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From the Steets to your Laptop!

Croatian Rock Sensation!

The band originates from Karlovac a small town in Croatia.

From 2003, the music grows into something different, the style gets a new definition. Now its some kind of alternative electronic rock-metal that does not follow up the world metal standards a great deal.

The band has now played shows all over Croatia and are gaining a large fan base on Myspace and in Croatia.

AlternativeInformant: How long have you been involved in the music industry?

Sepal: As "Sepal", the band is active since 2001. Until now we published three demo ep-s so we cannot say that we are very involved in the music industry, for now. We hope soon to find a record company willing to give us a chance to publish our first album and open some new possibilities to help us be more succesful in our home, and of course, the international market.

AlternativeInformant: When did you all meet and form Sepal?

Sepal: Here is how it all started: nine years ago Valentin Mrak(vocal, ex. guitar) and Alen Muža (drums), in their elementary school days, formed a punk band just to have fun but a year after Damir Vučković (bass), Mrak's highschool friend joins them. For some time, the band played cover songs and little by little started making their own songs that led it more into serious music playing, thus impliying the need for more band members. In a local night club, we met Marko Turkalj(guitar) who showed a desire to come and listen us practice. Since he showed he can play the guitar quite good and was very interested, he became a part of Sepal. Josip Vučer (ex. vocal) joined the band soon after, but after the first ep and video was recorded, he left the band becouse of private obligations. Mrak takes over the vocals and leaves the guitar role entirely to Marko. As we wanted our music to be a little bit different from others, we decided to introduce some electronics into it. For that we needed one more person. Then, Marko's brother Luka Turkalj (electronics) came involved in the whole story and that mostly affected the style of music Sepal creates.

AlternativeInformant: What genre of music would you describe yours as?

Sepal: We would describe our style as modern rock metal influenced a lot by electronics. We try to make our songs be as much hard and as much melodic at the same time and to involve as much electronic elements as possible. The goal is to make our music interesting and enjoyable to listen. So far were quite good at it.


AlternativeInformant: What differentiates you from other Rock/Electronica groups?


Sepal: What makes us different is our ideas and the way we manage to pack it all up in a good piece of music. Innovative guitars and samples with sometimes odd but recognizable vocals make us special. We try very hard to make our music original which as a consequence brings some good and some bad things. The good ones are that people tend to remember us very fast and mostly like something fresh and new, but the bad thing is that same originality makes it sometimes hard for us to get shows in Croatian festivals. For some rock festivals we are too hard, and for some hardcore metal fests we are too mild. We hope that will soon change and we get more lucky when it comes to things like that.


AlternativeInformant: Does your music have a message?


Sepal: Yes, it has a message! No matter how difficult moments you might have, no matter if they come from within you or from the outside world, you should go on and never stop. Using our music and lyrics, we try to help people get in a good mood, and kick in some adrenaline while we're at it. There is nothing wrong in getting a little crazy and have a good f**king time. One should not burden himself with history, but with the things that are happening right now and we try to make the listener think of the future and to make use of every moment of his life!

AlternativeInformant: Is there a large demand for your type of music in Croatia?

Sepal: The condition in Croatia is very bad when it comes to any sort of alternative music. But lately it seems to be moving foward a bit, using baby steps though, but foward none-the-less. The biggest problem is the lack of places where bands could play and practice and people here are quite not interested in alternative music. It will surely take some more time for the alternative culture in our country to stabilize and get support from the government and for the people to realize that no matter how different, hard or wierd this kind of music can be, its still music like every other.


AlternativeInformant: What does the name Sepal mean and how was the name thought of?

Sepal: Lol, this is a really funny part. We made the name up by taking a croatian-english dictionary and started searching for words that would sound good for a band name. Out of a few candidates, "Sepal" sounded best. So we ended up naming our band by a part of a flower, so we decided to use a rose as a main motive for our new demo cover, and putting that rose in midst of electrical instalations and space where nothing living would ever remain alive. The public seemed to like the name so we decided to keep it. Its short, easy to remember, has a cool meaning, and the whole bend can see itself in the name- as the sepals give support to flowers, we give support to the rock metal scene using our songs, playing, and spending time with our friends and fans.


AlternativeInformant: What do you feel the most enjoyable thing about performing is?

MRAK: when on stage, I feel somewhat untouchable because of the words I sing. Because then I sing about things I cant express by conversation, but I sure can express them through our songs! Then I feel very powerful and good... unless I smoke a lot of cigarettes, then I get a headache! :)

ALEN: The energy I feel when performing, generally the fun and enjoyment the music and live playing brings. One must try it in order to realise what I mean. Oh yeah, and beating the sh*t out of my drumset! :)

DAMIR: The adrenaline I get when on stage is my favorite thing. I think we play very good so im happy that other people can hear it aswell. Another thing is the traveling into other cities and meeting alot of cool people.


MARKO: I enjoy spending time by working on our songs in the studio but of course, I love sharing the result of our hard work with others. Its a great feeling when people accept our songs and when we all together make a hell of a party! I try to give it all I got, have a good time, meet new people and enjoy playing my guitar!


LUKA: One of the best feelings I get is a combination of stage fright and the excitement before we start the show. I enjoy crating the music as much as playing it. I like to see smiles on people's faces after a good played gig. Thats a sign that tells me our aour hard work was worth it!

AlternativeInformant: Finally, what does the future hold for Sepal?

Sepal: Hopefully a contract with some record labels, a lot of touring and playing, and being able to earn something for start, writing interesting music, partying... and beer.





www.myspace.com/sepalband

Mystical Reggae, Hip-Hop & Soul vibes!

Dread Daze is a mystical blend of Reggae, Hip-Hop and Soul vibes. Rising up in the L.A. Underground scene with the likes of Jurassic 5, Black Eyed Peas and Ozomatli Dread Daze has carved out their own niche , captivating a wide variety of audiences around the globe with an explosive stage show.

Patois dialect rhyming, the sweet melodic voice of Ria combined with Najashi's cool style and the music of a band that knows the vibes of mystical musical elements. Mystic vibrations and a overstanding of the elements of life is what enables the music of Dread Daze to come forth.

AlternativeInformant: Where did your love for music come from?

Dread Daze: Peace o all the good folks. My love of music came from my mother and family. There were always all types of music playing in our house and some of my family members are musicians.

AlternativeInformant: How long have you been involved in the industry?

Dread Daze: For over ten years now every year defining the Dread Daze sound and vibes.

AlternativeInformant: What would you describe your genre of music as?

Dread Daze: Well our foundation is reggae but we travel through other genres like hip hop, soul, rock and alternative sounds.

AlternativeInformant: What differentiates you from other artists?

Dread Daze: We strive to be original in all our works we feel where folks stop musically Dread Daze keeps on going strong.

AlternativeInformant: It's an interesting name. How did you get the name, Dread Daze?

Dread Daze: I was called Daze in then my music mentor George Grant introduced me to George Clinton from parliament and he said" hey George meet Dread Daze" and from there it felt and sounded cool.

AlternativeInformant: Do your songs have a message?

Dread Daze: Yes yes our music does not preach but observe the world and people.

AlternativeInformant: What do you think about the music industry in general at the moment and the impact it has on artist's music?

Dread Daze: To be honest we are in a state of good music worldwide more musicians are doing a lot more to get heard on the indie level and we are with that the majors god help them. What we don’t like is the corporate machine that makes a mockery out of music.

AlternativeInformant: "MURDER IN THE NAME OF RELIGION" is a powerful song, where did the inspiration for making a song like that come from?

Dread Daze: Thank you very much for that. The climate of the world we live in so much fighting for no reason the world is in pain and needs healing.

AlternativeInformant: Are there any artists that influence you?

Dread Daze: Yes many known and unknown I get vibes from all things and all inspires our works. From Bob Marley to Nat king Cole.

AlternativeInformant: What does the future hold for Dread Daze?

Dread Daze: We have the DI WALL coming soon by the summer. It will be on Itunes and many other outlets. Performing shows and videos, a movie, and thanking god and keeping it with much thanks and peace-in.
Najashi.


http://www.myspace.com/dreaddaze

http://www.dreaddaze.com





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From the Streets to your Laptop!

There's rock and then there's Modern Legion.

There's rock and then there's Modern Legion: the new, young Australian rock band set to take the world by storm.

Formed in the summer of 2007 from the ashes of some notable local bands, the band - Steph Collis (vocals), Matt Wilkinson (guitar), Adrian Santospirito (guitar), Baz Brauer (bass, Dave Szental (drums) - have just come back from the States where they recorded their highly-anticipated debut album. The flagship release for the brand-new ManaSonic Music label, it was produced by Grammy-winning producer Scott Mathews (David Bowie, Beach Boys, Keith Richards, Mick Jagger) and features special guests ranging from Huey Lewis of '& the news' fame, Van Dyke Parks (Brian Wilson, Bruce Springsteen, Byrds, Silverchair & Randy Newman) to a California beauty queen.

Though none of Modern Legion is older than 23, all are veterans on the Australian rock circuit. Steph and Barry's Geelong band The Whiteroom, signed to Roadrunner at age 16, had a hit with the song "Enemies Closer" in 2006 and toured arenas with Nickelback; Matt Wilkinson and Adrian Santospirito's Geelong band The Jades made the acclaimed EP "New Wave Chocolate" that garnered extensive radio play in the UK aand Australia. Dave Szental drummed with a number of Melbourne bands including Big Fat Kill. Between them they've toured with some of Australia's biggest names.

AlternativeInformant: How long have you been involved in the music industry?

The Modern Legion: We've all been in bands since we were around 13 years old, so around ten years, and the last 6 or so being semi professional... not just kids jamming in a garage :) Steph (vox) and Baz (bass) we're in an Australian band called the Whiteroom signed to roadrunner records & toured Australia extensively with the likes of Nickelback in oz's biggest venues & arenas.... and Adrian (keys) & myself (guitar/vox) were in 'The Jades' with a successful single/ep release here in oz & a tour of the UK under the belt. So there's a fair bit of experience in the group.

AlternativeInformant: How would you describe the sound of the group and the genre of music you produce?

The Modern Legion: Well... if I had to try and describe it, I’d say... imagine you were listening to Fleetwood Mac’s 'rumours' then you were kicked in the ear by an Atari & pummelled by his orchestra pals! But its indie rock with some kick 70's overtones, some great softer tunes with a nice mix of good old face melting rock n roll tracks.

AlternativeInformant: What differentiates you from other groups that produce the same or similar sounding music?

The Modern Legion: The male/female voice combo. I do a lot of singing with steph on nearly every tune, and the harmony work is very prominent. So straight away that gives us an edge. There aren’t a lot of bands out there with a female vocalist pulling the kind of sound we have. Plus we built our keyboard player out of matchsticks.... so that differentiates us a tad!

AlternativeInformant: Does your music have a message?

The Modern Legion: It’s not really preachy music or anything like that, it’s more personal. We write about ourselves and our experiences in life in a way that allows the listener to take from it whatever he or she wants to. We love wordplay, so we don’t have a lot of 'you' 'me' 'he' 'she' one dimensional lyrics... they are more objective allowing anybody reading them or listening to them to apply them to their own situation. Whatever it may be.

If you play the record in reverse it has a hidden message for building a keyboard player... but that's about it.

AlternativeInformant: What are the most enjoyable things about performing?

Matt: That minute or so just before you hit the stage & you can feel the rush hit you like a bus. Nothing beats belting out your tunes live and seeing how they effect the people right in front of you. Recording is great fun & and you can achieve so much... but being able to pull it off live & entertaining... that's where it's at.

Steph: It’s the atmosphere. The adrenaline you get on stage, the people you meet at the shows, the bands you become friends with on the road, the feeling you get when you see a member of the crowd reacting to your music. The best part is though, when you finish the last song and you get an overwhelming sense of satisfaction. It’s a totally different world from writing and recording your songs, it’s a chance to give life to them.

Baz: Seeing all the hard work pay off, you practice your ass off and live very poor (financially) for a long time, just great to see the smiles on people’s faces when it all comes together.

Dave: I get to hit drums while drinking beer and looking at pretty girls. That's a combination of the 3 greatest things in the world. Plus from the drums I get to look at Matt's ass.

Adrian: The excitement and buzz you get from playing a killer show in front an audience that appreciates it. The energy that you and the crowd both create together is a feeling that only a musician will ever understand. It certainly is a priceless moment.

AlternativeInformant: How did the name Rebel come about and how did it change to The Modern Legion?

The Modern Legion: Rebel was the name we started out with, we took it from the Bowie tune rebel rebel, but as it turned out there was not a lot of people putting two & two together and getting the reference. There is also a large chain of sports stores called 'rebel' so to avoid any future troubles we decided to change the name. The Modern Legion came about after I was watching a doco' on the French foreign legion... I was really digging it & just remember thinking that a word play on that would be kind of cool. And so I came up with 'The Modern Legion' it also opens itself up to a lot more artistically & everyone seemed to love it, so it stuck.

AlternativeInformant: Are there any artists or groups that influence your music?


The Modern Legion: So many. We are all big Beatle fans & have been, as most people' since we were all kids. I think this is where our strong use of harmony was derived from. Also bands like Muse, Fleetwood Mac, Nick Drake, The Durocs, Sleepy Jackson, Van Halen, George Harrison & Huey Lewis & the news.... which was crazy because we actually were lucky enough to have Huey Lewis come in to the studio while we were recording the album in San Francisco & do a little bit of vocal work for our record. Being a big fan it was great to meet him, he was terrific guy & funny as hell! Other bands like Silverchair here in Australia were a band we always admired & influenced us greatly. So the range is vast, but all contributed greatly to Steph & my writing.

AlternativeInformant: What have been your favourite tracks to make and why?

Matt: My favourite tracks to work on were tunes called 'In Fashion' & 'Into the Sun'. In Fashion because it was the first time I’d been able to use/hear live strings & brass in the studio... and arranging string lines with our producer Scott Mathews was an amazing experience & the end result speaks for itself. 'Into the Sun' was also mind blowing in that we got to work with none other than Mr Van Dyke Parks. (beach boys, the byrds, silverchair) He arranged an amazing accordion part over this, one of our softer songs & was amazing to work with... his parts along with a guest appearance on the Uke by renound rock journalist Sylvie Simmons (mojo, rolling stone fame) helped to make the song sound as beautiful as it does.

Steph: Their weren’t any specific tracks that were more enjoyable to record, but there were parts that we all had fun doing. Like the tracks when we were all in the room clapping, or yelling, or hitting biscuit tins. I’m sure if you soloed these tracks and turned them up you could hear us laughing.

Baz: I had a great time recording 'into the sun', my first time playing an upright double bass, and all the songs on the album that I used a 1963 hoffner bass on. Also 'its now' was a great experience because of the pace and intensity of the song. Had to have our weeties that morning!!

Dave: Fading Away. This song has great groove and a soulful vibe.

Adrian: My favourite track to work on would defiantly have to be December Morning as I got the chance to play a Steinway grand piano which made me warm and fuzzy inside.

AlternativeInformant: Finally, what does the future hold for The Modern Legion?

The Modern Legion: 2008 holds our debut album release and extensive touring of the US, UK & of course Australia. So keep an eye on our myspace for tour dates. (www.myspace.com/themodernlegion ) We are all so excited about the record & can't wait to start showcasing it around the globe.

Agillaz Lurk: Producing Irie beats!

Agillaz has been putting it down for a while. He started getting into music in the middle of the 90`s but 2001-2002 building his own studio to make music and have since then developed his mastering skills in beats.
His music is known for always touching the listeners with feelin, different sounds and special vibe. Born and raised in a small town called Uddevalla (Db),but moved to Gothenburg in September 2003. His parents are from Sweden & Spain which has become a great inspiration for his development in music. He is very versatile when it comes to composing music. After meeting a lot of artists and producers he has come a long way with his music. Selling beats over the internet to artists across the world,one beat ending up on Divine Allah´s Album Ghetto Rhymin (Embracing Eternity.)

In June 2007 he signed to Asphalt Records a one year deal. Hard work make his production sound special & unique.

AlternativeInformant: How long have you been involved in the music industry?

Agillaz: I’ve been signed to my label for like 9 months now.

AlternativeInformant: What genre would you describe your music as?

Agillaz: I don’t like to put my music in a category, but it sounds like hip hop reggae.

AlternativeInformant: Are there any artists or producers that influence your music?

Agillaz: Tupac Shakur, Bob Marley are more than influences to me. I love J Dilla, Dr.Dre, but I get influences from people like Malcolm X, Martin Luther king and of course Jah!

AlternativeInformant: Are there any artists or producers that you would like to work with in the future?

Agillaz: I would love to work with the Marley Brothers, Dead Prez, Outlawz revolutionary people.

AlternativeInformant: What artists have you worked with so far?

Agillaz: I’ve worked with : Divine Allah, RAW, African Souljah, Keiran Anthony, Napz Meka, Yani**a, Jah Defender, to name a few but I got some big names comin’ this year, so just wait and you will see jah knows.

AlternativeInformant: How did you start creating beats?


Agillaz: I was just playing around & I used to rap back then so I needed beats and to get 'em was to create 'em myself..and one that way it is.

AlternativeInformant: How do you get inspiration for making and producing beats?

Agillaz: It’s Jah work, I love doin’ music so it’s all come natural. Give Thanks.

AlternativeInformant: Do you think producing beats has becoming easier in recent years and if so why?

Agillaz: Hmm, not easier but people can just do a beat in their computer today, but it’s all about what’s from your heart & soul so it takes a lot more than that to come up with some real good music.

AlternativeInformant: The beats you produce are quite complex on average how long does it take for you to make a beat?

Agillaz: It’s different all times, I can get an idea in 10 minutes but the beat ain’t done until it’s mixed arranged etc so a couple of more hours.

AlternativeInformant: What has been your favourite beat to produce?


Agillaz: Hard to say, but I got my favorites "The March The Welcome" "Im Not A Slave" & "Get That Guap."

AlternativeInformant: How did your name come about?

Agillaz: I got it from my real name Adam Gil Lazaro, I wanted a name that’s was just me.

AlternativeInformant: What does the future hold for Agillaz Lurk?

Agillaz: The future is lookin’ good, I’m workin’ on an album where I will produce all songs & I got some great artists so it’s something to look forward to. Jah Guide!

Give Thanks for the interview,

Jah Love!

http://www.myspace.com/agillaz

http://www.bohussound.com

Oojami: Fusion at its best!

Over the last 6 years Oojami has produced 3 albums (internationally released on Miles Copland's (ex-manager of Sting and the Police) label), played hundreds of gigs in over 15 countries, including a tour of the US/Canada, and featured on more than 30 compilations around the world.

In its live incarnation Oojami combines belly dancers with mesmerising Sufi dancing, providing a vivid musical experience for the eyes. Therefore it is no wonder that the band is building up a strong fan base of open-minded music fans eager to appreciate new and exciting global sounds.

AlternativeInformant: How long have you been involved with music?

Oojami: 15 years

AlternativeInformant: How would you describe you genre of music?

Oojami: Global Roots!

AlternativeInformant: What do you think differentiates about you and other groups who are in the same genre of music as you?

Oojami: We always aim to be a more song based band than a project based i.e. Bhangra, Sufi beats, Balkan beats, Belly Dancing Beats etc. Songs stay but project goes out with fashion and bands disappear after lots of hype created around them!

AlternativeInformant: What do you find the most enjoyable thing about performing?

Oojami: To connect to the other people emotionally and share your ideas musically and philosophically. Make sure that you are not alone and isolated in the society! Put a smiles on other people's face. Make an enjoyable leaving, meeting with other people, seeing other places and having a fun!

AlternativeInformant: Does your music have a message?

Oojami: Yes, it is a conscious partying! We aim to turn some ethnic sounds to protest music. Like Bob Marley did with Reggae. He turned the beach music to an international protest music.

AlternativeInformant: How do you feel about the music industry as a whole at this moment?

Oojami: Music market is becoming less artist based and more project based from Girls/Boy bands to other fabricated middle class rock band etc. Same goes for the so called world music as well. Artist needs long term investment but everyone wants quick return, maximum profit with minimum investment. Cover bands, Compilations make money for record labels and venues but kills the artist and creativity. Fast food and fast music consumption! Format is more important then content to sell. In the past, 50% was show business other 50% was about writing good songs and creativity. Now days, 90% is show business and 10% is about creativity, being original and taking risk to create something new!

AlternativeInformant: There’s a lot of energy during one of your shows, any preparation needed beforehand?

Oojami: Having and keeping a regular band is a very expensive and time consuming business particularly when there is no more label support and income from record sells. At the ground level there is no artist support from organisations that they are supposed to support artists. They are all manipulated by organisations that exploit artists. All help goes to promoters and agencies rather then artists! To keep the energy we got is not easy all the time. We end up doing gigs that they are not musically necessary but keeps us going on economically even though the band get exosted and end up doing some below the average gigs to damage our reputation! I always aimed to work with nice people even they are musically not as good as others because I believe to have the energy on the stage and enjoy being on the stage with other band members is more important. 50% of the good performance is to do what happens at the back stage!

AlternativeInformant: Where are you all from originally?

Oojami: We are a truly global band. We got Turkish, Spanish, Bengali, Caribbean, Egyptian and English origin people in the band.

AlternativeInformant: How did the name Oojami come about?

Oojami: Made up in a way that people in the West thinks it is Turkish and people in Turkey thinks it is English! We want to create something that doesn’t have a meaning in a particular culture and looks good as a logo!

AlternativeInformant: What does the future hold for Oojami?

Oojami: We are writing a new album and aiming to breakout in to the main stream market without loosing our roots. We want to make an international hit with an edge and attitude without compromising our direction but take it to the next level with better songs then we have produced before. Upwards and forwards we don't feel like we have started yet!

http://www.myspace.com/oojami

oojami.co.uk