Lazie Indie Magazine - September 2024 Edition

On Cover Masa Takumi

COVER STORY

MASA TAKUMI

IIMF -3 Curtain

Raiser

Classic Cuts

New Releases

INTERVIEWS

COLUMNS

LAZIE INDIE MAGAZINE

E D I T I O N . 5 3

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 4

John Anthony

Guitar Contest

Chavonna

Adams

PAGE

INTERVIEW

PAGE

GUS G

INTERVIEW

CONTENT

INTERVIEWS

The magazine is published by

Jay Pillai (Lazie J)

Print Edition 53

The month of publishing

September - 2024

Editorial Team

Founding Editor: Jay Pillai

Verified by:

Inge Zimmermann Probst

Guest Columns:

Lyia Meta

Emma Goldberg

Galaxy FM NZL

Sherise D Souza

Brian Tarquin

Promotions: Manoj

Cover Photo:

Masa Takumi

Cover Photo Courtesy:

CHRIS OFWOOD

MAGAZINE INFORMATION

STEVEN CHESNE

lazieindiemagazine.com

GUS G

WORLD 5

TERRY VUNCANNON

SHALAINE STEBNER

CLASSIC CUTS

IIMF -3 CURTAIN RAISER

NEW RELEASES

COVER STORY

MASA TAKUMI

lazieindiemagazine@gmail.com

COLUMNS

EDITORS COLUMN

CHAVONNA ADAMS

LIM 04

HOOK

JOHN ANTHONY GUITAR CONTEST

The International Indie Music Festival (IIMF) has rapidly become a key platform for independent

musicians worldwide, offering them a unique space to connect, collaborate, and showcase their

talent across genres. The festival was born out of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic,

a time when independent artists were struggling for visibility and performance opportunities. The

idea for IIMF emerged through a partnership between the Kerala Arts and Crafts Village (KACV)

in Kovalam, Kerala and Lazie Indie Magazine.

Lazie Indie Magazine, a musician-focused publication with readers in over 120 countries, became a

crucial hub for independent musicians seeking a sense of community. Unlike traditional music

magazines, Lazie Indie focuses on indie artists, providing them with exposure and support at a time

when many were isolated from the music scene due to the pandemic. Through interviews,

features, and collaborations, the magazine helped build a network of global artists, creating

connections that eventually led to the idea of IIMF. This shared sense of solidarity among indie

musicians sparked the idea for a festival that could bring them together on a global stage.

However, turning the idea into reality required considerable support and involvement, which

came from KACV. The Kerala Arts and Crafts Village, located in the popular beach town of

Kovalam, recognized the potential for such a festival to boost local tourism and local art and

culture while promoting global indie music. Their backing helped bring the inaugural IIMF to life

in 2022, turning it into both a cultural event and an economic boost for the region. This

partnership ensured the festival had the infrastructure and reach necessary to attract global

audiences.

The first edition of IIMF was a resounding success, featuring a diverse lineup of musicians from

eight countries. Notable international acts included Will Johns from the UK, Sami Chohfi from the

USA, Lyia Meta from Malaysia, Anslom from Papua New Guinea, Rudra from Singapore, and Roc

Flowers from Italy. Indian artists such as Agam, Chaos, When Chai Met Toast, and Project

Malabaricus added a rich local flavor. The festival’s mix of genres and global representation made

it a true celebration of indie music’s diversity.

Building on the success of the first edition, the second IIMF in 2023 expanded further with

headliners like Dave Evans (ex-AC/DC) and popular Indian bands like Indian Ocean and Girish and

the Chronicles. International stars like Psychopunch (Sweden), Dharma (Taiwan), Viking Queen

(Norway), and Melody (Uganda) highlighted the global nature of the festival.

The third edition of IIMF is scheduled for November 22-24, 2024, with more partners coming on

board. While the lineup is yet to be revealed, it promises to continue the festival’s tradition of

bringing together the best of indie music. Thanks to the support from KACV and its growing global

presence, IIMF is set to become a landmark event in the history of independent music, offering a

platform for creativity and artistic freedom.

The International Indie Music Festival

Edition - 3 is here

LIM 06

Lazie Indie Magazine is built on consistency and passion, with one core mission: supporting

independent musicians and exploring all possible ways to do so. Now in its third edition, the

International Indie Music Festival (IIMF) continues to thrive despite the challenges we’ve faced,

including the devastating catastrophe that hit Kerala, home to Kovalam and our venue, KACV.

Though this limited our ability to expand, we’ve managed to bring in iconic acts and expect

another outstanding festival this year. Each IIMF pushes the boundaries of our capabilities and

tests our commitment to the indie music community. Hosting independent artists from around

the world and delivering stellar performances is no easy task, but every year, despite the

constraints, we surpass previous milestones. Lazie Indie Magazine mirrors this passion and effort

in every issue we publish. We dream of seeing our copies in homes, just like in the pre-internet

days, but we know that might not be possible now. However, we aim to inspire the same

excitement for independent musicians that people once felt when they

The IIMF is coming soon !!!

Editor’s

Note

Editor-in-Chief

Jay Pillai

Lazie Indie

Magazine

LIM 07

saw their favorite artists on TV or read about them in

magazines. We have exciting plans in the months

ahead, and we’re eager to roll them out. In this issue, for

the first time, we feature a Japanese music icon on the

cover alongside a legendary guitarist who played with

the God of Metal, Ozzy Osbourne. Every artist featured

in this edition has a remarkable legacy, and we are

thrilled to share their stories with you.

Let’s remember this: we once created stars in the music

world, and we can do it again. Pick an indie artist, talk

about them, and help shine a spotlight on their talent.

Great musicians deserve recognition, and with our

support, they just might achieve a successful career in

music. They’ve earned it. Cheers!

MASA TAKUMI

Cover Story

Masa Takumi:

Where Tradition Meets Innovation in Music

"Blending cultures is an art of finding balance, where the wisdom of the past guides the innovation of the

present. Respecting tradition while embracing change allows us to craft a future that honors where we

come from, yet pushes the boundaries of where we can go."

I have always been fascinated with the Japanese culture. I believe this is because theirs is a culture

that effortlessly blends the old with the new, creating a vibe that's both timeless and fresh. There’s a

deep respect for tradition, whether it’s in the way people connect with nature, or in the simplicity and

elegance found in everything from art to daily life. This connection to the past is evident in the

preservation of ancient rituals, the celebration of seasonal changes, and the mindful approach to

aesthetics that prioritizes balance and harmony. At the same time, Japan is a hub of modern

innovation, where centuries-old practices coexist with the latest technology and forward-thinking

design. This fusion of history and modernity is not just a backdrop but an active source of inspiration

for artists and musicians.

For a musician who bridges modern and traditional sounds, Japanese culture offers endless creative

fuel. The ability to draw from a rich past—whether it’s the haunting melodies of traditional

instruments like the koto and shamisen, or the intricate rhythms of taiko drums—while still pushing

boundaries in the present, allows for a unique artistic expression that resonates with audiences

globally. This blend of the ancient and the contemporary creates music that is both familiar and

surprising, grounding listeners in tradition while inviting them into a new auditory experience.

Masa Takumi embodies this spirit of cultural and musical fusion. As a celebrated composer and multi-

instrumentalist, he’s made a significant impact on the global music scene by seamlessly integrating

traditional Japanese sounds with contemporary styles. His ability to bridge these worlds has earned

him widespread acclaim, culminating in his Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album in 2023 for

his album Sakura. Takumi’s music is a testament to the beauty of blending cultural roots with diverse

influences. For him, merging traditional Japanese music with contemporary genres isn’t just about

innovation—it’s a form of exploration that honors the past while embracing the future. He believes

that music has the power to transcend cultural boundaries, creating a universal language that

resonates with people from all walks of life.

In this interview, Masa Takumi opens up about the influences that have shaped his distinctive sound,

the process behind his genre-blending compositions, and how his Japanese heritage informs his

music. He offers insights into the challenges of navigating the global music industry as a Japanese

artist and shares his perspective on the growing interest in cross-cultural collaborations. Takumi also

discusses his approach to innovation, the importance of staying true to his artistic vision, and what he

hopes to achieve with his music moving forward. His work is a perfect example of how an artist can

be rooted in tradition while still pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, creating something that is

both timeless and fresh, much like the culture that inspires him. Join me as I speak to Masa on music,

dreams, achievements and goals.

INTERVIEW BY LYIA META

LIM 09

LM: Hi Masa, can you discuss how your early exposure to music, starting with the trumpet in

elementary school and later exploring instruments like drums, guitar, bass, and piano, has

influenced your career path and creative style?

MT: As you told me my music career began with joining brass band in my elementary school

with playing trumpet. To be honest wanted to join football club though my teacher suggested me

to play trumpet because I was good at playing recorder (a flute for kids). Although wasn’t

educated I had relative pitch and can play some song I know as long as in C key.

And after I joined the brass band I was so touched by older students play almost 40 people

sounds. I wasn’t be able to express my feeling though I was sure it’s very comfortable. And as

time passed by, I improved to play trumpet and could read score thanks to the experience.

During break time we tended to exchange out instruments what made me to be multi-

instrumentalist. It was so fun to play other instruments after I joined rock band when I was in

junior high school my role was drums there.

LM: With your experience collaborating with a diverse range of artists, from Japanese acts like

EXILE and KARA to US rock artists like Eric Martin and Terry Bozzio, how do you adapt your

style and creative process to work effectively with artists from different musical

backgrounds?

MT: I think boundary of Genre is just instruments and BPM so I feel like almost all music sounds

same to me as melody & chord progressions. And I’m very good at adjust my music to any genre

and fun to take a trip to other music world so it’s my happiness to write any kinds of music.

Lyia Meta Speaks To Masa Takumi

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