Interview
Exclusive Interview With Indie-Rock Artist Laszlo Jones
Indie-rock artist, composer, multi-instrumentalist and producer Laszlo Jones just recently released his latest single and music video, “In The Morning,” a first glimpse of his upcoming EP Beyond The Door.
Hi Laszlo, welcome to Honk Magazine, it’s a pleasure having you!
Aww thank you it’s a pleasure being here 🙂
What first made you get into music?
Well somehow I’ve always had music in my life. My parents put me on the Cello at 4 years old then on the piano, but I only started playing guitar quite late, when I was 17 years old.
My childhood was a bit weird in the sense that my parents kept on moving from country to country every couple of years, making me live in Beirut, Paris, Singapore, Bahrain, Milan, Bangkok.
I started singing in Bangkok when a friend who played guitar in the local high school band asked me if I wanted to do a tryout, because the previous singer had left the country. Next thing you know I was doing gigs at school on a regular basis. Later when I moved to beirut, I met a few cool guys who were starting a rock band and were looking for a singer, so i joined in although it was more of a metal band then a rock band to be honest, we were doing covers of Guns and roses, skid row, faith no more, metallica etc .. And then at some point I realised I wanted to try writing songs, I wrote a first, a second, and I loved the process so I never stopped 🙂
How did you sound evolve over the years?
It actually evolved a lot, not just the sound but also the music. When I started writing my first songs, I was very much into classic rock, and I started making a few demos with my band in Beirut. Then I went to Paris and joined a progressive metal band and at the same time I met these guys who were producing hip hop tracks, and they were looking for a few guitar licks. I made a few tryouts, and although in retrospect i didn’t play very well, I guess i kind of had the Hip Hop vibe because they took me in and became a guitar session player for Hip Hop artists.
Then I worked a lot for advertisement, TV, and movies, and started writing tracks in all sorts of musical genres, ranging from classical to rock, to electro pop, to jazz… Maybe my fusion of styles comes from there :))
Then I recorded my first record “Banana Nation” that was signed with Universal. It was a particular mix of hip hop, jazz, rock and mainstream pop. It was actually very hybrid stylistically, and it was my first record, so I wanted to put everything into it 🙂
Now I guess my new record is a little more mature, more rock oriented, the vocals more in the foreground. Also I took a lot more liberties in the songs, in the artistic choices, maybe this EP will be less consensual than the previous one. But I absolutely love the production of this record and the way it is mixed. For production I worked with Michael Buyens (The Gathering .. ) who co-produced the record with me and we were fortunate to get to mix with Kane Churko in vegas (5 finger death punch … ) who did a tremendous job.
What inspired you to create your new single “In The Morning”?
I actually wrote this song a few years ago …. It is essentially a song about war and violence.
There’s actually a story about what inspired this song. It’s a long one but I’m gonna keep it short 🙂
When i was around 8-9 years old we were visiting lebanon with my parents, and were at a small hotel high up in the mountains spending a week’s holiday, and a conflict exploded in that same area. So the whole hotel spent the whole week in the cellar while all hell’s breaking loose around us. We heard the mortar shells falling every 5 minutes and when they fell a little too close to the hotel the walls shook tremendously.
But early in the morning there were no shells. So every morning at sunrise my dad took me out for a walk on the mountainside, short and close to the hotel. I remember thinking how strange it was that mornings are so peaceful when the night was so violent and full of horrors… which kind of unconsciously led to this song.
Did you participate in any online concerts or music related events during the pandemic, what’s your take on that?
Not really, I was really busy recording the songs and working on the music videos 🙂
My take on that is that it’s actually awesome that our technology allows us to do such things … if we’d had a pandemic 20 years ago it would have been much harder for everyone.
But I guess nothing actually replaces the real live experience be it from the perspective of the performer or from that of the listener…… so I’m anxious for everything to open up again and to go tour :))
What is your favorite country or place and why?
It’s hard to answer that … every place has its charm, and its difficulties.
If i had to choose from all places in the world i’d probably settle in the south of france, on the mediterranean. It has the perfect mix of good weather, beautiful landscapes, amazing architectural heritage, the sea, good food, nice people, and is quite central in Europe allowing easy travel 🙂
What is the best advice you have ever received in relation to making music?
Do it for the music, not for the fame. If the music is good, people will hear it and will give you all the love you need 🙂
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What can we expect from Laszlo Jones in 2021?
Oh loads of things :
One new single at the end of the summer
Another new single and a 5 track EP in fall
And a tour that’s not planned yet but that’s definitely taking place with the release of my EP 🙂
Thank You Laszlo!
You’re most welcome, thank you it was a pleasure 🙂
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Exclusive Interview with Country Chart-Topper Ashley Puckett
Ashley, it’s great to have you here. Let’s start from the beginning. Can you share a bit about your journey into music and how your upbringing in North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, influenced your musical path?
Hi! Thank you for taking some time with me today!
My musical journey started when I was only about 5 years old when I sang my first song from the Dixie Chicks. Sometimes I like to say it even started before, because my mother would sing to me all the time When I was little, and there was always country music playing. Growing up, I had a great childhood. I was a happy child, always had my parents support for anything I wanted to do. I didn’t want for anything. Still to this day, my parents are my biggest fan. I remember growing up I was writing songs on my swing set outside in the summer. Music was just part of me growing up all the way to where I am now.
You mentioned being inspired by artists like Lee Ann Womack, Carrie Underwood, and Miranda Lambert. How have these influential figures shaped your style and approach to songwriting and performing?
I love traditional county music. And gals like Miranda allow me to still do what I do because a lot of this genre is moving to pop country, and there’s listeners out there that still want to hear some good ol’ country tunes. My influences are those who I can follow a path of success and motivation no matter the set backs, and those who have paved ways for others. These women, among others showed me at an early age that you can be yourself and stick to your roots, and more success will come from that.
At age sixteen, you picked up the guitar and began writing songs. What was it about songwriting that drew you in, and how did you hone your skills as a songwriter over the years?
Yes, learning to play guitar was a very big part of taking my songwriting to the next level. For me, songwriting came early also. It’s always been an outlet for me to express myself. I’m a very good listener, but when it comes to talking,I usually say it better in song. It’s a way to remember the good times and help me get through the bad. And the thing is, I’m not the only one who goes through those emotions, so it’s a way to share a way of healing for others, too.
Your debut album, “Never Say Never,” was a lifelong dream come true. Can you tell us about the process of bringing this album to life and working with industry professionals like Bryan Cole and Doug Kasper?
It truly was nothing short of a dream come true! I love being on stage, and writing songs, but the part where you get to work with like minded, talented individuals and see your work come to life and share a million creative moments together is by far my favorite part of making music. It’s been a while now since I’ve been in the studio, and I miss it very much!
The first single from your album, “Medicine,” charted nationally and received widespread acclaim. What was the inspiration behind this song, and how did it feel to see it resonate with audiences?
When I heard that song for the first time, it spoke to my heart because it was just so raw and beautiful. There’s an innocence about that one that I felt could touch many different types of people just like it did me. I love acoustic love song, easy listening music, and this one was all of that wrapped in one.
I knew this song had to be part of my debut album because it was a perfect fit to my traditional style, my vocals, and love for beautiful melodies. I love how the audience has taken an immediate interest in me and this song and helped start my mainstream music career.
“Bulletproof,” released on your birthday, became a #1 iTunes hit in South Africa, and a #1 Radio Hit in the US. What was your reaction to the song’s success, and did you expect it to have such a significant impact?
Oh my gosh, it was such a surprise to me! Honestly, when that happened, it gave me a whole new look on my accomplishments to that moment and made me realize that every little success until then had contributed to that very moment. So I till this day appreciate the little things and the little successes a lot more because I know they will lead to much more. I was also very surprised to learn about the culture in South Africa and how they outsource music and love country! That was very cool to learn! I’d love to visit there sometime!
Your single, “What’s Her Name,” was also a radio hit. Can you give us a glimpse into the inspiration behind this track and what listeners should expect from it?
This one was very fun to record! It’s very “done me wrong, cheating song country” haha. A lot of us have unfortunately been in that situation, and it was finally a moment to sing about it! You put so much into something and give your all to someone who would just rather take it for granted and not show the decency to you that the relationship isn’t working out, they go out and cheat and then play at home like it’s all good and perfect. You’re blind sided. Naturally it makes you wonder who she is and what’s her name.
You mentioned that meeting Bryan and Doug reignited your passion for music and inspired you to pursue your dreams. What is it about your collaboration with them that makes it so special, and how has it influenced your creative process?
In so many ways! This opportunity when we all met and decided to move forward gave me my chance at country music. So I knew my life was changing I just didn’t know how or what to expect. Throughout the process of making the album, I leaned a lot about the industry and a lot about myself. I think this project made me a better artist both creatively and professionally. As I mentioned earlier, when I have the chance to be in the studio, it became my favorite part of my entire career. Just getting to create music from nothing and see it turn into a masterpiece with a bunch of talent in the room making it possible is just beyond amazing. It also inspired me to keep writing – not that it was going away, but because I saw that the words I put on paper were not just words anymore with an A-cappella melody, it was a radio hit. That people liked!
With your new single, “Anchor,” on the horizon, what can fans anticipate from this latest release, and how does it fit into the larger narrative of your musical journey?
I’m very excited to share this one! I wrote this song on a birthday vacation in Florida. I love the sea and I get most my inspiration lately it seems from the ocean. This song is a pretty melody, vocal and simple yet story telling song. My favorite instrument you don’t hear much anymore is steel guitar, so we brought that back here for sure! After my debut album, I wanted to start sharing my original work, and “Anchor” is going to be a follow up to my first written debut back in 2022, “Tequila”
That song was accepted very well and made it into the top 80 on the Music Row charts, so I’m hoping this one can set a huge stage for me and my writing and overall career showing that I didn’t just write and sing one song, I’m a songwriter, too, and I have a lot to say and share!
Finally, where can listeners find your music and stay updated on your upcoming releases and performances?
All major platforms, wherever you listen. Amazon music, Apple Music, pandora, Spotify, or if you’re out and about on the town having a drink, play a song on any AMI Jukebox! I’m also really big on Facebook and instagram for all things Ashley including upcoming events and performances. You can also check out my website at www.AshleyPuckett.com
Artist Spotlight
A Conversation with Singer Songwriter Eddy Mann
Eddy Mann is a smile for the soul. He’s a combination of cultural and spiritual traditions living in an ever evolving neighborhood. He’s ever comfortable in his hometown Philly roots that speak of peace, and brotherly love. An award winning and prolific singer-songwriter, he’s moved gracefully through a catalog of twenty diverse albums. His hit single, “The Consequence” was a Top 10 Christian Music Weekly radio hit.
His latest album, “Chapel Songs” featured the #1 UK ITunes hits, “Hallelujah” and “Hope of the World.” His new album is out on June 7th, with the first single being released today. Eddy took some time to answer some questions about his music, his career, and of course, his faith…
HM: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your single “The Humble Cottage by the Sea”? What themes or messages do you hope listeners take away from it?
Eddy Mann: The inspiration came from a gospel story that presents a theme of healing and hope. In a world that’s broken and hurting, one can only pray that a message of peace and unity might be found within the spirit of the song.
“Turn Up the Divine” is your latest album set to release soon. How does this album differ from your previous work, both musically and thematically?
EM: The album is a collection of divine stories and prayer moments that have been put to song over the past year. They’re really just a reflection of my daily experiences. The musical influences are a little more diverse than usual, but that’s just what the songs were calling for.
Your music is known for blending cultural and spiritual influences. How do you navigate incorporating these elements into your songwriting process?
EM: I don’t consciously bring influences into a song, but what I’ve been exposed to naturally becomes a part of my fabric, and then it’s re-processed into my own creativity. I’ve had a very diverse upbringing and it probably shows throughout my catalog.
“The Consequence” was a Top 10 Christian Music Weekly radio hit. Could you share the story behind that song and its impact on your career?
EM: The Consequence was released in November of 2016 on election day. I wanted to make a statement about the apathy I was witnessing. Our system only works if everyone participates. Anything less than that doesn’t reflect honestly about who we are, and how we feel. It was my hope that I might bring a few more folks into the fray and that would help in the cause.
Both “Hope of the World” and “Hallelujah” from your album “Chapel Songs” topped the UK iTunes Christian chart. What do you think contributed to their success, and how do you plan to build on that with your new album?
EM: Both of those songs took a very simplified approach musically and lyrically. I was looking for an easily remembered melody with an easily remembered lyric, and both songs seem to reflect that it was successful on some level. I’m pleased that they’ve done as well as they have.
Your career spans over 20 albums. How do you keep your music fresh and relevant while staying true to your artistic vision?
EM: I’m a student by nature, I love learning new things and I think that helps to naturally put me in new situations where I can be surrounded with challenging thoughts and different soundscapes.
You mentioned that God often appears in humble settings, such as the cottage by the sea. How does this concept influence your approach to music and ministry?
EM: As a man of faith, I never wander anywhere on my own. What I mean is that my faith is always traveling along with me, usually leading the way, and yes, sometimes correcting my faulty navigation. It doesn’t matter where I might be, or what may be going on around me, my God is not influenced by the trappings of this world.
What can fans expect from “Turn Up the Divine” in terms of sound and lyrical content?
EM: Everything was written, performed, and produced in house, under the Spirit’s watchful eye, and with the blessing of the One. So the success of the project will be measured in it reaching each and everyone that God intends.
With the changing landscape of the music industry, how do you see Christian music evolving, and how do you position yourself within that evolution?
EM: I’ve reached an understanding that I just need to be an honest reflection of myself. I don’t feel restricted or restrained by what the business tells me I should be doing, about the how the mix should sound, or about what messages are deemed appropriate. What God wants is for me to speak, write, and record what the Spirit puts on my heart, and then he’ll use it to fulfill His purpose.
What are your hopes and aspirations for your music career moving forward, especially with the release of your new album?
EM: I have no expectations anymore. I’ve been blessed to have produce an abundantly humble catalog. So I’ll just continue to follow the Spirit wherever it leads and be grateful.
