Music: Interview with great synthpop band The Magickal

One of the coolest things in interviewing Indie artists is to find and discover great music. The Magickal is an awesome group, and I really enjoyed listening to their songs! I invite you to find more about them in this interview, and don't forget to check out their tunes!

First, please introduce yourselves and let us know a bit about each of you and your background.

Based out of Salt Lake City, Utah, The Magickal took years in the making. Dorian and Kami have known each other since middle school. We were two thirds of a synth pop band during their high school years. After some time apart pursuing other musical avenues, they have teamed up again.  Dorian is a self taught musician, who started writing songs on his parents' piano as a teenager. Kami has been singing her whole life. She started by singing country songs with her dad. She also sang a solo in church at age 5, and sang to just about everything she heard on the radio. 

What a great team! So when did you start the band, and what's the story behind the band's name?

This band was started in 2015, after years apart doing other projects. Dorian and Kami always remained friends, but we decided it was time to finally finish something together! So this EP is very much a full circle accomplishment for us. We wanted something simple yet epic for the band name... We were thinking along the lines of Muse. We, of course, tried a few other things before The Magickal, which were all taken already. When I Googled The Magickal, I sat there staring at the screen forever thinking "Can this be right?!!"... and YES! We do believe in magick. 

That's really magical! And who writes the lyrics and composes the songs?

We work together on arrangement, but Dorian does all the synth programming, while Kami writes the lyrics and melody. 

I love the vocals, Kami, you have a great voice! What genre do you consider yourselves and what's your greatest influence?

We consider ourselves a Synthpop band. Although it's electronically based.... we do not make dance music. We make pop songs. We're actually inspired by every genre of music out there, but of course, especially the New Wave music of the 80's and early 90's. Depeche Mode, Erasure, Eurythmics, Yaz, New Order, The Cure....

That's my kind of music and I love all these bands! A fantastic influence, I might say. When was the first time you performed live and how did you feel?

The first time we performed live together was in high school, at a homecoming assembly. I remember waiting behind the curtain as they announced us. Since, at the time, there were very few bands in our school, it seemed everyone knew who we were! The applause when they announced us was enormous. We were both exhilarated, and terrified. We were overwhelmed... it was our first performance ever, and we already had some huge expectations on us. 

What a great moment it must have been! Is there a specific performance you feel was your best so far? If so, where and why?

Thus far, The Magickal is only a studio band. We do plan on starting live shows as soon as we have enough material ready.

I hope you do and start touring soon! What do you enjoy the most between your interaction with the fans?

So, our interactions with fans have been mostly on line so far. We've had some really amazing feedback from all over the world. Including a girl in Italy, who says our songs have really helped her through some things. That, for me, is the greatest news we could receive. Not only did she "like" our band, but it truly affected her life in a positive way. I don't think we could wish for anything more than that.

That's remarkable. As an artist, that's all you hope for, to influence someone's life in a positive way! So what are your plans for this year?

Our plans are to work on more music this year. We have a few more that are already written, that just need to be recorded and produced. The goal is to release a full album, and start playing live.

This is exciting and I can't wait for a full album from what I have already sampled. Where can we find and buy your music?

You can find and buy our music on our website themagickal.com, or like us on Twitter https://twitter.com/The_Magickal

or on facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/TheMagickalMusic

You can also purchase on itunes at https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/the-magickal/id828243565 or listen at http://www.reverbnation.com/themagickal?profile_view_source=header_icon_nav

Is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers?

We'd like to just let everyone out there who has supported us in any way.... THANK YOU! 

Thank you so much for your time and we wish you great success with your music! 

Music: Interview with DJ extraordinaire and AIDS Activist Derek Canas

Today, we bring to the blog Derek Canas, with an inspiring story that highlights the resilient human spirit of survival, and of making your dreams come true regardless of the adversities. Derek is a DJ who goes by the name of DJ D-REK, and he's also an AIDS activist. He has a powerful message he wants to share with us: "always chase your dreams. I thought I was dead 15 years ago, and I still went after and got my dream job." Let's meet the extraordinaire Derek Canas.

Derek, tell us a little bit about you and your background.

I'm battery operated, I've had pacemakers since I was 3 months old. I was diagnosed with Aids at 16 after getting bad blood from a blood transfusion at 3 months of age during heart surgery. I've been through hell and DJing is my escape for a few hours on the weekend.

Not an easy start for you... But you found a way to channel your talent and rise against adversity and that's wonderful. When did you decide to become a DJ and why?

When I was 16 I discovered I had been given a bad blood transfusion. I got the bad blood during heart surgery at 3 months of age and was then being diagnosed with Aids. I isolated myself and my escape from doctors and meds became music. When I was old enough to go out, I met some local DJ'S who were playing CDs I had recorded for friends. This was when CD burners had just become popular. The local guys then took me under their wing, and showed me how to DJ.

That's great, music does make a difference in someone's life. When and where was your first gig as a DJ and how did you feel?

My first DJ gig was unexpected. I was working with another DJ learning everything, and one night he was unavailable, so the owner asked me to fill in for him. I had my own equipment at this point, but had never done it solo. I was so nervous, but those nerves soon went away as the dance floor became packed.

Sounds great! I'm glad it all worked out. What do you like best about your interaction with the fans?

I love the energy they give back to me. I've always said I truly come alive at work. I wish my fans knew how much those few hours I'm at work and their love and support mean to me.

It's so rewarding when you get a job where you feel you're not working but having fun and enjoying it! And what genre of music do you prefer to play? What is your favorite song/artist?

I love EDM just for the energy it creates. My favorite song is Bill Withers: "Ain't No Sunshine"; it's a goodie after a crazy night song. 

Fabulous! Now I have that song on my mind! And which artist or musician has influenced you the most?

Justin Drake has influenced me the most; he taught me how to be an Emulator DJ. I love using the Emulator on gigs, because it takes DJING to a new visual level.

That must be so much fun. I need to visit your club one of this days! What are your plans for this year? What are you working on currently?

To keep working on the charity campaign and then turn into the DJ on the weekends. I'm currently preparing for a very busy summer. I work in a tourist area beach town that get's crazy during spring break and summer. 

I'm sure you'll be busy! Tell me your favorite quote - or any of your favorite quotes - who said it and why you like it.

Garth Brooks - The Dance: " I could have missed the pain but I'd have to miss the dance". I wouldn't miss this for the world!

Derek, thank you so much for sharing a little bit of your life and work with us. We want to wish you good luck and much success in your career and your cause. Where can we find out more about you and your charity cause?

Facebook page  :https://www.facebook.com/EndTheStigma912/

Twitter page:  https://twitter.com/DJDREK84

To help Derek's "End the Stigma"campaign, visit his Facebook page and follow him on twitter.