Interview with Skyla J from Greenlaw Ave.


Q: Please tell me how would you describe your music to someone who hasn't heard of Greenlaw Ave. before?

Skyla J: I would describe it as organic soul jazz with a touch of reggae.

Q: How did you meet to establish Greenlaw Ave.?

Skyla J: Ozzie and I have been making music together for over 8 years, Greenlaw Ave is actually our second project. We actually met in Victoria B.C.

Q: You have released three albums so far. How satisfied are you as musicians with your output and the reaction of your audience?

Skyla J: I am most pleased with the output of this album Time and Energy, I feel like we are growing into our sound. Something which has taken 8 years to develop and is still essentially a work in progress. The reaction to this album has been amazing and very grounding. Overall as artists we are satisfied, we have worked very hard and have taken alot of risks.

Q: Where do you see the advantages of releasing your music independently?

Skyla J: The biggest advantage is what you learn about yourself and your art. The journey of being an indie artist has taught us how to take chances and have faith. We have learned not to worry so much about survival.

Q: How important is the internet for you as a tool to promote and sell your music?

Skyla J: I think the internet is more effective than important because everything you do to promote and sell your music is important. If you invest the time and stay on top of technology the internet can do wonderful things for you.

Q: Your new album Time And Energy sounds very British for my ears (i.e. a raw feeling with a street vibe). How influential was the fact that you've recorded the album in London?

Skyla J: I am glad you asked that, because like I said before we have spent the last 8 years developing our sound in Canada and only 7 months in the UK. All throughout our careers people have always told us we would do well in the UK and Europe. That raw street vibe comes from our life experience. Living in London did inspire the last song on the Album Do you feel the same way ?

Q: What do you like about the British music scene compared to the Canadian?

Skyla J: The diversity. Most people we met listened to a wide range of artists it didn't seem to matter as long as the music was good. We are part of a few music collectives in London and most shows we played had a wide range of artists on the roster from Gypsy music to acoustic Rock. You don't really find that to often in Canada.

For more infos visit greenlawave.com and read my review of Time And Energy.