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.