How and when did you start on your musical journey?
I started my musical career in 1984 with the Egypt 80 band, led by Fela Kuti.
What kind of music do you like to make? How would you describe your music?
I like to compose and arrange Afrobeat music. It is a fusion of African Rhythm / Percussions, and Western Brass and Horns.
Who is your musical inspiration?
God is my musical inspiration.
How do you distinguish yourself from others?
My lyrics are designed to effect positive changes in the mind sets of my listeners.
Tell us more about your album Keji on Guitarati. What is the inspiration behind the album?
The ‘Keji’ album is an effective combination of slow tempo groove and fast-paced upbeat tracks. The songs capture a variety of moods and themes; ranging from the political, through social commentary, to the inspirational.
Do you write your own songs?
Yes. I write and arrange my own songs.
Which is your favorite song from your album? What is the story behind it?
‘Innocent blood’ - It talks about how some in authority have been involved in the unjust killing of innocent citizens.
Are you working on a new album?
Yes.
What is a day like in the life of a musician?
Say my prayers when I wake up…meditate….get inspiration…some exercise….some relaxation….some reading of motivational and inspirational books…
Any parting shot?
Enjoy my music!
Friday, May 2, 2008
My Lyrics are Designed to Effect Positive Changes in the Mind Sets of my Listeners. - Keji Hamilton & the Exousia Band
A Penny Too Much?
We have received a good number of responses about the 1¢ charge for streaming. Some loving it, some hating it. Some calling it a new direction, others calling it a nonsensical nuisance. Here are some typical questions that we receive (as a FAQ, since everyone love FAQs):
- This is a shocking idea.
Indeed. It's shocking because it is honestly, plainly laid out, not disguised as monthly subscriptions or hiding-the-money-behind-asterisk approach. - Why should we pay 1¢ when other websites are streaming for free?
Well, if you look carefully, free is only an eyewash. Most other websites have only samples for free. For full length, they are either limited in numbers (only 3 full lengths for example) or there are monthly subscriptions, which you would pay upfront even if you do not listen to as many songs. So either you can not preview the full song before you decide to purchase or you are limited in the number of songs you can preview. Look beneath the hood, you will know.
On most websites, downloading the song is the only way to listen to the full length version of the song. At Guitarati, you can sample it for free or listen to the full track for 1¢. And when you download it, you will pay that many cents less. Download it only when it feels right to you. That way, everyone is happy. - We pay with love, not with money.
And we love free too. We are not against it; after all who does not love Linux and Firefox and Ruby on Rails? We too, as you, look forward to the times when the cost of creating music is next to zero and we can enjoy all the music that the world can produce. - It is a new direction.
Thank you, yes it is. It is a balanced approach. You download only when you decide that it is right for you and at the same time, the artists are not entirely at the losing end.
We'd love to hear from you. Your thoughts, comments and ideas help us. Press the red button on our website and you reach us.
Sky Gazing Post Rock or Music to the Film in Your Head - Sidewaytown
How did your band Sidewaytown come into being?
Well, actually Sidewaytown is a solo-project I started with in 2006 after the split of my former band Autumnblaze. I felt that I had to do something different - musically and lyrically – to grow as an artist and person.
You mention that you were in the band Autumnblaze earlier. You then moved on to form Sidewaytown. What was your inspiration behind forming this band?
I guess the biggest inspiration behind Sidewaytown was the challenge to start again from zero after the years I spent with Autumnblaze. It was like a second birth cause I had limited myself in some ways before and Sidewaytown was or is the chance to burn all musical borders to build up something completely fresh and stunning.
Your music is very sublime, intense and has a haunting quality. Who is your music inspiration?
I think nowadays most of my inspiration comes from the musical and personal experiences I’ve done in life. I know how what I really like and I know how the music should sound in the end. A big inspiration source are also books and movies. It’s like diving into other worlds and this is the best you can do to wash away the burdens of the ordinary life. And well, it gives inspiration cause your thoughts are free in those moments when you read a book or watch a movie.
How would you describe your music?
I would describe it as sky gazing post rock or music to the film in your head. Warm guitar melodies and vocal harmonies embrace and welcome you, gently caress soul and senses or unload in emotional eruptions.
How do you distinguish yourself from other bands?
I think we definitely have our individual sound. Perhaps it’s a little bit loudmouthed after just one album is released but at the latest with the release of the second CD we will prove it. The other thing is that I don’t look on other bands.
Tell us more about your album "Years in the Wall" on Guitarati. What is the inspiration behind the album?
“Years in the wall” contains a conceptional story of disilliúsion and delusion, hope and love, longing and death, a world where words destroy life. Musically I tried to write songs with a similar basic sound to create a very visual, floating kind of musical landscape. It’s like an ocean the listener has to dive in to catch the pearls at the bottom of the ground.
Do you write your own songs?
Yes, I write all songs and lyrics. That’s also quite special cause I work without pressure from a label or a producer who tries to push me in a certain direction. No, it’s simply pure songwriter stuff in here.
Which is your favorite song from your album(s)? Is there a story behind it?
Hard to say. There some fave songs on the album but if you wanna force me I would say “Don’t visit a dying bastard” cause it contains the best chorus I wrote for a very long time. The story of the song is part of the concept, the protagonist meets his grandfather in a nursing home to confront him with his dark past.
Are you working on a new album?
Yes, I do. I’ve written a bunch of new songs. At the moment I’m thinking about the musical frame for each song. Maybe like an architect who first has to create an image in his head.
What is a day like in the life of a musician?
Standing up in the morning, taking some drugs, sleeping with different women and listening to the loudest music. What did you think? Ok, JOKE. Honestly it’s what everybody does: Trying to do the best out of life. Sometimes you win , sometimes you loose.
Any parting shot for your listeners and fans?
I would like to thank you so much for supporting Sidewaytown. Keep on with it. And if you have some time, visit our websites www.sidewaytown.com and www.myspace.com/sidewaytown to get more information and to watch our sweet videos.
