touring and sharing these beautiful vibes on the Redefinition album on different continents. Jay: What is the best advice given to you and what would you share with fellow young artists? Vaga: Change is the only constant element in life. To my fellow artists, always remember you're unique and talented. No one can do what you do like you do it. Use your talent positively. - Thank you
LIM
Page69
New Release Alert: Artist: L&M Project Band: Release date: January 15, 2022. The L&M Project Band is set to release their latest album, (The Adventures of Badass-Jane) this coming January 15th, 2022. It is a story about a young girls life, growing up, love, marriage and finally death. Be careful what you wish for, it may come true and you may not want it. Check L&M Project Band at: https://www.facebook.com/comintotakemehome
LIM
Page70
New Release Alert: Artist: Lazie J - Santhosh Chandran Project - Feat. Sherise D' Sousa Release date: 31st December 2021 Song: Once Upon A River Bank Veteran Rockers from India - Lazie J and Guitar Maestro Santhosh Chandran comes together to create magic with music. The first of their combined effort is a lighthearted yet meaningful song called "Once Upon A River Bank". The song will have the upcoming Pop sensation from India Sherise D' Sousa lending a few words in Spanish to add the spirit and festivity to the peppy & energetic song. The song will be premiered in leading radios from the New Years 2022 eve onwards.
LIM
Page74