Interview With Independent Singer & Songwriter ‘Lyn Rajah’

Tell us a little about yourself?

I’m Lyn Rajah and I love music, films and being a foodie!

How did you come up with your artist name? 

This is my birth name. Lol interesting story about the spelling of my first name and why it’s just Lyn –  it’s unique and spells the initials of my relatives.

How long have you been in the music industry? 

Started learning music at age 6, wrote my first song at about age 17 and been recording my own material in studios for over 12 years.

How did you get started in the music business in the first place? 

I learnt recorder, guitar and trombone growing up, then was lucky enough to join CYM (Centre for Musicians) music centre for several years continuing my studies on Trombone and later piano. 

How would you describe your latest single? 

Heartwarming, Christmassy and magical.

When can fans expect the visuals for the single?

There are no visuals, it’s all in what you can hear when you listen to the track, the vocals, the effects, the atmosphere that’s created and the story the lyrics tell you.

Who are your inspirations in the music industry?

Nick Drake, Richard Thompson, Emiliana Torrini, RYX, Calvin Harris, Cafe Del Mar, Royksopp, Cliff Martinez, Lalo Schifrin,  amongst many more…

How do you go about writing a song and what is your process?  

I may note down an idea and see how the lyrics flow, other times I’ll get a musical idea and put this down first and then feel lyrically inspired by the music I’ve initially created within that first idea and then compliment with lyrics and vocals on top.

What is the concept behind your forthcoming project if working on one? 

My next releases are more chillout and dance. I love the feeling of relaxation and tranquillity when hearing chillout music and love a beat when it comes to dance music.

Any plans on touring to promote your latest single? 

Outside music, I’m a carer, so I’m being protective but also cautious with travelling until Covid cases dramatically drop. 

Once it is safer to travel I would love to do this!

What did you buy with your first cheque of music?

I can’t recall! Probably spent it on food, or a pamper of some sort! 

What are must haves when you’re in the studio working?

Well, I like to feel warm, so I’m happy if there’s tea and a heater! But I currently create music at home so I’m all good and comfortable. 🙂

What is the best piece of advice in this business you actually followed?

To get my music out there. A friend gently encouraged me years ago, to consider getting my music out there and at the time I wasn’t feeling too confident about it, I was not sure if it would be well received. I’m so glad I listened to that friend as I’ve now been creating so much more material and in many different genres.

Will you be collaborating with any other artists in the future?

I’d love to and I was asked by a few people recently but currently, I have to politely decline, due to time constraints and also juggling a full-time day job and being a carer outside of this. 

What artist have you had the pleasure of working with and what was it like?

During my solo career, I haven’t collaborated with another artist yet. 

Name an artist(s) that you would love to work with?  

Dave Grohl, or RYX, or Calvin Harris to name but a few!

Do you think your music is mostly enjoyed more for the beats, or for the lyrical flow and content? 

I think more for the melody and lyrics than the beats.

What area do you need to improve on in regards to your career? (Example: Better production, Delivery, Stage presence, etc…)

I choose to produce my own work at this time but I’m quite new to it, so I try to pay closer attention to anything that needs ironing out. I know what you mean but I personally prefer to think of it as development as an artist, rather than an improvement. I personally feel for myself, that there’s always room for potential and growth which is positive as I discover new strengths and explore new ideas.

What’s your all-time favourite song?  

There are so many but ‘Come on Eileen’ by Dexy’s Midnight Runner’s is a close contender!

What was the last album you listened to?

Indie Artist Van Plating’s ‘The Way Down’ as I really adore the track ‘Bird on a Wire’ but I’m regularly playing anything by the amazing Emily Glazener who has an incredible voice! 

Your favourite artist of all time and why?

This is a toughie!! The Artist I listened to the most in recent times would have to be RYX but to be fair, I don’t just have one favourite artist! There are so many!

Whose your favourite five artists right now? 

Only 5! Aww, come on! You’re going to get me in so much trouble! Lol Twitter family pls know I love you! 

Ok so indie wise, I’m currently listening to a lot of Emily Glazener, Van Plating, Venus Blake, Byron Smith, Tamarind Dream – there’s so many more though  

Mainstream I’d say Dexy’s Midnight Runners, Madness, RYX, Calvin Harris, U2 again so many more than this that I love!

In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?

I am a mix of different genres where my songwriting’s concerned, so couldn’t possibly answer this fairly! I’ll cheekily bat that question back!

Who have been some of your favourite artists that you’ve been able to work with? 

I’ve not yet worked alongside anyone in my solo career. 

How do you feel about the current state of music? 

I feel that streaming platforms should pay their artists more. The current rates are beyond ridiculous for the amount of time that goes into creating music. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a joy to create music but I feel it’s wrong that some aspects of the industry are so exploitative.

Any dream award shows you hope to one day play at?

The Grammy’s.

What is your main goal as far as music?

To gain recognition. To create more music for a wider audience to enjoy and to do this all the time. 

Who would you say your music relates to the most? 

Sometimes fictional creative ideas, sometimes I create music inspired by loved ones, or places, or life events.

What separates you from other artists? (What’s makes you different?)

I write original music in many genres including Folk, Classical, Chillout, Ambient, Synthwave, Darkwave, Cinematic and now Christmas music with the launch of ‘Glow’.  

When you’re not in the studio, What do you like to do for fun and relaxation?

Watching films! I’m a huge film buff! When the weather is warmer, walks in nature is a lovely way to escape the day-to-day. 

If you could work with any producer who would it be?

I choose to produce my own music but…if that ever changed, I’d probably approach ‘Basedriver’ who actually produced my video for ‘Americana.’

What’s the biggest highlight of your career thus far?

Having radio airplay with wonderful stations like Orange Hat radio (now Blue Torch Radio), Big City Radio (Me, Myself and I) show presented by Vimal, Phoenix Radio (UK) (Graeme Drayton), Phoenix Radio 1208, Prospect Radio, Readifolk Radio, Lonely Oak radio, Wolfcreek Radio, Maritime Radio, Lava lounge Radio and many more and interviews with Nunny Boy, Graeme Drayton, Graham Coath. Having a debut UK radio interview with David of the formerly Orange Hat Radio now ‘Blue Torch Radio’ which was where I met Emily Glazener on air! Also Having my music reviewed by Doff Reviews, Spooky Kitten Radio, Purple Dreams, Beelzebubabble and Zaphodblack and a world premiere interview with Chris West of Phoenix radio 1208 in Queensland, Australia those things were such special highlights for me. 

What is your dream venue to perform at?

The Hollywood Bowl.

What’s the name of the last book you read and by whom?

Sorry, it’s been a while but did read some short stories by Chekhov recently.

What’s your favourite sports team and why?

Used to play a lot of sports but not currently following anyone specific.

Who is your favourite actor, or actress and their best movie?

I love Ryan Gosling in ‘Drive.’

I don’t have a favourite actress but do think Meryl Streep in Kramer vs Kramer is amazing, Emma Stone in La La Land and Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman oh and John Cusack in Serendipity! Is that enough lol I could talk with you about films all day! 🙂

Name someone famous who inspires you and why?

David Attenborough – just because! Come on, he’s a legend. 🙂

What can we expect from you in the future?

An Album is on the cards. Watch this space. 🙂

Where can the fans check out for your music?

My music is available on all streaming platforms and digital music stores.

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