Lazie Indie Magazine

January 2025 Edition 57

COVER STORY

COVER STORY

NICKI KRIS

NICKI KRIS

NEW YEAR NEW

PLANS

CLASSIC CUTS

INTERVIEWS

INTERVIEWS

COLUMNS

E D I T I O N 5 7

J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 5

SEPTEMBER BOY

SAMMIE SORAVIA

COLD DROP

SERAPHIC &

LAURA T

JEAN LUC PONTY

YANG ZHANG

DYMAN MIND

THE RE-MIX KING

NEW RELEASES

Indie Magazine

N E W Y E A R E D I T I O N

22

PAGE

SERAPHIC

& LAURA T

INTERVIEW

26

PAGE

YANG ZHANG

INTERVIEW

50

PAGE

SAMMIE

SORAVIA

INTERVIEW

CONTENT

INTERVIEWS

The magazine is published by

Jay Pillai (Lazie J)

Print Edition 57

The month of publishing

January - 2025

Editorial Team

Founding Editor: Jay Pillai

Verified by:

Inge Zimmermann-Probst

Guest Columns:

Lyia Meta

Emma Goldberg

Galaxy FM NZL

Brian Tarquin

Sherise

Promotions: Manoj

Cover Photo:

Nicki Kris

Cover Photo Courtesy:

Natasha Sioss

MAGAZINE INFORMATION

lazieindiemagazine.com

COVER STORY

NICKI KRIS

lazieindiemagazine@gmail.com

COLUMNS

EDITORS COLUMN

LIM 05

SEPTEMBER BOY

SEPTEMBER BOY

SAMMIE SORAVIA

SAMMIE SORAVIA

COLD DROP

COLD DROP

SERAPHIC

SERAPHIC

JEAN LUC PONTY

JEAN LUC PONTY

YANG ZHANG

YANG ZHANG

DYMAN MIND

DYMAN MIND

THE RE-MIX KING

THE RE-MIX KING

CLASSIC CUTS

NEW RELEASES

NEW RELEASES

COLLEGE RADIO (KCSU FM)

COLLEGE RADIO (KCSU FM)

NEW YEAR & NEW PLANS

Dear Readers,

As we step into another exciting year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible

journey we've had together and share our vision for the road ahead. The past year has been

one of significant milestones for Lazie Indie Magazine. We consolidated our position as a

vibrant platform for independent musicians, successfully curated the International Indie

Music Festival (IIMF), and hosted the inspiring John Anthony Guitar Contest, which brought

immense talent to the forefront. Each of these achievements has been a testament to the spirit

of collaboration and the passion that drives the indie music community.

But as fulfilling as the last year has been, I’m even more excited about what’s coming next.

This year, we’re planning to introduce initiatives that will be more impactful and

transformative. While I can't reveal all the details just yet, I promise it will be worth the wait.

NEW YEAR & NEW PLANS

Editor’s

Note

Our aim is to continue supporting indie musicians

worldwide, creating opportunities for them to shine

and fostering connections that transcend borders.

Together,

we’ll

keep

building

this

incredible

ecosystem where music thrives and dreams come

alive.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in this

journey is the power of shared growth. Lazie Indie

Magazine has always stood as a shining example of

what happens when artists uplift each other. When

we celebrate each other’s music, we grow—not just in

numbers, but in stature, respect, and influence. I urge

every artist reading this to ake a moment to share a

fellow musician’s work.

Editor-in-Chief

Jay Pillai

Lazie Indie Magazine

LIM 06

A single share, a shoutout, or a recommendation can create ripples of encouragement and

visibility that may change someone’s life. Let’s make this a year of celebrating each other’s

successes as much as our own.

On a personal note, Lazie Indie Magazine has been much more than a project or a platform

for me. If not for this magazine, I’d probably still be sitting in my corner seat, staring at a

computer, wondering what to do with my music promotions. With little money and no

friends in the industry, the prospect of making a mark in this vast world of music felt

daunting. But this magazine gave me a purpose and a network. It connected me to

incredible artists like you and taught me the value of community and collaboration.

Through Lazie Indie Magazine, I grew not just as an editor, but as a person. I found

confidence in my voice and purpose in this big, often intimidating, world of indie music.

I am deeply grateful to every artist who has trusted us to share their stories and music.

Thank you for your support, creativity, and belief in this platform. Your success inspires us

to push boundaries and do more. Let’s keep growing together, celebrating each other’s

achievements, and showing the world what the indie music community is capable of.

Here’s to another year of great music, meaningful connections, and boundless opportunities.

Stay tuned for what’s next—it’s going to be an extraordinary ride!

With heartfelt gratitude,

Jay Pillai

Founder Editor

Lazie Indie Magazine

LIM 07

“ If you take no risks, you

may not fail but you sure

won’t win too”

NICKI KRIS

NICKI KRIS

Cover Story

NICKI KRIS

Award-winning, Billboard charting powerhouse, Nicki Kris is more than just a singer and songwriter,

she is an empowered female voice with a passionate mission. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, Nicki's

music has captured an international audience. Her original music has been featured in award-winning

movies, TV shows, and on radio stations worldwide. Nicki has also been on the official ballot for the

Grammy Awards since 2013 in numerous categories. Nicki’s unique and powerful diva essence vocals

have been compared to artists such as Pink and Adele, as well as top female rockers, Pat Benatar and

Stevie Nicks. Nicki's fresh and modern approach to songwriting has won her much acclaim and

recognition throughout her career.

When not working on her own music or various collaboration projects, Nicki is a champion for women

in the music and entertainment industry. She is the popular and witty host of Mixing It with Nicki Kris,

broadcast on the SIM Radio Network. Nicki is also co-founder of Sisters In Music (SIM) an organization

which promotes and encourages educational opportunities, collaborative musical works and

performances among women to raise awareness and funding for various female focused charities.

LIM 09

Sherise D’souza from Lazie Indie Magazine speaks to Nicki Kris.

Sherise: You have had an amazing career so far; can you tell us some key milestones that you treasure

in your musical journey?

Nicki: Releasing my latest album ‘Unleashed’ was a milestone, bringing together incredible

collaborators like Grammy-winner - Kitt Wakeley and featuring my son, Tye Cristo, as a co-writer.

Founding ‘Sisters in Music’ has been equally rewarding, creating a supportive space for women in the

industry. Knowing my songs reach listeners worldwide is a dream come true. Together, ‘Unleashed’

and ‘Sisters in Music’ embody the growth and impact I strive for in my career.

Sherise: Enlighten us about your journey as founder and director of the ‘Sisters in Music’ organization?

What is your vision for this organization and movement?

Nicki: Founding Sisters in Music has been incredibly fulfilling. I wanted to create a space where

women in the music industry could find support and collaboration. ‘Sisters in Music’ aims to empower

and connect female artists - offering mentorship, networking, and resources to help them thrive. Our

mission is to amplify female voices, challenge industry norms, and foster a more inclusive music

industry, inspiring women to be bold, authentic, and unapologetically themselves.

Sherise: How do you go about your music creation? What is the process that you follow for your

productions and releases?

Nicki: My music creation process is rooted in collaboration and storytelling, often sparked by a single

guitar riff or musical loop that inspires me. Working with my longtime co-writer and producer, Kevin

McNoldy, allows me to capture raw emotions and polished soundscapes. I’m a binge writer—when

inspiration hits, I dive in intensely.

Sherise D’souza speaks to Award winning, Billboard charting powerhouse .

Sherise speaks to Nikki Kris

LIM 10

Each project starts with a theme or emotion that evolves into lyrics, melodies, and a complete

production, crafted to resonate with listeners as a journey.

Sherise: Please tell us about your preferred style and genre of music and your influences. Where can

we find your music releases ? Do let our readers know which songs they should look for.

Nicki: I’m drawn to alternative rock and pop, blending emotive storytelling with dynamic

instrumentation. Influences like Pat Benatar, Fleetwood Mac, Linkin Park, 30 Seconds to Mars, and

P!nk inspire me to create songs that are both raw and polished, with emotional depth.

You can find my music on all major streaming platforms. Start with the track, ‘Nowhere’ for an

empowering vibe, ‘Out of Time’ on social media chaos, and ‘Big City Lights’ for dream-chasing.

Tracks like ‘Is This Love’ and ‘Falling to Pieces’ offer introspection, while ‘Heartbeat’ and ‘Can’t Let

You Go’ reflect my early pop-rock influences.

Sherise: What are some of the challenges that you faced in your musical career and how did you

overcome them?

Nicki: Navigating the music industry’s expectations can be challenging, especially with ageism

favoring younger artists. I’ve learned not to dwell on it; there’s a market for my music, and I believe

in creating songs that resonate across ages and backgrounds. Staying true to my vision has been key,

despite pressure to conform. Founding ‘Sisters in Music’ has provided a supportive community,

helping us push back against industry norms and create space for diverse artists.

Sherise: Do you prefer releasing singles or albums? What are your thoughts on music production vs.

performing it live to an audience?

Nicki: I enjoy both formats. Singles allow me to share new material regularly, but there’s something

special about the cohesion of an album like ‘Unleashed’, which tells a complete story. In terms of

production vs. performing, they each hold unique joy for me.

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