Published: May 14, 2009 10:55 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight May 2009 Edition
Jason Steidman from lightsweetcrude
Jason Steidman from lightsweetcrude
This next band combines the funky sounds of Psychedelic, Jam Band, World and North Indian Classical music into one sweet harmonious sound. The band, lightsweetcrude, masterfully creates music that will instantly draw fans into their world and never let go. If you are a fan of music that will elevate the mind, then lightsweetcrude is the perfect choice. Recently, Jason Steidman from lightsweetcrude spoke to me about the band; so sit back, relax, and read their journey told from the eyes of Jason Steidman in this fun and interesting interview with our Webzine.
Isaac: How do you sum up 2008 for lightsweetcrude? What do you feel was your biggest accomplishment?
lightsweetcrude: A great year in many ways, in that things really came together and took this project from a concept to some tangible finished music. I reached out to my "dream team" of musicians that I had recorded over the years in various situations, and they were all into the project, and so the first few tracks got cooking and the first was mixed in December with my colleague Andrew St. George. So the ship set sail, which was a great accomplishment, but admittedly, it took a lot longer than I feel it should have to accomplish these things.
Isaac: Elaborate on the concept behind lightsweetcrude.
lightsweetcrude: Musically, the concept is simple really : it's instrumental music that's a funk/rock/psychedelic jazz hybrid...and all the tunes are closely based on different North Indian ragas. The idea is that there is something for all listeners to sink their teeth into, but those who are versed in North Indian Classical music will recognize the raga in each piece, and hopefully agree that the raga's mood, movement and other specifications has been preserved, respected, and evoked - outside of the Classical realm. That is the musical 'mandate' in a nutshell...
This project has two sides to it: the studio project, and the live performance of the same material. This is generally the case for any musical act, right? Of course... However, in this case, each of those 'spheres' is considered to be its own playing field and not bound by the activities, rules or circumstances of the other 'sphere'. lightsweetcrude was born in the studio, so to speak, and that side of it therefore lives by the rules of the studio : where all the technological possibilities (both old and new) are fair game, and all strategies or decisions exist to serve the music, and take things as far as they can and should go. This includes decisions regarding who is playing the music, which so far, is an entirely different set of people than those who are currently conspiring to take this thing live with me. So it's almost as if there are two bands : the studio cast, and the live cast. Also, the live performance of the material, as you would expect from any jamband or improvising outfit, expands upon the studio blueprint, stretches things out, and takes it to some very different places.
Isaac: Describe the music scene in Toronto/Ontario, Canada.
lightsweetcrude: Toronto is an amazing city in so many ways. It really is a melting pot, culturally, and there is a rich musical history here, as well: Percy Faith, Glenn Gould, Oscar Peterson, Fred Stone from Ellington's band, Peaches - many greats came from or chose to live here... There is an indie rock scene that has gotten worldwide attention in the last decade or so, through breakthrough groups like Metric, Broken Social Scene, etc. Plus there are many notable world music fusion groups, and a thriving South Asian music scene. The jazz scene here goes way back, as well... There's also an amazing pool of players here who are always being recruited by big names for tours by US or international artists. I think it makes perfect sense that this city would spawn a project like lightsweetcrude.
Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music industry and why?
lightsweetcrude: Well, on a production/engineering level, one of my first teachers was the great Jack Richardson (Guess Who, Bob Seger) when I was at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario. I was a bit of a 'keener', and he allowed me to come in and assist on local projects that he was working on in the college studio. There are still things from those classes and sessions that I will remember him putting out there when I think I've come to an original conclusion about something in the studio. He had covered all of it, but we didn't get all of it right away.
Another influence for sure is the whole Eno/Byrne "Bush Of Ghosts" direction, which I believe begins a chain that goes through Bill Laswell and exists in the music of Cheb i Sabbah. He is someone I have not met or worked with, but his album "Krishna Lila" was a huge inspirational push as I was learning and writing. Hearing that album re-affirmed that the type of fusion I was looking for was possible. His production work was respectful of its source material, subtle and sophisticated. While it wasn't exactly my vision, it stood apart from all of the superficial sample-on-top-of-a-beat type of tracks that were the standard for this type of 'fusion'.
Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel you will bring to the music industry?
lightsweetcrude: Old school production values. Half of lightsweetcrude is its existence as a studio project, and as a producer I am in the service of whatever music I am working on, and must do the best for it. That means involving the right people: from the musicians to the mix and mastering engineer. Even though it's kind of out of fashion, I still feel that audio quality matters, and will stop at nothing to get it. At this point, finding ways to save money in audio is boring - putting a great team together is very different and exciting, and I think I have one here. Certainly my decade plus of professional recording experience has given me help towards this goal. I'm not really into doing this alone at home on my laptop... That certainly is a part of the process, truth be told, but not where the magic happens at all.
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and why?
lightsweetcrude: Daniel Lanois, even just to engineer for the guy. I've met him a few times, and he seems like someone that would be cool to work with. I also love his playing and approaches to recording.
Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?
lightsweetcrude: "Raga-fusion".
Isaac: What is your definition for World Music?
lightsweetcrude: It seems to be a term that is used to describe "ethnic music" of any sort, but I never have like the term myself. I always aim to be more specific. I find it hard to imagine putting Reels, Raga and Reggae under one genre.
Isaac: What type of feedback have you received from your releases in 2009?
lightsweetcrude: Very encouraging. It really is the reason that a live thing is coming together right now. The feedback has also been educational, for sure... You can put together a picture of the types of people who are into the music.
Isaac: Where can fans locate you at online?
lightsweetcrude: lightsweetcrude.ca is the place to go. We're also to be found in all the usual spots, as well.
Isaac: What can fans expect from lightsweetcrude in 2009?
lightsweetcrude: I'm in the studio at the end of this month to work on three more tracks that should make their way online a few months after that. Plus, taking this thing live - that really is the primary focus right now.
Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans?
lightsweetcrude: They know who they are... And where I would be without them. :+)
Isaac: Final words from lightsweetcrude?
lightsweetcrude: Thanks for having me here, Isaac. And thanks to all for supporting the music.
