Written By BD Hughes & Olivia D'Orazio
They don't make 'em any more authentic than this. Basia Lyjak is a pure rock 'n' roll artist. Olivia and I were astounded at the performance she was able to belt out at her start time of 1 a.m. and having been at two weddings earlier in the day. Despite the hectic day she had, Basia knows how to deliver a hard-core, in-the-moment performance - taking off her high heels shoes and singing barefoot, writhing in her lyrics while kneeling on the stage, and hitting unfathomable high notes. Very rocker chick ("I'm bringing it back."). On stage banter is polished.
Her band (guitarist Ron Bechard, bassist Darryl "Daz" Coppins, and drummer Chris Lesso, filling in for Dale Harrison) clearly has a high level of musicianship with the ability to anticipate one another while performing. This only comes with putting in a lot of time.
"What it Feels Like" is Basia's new single. It was recorded at Rattlebox Studios in Toronto with Brian Moncarz. She debuted it on June 27, 2009. This song and "Don't Talk" were both self-funded. She feels it's more difficult and there's more pressure with self-funded work because people are waiting to see if you re-coup what you put in.
Not too long ago, Basia entered the TV competition "Rockstar: INXS." She was called back for a second audition. "It was hard but I had fun. It was an honour to be recognized."
Basia's songs are about any sort of relationship (with your parents, with drugs, etc.). Her songs are "real" and "honest." She will be doing the score for the first user-designed video game. This is a different type of project for Basia. She has to wait for the story line to come from the public and receive the gaming company's approval. Ultimately she has to see if the ideas she has for the music fit the story and theme.
I gave Basia and her band a standing ovation. I don't do that often.