Content
Editor's Corner
Featured Artists Massa L'tittude Kris Ofwood Lara Lark Terry VunCannon John Michaelz Sammy Webber Wild Ride Ann Aria article on Canadian Summer Songs IIMF - Trivandrum a concept note
LIM Merchandise
On Cover Hannyta
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Editors Corner Information The magazine is published by Lazie J Print Edition 27 The month of publishing July - 2022 Editorial Team Editor: Jay Pillai Coordination and promotion: Manoj Verified by: Inge Zimmermann Probst Columns: Galaxy FM, Ann Aria Emma Goldberg Santhosh Chandran Cover Photo: Hannyta Cover Photo Courtesy: Jerry Housen
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Here we go!!! We are in for some exciting times. There is a lot we are planning to offer our fellow independent musicians. What started as a humble friendly effort to highlight indie friends is gaining momentum and it can very soon become something of great value to independent musicians worldwide. Success leads to the next actions and Lazie Indie Magazine story is not different and when we looked ahead we realized that to enhance our capabilities we need to bring in a few good hands to support and drive this initiative. Now we have brought in a couple of new industry experts to chart out our next steps, we are sure that they will add value to whatever we are doing. Lazie Indie is planning an annual festival for independent musicians collaborating with likeminded and capable organizations. This is an idea many would have thought but really would not have work hard enough to achieve. Lazie Indie is joining with Kerala Arts and Craft Village Trivandrum to create an annual indie music festival. We are glad that this is gaining a lot of momentum and our aim will be achieved soon. There are many more things in pipeline and we look forward to rolling it out to each of you soon. Coming back to current edition we have a great line up with the beautiful and capable upcoming star Hannyta on cover and we know all of you will enjoy the read. We also have quite a lot of experiences and highly talented artists interviewed this time also covering artists from Asia to Europe to Africa. Hope you will all enjoy reading the Magazine and also check out the IIMF Feature that will explain the idea behind the International Independent Music Festival - Trivandrum. Thank you - Jay Pillai
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Hannyta, a young talented singer and songwriter based in the UK is making waves across the music world with her refreshingly fresh music and her very unique and captivating voice. Michael Stover from MTS Management services introduced Hannyta to Lazie Indie Magazine team and we immediately fell in love with her music. At LIM we feel that she can become the next super star in music worldwide like her idols Avicii, Adele, Sia & Mike Oldfield. Hannyta studies singing, dancing, playing the piano and loves experimenting with all aspects of music production. Quite recently she has attended an audition with a popular music producer who helped her form Hannyta Music Ltd in London. She has also signed up with a music publishing company in Brooklyn, New York. Her original debut single, Wildflower, has reached #5 on the iTunes Pop Songs Chart in South Africa! Jay from Lazie Indie Magazine talks to Hannyta...
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Jay: Hi Hannyta, welcome to Lazie Indie Magazine. You have had a very exciting career in music so far, how do you see it yourself? Hannyta: Yes, it has been so exciting! I am so happy that people love my songs but I am actually surprised at my success so far. I mean I am so young and inexperienced and it is humbling as well as an absolute thrill to work with all the music industry professionals who are very experienced in their area, producers, session musicians, sound engineers, film crew… just all of them! Jay: Who is/are your musical influences? How did you pick up music as a career option? Hannyta: My main influences are Avicii, Adele, Sia, Mike Oldfield, The Weeknd, Birdy and Pink. I also love retro disco and remixes of all classics no matter how old and especially the 80's vibes. Music? Although I can’t say it all came by accident as I was training to be a musician from a young age with a vocal coach and piano teacher but I did not expect to be given the chance to record professional music with a top producer at the age of 16. I feel very lucky and grateful. Jay: Your song has topped the ITunes Charts at this very young age, what do you think is the important quality/ strategy that is driving the success? Hannyta: Today in the music scene real success requires not only originality, a unique sound and relatable lyrics but loads of work as well in terms of experimenting with the melodies, the studio processes as you shape your song. I love writing music with others, I think it releases a lot of creativity where you have a mixture of talents all contributing all intertwined. I also study mixing and mastering so I can add me into the process all along. I am so amazed and encouraged with the feedback I have received! Jay: How do you go about your music creation? How are the songs written and produced?
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"Music and art are distinct parts of who I am. I cannot imagine living without either. I guess time management is something I do well as I make sure I have the time to do everything and more!"
Hannyta: When I have a topic to write about, I lock myself in my studio room and start playing tunes on my piano to find chords first and a melody with a lot of revisions. I add a few other instruments in the DAW and once I finalize the lyrics I record a rough demo for my producer… and this is only called a song idea that I come up with initially and then you can imagine the process that involves the production team to get it ready for radio and charting! Jay: Where can we see your music releases over the internet? Tell us about your latest or upcoming release? Hannyta: I have a YouTube Channel, Spotify, Insta, Facebook, Twitter and also my own website. You can find all of that if you search for my artist name Hannyta. My latest release is a dance pop song about a girl's feelings in a troubled relationship which came out in June LIM
called Fluctuating. Later on a remix version was released by Jerry Housen. World renowned DJ and Producer Georgie Porgie is also remixing Fluctuating as we speak… I must say I am so honored! My greatest collab ever! Jay: You have a fabulous team of producers and promoters tell us about working with them? Hannyta: I don’t think you can make it as an artist in today's music scene, there are so many aspects of making your music and getting it heard that no one can do it alone. There must be exceptions but very few musicians master their own music and then there is management and promotion, style, make-up etc… I work with a producer with 30 plus years TV and radio experience, his whole team and the US based MTS Artist Management company who have their own label as well. Page 11
Jay: When Covid struck and lockdowns happened a lot of people actually were forced to quit music (lack of live shows) and moved to alternative ones, some of them used this for creating more content. How did your music progress during the Covid times? Hannyta: Covid couldn't stop me from creating music. I could never quit music; it is a part of who I am. I used that period to build my home studio to continue producing songs. I love my little studio room, especially my vocal booth! It is my pride! You know, my dad built it for me… he figured if he used a lot more material that was suggested in the blueprint it would be a fail-safe and it turned out to be a near perfect sound trap! My producer loves mixing my pure vocals! Jay: What do you like to do the most in music? Writing, producing or performing live Hannyta: I love all aspects of music creation; they are all so exciting and different! If I had to choose one, the favorite part would be recording the vocals in the vocal booth. I want to make music that has a positive, encouraging undertone and perhaps most of all an empowering message that fits the radio LIM
charts. Jay: What are your immediate future plans say for 2022 or 2023? Hannyta: For the rest of the year I will be focusing on four more songs to release as I am building up to a full album or EP as early as next spring. Most of these songs will have video clips as well so there is a lot of work involved. These new songs will be venturing into new genres like one adding a bit of EDM and perhaps another country pop tune. I have just written a new song as well called New Life and I am in the process of recording the vocals. Jay: What was the best advice given to you and what would you give as piece of advice to fellow musicians? Hannyta: The best advice I got was to leave promotion and charting to a management company who have the experience. My advice to fellow indie artists? There is a lot you can do yourself to get your music heard. The most expensive solution is not always the best one. The internet is changing the music industry so be brave and always search for new opportunities! You can be a selfmade musician a lot easier today than even a few years ago. Jay: Thank you for your time and it was great speaking to you. Hannyta: Thank you
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L’titude (Massa Music) is said to be one of the best reggae/dancehall artists in South Africa. He won the prize for best upcoming reggae artist in South Africa at the DRMA Awards held in Soweto in 2015 and has not looked back since. To date, he has worked and collaborated with artists from Italy, Thailand, Europe, Jamaica, USA, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Nigeria and other African countries. He was featured on East European sensation Mr. Ivan Zak hit single Ja ti se kunem released in 2020. In 2021, L’titude was featured on Denroy Morgan (father to the Morgan Heritage family) and the Black Eagles’ latest EP titled Missing you with a song called God is in man. Barbara and DJ Grant from Galaxy FM presents Massa Music to Lazie Indie Family. Let us check out!!!
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Barbara: You have had a very exciting career in music so far, how do you see it yourself? Massa: It’s been tough but not all the times because when you are an independent artist you have to consider to learn consistently about the music, it's industry and business side of it. Hard work and determination has got me going and I continuously surprise myself at times though I realize this is only the beginning for my career in music. I have achieved wide catalog of music releases with collaborations from various countries like Tanzania, Zambia, Ghana, Europe, Italy, Uganda, USA, Jamaica, South Africa, Australia and more. I continuously learn from my mistakes and try to better myself as an artist like having a technician in my team when I go perform because it's not all shows you get to sound check unfortunately you always need your technician to set up things before you go on so always put money aside for such from your bookings. I started off calling myself Nu-talent through the fact that I was new in a town as a student who came to study there, so I would go to shows to sing and perform. My style grew to point I felt it was ready for me to record and sell music so I called myself L'titude which means freedom of speak, action and thought... it enhances the free yut inside me. Barbara: Who is/are your musical influences? How did you pick up reggae? Massa: I am musically influenced by an artist like the legendary Late Lucky Dube, may his soul rest in peace. I see him as the Bob Marley of South African reggae music. He did amazing works in his time, performing internationally even in Jamaica too. He had his own unique style and sound that took him places, today when you sing reggae to world and you come from South Africa it’s not a new thing because of this icon. I didn't start listening to reggae it was all around me as my neighborhood was full or rasta people so almost every weekend we listen to the music over night no sleep. Reggae music related to apartheid system that time LIM
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which was enforced on my people in South Africa hence lucky Dube would fill up stadiums because he sang for people living in a struggle. Chant down black and white oppressors for a couse, this music I know it as a form of a weapon, comforter and a serious love stimulator amongst the communities and their love affairs. Grant: How do you go about your music creation? How are the songs written and produced? Massa: Music and lyrics for me come from a secret place, I never know how it has to be like when the song is done. I sometimes sing on real events happening in the world or communities but I never know how it will sound like unless I am in it. When I compose, I let the pen flow, when I start to think too much I would go to another beat and try something else to refresh... so at times you find I am doing 4 songs at the same time because I need to feel something that flows with the pen and that's magic for me so to stay LIM
productive and have end results, I might only finish one song that day but I have 3 more I have started already. Yes I do that sometimes. Grant: Where can we see your music releases over the internet? Tell us about your latest or upcoming release? Massa: My music is available on all online platforms, you can follow me on Facebook as Massamusic L'Titude Reggae, Twitter... as @L'titudemusic and Instagram Massamusic L'Titude Reggae. For bookings please contact me massamusic@yahoo.com, I am aiming to release an album so one song will be released from it by Flyweh records from South Africa on their upcoming riddim project called achievements riddim, watch out for a good uplifting song about Mama. I tried to be deep yet different with my writing on this one, I don’t think we have had a mama song saying the exact lyrics like how they been put on this song. Aiming to shoot a video as well as Page 18
this song speaks about me and how I came to be born. Barbara: As a musician how did you cope with the Covid lockdowns? Massa: When you locked up as a musician music will be the first and only refuge, no matter under lockdown or prison, music will be your only comforter, strength and all. In a time when you can't perform to a crowd physically has also shown us to start online shows and I think they are so relevant beyond the Pandemic. That error gave birth to the online performance which a lot can be done with such a platform because fans are also into it when they are not going out. Thanks to our local government for facilitating a stipend for the artist in those trying times, even though it was not a fortune but it was very thoughtful I would say. Grant: What do you like to do the most in music? Writing, producing or performing live? Massa: I would like to do them all but if I had to choose, I would go with performing. Every time the crowd is different, music set different, stage and environment different and seeing the growth in performance is power to me. Giving it abundantly and receiving it LIM
same way is a priceless feeling, it's like you are in your music... with a life band is worse, people get to see the music, you show them show and they can't see everything from the instruments, players, the sound as they jam its beautiful. I die there I will be happy. Grant: What are your immediate future plans say for 2022 or 2023? Massa: Looking to start a sports clothing brand that I confidently feel the entire Africa will relate to it because of the story its telling and how every African connects to it. Secondly, I am looking to complete the album and the videos... only have a few songs to go... almost done, touring in the pipeline as well as we can always hope the best in life. Barbara: What was the best advice given to you and what would you give as piece of advice to fellow musicians? Massa: Never compromise the truth for unity, that was taught to me by Apostle Glenda, that is the late Denroy Morgans sister which is mentoring me. That ran deep with me as an artist because you really need to be steady, well informed and always have a standing ground no matter who doesn't like it. Don’t always compromise yourself or vision because you want to fit in. If that unity has no truth for you to set you free or elevate you then it's a waste man unity to me. - Thank you
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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
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Kris Ofwood, whose real name is Christophe Dubois, comes from the nickname given on tour with Calogero, with whom he has been contributing as a drummer since 1995. Cradled by 60's and 70's English pop music, he began drumming in Paris in rock bands before embarking on a career as a sound engineer in a recording studio, notably at the Studio des Dames, ex-Polydor studio. In his is career as a drummer he worked with Thierry Hazard and his met with Calogero who has remained faithful to him since. He collaborates with Julien Clerc, Florent Pagny, Jane Birkin and did a series of French tours. Multi-instrumentalist, he recorded 10 titles alone, written in English, which comes naturally to him because his influences come from there. He pursues his project by having a vinyl LP he made himself, "Punch in... Kick out", Emma Goldberg speaks to Kris Ofwood… Lets check out!!!
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Emma: Hi Kris, welcome to Lazie Indie Magazine. It is great speaking to you!!! You have had a very long and fulfilling career as a musician. How do you feel was your journey so far? Kris: It looks like a dream... even with some boring stuff like dealing with transports and looking after new sessions all the time, it is a wonderful recipe against rust and routine. When I look back, it looks like I was going with the flow, following my instinct. And meeting such different people is exciting. Emma: How and when did you come into music? When did you make your first clear step into music as a care? Kris: I felt into music when I was born because my father was very fond of jazz. So the first thing that strikes me was rhythm. And then I saw the Who on TV and decided to become a musician like them. The rhythm, the electricity and provocation against establishment seduced me. So I put my first band on and decided to be the most famous been in the universe. But I grew up and I had to make a living. I dropped in a recording studio for 15 days and stay four years, that was my life. Dealing with production, composition and recording suited me. Emma: Who were your musical influences? Why did you choose to be a drummer? Kris: Definitely, the Rolling Stones seduced me with their music, looks and non-conformism. They are the best mixture. The Beatles of course and the Who. Keith Moon impressed me so much that I thought: I’ll be a drummer (or musician) or I’ll die. Emma: You have worked with a number of greats. Who are musicians whom you loved to work the most with and why? Kris: There are a lot of unknown musicians who are so delightful. Concerning the greats, Jane Birkin is my favorite because of her grace. Florent Pagny is really a true kind person with the ego in his pocket. And of course, Calogero who is the bass player I played the most with. He is a brilliant composer, certainly one of the best French one. LIM
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Emma: When you collaborate on a music creation how do you go about the process a) When you are at the starting stage of the production, b) when you come into the production and final stages? Kris: First of all, you have to be open. Open to feelings around you, and you need time to dream. Then, a small part of melody is coming, and don’t miss it. I always record ideas on my phone. The final stage is the longer one. I usually leave the recording for a little rest and then come back: Mistakes jump in your ears! Emma: Which is your latest music release? Tell us more about your album created during the covid lockdowns... Kris: The latest release will be the EP of the Dynamite Shakers, French band from Vendée (West Wfrench Coast). They really are in the sixties mood and I produced them with Keith Strengh of the Fleshtones and Tony Truant from the Wampas. During lockdown, I suddenly LIM
had plenty of time, so I started experimenting sounds on my recording desk Hudson from 1974. And time gave me a lot of melodies… I worked during the whole nights with no phone and no social network. Alone with me to dig the best parts of me. « Punch in…kick out » was written and recording in the 2 months lockdown. Emma: How is the music scene in France? How is it rebooting according to you, post Covid lockdowns? Kris: In fact, like in everywhere in the world, music became free. Music is everywhere, in the restaurants and on the beaches. The bad thing is there is no more money to produce it. The is the end of a world for me and a new one will emerge. I remember times where albums were big big sales and quite rare to find sometimes. Emma: Tell us what you like the most... Writing, producing or performing? Kris: I think the whole process is exciting, Page24
because you create the whole thing and make it live. But, i fact, performing is my favorite side… Emma: What is your plan for the immediate future say, 2022 as a musician? Kris: I have 2 plans: First is my album, to become famous on the web and perform it on stage everywhere I can, most particularly abroad because it is written in English. The second plan is my Tribute band of Téléphone called Minitel ! It is a good way to play in bars, clubs and festivals, and so exciting to play these French Rock songs on stage ! Emma: What is the best advice given to you and what would you share with a young upcoming artist? Kris: My best advice is to become what you are deeply in your soul. Don’t fake yourself, and you will give the best of you. And you don’t feel so much working because because you are in phase with you. For a young artist, he has to keep his LIM
personnality and even a few failings that can be very charming. Don’t copy too much…. Emma: Thank you for your time and it was great speaking to you.
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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.
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Lara Lark, a singer, songwriter and composer. Produces all of her work in her home studio. Her first album, In the Flow, was released in 2019 followed by my Seeking Paradise in 2020. She characterizes her music as playful, somatic and experiential layering and panning music and vocals in a binaural vortex of psychedelic color and energy to induce joy, waves of nostalgia, and conscious thinking. Each piece holds deep meaning and was composed with great intention to be therapeutic to both to her listeners. She loves the complex textures and the experience that electronic music can evoke, especially when combined with real-world instruments and vocals. Lara Lark is currently working on releasing singles of favorite cover songs in a completely transformed style from the original but maintaining the integrity of the original. Jay from Lazie Indie Magazine spoke to Lara Lark.
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Jay: Hi, welcome to Lazie Indie Magazine, great to have you speaking to our readers. How was your musical journey so far, how is 2022 shaping up? Lara: 2022 has been very successful and encouraging. I released my single, I’m On Fire (a Bruce Springsteen cover) and a music video for it, with another video on the way for my latest single, Nature’s Way, which is out now. The music video for NW is will be a live premiere on YouTube 7/15/22 at 4:20EST. Hope to see you there! I’ve been having so much fun building a wonderful community on Instagram and my content is being very well received. Jay: Who/what were your musical influences and how did you arrive at this genre you play? Lara: Pink Floyd, Enya, Fleetwood Mac and Odesza. I’ve been a fan of the first three as long as I can remember although Pink Floyd and Fleetwood Mac didn’t play as big a role in my first two albums as Enya and Odesza did. Although they are playing a large role in the music I’m working on now and I’m even covering some of their songs. So if you can imagine all 4 of these music icons rolled together with me as their singer with a psychedelic experiential vibe… that’s what you can expect to hear from me. Jay: How do you go about writing your songs? As an artist what do you consider the lyrical Message or the musical direction? Lara: My first album, In The Flow, was designed to accompany a yoga class, so each song builds upon the last with the intention to gradually raise one’s energy and balance the chakras. My second album was written based on the emotion I was feeling at the time each song was written… so it’s a little peek into my mind and emotions. I’m now working on another full album which contains a blend of cover and original songs that are woven together to create a “concept album”. Each cover song will extend out into a new original song that reflects the emotion and characteristics of the cover song that preceded it and flow into the LIM
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one that follows it. These original songs will provide an instrumental break between the songs but also contain layered ambient vocals - similar to the songs from my first two albums. It’s a concept album like Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon, where one song continues on into the next song having the same vibe and in the same key and continues to tell a story. Some of the songs you’ll find in this album are Nature’s Way by Spirit, Time by Pink Floyd, Dream On by Aerosmith, The Sound of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel, and many more songs from the classic rock era. The musical legends from this time have a powerful message that I want the ears of recent and future generations to ingest and I feel that I have a good shot at helping these masterpieces live on by putting my spin on them, while paying the utmost respect to these rock gods keeping them fundamentally similar to the original. LIM
Jay: How do you record and produce your music? Lara: I work from my home studio. I have a singing booth to record my vocals and Logic is the DAW that I use. I get the song started and then send it to my coproducer, Scott Gordon. I wrote, composed and produced my first two albums but Scott has been working with me on my latest pieces. Jay: Tell us more about your latest release 'Nature's Way', where can we find them on the internet? Lara: I hadn’t heard of the song until Scott told me about it. He rarely suggests a song, but he hinted around about this one because he thought it would be a good fit that aligned with my message. I didn’t connect with the original very much in the beginning but I wanted to see what I could do with it and since Scott does so much for me so I felt excited to give it a shot. I started working on it in secret and then once I finished the vocals Page 31
and composed the basic instrumental track, I told Scott to check his inbox because I sent him a surprise. He was so excited to find the stems to the song and it felt so good to give him something he had a special connection to and he’d really enjoy working on. I love the song now and he truly made it great with all the wonderful percussion and his genius engineering skills. Jay: What gives you the kick, writing, producing or playing live and why? Lara: I’d have to say writing. Producing is just something I had to learn out of necessity as I didn’t have the money or access to a producer. I definitely experience a strong connection to God while I’m writing and that kind of magic is truly remarkable. Writing and singing are where my gifts lie and I’m so happy to now have Scott because he can focus on the production side which is where his joy lies. So we both win. I’ll begin livestreaming on Twitch in the next month, so I’m not sure yet if performing live gives me a kick as I’ve not done it in over 15 years. Jay: What else can we expect from you in 2022/2023? Lara: I’ll continue to release cover songs LIM
throughout the rest of 2022 and once we have enough to complete the concept album we’ll release it in 2023. I’ll make a music video for each song to help me tell the story of my interpretation of each song and provide visual art. The videos are beginning to become my favorite part of my creative process! Jay: What would be your immediate goals as an artist? Lara: My goal is to reach as many people as possible through my music. To put it plainly, my message is peace, joy, growth, sharing, and not wasting a minute on earth. I want to show people that finding what brings us joy and feel passionate about, is our true nature/purpose and we must find a way to live from that place. Life is very short and there isn’t time to waste doing anything other than what makes us feel true joy every day. I think of myself as a mental health advocate and one of my missions is to educate people about plant medicine and how it can change the world. So my music is designed to support, and create a powerful experience for someone who is on a spiritual quest back to our true nature. Jay: Being an emerging artist yourself, what would you tell an upcoming musician to keep in mind to launch a successful career in music? Lara: Figure out what your purpose is as an artist so that you can find your audience. Look to successful artists that inspire you and apply what they’re doing in a way that's unique to you. Once that’s obtained, consistency is key. Fans need to know they can rely on you to continue to provide them with your gifts, so you must show up for them in order to be successful. Social media has given us the opportunity to develop relationships with our fans and fellow artists which can build a very powerful community. This community is where true success lies because when you can connect with people through your art, it’ll begin to spread and ultimately provide some financial support… one way or another.
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Terry VunCannon is a Lap Steel & Guitar player that has been working & recording for over 4 decades. Currently working on & releasing a series of solo single song releases under his solo name, Terry VunCannon, starting in March of 2020, going into 2022. His singles have landed on Cashbox Magazine's Roadhouse Blues & Beach Top 40 Charts, & Don's Surfside Top 20 Charts, Worldwide Airplay Direct, and are getting heavy FM radio play out of New Zealand, UK, & the USA. Terry released his first solo album in 2021 called "Lap Steel Lunatic". He also has his own line of lap steels, the V-MUSE Lap Steels, that are made in the USA, in Greensboro NC. Terry played Guitar & Lap Steel in the R&B/Blues band Lawyers Guns & Money for 10 years and ran Grooveline 9 years before that. Jay from Lazie Indie Magazine spoke to Terry VunCannon...
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Jay: Hi Terry, welcome to Lazie Indie Magazine. It is great speaking to you!!! You have had a very long and fulfilling career as a musician and as a designer, creator of Lap steel Guitars. How do you feel was your journey so far? Terry: Hello, & thanks. I have a great life as a musician & feel very lucky. Having been a pro player for decades, I got to play music back when you could play gigs on almost any night of the week it most cities. I don't think there are as many chances to play that often today. Few get to do what they love for a living. Playing music for a living has not always been easy, but I would not change a thing. Jay: How and when did you come into music? When did you make your first clear step into music as a career? Terry: I got a guitar at age 10, began playing in bands by 14 & at 16 I booked my first band gig, a high school dance. I turned pro right after high school & never looked back. I worked in traveling bands doing one night gigs, & 6 night gigs all up & down the USA & have played gigs on cruise ships. It has been a wonderful journey. I knew at age 16 that I really wanted to play music for a living. Jay: Who were your musical influences? How did you pick up designing lap steel guitar as a profession apart from being a successful a musician? Terry: Some of my early influences were Jeff Beck, the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Chet Atkins and David Lindley (Lap Steel player for Jackson Browne). I was a lead guitarist for most of my career, but switched to lap steel only about a decade ago. I started to make my line of lap steels, (V-MUSE Lap Steels), because I wanted a modern lap steel, made in USA with a vintage sound that did not cost as much as most other custom builds. I think of the V-MUSE as the working musicians lap steel. Modern, well made, but with a vintage sound. Jay: How do you go about writing your songs? How do you record and produce your music? Terry: It depends. Sometimes it starts with a music idea that leads to a mood LIM
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that inspires lyrics. Other times a thought, or line leads to a music theme. I like being open to both. I am always writing ideas down of scraps of paper for ideas. Music ideas, a melody or passage sometimes comes while driving & I have to remember it. I record my music in studios here in NC. Over the past couple of years, I have got more into the mixes & production of the singles. I always have a sound in my head that I reach for. Jay: Which is your latest music release? Tell us more ... Terry: My latest single is "Cruise On Down The Road", a song for the open road. Ron Hutchens & I co-wrote this one, & Doug Davis sings it. It's a song that I hope will make people tap their foot, dance, & want to just hit the open road & put the peddle to the floor. I am proud of the fact that it contains no guitars, just lap steel, piano, organ, drums & bass. I call my music "Swamp Roots Lap Steel", & I am pushing an original sound that I LIM
hope music fans will like. Jay: How is the music scene at your place rebooting post Covid lockdowns? Is it back in full swing or will it take longer to come back? Terry: The live gigs stopped here in 2020 while I was playing a gig in Florida. It almost came back in '21, but kind of crashed again. 2022 has opened up somewhat, but it is still not back to normal. I lost a gig a week ago because a venue worker tested positive. So, it's getting better and I am hopeful. Jay: Tell us what you like the most... Writing, producing or performing? Terry: I love performing live most of all. But, writing & producing original lap steel music probably saved me from going crazy during the shutdown. It has been a very creative time for me and something I am very proud of. Jay: What is your plan for the immediate future say, 2022 as a musician? Terry: I plan to get more active playing Page 37
live again in 2022, but I will also continue writing and putting out singles. I go into the studio this week and have 4 or 5 songs in the works already. I am putting on a songwriters showcase in November here in NC, with myself and 5 other songwriters. That will be fun. Jay: What is the best advice given to you and what would you share with a young upcoming artist? Terry: Best advice: Practice is great, but actually playing with other musicians is a must. Once you learn to play music, then you have to learn to play with others, like a team. I know a lot of guitar players that can sit on a stool & play all kinds of flashy stuff, but until they can learn to play in a band, and in front of people, it means nothing. Playing live builds skills. Then you can take that skill into the studio. And also, listen to as many styles of music as you can. Then mix it all together. xxx
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Nominated for a New Zealand Tui Award in 2010 for his Gospel album, Walk On Water with ten albums to his credit and known for his high-octane stage performances, fronting rock bands Hard To Handle, The Stone Babies and Kosher, John Michaelz' latest work combines his love of Reggae and his prowess for writing a great song. John's albums include fine contributions from the likes of Shona Laing, Rodger Fox, Ritchie Pickett, Gordon Joll (Herbs, Hello Sailor) Alan Norman (The Warratahs, The Rag Poets) Liam Ryan (The Narcs) to mention a few. John has toured with Renee Geyer, American blues men Robert Penn and Junior Medlow. Born in Motueka Aotearoa and raised in Iceland for seventeen years, John returned to New Zealand in 1987, furthering a lifetime career in music. Jay from Lazie Indie Magazine spoke to John Michaelz to learn about his long and successful career and his plans for the immediate future... Let us check out.
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Jay: Hi John, welcome to Lazie Indie Magazine. It is great speaking to you!!! You have had a very long and fulfilling career as a musician. How do you feel was your journey so far? JM: Hi Jay and Kia ora from Aotearoa New Zealand. The journey so far has been a long one. With the normal ups and downs, high and lows and everything in between. I pretty much take it as it comes. One thing for sure this biz is not for the faint of heart. Jay: How and when did you come into music? When did you make your first clear step into music as a career? JM: I grew up around music, my late brother Willy Hanssen jr was a Gospel singer songwriter and the whole family sang and played instruments. My first memories of music were all Gospel, Mahalia Jackson, Blind Boys Of Alabama Andre Crouch and Elvis. Then I grew into my own discovery's the two Bob's Marley and Dylan, Leonard Cohen too many to mention. By age 13 I knew music was gonna be my thing. Jay: Who were your musical influences? Why reggae after a long stint as a Rock frontman for many popular Rock bands? JM: I have been influenced by many artists but the two I always come back to are Marley and Dylan. I spent time in Jamaica in the early 80's and just fell in love with the people and its music. Reggae is my all time favorite genre of music and the timing was right to start my Reggae career so to speak. Jay: How do you go about writing your songs? How do you record and produce your music? JM: Writing has always come very easy to me, never had writers block. Some songs come almost fully formed and others I need to toil over for a while. I've come to the realization that the best songs are the ones that take the least amount of time to write. My recording process for most of my career was pretty much play it live in the studio then mix it down. With all the advances in the recording process these days I still record the core of the song live, bass, drums and guitars. Then we build LIM
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My advice to the young and upcoming artists is the simple BE TRUE TO YOURSELF, and stick to your guns.
around that base. Jay: Your band is made of veterans with decades of experience. How does that impact your musical endeavor, how do the give and take happen? Is it seamless? JM: I can honestly say that this is the best band I've ever had. Maybe it is age haha, you can't knock experience. For me personally, being sober for the last 4 years has been the biggest blessing. I started to enjoy doing music, it sounds funny but I never really liked rehearsing or playing live. 2/3 days before a gig I would start dreading the show and almost fall into depression. Now on the other hand, I love rehearsing and playing live, and so what happens, Covid comes along haha. Seamless is a good word for the Black Brothers Band. It really has been seamless the way the four of us gel together. When I finally said to myself, LIM
you’re doing the Reggae thing, only 3 names came to mind. Mike, Wayne and Gary. Mike I had worked with many times during my rock years. Wayne and Gary I had known 4 over 35 years but never worked with them. The first notes we played together it was instant groove and feel. Jay: Which is your latest music release? Tell us more ... JM: We just released a limited edition cd on July 9th, which features our 3 singles and 3 brand new Dub versions of the songs. The Dub Remixes were done by my son Dylan Israel [ Summer Thieves and myself. The Dub Version of Jah Face is out now on all major platforms. The cd ep is Available at johnmichaelzandtheblackbrothersband.c om Jay: How is the New Zealand music Page 43
scenario rebooting according to you, post Covid lockdowns? JM: I am so far removed from the so called music scene that I couldn't answer you. But Covid had a major effect on musicians all over the world. Everything seems to be getting back to some kind of normal and the band is definitely planning on live shows later in the year. Jay: Tell us what you like the most... Writing, producing or performing? JM: Well writing is the easiest lol, but they all have their own place and time to shine. So whatever I am doing at the time, is my favorite. Jay: What is your plan for the immediate future say, 2022 as a musician? JM: The bands plans are to finish our debut album Soul Exodus and get out there and promote our music. [On that note Jay I would like to thank you for having us in your lovely magazine] Jay: What is the best advice given to you and what would you share with a young LIM
upcoming artist? JM: My advice to the young and upcoming artists is the simple BE TRUE TO YOURSELF, and stick to your guns. Best advice I ever got, Keep A Clean Head and Always Carry A Light bulb. B Dylan. Thanks Jay and Jah bless.
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Sammy Webber comes from Retreat - South Africa and is proud to be associated with the area where he learnt how to play music. He cut his teeth performing with Inside Out, U-Turn, Funtime and Virtual Jazz Reality. His wizardry on the bass has won him many fans and his stint with VJR made him a household name. About eight years ago disaster struck when he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which has affected his health. His eyesight is severely affected, and he uses special lights on the neck of his guitar when he performs. Guitar maestro Santhosh Chandran speaks to this phenomenal artist to learn more about his career...
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Santhosh: You have had a fabulous career as a musician so far, when you look back how do you feel your journey was? Sammy: I feel that as a musician I have been blessed with a beautiful and unplanned journey. It wasn’t my first choice after leaving school but I was thrust into it by unforeseen circumstances, and I am not sorry that music chose me. I have had the opportunity to travel the world and for a boy from the ghetto this was a dream come true. Santhosh: Who initiated you to music and how did you to turn into Bass Guitar? Sammy: Ever since I can remember (since the age of 4), I wanted to play an instrument, any instrument. I started with playing rhythm guitar for 2years, and when our bass player left, I got thrown onto the bass guitar and never looked back. Santhosh: You have played with great artists. What would be the few great qualities you can list from them that you could gather from working with them? Sammy: Some of the best advice I have received from really well-known musicians is to remain humble no matter how far you progress in this business and always be punctual. Avoid substance abuse, respect the industry and your talent. Santhosh: What are your latest projects? Where can we find them on the internet? Sammy: I’m currently working on my third album and working on uploading my music onto the different digital platforms. I have a few clips on YouTube if people would like to check it out. Santhosh: What makes you satisfied? A great song created, or a fantastic live performance pick your absolute favorite and why? Sammy: I enjoy a good live performance and have quite a few favorites, one of which is Spyro Gyra’s Shaker song. It is such a well put together performance by three of the five band members. Santhosh: When we play Jazz normally the main head used to be quite melodic, but now a days there is a tendency to LIM
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make improvisations so complicated and technical. Do you approve of the same? Please tell me your suggestions. Sammy: We all love soloing because it shows off our abilities, however, a very good friend once told me: “The way to write a memorable song is to keep the melody simple.” That means, write something that the general public can sing along to, and I will always remember that when writing something new. Santhosh: Normally natural musicians tend to focus not so much on sight reading and will be more switched on to the sound. Can this be a drawback? Sammy: Although I am a natural and unschooled musician, I do believe that not being able to sightread can be to your detriment, simply because there are several avenues that open up to you when you can read music i.e., studio work, orchestral work etc. I always encourage my students to learn to do both, use your ear and learn to sightread. LIM
Santhosh: Do you know to play double bass? Will it help a bass player to learn it? Sammy: I must be honest, I don’t play the double bass, but I absolutely would encourage bass players to get an understanding of the double bass because like I said previously, it opens up other avenues of opportunities and work etc. Who knows, I still have time to learn … Santhosh: How is the music scene rebooting after the Covid lockdowns at your place? Is it back to normal in the full sense or do you feel it may take longer to come back? Sammy: We have just recently opened up completely here in South Africa, so no more restrictions and it’s taking a little while to get up and running again. We have quite a few bands vying for gigs but I am sure that things will get better now that restrictions have been lifted, I remain hopeful. Santhosh: Finally, what was the best advice you got which you can share with Page 48
upcoming musicians who are looking to make a mark, and what would be your own words of wisdom to them? Sammy: My advice for young musicians is to chase your passions and spend as much time with your instrument as possible, you only get out what you put in. And I will use the words of those top musicians that gave me advice, ”Stay humble, stay focused and don’t fall into the traps of the entertainment business.“
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About the Columnist Santhosh Chandran is an ace guitarist known as the inventor of the IndoFlamenco style of guitar playing. He has also developed on his own, a unique guitar-based instrument called Geena. He has played along with masters of music from both east and west and traveled all across the world with his music. A producer and performer of music, he is also a very respected tutor and has churned out many great guitarists who are now spreading their music and skills all over the world. Santhosh Chandran seeks to present some of the greats of music through this column "Maestro Speaks".
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Wild Ride’s signature sound is a musical mix of multiple rock music sub-genres. Marek lists his early sources of inspiration as AC/DC, Kiss, UFO, Iron Maiden and Jimi Hendrix. Kerri was initially influenced by Bob Marley, Prince, UB40, and after being exposed to the live music scene in London, other acts such as Boy George, Eddie Grant, Maxi Priest, and Diana Ross. The performing pair’s rockin’ resume includes a number of independently produced singles and albums. Marek was included in an ensemble of artists who set a Guinness World Book Record for “the largest guitar ensemble” at the popular Thanks Jimi Festival in Wroclaw, Poland. The act also headlined at the Zlotoryja Days Festival. Finally, their resume also includes recent and upcoming opening gigs for Adler’s Appetite, Albert Lee, Mark Farner, LA Guns, Bulletboys, Y&T, and Buckcherry. Interview conducted between Lazie Indie Magazine (LIM); and Wild Ride guitarist, Marek Lisiak (ML) and
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drummer, Kerri Berry (KB). Here’s how it went. LIM: What’s the latest and greatest newswise with Wild Ride? KB: Before the pandemic we had a European tour scheduled, so we plan to re-start planning that again, for 2023/24. To include Poland, Germany, France and Netherlands. LIM: Most people are likely unaware you and Wild Ride guitarist Marek Lisiak are married. How did that all come to be, and what’s it like playing music together? KB: Marek and I met in a bar and found out that we both like music and write songs, so we had an immediate connection. We started dating shortly after that first meeting and started writing songs together, which we both find very rewarding. One good thing about being in a relationship with your band member - you both know your schedules pretty well, which comes in handy when booking gigs and rehearsals. LIM: How would you best categorize your overall music sound? ML: Our overall music sound is 70’s and 80’s Classic Rock using the same amplification in the way the music is recorded. LIM: Your band plays out a lot, including a headline gig at the Whisky A Go-Go in West Hollywood on the famed Sunset Strip on September 1. What’s the landscape like now for working groups like your own? KB: During the pandemic we played weekly outdoor shows with originals and covers, but lately we’ve added a lot more shows in Las Vegas to keep busy. There seems to be fewer paying shows in the Los Angeles area now than pre-pandemic. We also do Street Busking at the 3rd Street Promenade and on the Santa Monica Pier. LIM: What led to you deciding to play drums? KB: When my older cousin got a set of drums for his birthday and I was so envious, I thought drums were only for people on TV. After we had some songs LIM
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written we realized we’d need someone to play them. He could play guitar, but then when we needed a drummer, I had learned some very basic drums in New Zealand from a friend, so I just built on that. Finally, Marek bought me my first kit, which was very exciting. LIM: Let’s talk a bit about your latest album “Good Things”. How it came to be recorded etc.? ML: We’d been playing a few of the songs for a couple of years, then wrote a few newer tracks to complete the full album. Most of the songs were recorded at Wild Ride home studio, with the drums recorded at AON Recording Studios with Kevin MacShane, and then mixed by Marek and Shane Wright/Madlabz. LIM: How can music fans keep up with Wild Ride on social media? KB: Fans can keep up on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ WildRideRocks. LIM
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ search/top/?q=wild%20ride, and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wild.ride/. Check out our website for the most current Wild Ride press, like this one from Indie Pulse Magazine reviewing our latest album Good Things: “Power Rock group Wild Ride have brought forth their recent release Good Things to the clamor of fand new and old. 9 rocking tracks of feel-good rock, wonderfully written and performed by Marek & Kerri in their signature style. A truly international rock’n’roll band, Wild Ride is based in Los Angeles, California where they have shared the stage with some of the greatest artists ever.” Thanks for having us!!
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Canadian “Summer” Songs Intro With summer being most people’s favorite time of year, they tend to reflect back on this season more so than the other three, especially in Canada. Canada can have some very hot weather but is also known for its long cold winter months. With summer brings a kind of reprieve with the wonderfully renewing warmer weather, the tantalizing aromas of BBQ, suntan oil, flowers, fresh cut grass, and the comforting lofty breezes, icy cold refreshing drinks, fun at the beach/lake, and more. But one of the other highlights is what we typical Canadians like to call “Summer Tunes”! With each passing year, there is much nostalgia and connotation that grows with music in general, but especially related to those hot summer days and nights coupled with ‘summer music’. We are also reminded of our youth, landmark events and so on, not just related to summer but all of the seasons.
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Growing up in the 70’s (lucky me!), we had a plethora of fantastic songs to choose from for our quintessential summer soundtrack. Many of them are from Canadian bands/artists. All this being said, this month, I have therefore decided to keep things as upbeat as this genre tends to be! I have listed fifty iconic “Canadiana” tracks. I have included links to videos in some cases as well as background information on the bands who wrote the songs. I hope you will enjoy this selection! Sit back (or listen while driving to your favorite summer destination) with your cold beverage of choice and turn up the volume extra loud! Happy Summer one and all!
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50 Top Iconic Canadian Summer Songs
1. “Sunny Days” - Lighthouse: https://youtu.be/P8IcW5TtP0E http://www.lighthouserockson.com/ 2. “Here for a Good Time (Not a Long Time)” - Trooper: https://youtu.be/ 8gCjJC_INNE https://www.trooper.com/index.php?page=band 3. “Taking Care of Business” - Bachman Turner Overdrive (BTO) 4. “Bobcaygeon” -Tragically Hip: https://youtu.be/o6QDjDPRF5c https://thehip.com/ 5. “Life is a Highway” - Tom Cochrane: https://youtu.be/U3sMjm9Eloo http://www.tomcochrane.com/ 6. “Summer of ‘69”- Bryan Adams: https://youtu.be/eFjjO_lhf9c https://www.bryanadams.com/ 7. “Home for a Rest”- Spirit of the West: https://youtu.be/crIk87-mPzY https://sotw.ca/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirit_of_the_West 8. “Red Barchetta”- RUSH: https://youtu.be/uukZgfHZIoc https://www.rush.com/ 9. “Steal My Sunshine”-Len: https://youtu.be/E1fzJ_AYajA https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steal_My_Sunshine 10. “Go for a Soda”- Kim Mitchell: https://youtu.be/MXnTbmPxv5g http://kimmitchell.ca/ 11. “She’s a Roller”- April Wine: https://youtu.be/usWQOPTORn8 https://www.aprilwine.ca/ 12. “Man! I feel like a Woman”- Shania Twain: https://youtu.be/ZJL4UGSbeFg https://www.shaniatwain.com/ 13. “Turn the Lights On”- Big Sugar: https://youtu.be/kdLXWM2_k_Q https://www.bigsugar.com/ 14. “That Song”- Big Wreck: https://youtu.be/C-AKI951poE https://www.bigwreckmusic.com/ 15. “Temptation”- Tea Party: https://youtu.be/_GqwHJ7gqr8 https://www.teaparty.com/ 16. “If I had a Million Dollars”-Barenaked Ladies: https://youtu.be/ dmoDc3RwrMM https://www.barenakedladies.com/splash/ 17. “Don’t it Make Ya Feel”- Headpins: https://youtu.be/jjC50QRAXfI https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Headpins 18. “Love Is”-Alannah Myles: https://youtu.be/vQOrMzBewG0 https://alannahmyles.com/ 19. “One More Time”- Streetheart: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=1_hCuoegYCQ https://www.streetheart.ca/ LIM
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50 Top Iconic Canadian Summer Songs
20. “New Girl Now”-Honeymoon Suite: https://youtu.be/uK0AmgDGpPo https://honeymoonsuiteband.com/ 21. “Standing in the Dark”-Platinum Blonde: https://youtu.be/A92n5ejSfy8 https://www.platinumblonde.com/ 22. “Lonely at Night”- Orphan: https://youtu.be/DrM8OP3tJI0 https://www.facebook.com/groups/291725542962/user/100004511823097/ http://www.citizenfreak.com/artists/106656-pumps-orphan 23. “On the Loose”- Saga: https://youtu.be/ytLslnQyV6Y https://sagagen.com/ 24. “Your Daddy Don’t Know”- Toronto: https://youtu.be/vr4YjXQNYgI https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto_(band) 25. “Brother Down”- Sam Roberts: https://youtu.be/71EnaOs-Xdk https://www.samrobertsband.com/ 26. “Dance”- Queen City Kids: https://youtu.be/xRyiUoZbPag http://www.queencitykids.com/story.html 27. “Eyes of a Stranger”- Payolas: https://youtu.be/1C_fVnE3xHY https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Payolas 28. “I’m an Adult Now”- Pursuit of Happiness: https://youtu.be/PVL4GTeLN68 http://tpoh.net/ 29. “Working for the Weekend”-Loverboy: https://youtu.be/dsgBpsNPQ50 https://www.loverboyband.com/ 30. “Innocence”- Harlequin: https://youtu.be/uND9zTbvSTQ https://www.harlequintheband.com/ 31. “You Oughta Know”- Alanis Morissette: https://youtu.be/NPcyTyilmYY https://alanis.com/ 32. “Big Yellow Taxi”-Joni Mitchell: https://youtu.be/94bdMSCdw20 https://jonimitchell.com/ 33. “Let Your Backbone Slide”-Maestro Fresh Wes: https://youtu.be/CsPS0lN-ulY http://maestrofreshwes.net/music/ 34. “Paralyzer”-Finger Eleven: https://youtu.be/BJk6gZuPKRE http://www.fingereleven.com/ 35. “Magic Carpet Ride”- Steppenwolf: https://youtu.be/HPE9a_epmWw https://www.steppenwolf.com/ 36. “Sundown”- Gordon Lightfoot: https://youtu.be/YdBU-jpJJtA https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gordon_Lightfoot 37. “Everybody Knows”-Leonard Cohen: https://youtu.be/Lin-a2lTelg https://www.leonardcohen.com/ LIM
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50 Top Iconic Canadian Summer Songs
38. “See the Light”- Jeff Healey: https://youtu.be/0L_-LrGdzMQ https://jeffhealey.com/ 39. “Can’t Feel My Face”- The Weeknd: https://youtu.be/KEI4qSrkPAs https://www.theweeknd.com/ 40. “When I’m Up”- Great Big Sea: https://youtu.be/f-oC-kNtPTs https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Big_Sea 41. “I Love Myself Today”-Bif Naked: https://youtu.be/3CGxxJeQ6Tk https://herroyalmajestys.com/bif-naked/ 42. “Lay it on the Line”-Triumph: https://youtu.be/gCWj8Nz5DUg https://www.triumphmusic.com/ 43. “Make you a Believer”-Sass Jordan: https://youtu.be/KL7Z4RIosrI https://sassjordan.com/ 44. “Superman”- Our Lady Peace: https://youtu.be/ladagy7wgNA https://www.ourladypeace.com/ 45. “Sparkle and Shine”-Econoline Crush: https://youtu.be/4IgzeHKFDn8 https://www.econolinecrushmusic.com/ 46. “Somewhere Down the Crazy River”- Robbie Robertson: https://youtu.be/ 4KP9PNSUME4 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robbie_Robertson 47. “One More Astronaut”- I Mother Earth: https://youtu.be/-PkmMezMiMo https://www.facebook.com/imotherearth/ 48. “Rock You!”- Helix: https://youtu.be/rYvzjv2RqtE https://www.planethelix.com/ 49. “Echo Beach”-Martha & the Muffins: https://youtu.be/lpqDTQOFvf0 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martha_and_the_Muffins 50. “Take Off!”-Bob and Doug McKenzie with Geddy Lee of Rush: https://youtu.be/ 8Jm4LoOaAWI In Closing There are so many talented Canadian acts that it is difficult to choose just fifty or even 150 tracks! I was able to include a decent example of various genres but of course there are many more that perhaps I will write about another time soon. For now, here are a few links to other titles that are available to peruse. https://www.canadianliving.com/life-and-relationships/community-and-currentevents/article/the-ultimate-canadian-summer-playlist
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https://www.thisbigadventure.com/ 150-canadian-songs-for-yourcanada150-road-trip/ As a Canadian citizen I feel I can speak for my fellow ‘Canucks’ in saying that we take great pride in the expansive and varied assortment of our homegrown artists. The Canadian music industry is the sixth-largest in the world, producing internationally renowned composers, musicians and ensembles. On a final note, Canadians are a mix of every ethnicity and walk of life. May we all strive to reside here with peace, unity, love and respect for one another, despite our differences, the challenges of the past and ongoing plights of the present. And may the world at large live the very same way. Thank you to the readership for reading and checking out some of our most beloved artists and their music! Cheers and Bless! *You can access this article
and other current/previous Lazie Indie Magazine editions through Facebook, and Digital News Stands - Magzter and Issuu. Ann “Aria” Burstyn, CCC (Canadian Content Corner) and Canadian Content Conversations Series for the Lazie Indie Magazine, Singer for Dream Aria, Mother, Photographer, Artist. Advocate for Human Health and Wellness, Lover of and Advocate for Animal/Nature Health and Wellness, Seeker and Sharer of Truth and Beauty in all things Spiritual and The Divine by way of Art, Music and Nature with a mission to encourage, inspire and uplift others along their journey in life… Canadian Content Corner Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/3200350113546169/
Ann Aria’s Official Website: www.annburstyn.com Ann Aria’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ ann.burstyn.9/ Dream Aria Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ Anndreamaria Lazie Indie Official Website: https://www.lazieindiemagaz ine.com/ Lazie Indie Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/692319491585520/
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International Indie Music Festival - Trivandrum History in the making November 9th to 13th will witness a coming together of Independent musicians from across the world to one of the most beautiful tourist locations in the world to entertain a full house audience at the venue and many more across the world. hen people driven by sheer drive and passion to support a cause come together, the whole universe will do its part to help them achieve their wish. Lazie Indie Magazine and Kerala Arts and Crafts Village comes together to promote independent musicians worldwide with one of a kind festival happening in one of the top ten tourist location in India - Kovalam Trivandrum. The story goes as long back as 2020 when the Covid lockdowns were at its peak. Waves of the pandemic hitting every one so badly and no one had any idea when or if ever they can join their friends to watch their favorite musician playing live. Those days of unbelievable misery and hopelessness also had an upside. Worldwide Indie musicians who were hit the most by the lockdowns and pandemic started to connect to each other looking for support for their existence as an artist or entertainer. A lot of them tried to do internet live sessions but that was never the "real thing". Lazie Indie Magazine started meanwhile, featuring independent musicians worldwide and keeping the vision simple and straight. Introducing quality independent music from every corner of the world and present them without any bias of gender, nationality, genre, or level of experience. Soon we saw a lot many great artists coming forward to support and participate in the magazine and without too much of promotions this became a very close knit community of musicians who help each other to promote their music. Becoming a community threw up opportunities as well as challenges. A mag could only focus on a few artists in each edition. The group grew from 100+ members to more than 2500 artists very soon. There was a challenge to give the members the next level experience. Thankfully the pandemic stopped and world started going back to normal with precaution and we at Lazie Indie started to check out like minded people who would help us create a coming together of artists from across the world after a search of more than a year from lockdown times we stumbled on to this great venue with a fabulous management and better, they were very much connected to promoting arts made by artisans from remote parts of India globally and work closely with the tourism development authorities of the state. A beautiful venue called Kerala Arts and Crafts Village. Kerala Arts & Crafts
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5 days 15 bands 8 internationl bands 8 different genres World class venue One of the top 10 tourism destinations worldwide A global indie music hub in the making
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Village Kovalam is an initiative of the Department of Tourism and the project is designed, developed and operated by Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society Ltd. (ULCCS). The prime objective of the organization is to provide marketing platforms and venues to the artists and craftsmen thereby improving their living standard. As a Tourism Department initiative, KACV is obliged to promote responsible tourism and strive to become one of the sustainable tourism destinations in Kerala. In the campus you can see 33 craft studios where live crafts making is happening. One has to visit the village to experience the deep and detailed focus management has put in to develop this very unique support system for indigenous craftsmen. Apart from this, KACV has organized more than 100 performances of prominent artists across our country within a short span of 1 year. That in fact gave us at Lazie Indie a hope that we can speak to the management and LIM
share the dream of bringing international musicians to the venue. To our delight the management team headed by KACV Chief Operating Officer - Mr. Sreeprasad and Head of Marketing - Mr. Satheesh immediately found sense in what we were talking and agreed to try to establish a festival for independent musicians from across the world. It has been months of discussions and combined efforts to draw a plan for the festival. And then we needed the best in the industry to run the festival for us and we brought in our age old friends and undoubtedly the best source of support for independent musicians in South of India - The Wonderwall media headed by Mr. Sumesh Lal. Knowing the capabilities of Wonderwall team, we are sure that the festival will run spotlessly and together we will lay a platform for independent artists from the Lazie Indie Community and more to come down once a year and perform to an audience they are reaching Page 67
out for the first time. And more than that experience the coming together of Indies from different parts of the world and sharing of their music. The best part is that the organizing team is not looking at this as a onetime affair but to develop an annual performance hub for global musicians and Nov every year can be marked for IIFM Trivandrum. There is a lot of work going on and we have a group of fabulous artists from 7 countries other than India confirming their participation. Each one of them a very well-established artist with great music and performances behind them. Each one of them come from a part of the world and also play a select genre of music thus covering genres from Reggae, Hip Hop, Jazz, Fusion, Blues, Rock, Hard Rock, Thrash Metal and Vedic Metal. And artist coming from across continents. All in one festival!!! IT IS GOING TO BE 5 DAYS OF REAL MUSIC AND GREAT FUN!!! If you are in India or if you plan to come to India in November, DON’T FORGET to check this out!. The venue will be full house for sure as the best and most crowd pulling bands are participating in the event. Thanks to Wonderwall media for that. While top quality musicians with international standing will come down to bring in the global attention to the event. What an experience this will be for all of us? Lazie Indie Magazine will be bringing out supplement starting Aug 15th till Oct 31st introducing artists and the core team to our readers. This is the first of its kind and we will have more coming every year from now on. We are coming out with a lot more to extend meaningful support to musicians and we are not restricted to a geography or genre. Hopefully what we start now will stay as a great source of support and inspiration to a lot more Indies in years to come. Let us all help each other and promote each other’s music. We are trying to do our bit along with our friends here ... Let us Rock!!! - Thank you by Jay Pillai
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