Music: Interview with musician DJ Lion-O

Today we bring to the page DJ Lion-O, a talented artist who just released a new album, Visceral. After his 2 instrumental albums, DJ Lion-O departed from music for a bit to explore painting, design and more writing. After 5 years, DJ Lion-O is finally releasing his fourth album. It changed a lot during those years, first titled Anti-Hero 4.0 to finally be changed to something more primal, Visceral. The album was produced by Mad Ducks Records and was released  on September 22 2014.  Let's get to know more about him and his music!


Tell us where you are from and what is your background? 

I am from Houston and my background is Heinz 57 with mostly Italian sauce.

Great sense of humor! What do you play and what instrument is your favorite? 

I play beatboxes, synths, and kaossilators. My favorite is a kaossilator hooked to the body of a bass, going through a bunch of guitar pedals.  

That sounds interesting, and exotic! What genre do you consider yourself and what is your greatest influence? 

It is hard to define myself with one genre. I would consider myself a mixture of ambient and techno. My biggest influence would have to be Pink Floyd, especially their song "Shine on you Crazy Diamond" from Pulse.

Pink Floyd is indeed a great influence. What is your source of inspiration to compose?  

This may sound corny but my source of inspiration is similar to many artists.  I think I am inspired by the emotions I feel from daily life experiences, the highs and the lows.

Yes, life and emotions can be major sources of inspiration. You have worked with bands and also worked solo,  which do you prefer? Why? 

A band is hands down the best and worst way to go. You have to deal with many personalities but when they meld together, in the pocket, that's a magical high.

I can imagine the contribution that each talent can bring to make music together. And what do you enjoy most between the interaction with your fans? 

I would say an honest opinion of my work. I want to hear the good and the bad.

You just released a new album, but are you working on anything else currently? 

I am currently collaborating with an experimental folk band in the Denver area.

That sounds exciting! Now tell us where can we find more about you and buy your music? 

released 22 September 2014

- DJ Lion-O: Beats & Programming
- Cedric Theys: Guitar, Bass & Programming
- Terrance Ballard: Congas & Bongos

http://www.madducksrecords.com/djliono.html for my bio 

http://store.madducksrecords.com/album/visceral to get my latest release.

Thank you! Is there anything else you'd like to share with the readers?
   
Don't be afraid to express your inner creativity in whatever media you prefer.

That's a great advice! Thank you so much for your time interviewing with us here today and we wish you good luck and success with your new release and your upcoming projects!

Latest release: Visceral

Visceral is an emotional journey through music. It needed to be raw, untamed and unadulterated, aiming for the heart. The tunes are melodic but also include somewhat primal rhythms. After getting deep electro beats going, DJ Lion-O wanted to incorporate warm percussion to stir up the emotions. 

Visceral is the yearning that reaches deep into our souls coaxing us to close our eyes, raise our hands to the skies and beat the rhythms in a shaman-like trance. Visceral cannot be described by words alone. Visceral must be heard. Visceral is pure. Commune with it.

Location: The State Capitol - Bigger in Texas!

Location: The State Capitol - Bigger in Texas!

Texas, the lone star state, the biggest state in the continental USA! The saying goes... "everything is bigger in Texas." Even the Capitol?

The beautiful dome of the State Capitol

The Texas State Capitol is second in total size only to Washington DC National Capitol; basically it is the largest state capitol in the nation. The Texas Capitol does surpass the National Capitol in height, though, rising almost 15 feet above its Washington counterpart. It is a beautiful, Renaissance Revival style of architecture building, which was completed in 1888, and is designated a National Historic Landmark. Touring the facilities is free on a daily basis - you can also choose a guided tour, which is approximately 45 minutes long, or wander through the magnificent building on your own. Children will love to climb the several floors linked by formidable stairways; the interior is like a palace, with many different rooms and corridors to be explored; galleries showing portrait paintings of all previous state governors, and lots of history to be appreciated. Colorful marble floors also grace the lobby of this amazing building.

Inside the State Capitol, hallways covered with pictures portray the history of Texas

 The State Capitol's grounds are situated in a beautiful landscaped area, where you find tourists and pedestrians strolling around, taking pictures of the many monuments and statues spread around the park, or just sitting under a tree relaxing in the shade. It's interesting to notice, that views of the Capitol's dome are protected, by state law, from being obscured; so you can see the magnificent dome from many different points throughout the city.

Another beautiful view of the State Capitol dome

Nothing like a taste of history for free; but don't forget the taste of Texan food. While in Austin, walk around the famous 6th Street; where during the day you can find a multitude of restaurants, and on nearby streets you can find food trucks selling all sorts of goodies, including delicious cupcakes. And at night, you can bar hop in one of the many entertainment venues, permanent hosts of this world famous musical street. Welcome to the capital of Texas!