Written by Lia Karidas
Thursday, 09 October 2008
Basia Lyjak is just another example of the great female rock talent we have in Canada. If you're into powerhouse vocals and catchy, edgy tunes, then keep reading.
Having already been recognized by some of the most notable entertainment media outlets, as well as having been nominated for a Toronto Independent Music Award this past summer, Basia is truly making her mark on the indie music scene and abroad.
With several hit-worthy anthems to her name, Basia is well on her way to taking her music global. But before she does that, we are going to introduce her to you here at theMOVEMENTZ.
Has music always been a part of your life? How did your involvement with the music industry begin?
Thank you so much for taking the time to help promote indie artists, it is greatly appreciated! Music has always been a part of my life; I started singing at age four and realized that it was a definite part of me something I would do for the rest of my life. For me music is like therapy, I have told every boyfriend I've had that music is my first love and will always come first.
Through the years the need to be a singer has changed, I realized that I loved writing lyrics and started to hone in on my writing abilities. I learned about the industry by surrounding myself with people who were older and wiser and living it, and by observing at such a young age I was able to take in the business side of the music industry. I have been fortunate being surrounded by people who introduced me to that part of being a musician. I love every aspect of this business and it's been an interesting ride!
You released an album in 2007 (Writings on the Wall), and your single "Don't Talk" was nominated for a TIMA this year. What types of themes/ ideas did you work with to create the first album, or in your songwriting in general?
I try to write about things that people can relate to. I love hearing from fans who tell me that one of my tunes has inspired them or helped them get through a situation. The gift of music is so precious, and to be given a voice that is heard by the universe is a beautiful thing. I just keep it real and let the story speak for itself.
Are you working on a new album/ can we expect a new one in the near future?
Yes, I am writing new material, I am really excited about the new collection that's being built. I hope to have something out soon. Until then, we will be posting videos on my official YouTube channel of acoustic performances of released and unreleased tracks, featuring some of the talented musicians and songwriters I collaborate with.
Who are your favourite artists and how do you think they have influenced your music (if they have)?
There are a lot of artists who have influenced me, some as a performer, some as a songwriter, and many as both. My taste in music is really eclectic and not limited to one genre, and I think part of that is that I love deconstructing songs from core melody and lyrics, to arrangements and harmonies, production, layers and mixing, then seeing how they evolve and become the final product... I love and respect the musicianship and performance of a song but what really appeals to me in how it's structured and crafted. While there are tons of artists I look up to in terms of performance and flair and attitude, someone like Diane Warren or Glenn Ballard would be just as influential, because they have the capacity to adapt to each artist they work with and create fantastic songs in any genre.
Are any of your songs derived from an interesting story?
"Stuttering" was written at time when I was going through a huge transition in my life. I was just about to step back into the studio to finally start recording Writings on the Wall. I was doing this on my own and was gearing up for the ride that was about to begin. I was thinking about how long I had been singing and writing and all the trials and tribulations. I still have the original voicemail recording of the melody and lyrics I kept hearing in my head! I met up with Santino DeGasperis at our good friend Joe's and sat in Joe's washroom with Santino creating the musical side of Stuttering. I will never forget that night and the voicemail recording that was being created in the can. Stuttering was completed with Andrew Lauzon, the producer of Writings on the Wall. The message in the song is about waiting for that break and fake people out there. Hence the reason why it was probably meant to be created in the can of all places!
What do you hope people will gain from listening to your music?
That they can achieve and dream anything they want. The very fact that people can listen to my music is a testament to the fact that dreams can come true if you have the passion and determination to work hard and rise above obstacles and people who tell you you're wasting your time.The messages in my music are real; all things I've felt and thought, and hopefully that could help someone, somewhere. Or if the tunes make someone feel jazzed and want to sing along for hours, that's a beautiful thing too!
Any upcoming news/events we should know about?
I'm in the September/October issue of Canadian Musician Magazine, which is fantastic. Currently I'm in the studio writing and recording some of my best material to date, and I have my first show since July booked for October 24th at the Hard Rock Cafe, for their annual Pinktober breast cancer awareness concert series with DAME and Scarlet Sins, who are both fellow strong female artists in the rock arena. There's always something happening in the online community with all the fantastic sites and e-zines (like you guys!) who make it a mission to support up and coming bands. Same goes for online communities like GarageBand.com, Stereofame.com and MySpace, where you really get to connect with fans musicians alike and get real feedback on your music, and an opportunity to transcend international borders and earn fans from places in the world you had no clue you could have a following in.
Anything else that you would like to add?
I'd like to thank all the fans and supporters out there as it wouldn't be as rewarding without your support. Thank you to all the online press, publications, papers and magazines for helping get my name out there. It is greatly appreciated. I also want to thank my main support system at BasiaLyjak.com, Emy, for her constant support when it comes to helping me keep everything in order, and my band, Ron, Dave and Glenn for sticking by me through this stage and for believing in what I do and for all of their friendship! I couldn't do this without them! Whatever will be, will be just keep livin' the dream!
