Brooklyn native Singer/Songwriter Lucy Bonilla is creating quite a buzz in the music industry with her soulful bluesy vocals and R&B flavor that are winning the hearts of music fans. Lucy sings with power and passion that comes across throughout each of her tracks. If you are looking for an artist that will make you feel alive, then Lucy Bonilla is the perfect artist to accomplish this goal. Check out this recent spotlight with our Radio Community Magazine and see what Lucy has to say about her music. Enjoy!
Isaac: We'd love to know about your inspirations growing up. I hear so many influences in your music. How old were you when you first discovered music?
Lucy: My inspirations musically growing up ware a combination of a lot influences. I have 8 older brothers and sisters. They had different tastes in music so I grew up listening to everything from (what now is) classic rock to gospel to Big band disco to Motown to soul and R&B. I loved it and absorbed it all!!!!!
For as long as I can remember, I wanted to play music. Let's see when I was about 5 I started off on the frying pan...that looked like a banjo...at least to me it did..haha and a knife sharpener that my mom had in the kitchen that rattled and sounded like a tambourine...again at least to my 5 year old mind..haha… My mom would watch a show in the mornings that featured gospel music and I would totally rock out on the knife sharpener with the band...haha.
Isaac: Is there any kind of musical history in your family?
Lucy: None of my brothers and sisters got involved in music. But they do love music and are creative in some way.
Isaac: What drew you to pick up an instrument in the first place?
Lucy: I just ALWAYS wanted to play music. It didn't matter what instrument. I knew I loved it. It could've been the kazoo...If I was around it, I would pick it up and try to play it sometimes more successfully than others…haha…
Isaac: As you hit your teenage years, did you know that this was what you would be doing for the rest of your life?
Lucy: ABSOLUTELY!!
Isaac: Is there a performer in any genre of pop culture that you would like to work with?
Lucy: Hmmm...I love Lenny Kravitz's music and think I we could turn out some pretty cool stuff. Bonnie Raitt is awesome and I’d love to perform with her.
Isaac: Who are some musicians that you really like, present or past?
Lucy: Well I love a lot of them. I LOVE Nancy Wilson from Heart! I think she's the greatest female rock singer ever! Neil Peart is an amazing drummer. I love him. Jimmy Page was just diverse and totally wasn't afraid to try different things and came up with unique sounds and songs. That's just a few.
Isaac: What is your ultimate goal with your music career?
Lucy: My ultimate goal is to play my music on all the great stages, have so much fun doing it always and make a very nice living all the while.
Isaac: What has been some of the obstacles it has taken to get this far in your career?
Lucy: Well, I encountered obstacles in the past mostly. I think I'm in a different place now in my career where things just feel easier to accomplish. One obstacle I have had was dealing with the challenges of handling most all aspects of my career myself "wearing all the hats" so to speak.
Isaac: Would you recommend this "field" to others who are aspiring to be musicians like you?
Lucy: I think if music is your dream. There's no other way then to DO IT. So yes...totally.
Isaac: Describe one piece of advice you've have been given to by others in the music industry.
Lucy: I used to play with a fantastic guitar player by the name of Matt Marshak for many years. We were in a recording session and I was talking about where I wanted to go with my new album. He simply said "Don't push...just let it come to you". And to follow up on the "obstacles" question as well. It took me a while to work with that but have learned to understand more of what that means and I've been doing just that. It was great advice.
Isaac: What genre of music do you consider most of your music?
Lucy: Whoa...this one's tricky...haha. My last album "The Big Picture" was contemporary blues. I played a lot of blues clubs and blues festivals with that. But even some of the blues purists didn't really consider it blues. My first album "Something Out Of Nothing" was what I would consider R&B Rock and it totally fit the mainstream. My new album "Rolling Higher" is mainstream as well. It has a bluesy/Rock flair as well. But, I play a few of those songs in blues venues/festivals. Basically, I cross over to a few markets.
Isaac: What has been your favorite piece of work?
Lucy: If you mean of my own...I would say I love 'em all but the song "Rolling Higher" is one of my favs. There's a song on my first album called "Bitter Sweet" which I always really loved and still performed. "Karma" from "The Big Picture" is a pretty well written song...I think.
Isaac: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
Our next music interview comes from an Blues artist who has an international appeal. He was born on the Japanese beach side on May 21, 1981 and his love for music has been a part of him every since then. In this spotlight with Kyota Sugai, our radio community magazine gets the 411 on this international artist. Enjoy!
Isaac: We'd love to know about your inspirations growing up. I hear so many influences in your music. How old were you when you first discovered music? Is there any kind of musical history in your family?
Kyota Sugai: I started playing the guitar at the age of 14; I can remember that my older brother was already playing in a rock music band.
Isaac: What drew you to pick up an instrument in the first place?
Kyota Sugai: I would have to say that my brother was my biggest inspiration for why I wanted to do music.
Isaac: Is there a performer in any genre of pop culture that you would like to work with?
Kyota Sugai: I would love to work with Lady Gaga; she is an amazing performer and fun to watch when she is performing.
Isaac: Who are some musicians that you really like, present or past?
Kyota Sugai: This is an easy one. I would have to say Lightnin' Hopkins.
Isaac: What is your ultimate goal with your music career?
Kyota Sugai: My ultimate goal for my music career is to make a living at what I do.
Isaac: What has been some of the obstacles it has taken to get this far in your career?
Kyota Sugai: At this point in my life, I cannot think of any obstacles.
Isaac: Would you recommend this "field" to others who are aspiring to be musicians like you?
Kyota Sugai: The answer is “YES”!
Isaac: What genre of music do you consider most of your music?
Kyota Sugai: The music I make is definitely Blues music.
Isaac: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
Robby the Elf is going to be a delightful treat for those music lovers looking for something original, entertaining, and fun. A skilled lyricist Robby the Elf has created a persona that has music critics buzzing about this talented artist. Check out this recent interview with the entertainer.
Isaac: We'd love to know about your inspirations growing up. I hear so many influences in your music. How old were you when you first discovered music?
Robby the Elf: I played and toyed with several instruments as a child including violin, trumpet, drums, and saxophone. I later played guitar a little.
Isaac: Is there any kind of musical history in your family?
Robby the Elf: No, I'm the only musician.
Isaac: What drew you to pick up a Mic in the first place?
Robby the Elf: I enjoy music, but can't sing. I write poetry some; so rapping is rhyming…just with good timing.
Isaac: As you hit your teenage years, did you know that this was what you would be doing for the rest of your life?
Robby the Elf: Not at that time, I was clueless. I went to school at Lake Michigan State University, a school specifically for elves. I studied chair building and built iRockers, chairs for iPods, cause their cool. But my desire was to perform. So with Santa's blessing, I've moved out and away from the elf colony and now living among people.
Isaac: Is there a performer in any genre of pop culture that you would like to work with?
Robby the Elf: Lots. Justine Timberlake, Lil Wayne, T-Pain, Eminem, just to name a few.
Isaac: Who are some musicians that you really like, present or past?
Robby the Elf: I am a big Prince fan; he's the man. Stevie Wonder. Ray Charles. I enjoy so much different styles; I think they all come together in my music.
Isaac: What is your ultimate goal with your music career?
Robby the Elf: I want everyone to hear my music so that they understand the repression of elves. So that someday, each child every Christmas eve will also leave a cookie for an elf.
Isaac: What has been some of the obstacles it has taken to get this far in your career?
Robby the Elf: Not being taken seriously. I've been called a gimmick, but a gimmick is a trick and I'm not a trick; I just found my niche.
Isaac: Would you recommend this "field" to others who are aspiring to be musicians like you?
Robby the Elf: Sure, I appreciate the interest.
Isaac: Describe one piece of advice you've have been given to by others in the music industry.
Robby the Elf: I would say sacrifice. A lot of people want to aspire, yet they're all into the latest gadgets and keeping up with the Jones. I've sacrificed for 4 years to accomplish this.
Isaac: What genre of music do you consider most of your music?
Robby the Elf: Hip-Hop with a lil laughs.
Isaac: What has been your favorite piece of work?
Robby the Elf: Actually, it's hard to say just one piece. I've had loads of fun writing a recording. Not much that I don't like.
Isaac: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
Robby the Elf: The King of Christmas Crunk is available on iTunes and RobbyTheElf.com. I'm on MySpace, Facebook, this is 50, all in total probably 30 sites. Robby The Elf, just Google it, yo.
Isaac: Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
Robby the Elf: Unfortunately, no. It's been all me.
Isaac: Any last words?
Robby the Elf: Again I appreciate your interest. Thanks for your time. Merry Christmas and peace, yo.
JC Internet Radio is proud to present our next interview with the amazing Oliver Benjamin Thayer. He fuses elements of Rock, Pop, Funk, Soul, and Hip-Hop into his music that comes out sounding fresh, original, and Avant-garde. If you are looking for music that has heart and soul, then the music of Oliver Benjamin Thayer is going to please and delight music fans. Here is a recent interview that our radio magazine community completed with the artist. Enjoy!
Isaac: What’s your stage name? What's the origin of that name? Have you changed your stage name before?
Oliver Benjamin Thayer: My name is Oliver Benjamin Thayer. I'm currently working as a solo artist, although there's been several past bands such as Moonshine Flush.
Isaac: What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who is your major influence?
Oliver Benjamin Thayer: My current stuff is a fusion of blues and electronic music and rock with a whole lot else thrown in the mix. It's very lyrical and grooves as well. I have a multitude of influences: Beck, Dylan, Leadbelly, Funkadelic, Townes Van Zandt, and Kool Keith.
Isaac: How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?
Oliver Benjamin Thayer: The French side of me met the American side of me in Oklahoma. I think it happened at the state fair near the tilt-whirl.
Isaac: What inspired you to make music?
Oliver Benjamin Thayer: I'll say that everything inspires me to make music. I've spent my entire life traveling and movement is very important. I'm in Asia now for this very reason. Music is what I do and I do it all the time.
Isaac: Do you have a record label? Are you a member of any music organizations?
Oliver Benjamin Thayer: No label currently; I register my **** with BMI and don't count on the checks to pay my light bill.
Isaac: What can you tell me about your instruments? (i.e., Are you subject to brand loyalty or will you play with whatever’s available? What made you choose the instruments you have now? Was it cost or was it a style/model/brand/color preference?
Oliver Benjamin Thayer: I'd like to say that I'm not subject to brand loyalty, but I think we all are to some degree. I like Gibson guitars, but they're expensive so right now I have a Les Paul Epiphone. That's my baby, too, I wouldn't trade it after the times we've had. I have a Norman acoustic guitar I like a lot, I think it's Canadian. I like U87 mics and I have a M179 I like. Pro Tools is dandy.
Isaac: Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
Oliver Benjamin Thayer: I've performed in venues and on the street all over: New York, Seattle, Denver, Minneapolis, Luxembourg, Paris, and Taiwan. I'm currently in Taichung, Taiwan. My favorite venue was a skating rink that had a fortune teller. My least favorite venue was a cold corner in The Hague. I still have love for The Hague though.
Isaac: Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?
Oliver Benjamin Thayer: It depends: My acoustic stuff is very different from my more hip hop or rock stuff, etc. I have a song called “3 Balls” I keep trying to retire but it keeps getting requested. It's about having three testicles, as it were. I have a set play list that continually changes, I write a lot and enjoy playing new material. I occasionally play a cover or two, maybe a Woody Guthrie song.
Isaac: Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
Oliver Benjamin Thayer: I write my songs. There are a lot of topics: love, love lost, life, struggles, and humans. Someone once said that when you start talking about the apocalypse you've run out of **** to say, so I called an album “Small Apocalypse” and put it out for free on my website. I assume the topics I write about will change over time because everything changes. It's sad when people pushing forty write about high school dilemmas; I hope I'm never that guy.
Isaac: Could you briefly describe the music-making process?
Oliver Benjamin Thayer: It varies. Melodies and lyrics and concepts usually just come rushing in and I play them and write them down.
Isaac: What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?
Oliver Benjamin Thayer: Spontaneous right now; grueling at other times.
Isaac: How has your music evolved since you first began playing music?
Oliver Benjamin Thayer: Well, I play a lot of different styles and that continues to expand. Sometimes this is based on who I'm playing with; sometimes it's just the road that I'm on.
Isaac: What has been your biggest challenge as a solo artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
Oliver Benjamin Thayer: Survival. My heart's still beating, there's a roof over my head and I'm eating. Not only that, I have time to work on music. I believe that it's important to just keep doing what you love to do, regardless, so I do, regardless.
Isaac: What’s your ultimate direction for you as a solo artist? Are you seeking fame and fortune?
Oliver Benjamin Thayer: My ultimate direction is to keep making music without needing to do anything else to maintain. And recognition for this thing. And the occasional line of whatever you got. Isn't that what most people are seeking on some level or another?
Isaac: What advice do you have for people who want to go into the music business?
Oliver Benjamin Thayer: I'm not big on giving advice, but I'd say play Guitar Hero and get a job that pays, punk! If you insist on forming a band or going solo, try to work with people who want the same thing out of it as you do. And come visit me in Asia, we'll do a show together.
Isaac: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
Oliver Benjamin Thayer: I have 2 albums available for free on my website: WWW.THEOLIVERSE.COM. The most recent is called “12 Women”: 12 songs, 12 women. Leave a donation behind if you dig it.
Isaac: Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
Oliver Benjamin Thayer: Yes.
Isaac: Any last words?
Oliver Benjamin Thayer: I'm innocent! Did the governor call yet?
Dan Dailey has been making amazing music for over thirty years and each time gaining new fans. He is a master songwriter and his abilities to entertain and draw fans into his world are two of his strongest abilities. In this recent interview with JC Internet Radio, Dan speaks to us about his music. Enjoy!
Isaac: We'd love to know about your inspirations growing up. I hear so many influences in your music. How old were you when you first discovered music? Is there any kind of musical history in your family?
Dan: I took piano lessons form a nun at the Catholic School I attended from when I was 5 to 9 years old. There are no other musicians in my family. I have been plying Guitar since I was 18 years old.
Isaac: What drew you to pick up an instrument in the first place?
Dan: I always loved music - From as far back as I remember and my uncle who was 10 years older than me played all the early Rock& Roll music from the 50's - I was hooked.
Isaac: As you hit your teenage years, did you know that this was what you would be doing for the rest of your life?
Dan: I have been trying to make a career out my music since 1973 - There have been some sharp detours along the way.
Isaac: Is there a performer in any genre of pop culture that you would like to work with?
Dan: No contemporary artists interest me - That's a shame.
Isaac: Who are some musicians that you really like, present or past?
Dan: Stephen Stills, David Crosby, Roger McQuinn, Pete Townsend, All of the members of The Band, Stevie Ray Vaughan & too many others to mention.
Isaac: What is your ultimate goal with your music career?
Dan: To be able to economically sustain myself via music to quit my day job and to keep growing as an artist.
Isaac: What has been some of the obstacles it has taken to get this far in your career?
Dan: The gear costs a lot of money!!!
Isaac: Would you recommend this "field" to others who are aspiring to be musicians like you? Dan: No - You have to be a very unique person to handle rejection and continue when no one seems to care.
Isaac: Describe one piece of advice you've have been given to by others in the music industry.
Dan: If you truly believe you have something to offer - HANG IN THERE.
Isaac: What genre of music do you consider most of your music?
Dan: Pop Rock with a 60's to early 70's vibe.
Isaac: What has been your favorite piece of work? Dan: The song "Take Me Down Slowly" from the CD of the same name.
Isaac: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
Dan: They can check all things related to my music at www.dwdailey.com (www.dwdailey.com) - I have (2) CD's completed "take Me Down Slowly" and "Choice Cuts" - I am working on my next collection of songs titled "2nd Helping".
Isaac: Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
