INTERVIEW WITH RAQUEL
Raquel Elise Winchester is a senior student at Naparima Girls' High School. She is currently the Deputy Head Girl of the Prefect Body in school. She began singing at a young age, and it has indeed taken her far. She has become well known for her voice not only in school but the entire country. She has won many different competitions, including the "Hal Jackson Talented Teen International Scholarship Competition".
An interview was conducted with her on Tuesday 27th March, 2007
- For how long have you been singing?
Well, I’ve been singing since I was able to really.. But Mrs. Roberts was my first music teacher at St. Peter’s Private Primary School, and I was about 6 at the time.
- When did you first become interested in the music industry?
I first became interested in the music industry when I was around 8 years, but that wasn’t a serious interest, more like farfetched childhood dreams. I began seriously considering a career in that industry, probably around the age of 12.
- Have you ever considered a career in the music industry/ by extension, the entertainment industry?
Yes I have and I intend to have a career in the performing arts; not only in singing but in acting as well.
- What first drew you into singing?
First? Well it was something that I could do, I suppose; something that came easily, naturally.
- Do you play any instruments/ Are you involved in any other form of music than singing?
Well apart from the recorder ‘cause I don’t think that really counts, I play the piano and am teaching myself to play the guitar.
- What is the most major achievement that you’ve earned in the music industry?
Winning the Trinidad and Tobago leg of Hal Jackson’s Talented Teens International Scholarship Competition and going on to proudly represent the country and win the title of Miss Hal Jackson’s Talented Teens International 2006 is my greatest achievement thus far.
- Do you intend to participate in other competitions?
Most definitely. Performing in a competitive arena helps you really push yourself past what you think your limits are. Generally, the performing experience and exposure competitions provide are always good. Competitions are always a good learning experience.
INTERVIEW WITH LYNDON
Lyndon Lai Tan is an up and coming gospel/rock artiste hailing from San Fernando. He attended Naparima College and is has just released his first solo album, "Bridges".
Interview/Questionnaire done on Tuesday 27th March, 2007
NAME: Lyndon Lai Tan
AGE: 22 years
- Where are you from?
La Romaine in South Trinidad.
- Did you attend music classes? Or was it a natural ability you developed?
I attended music classes specifically piano at the age of seven but it was in my teenage years that I realized that I had a natural ability for the music art form.
- Did you go for voice training classes?
When I was 7 - 8 years old, I took both voice training and piano classes.
- At what age did you become serious about music?
I became really serious and focused on my music at the age of fifteen and started playing both guitar and piano. At this age I also aspired to achieve the highest level of success in this industry.
- What other instrument(s) do you play/ would like to play/ enjoy listening to?
Guitar and piano. I would like to play violin and the tabla. I enjoy listening to string instruments.
- Has the culture of music been a part of your family history?
This musical generational trait has not really been passed down in my family but is blossoming within my immediate family at present. My siblings and I have made music part of our life and devote much of our efforts into succeeding in the industry. My brother Lawrence plays as the bassist in my band and has contributed greatly to our success.
- Who were some of your musical influences over the years and who is one of your role models?
It is very difficult to choose just a few musical influences but Sarah McLachlan’s music has played some part in molding my musical style. My local musical influences are the local power house in the rock scene: The Orange Sky and the multi-talented Kes, the band. Choosing one role model is immensely difficult since I choose to channel most of my inspiration from many different sources in an attempt to diversify my art form.
- What are some of the most memorable competitions and musical experiences that you have participated in during your youth?
Well, Trinidad and Tobago Music Festival, Macbeth, the Musical and Hazel Ward-Redman’s 12 and Under television talent contest are just a few of the many memorable competitions that I have been able to participate in during my youth.
- How has your religious background contributed to your style of music?
My religious background has helped me to focus on the deeper meaning of my music. I believe that all music should have a message and I want my music to teach people and most importantly, be a form of entertainment.
- How does it feel to have released your first solo album?
Real good!! It was hours of hard work and sacrifice but it paid off in the end.
- How do you predict the outcome of your future releases and do you intend on changing the style of your music in the near future?
I am already recording my second album and I expect that it will be better than the first. My second album is very different from the first but it has not lost what makes my music unique. I intend to experiment with different styles of music in order to create an individualistic sound.
- Do you intend to move forward with your music career or do you wish to pursue something else?
I intend on pursuing a serious musical career but will also branch off into related areas. I will be moving abroad to promote and develop both as an international and local entertainer. As a second choice career, I would like to still be involved in the music industry as a music producer or songwriter.
- What were some difficulties you faced in reaching thus far in your music career?
Some sectors of the Christian society did not quickly accept my rock style of music and vice versa, the rock community did not accept the Christian background that is embodied in my music. Finding a niche and a crowd in which I felt accepted was very challenging and as a result I spent most of my time building up some form of repertoire. It was also very testing to find producers and to afford the production of my album.
INTERVIEW WITH KHION
Khion De Las is a young pan arranger for Lee Chung's "Panosonic" steelband. He also plays a variety of music including guitar and drums. He hopes to further his music career at University of Madrid.
http://www.guardian.co.tt/archives/2007-02-01/entertain1.html
NAME: Khion De Las
AGE: 18
- At what age would you say that you became serious about your music?
At the early age of five (5) years.
- What were some of your musical influences over the years and who is one of your role models?
Well, I believe that I am my own role model but I have been influenced by the great minds like Ken “Professor” Philmore and Len ' Boogsie' Sharpe who have been two of the movers and shakers in the pan industry. I also owe some of my love for pan music to the Late Great Lord Kitchner.
- Has your musical background been a trait passed down through the generations in your family?
I do not owe any of my drive for musical success to my family. It has been a solo effort to succeed in the field of music.
- Well, it is widely known that you are very versed at playing the steel pan but which of the twelve odd instruments is your second best?
The trap set (traps) is my second love. The traps are one of those instruments that challenges my musical growth and encourages my development. I like a challenge!!!
- Has living in such a small knit community like Rousillac affected your musical career?
Contrary to public knowledge, I am not originally from small community of Rousillac but from Marabella. It was here that I was introduced to my first pan side, Southern Marines Steel band Foundation which is based in Marabella.
- What is one of your most memorable competitions that you have participated in during your youth?
Scholarship Competition of Talented Teenagers (SCOTT) which took place last year was one of the most exciting and learning experiences in my life. It was a great time with a group of people who I am blessed to call my “family”. For six months, I attended seminars all over Trinidad with other youths like myself and during these very interactive sessions I was able to learn from very different musically inclined young people and also impart my skills to them. Spending one month in Tobago with people that I consider to be brothers and sisters was not really a competition but a time to have fun with my friends and do what I love. Music gives me the opportunity to meet people that I can always go to and keep in touch with even when all of them become famous. When I make it “big” in the industry, I will always remember those little experiences in my youth that helped me to grow as a musician. During this competition, I celebrated his birthday and a big milestone of turning eighteen years. However, this competitive atmosphere did not deter me from having a fantastic time. My fellow musicians threw me a surprise birthday party and those who have had the pleasure of speaking to me know why it is so easy to find yourself relating to me and enjoying my company. My easy going and “Go with the flow” nature is what helped me to receive the trophy for “Mr. Congeniality”, together with, the third prize in this competition.
- How has this experience compared to your latest Panorama endeavour?
Panorama is all about the hype. I am very proud of my first panorama win which I accomplished with Phase II Pan Groove. It was my first time playing with the prominent pan side under the expertise of Len “Boogsie” Sharpe and winning as well in that endeavour . My music is second nature to me and I find it very hard to stress about competitions even though I am pushed to take them more seriously. However, when final night arrives I switch moods and start working hard to help my band to come together and start working like a single unit. During Panorama I feel free and I am able to truly feel the music. When I do this, I find myself transforming into the complete entertainer and put in quite the show for my eager public.
- In all of the bands that you have played with during your steel pan career thus far, which would you dub your favourite and most loved?
Fonclaire. I really loved working with NLCB Fonclaire because they were one of my band families that I would never forget.
- Which do you prefer; to play with the band and follow instruction or taking up the leadership role and working as the arranger?
This a very difficult decision since the two are my loves. Arranging is a challenge and I love a challenge. My status as a young and up and coming arranger makes this task into one of my goals. I am determined to reach higher heights. However, I am compelled to take a serious stance most of the time and stay at the head as conductor even though I long to “Go wile” with the rest of the band. When playing in the band, I am able to see and respond to my fellow band mates on a closer level and also express myself musically through individual presentation while playing the piece. Playing as a band has also become second nature to me and I thoroughly enjoy every minute on stage.
- What was your inspiration for choosing the arrangement of the Late Lord Kitchener’s song, Iron Man for your first arrangement piece with Panosonic Connection Steel Orchestra?
During the Carnival season, I believe that the pan songs were not suited for my first song and sort the inspiration of the “Master of the Pan songs”, the Late Lord Kitchener. I decided that the old songs would be fitting for the arrangement. The song, Iron Man was a classic and I got good vibes from the song. I also loved the numerous chord changes in the song which deemed the song as a very difficult selection for any one. However I did not make it a problem since I love a challenge and wanted to really go all out for my first arrangement. This song was my canvas on which I expressed to the Pan society that I was very serious about achieving great feats in the highly competitive and intimidating music industry.
- What is in the future of Khion De Las and his musical journey?
I am hoping to secure a place at The University of St. Louis in Madrid, Spain and I want to double major in music and languages.