By Fernando Fernandez
When I first interviewed Basia Lyjak over the phone, I felt such a welcoming energy from her. It was one of sincerity and charm, and it was not too overwhelming like a strong perfume. Instead of getting the scent, I got the sense that Basia had a cool approachable, charismatic personality. It was one that was not stuck on stardom or one that was too left field to be understood, but it was one that made time for everyone no matter what the time was. These saint-like qualities in her personality made me almost forget about the actual interview that I was going to conduct with her because I wanted to continue chatting on this spirited connection. I quickly figured that she was destined to succeed, but not in such a haste or quick manner where one can easily fall down; it will all come smoothly and things will fall into place. It seems that Basia's approach to her career in rock music is treated as a journey, which is one that a lot of musicians don't make.
The Basia expedition has a lot of heart, and you can tell through her music, especially on the track "Don't Talk." Her vocals take charge and express her feelings directly instead of beating around the bush. Basia does it in such a way that it is not overly aggressive, ironic, crazy or bad-ass, but rather like a smooth rolling thunder that strikes like a blessing. When it rains it definitely pours, as Basia pours nothing but heart into her listeners as they do relate to what she is saying. You can do nothing but enjoy her craft, which sounds like she has specifically customized for your ear. With her musical influences being the likes of Janis Joplin, Alanis Morissette, Susanna Hoffs, Gwen Stefani and Chrissie Hynde, there is no time to pretend, and that the template her influences have taken in their musical careers must be followed in order to be heard. Taking these right steps in her career along with her natural skill in music should not leave on guessing as to why she gets so much support.
"Being indie is by no means easy, but I have some of the greatest people on this planet supporting me and I am truly grateful for their belief and support in what I do. They see my passion and determination and that keeps me inspired and focused," is how Basia replied when I asked her how she stays focused. Aligning herself with some of the best in the business is perhaps what keeps Basia motivated. Performing with some of the best from the past, such as Lee Aaron and April Wine, to playing with the best of the present, like Scarlet Sins and DAME, the demand for Basia Lyjak and her time is increasing in the circuit. A performing icon at the NXNE festival here in Toronto, with welcoming commitees in front of venues such as the Hard Rock Cafe and Tattoo Rock Parlour, she's a pround supporter of breast cancer awareness, and I believe that Basia still has the time to give her undivided attention to everyone because life needs her.
The Basia expedition is indeed in full gear, but we all least forget where this all came from. It is all probably from Basia's hopes and dreams of making an impact in the industry, rather than just becoming a rock star. It's this approach that's making her movement in the scene rather know, rather than all the cliches that are attached to what it is to be a rock star. If Annie Lennox were to rewrite what sweet dreams are made of in this day and age in the music industry, she would make reference to Basia Lyjak, of course, because of all the right moves she's making in her career. With her hands in her pocket, Basia Lyjak was meant to hold her own, when she tells you "Don't Talk," just listen. Don't get her wrong, there's always some kind of wonderful that's coming out of Basia, and you should let yours ears enjoy the sound. Can't you see that the writings are on the wall?
