COVER STORY
COVER STORY
DESIRAE LEE BENSON
DESIRAE LEE BENSON
GRAMMY EXPERIENCE
INTERVIEWS
INTERVIEWS
COLUMNS
E D I T I O N 5 8
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 5
NEW RELEASES
Indie Magazine
JOHN MCLAUGHLIN
JOB KURIAN
ASA BANTAN
KID HYENA
AMANDA PAGE
LYFORD
TOUCH THE BUFFALO
GROOVE BHAI
BOBBY BLAZE
MAKEOUT SHINOBI
ADAM MICHALE ALLISON
25
PAGE
JOB KURIAN
INTERVIEW
LIM 02
77
PAGE
AMANDA PAGE
INTERVIEW
LIM 03
CONTENT
INTERVIEWS
The magazine is published by
Jay Pillai (Lazie J)
Print Edition 58
The month of publishing
February - 2025
Editorial Team
Founding Editor: Jay Pillai
Verified by:
Inge Zimmermann-Probst
Guest Columns:
Lyia Meta
Ms.Benita
Galaxy FM NZL
Brian Tarquin
Sherise
Promotions: Manoj
Cover Photo:
Desirae Lee Benson
Cover Photo Courtesy:
Desirae Lee Benson
MAGAZINE INFORMATION
lazieindiemagazine.com
COVER STORY
DESIRAE LEE BENSON
lazieindiemagazine@gmail.com
COLUMNS
EDITORS COLUMN
LIM 04
JOHN MCLAUGHLIN
JOHN MCLAUGHLIN
JOB KURIAN
JOB KURIAN
ASA BANTAN
ASA BANTAN
MAKEOUT SHINOBI
MAKEOUT SHINOBI
LYFORD
LYFORD
KID HYENA
KID HYENA
BOBBY BLAZE
BOBBY BLAZE
ADAM MICHAEL ALLISON
ADAM MICHAEL ALLISON
GROOVE BHAI
GROOVE BHAI
AMANDA PAGE CORNETTE
AMANDA PAGE CORNETTE
TOUCH THE BUFFALO
TOUCH THE BUFFALO
NEW RELEASES
WHATS COMING ?
GRAMMY EXPERIENCE
COVER
Dear Readers,
Independent music is more than just an alternative to mainstream commercial sounds—it is the
heartbeat of pure, unfiltered artistic expression. Across the world, independent musicians are
creating breathtaking compositions, pushing creative boundaries and telling stories that would
otherwise go unheard. However, the biggest challenge they face is not a lack of talent, originality
or dedication, but rather the widespread disbelief in the law of positive returns and the "what’s in
it for me" syndrome.
It is time for a shift in perspective. Each one of us has the power to make a significant impact on
an independent musician’s journey. Whether through listening, sharing, supporting or funding, we
can all play a role in ensuring that the voices of independent artists are heard. The time to act is
now. The biggest psychological barrier preventing widespread support for independent music is
the failure to believe in the law of positive returns. People often assume that their individual
contributions—streaming a song sharing a post, attending a small gig—don’t matter in the grand
scheme of things. But nothing could be further from the truth.
You Can Make A Difference
Editor’s
Note
Every great movement in history has started with small
acts of belief and support. Independent musicians don’t
have the corporate machinery of major record labels
behind them. They rely on organic growth, which
means every stream, every purchase and every word-
of-mouth
recommendation
contributes
to
their
success. When you support an independent artist, you
are not just consuming music; you are actively
participating in a revolution of creative freedom. Your
small act of kindness—whether it's buying a digital
album or even just hitting "like"—has the potential to
snowball into a movement that transforms a struggling
musician into a thriving artist.
Editor-in-Chief
Jay Pillai
Lazie Indie
Magazine
LIM 05
LIM 06
Overcoming the “What’s In It for Me?” Syndrome
One of the most damaging mindsets when it comes to supporting independent musicians is the
question: "What’s in it for me?" In an age of instant gratification, people often look for
immediate, tangible benefits before deciding to support something. But art and music don’t
work that way. Their value lies in the inspiration, joy, and connection they create.
Supporting independent music ensures that artists continue creating songs that could someday
change the world—or at least change someone’s life. Music is deeply personal, and a single
song can lift someone out of despair or bring back a cherished memory. By supporting
independent musicians, we help sustain a cycle of creativity and impact that benefits everyone.
How You Can Make A Difference
Supporting independent musicians doesn’t require massive financial investments or grand
gestures. Here are simple yet effective ways to contribute:
Listen and Share – Simply listening to an artist’s music and sharing it with your friends makes a
huge difference.
Attend Live Shows – Independent artists often perform at small venues. Your presence at
these events not only provides financial support but also boosts morale.
Buy Their Music and Merch – Purchasing an artist’s album, merchandise or concert tickets
directly benefits them far more than streaming pennies ever could.
Engage with Their Content – A simple like, comment or share on social media helps boost their
visibility, bringing them to a wider audience.
Support Platforms That Promote Independent Artists – Platforms like Lazie Indie Magazine
work relentlessly to promote artists worldwide without bias. Engaging with such platforms,
sharing their content, and supporting their mission helps amplify independent voices and
provides them with much-needed recognition.
The Future is Independent
Music should never be about algorithms and corporate interests dictating what we listen to. It
should be about raw passion, authenticity, and creativity. Independent musicians are the
lifeblood of this vision, and they need us now more than ever.
We can either continue to consume music passively, allowing the same handful of major labels
to shape the industry, or we can actively participate in a future where every talented artist has
a fair shot at success. The choice is ours.
The time is now. Let’s support independent music—not just with our words, but with our actions
Thank you
Jay Pillai
Desirae Lee Benson
Cover Story
LIM 07
Desirae Lee Benson
LIM 08
Desirae L. Benson is a force to be reckoned with—a multi-award-winning, 5-star-rated publicist
whose expertise transcends industries. From musicians and actors to politicians and athletes,
she crafts narratives that captivate audiences and build legacies. Her strategic brilliance ensures
that her clients don’t just get noticed—they become unforgettable.
A Grammy member with a master’s degree in Written Communication, Public Relations,
Linguistics and Journalism, Desirae blends creativity with strategy to perfection. Her powerful
press releases, artist bios, and feature write-ups dominate national news outlets, IMDb profiles,
music festivals and elite magazines, elevating the careers of countless industry professionals.
Her media journey began in Tokyo, Japan, as the host of About the Town on Fox TV, where she
interviewed American and international celebrities. That early exposure to global talent fueled
her passion for multimedia journalism, and today, she is a master at crafting EPKs for musicians,
production teams, corporations, and creative entrepreneurs. Her innovative campaigns have
propelled artists to new heights, proving that visibility is not just about being seen—it’s about
being remembered.
Beyond publicity, Desirae is an editor and journalist for prestigious national magazines, including
Sheen, with hundreds of articles under her belt. Whether through celebrity interviews, event
coverage or editorial storytelling, her work consistently earns international recognition, shaping
careers and defining cultural moments.
Having lived and travelled worldwide, she possesses an exceptional level of cultural awareness,
allowing her to forge meaningful industry connections across borders. A gifted public speaker,
she commands attention with her insights, making her a sought-after voice in entertainment and
media relations.
As a member of PRSA, ForbesBLK and NABJ, Desirae continues pushing boundaries, elevating
brands, and redefining success in the entertainment industry. In an exclusive conversation with
Jay Pillai of Lazie Indie Magazine for the Tomiko Dixon Grand Review, she offered invaluable
insights into the indie music world, emphasizing that independent artists must embrace strategic
branding, compelling storytelling and targeted media outreach. According to her, great music
alone isn’t enough—artists must actively shape their image and digital presence to thrive in a
competitive landscape.
A special thank you to Granddaugnter of Blues Tomiko Dixon for introducing Desirae to Lazie
Indie Magazine and making this feature possible.
With her unique ability to craft compelling narratives and create lasting engagement, Desirae L.
Benson is not just a publicist—she’s a visionary architect of stardom, ensuring her clients leave a
legacy that resonates for years to come.
THE ARCHITECT OF STARDOM
Desirae speaks to Jay Pillai
LIM 09
Jay: Desirae, your career spans continents and industries. What was the defining moment
that turned your passion for media into a lifelong mission?
Desirae: The defining moment for me was realizing the incredible power of storytelling to
connect people across diverse backgrounds and experiences. I’ve always been fascinated by the
diversity found in human nature—how unique each person’s story is and what motivates them to
overcome challenges and succeed. Early in my career, I had the opportunity to work with
individuals from all walks of life, from all over the world, and I saw firsthand how media could
amplify voices and inspire change. It became clear to me that my passion wasn’t just about media
itself, but about using it as a platform to celebrate and empower others. That realization turned
my work into a lifelong mission to elevate stories that matter and help others share their journeys
with the world.
Jay: You got your start with Fox TV in Tokyo, and now you work across industries and
borders. How has your global journey shaped your approach to public relations?
Desirae: First and foremost, I absolutely love travelling! For me, visiting different countries and
learning about other cultures has been pivotal in shaping my approach to public relations.
Starting with living in Japan and working with a variety of entertainment colleagues, I gained a
deep appreciation for cultural diversity and the importance of understanding different
perspectives. Working across industries and borders taught me that success in PR is rooted in
empathy, adaptability, and the ability to tell stories that resonate universally while honoring
cultural nuances. I’ve learned that what motivates people—whether it’s a desire for connection,
recognition, or impact—transcends borders, but how you communicate that message depends
on the cultural and industry context. This global perspective allows me to craft strategies that not
only amplify my clients’ voices but also connect with diverse audiences in meaningful ways.
Jay: Crafting EPKs and press materials that cut through the noise is an art. What’s your secret
to creating content that commands attention and delivers impact?
Desirae: For me, it involves a combination of clarity, authenticity and focus. When crafting EPKs
and press materials, I approach them with a storyteller’s mindset, highlighting the unique
elements of a client’s journey or project that truly resonate. I ensure the content is concise but
compelling, cutting through the noise by focusing on what makes the client stand out in a
crowded marketplace.
Another key is staying completely present while I’m working. I don’t allow distractions because I
believe creating impactful content requires undivided attention and intention. It’s in those
focused moments that I’m able to uncover the essence of a client’s story and translate it into
materials that not only command attention but also inspire action. I owe that to my clients, as I
am a representation of them.
Jay: You’ve worked with Grammy members, politicians and directors, each with distinct
needs. How do you adapt your strategies to amplify their unique voices?
Desirae: Adapting my strategies starts with truly understanding the person behind the title—
their story, goals and what motivates them. Whether I’m working with a Grammy member, a
politician or a director, I approach each client as an individual with a unique voice and audience.
I take the time to listen, research, and tailor my methods to fit their specific needs and
industries. For a musician, it might be about highlighting their creative process and connecting
with fans on an emotional level. For a politician, it’s about building trust and communicating a
vision that resonates with their constituents. For a director, it’s showcasing their artistry and
ability to tell compelling stories. The key is to stay adaptable, always thinking ahead about what
will make the most impact while staying authentic to who they are. By doing this, I can craft
strategies that not only amplify their voices but also create lasting connections with their
audiences.
Jay: Social media and digital engagement are your playground. What’s one underutilized
tactic that can transform an artist’s online presence?
Desirae: Great question! In my opinion, one underutilized tactic that can truly transform an
artist’s online presence is leveraging authentic, behind-the-scenes content to foster emotional
connections with their audience.
In a world saturated with “perfect posts”, people ultimately crave authenticity. Sharing glimpses
of the creative process, personal struggles, and moments of joy or inspiration allows followers to
feel like they’re part of the journey. This creates a deeper emotional bond that goes beyond just
liking a post—they start rooting for the artist as a person.
For example, an artist can share short video clips of them writing lyrics, experimenting with new
sounds, or even candid moments where they’re reflecting on their journey. Adding captions that
tell the story behind these moments or using live streams for real-time engagement can make
these connections even stronger. When paired with consistency and strategic engagement—
such as responding to comments or asking followers for their input—this tactic not only
increases visibility but also builds a loyal, invested community. It’s not just about posting; it’s
about inviting your audience into your world. That authenticity is what makes an artist
unforgettable online.
Jay: How do you decide which artists or professionals to work with, and what qualities make
someone stand out to you as a potential client?
Desirae: I look for more than just talent or a strong résumé—I focus on authenticity, work ethic,
and a clear vision.
LIM 10