More music from Lara Eidi

View and indulge in the beautiful cover of Pharrell Williams' 'Happy' by the musically talented
Lara Eidi...

New children's book with a cause

Isibindi: The Last Rhino
 



Isibindi: The Last Rhino
by Hernes

Isibindi: The Last Rhino, by South African debut author and illustrator Hernes, is a story about a courageous little rhino who creeps into your heart from the very first page. It is a story about the real plight faced by these beautiful creatures, sensitively told and beautifully illustrated.

Isibindi's adventure to reach the safety of a sanctuary to escape the clutches of poaches is by no means a clichéd (yet sadly also necessary) campaign which may leave you somewhat uncomfortable. It is heartwarming, authentic storytelling that both young and old will thoroughly enjoy. The purpose of Isibindi's story is to create awareness among our children, regarding poaching, as well as to create a sense of hope that we can indeed do something to save these animals.

Fun facts about rhinos are included to help children appreciate these magnificent beasts. May the little rhino in this book not be the only rhino our children will ever see.

 

Hernes tells us a little more about Isibindi, what it takes to be a writer and to illustrate your own book, and what you can do to help save the rhinos.

Hernes, author and illustrator of Isibindi:The Last Rhino

When did you first start writing stories and why?

I think I wrote my first short story when I was in primary school, around grade 5. It was a short story about a boy who lived in the time of the dinosaurs. I wrote several stories as a child, but I've had an affinity for storytelling for as long as I can remember.

 

 

Tell us a little bit about your debut children's book, Isibindi: The Last Rhino.

The inspiration for Isibindi came when I woke up one day in November 2012 and I went on to the net. I saw a post, saying that the North African Black Rhino was officially declared extinct. I decided that that was the time, if any, that I needed to start creating awareness due to the fact that our rhinos are poached to the level of extinction. If nobody does anything, we'll probably only tell our children about rhinos in stories and with the aid of photos. That is where the inspiration for Isibindi began. I officially started writing at the beginning of 2013, and illustrating.

 

Isibindi and his friend, Pant.

Why is the rhino in your book called Isibindi? Is there significant meaning to the name?

'Isibindi' is the Zulu word for 'courage'. So it's actually 'The courageous little rhino'. Being South African, I wanted to explore our native languages in the title and put it out to an international market. 'Isibindi' just clicked. It's such a beautiful word and meaning 'courage', what could be more appropriate for a rhino? If you read the book, you'll get to the point where Isibindi helps to bring down the poacher that is trying to kill him.

 

I believe that a portion of all your sales of Isibindi goes to rhino conservation. Is rhino conservation in particular close to your heart? Do you support other conservation efforts?

I do. Nature conservation as a whole is very close to my heart; animals especially because they can't speak for themselves. I feel that is our responsibility to speak out against the cruel ways in which people are treating animals. 

Isibindi really is a brave little rhino

Money drives the world at present. Rhino horn is in demand and poachers can get so much money from it. The poachers don't see the animals, they see a dollar sign. That is why I decided that I, as a person who really loves animals, should do something; should try to create something that will create awareness.

What is the most important part of the illustration process and why?

 

Finding something you're passionate about and then telling that to the world. The most important part of illustration is to create a picture that tells the story. Having a passion for cinema and visual storytelling, I think it almost became second nature to me to tell stories through pictures. So the illustration process is a step-by-step process where I actually draw several images of the same frame to get it right before I finally print it, to make sure that every character is in that single frame. So it's about where I place them to create visual interest in the image. Also, because there are poachers and some scary facts in the story, I had to treat it with a little bit of tact so that I don't scare the parents or their children.

 
What is the greatest challenge of writing?

The greatest challenge of writing for children is to make it as simple as possible. I'm targeting an audience between four and eight years old. They are still developing their minds and their own identities, so you have to make it as accessible as possible without being too far over their heads.

 

Pant, Isibindi's friend

What do you enjoy most - writing or illustrating - and why?

 

I enjoy creating the images. Telling the story through the images was the most enjoyable part for me because I could play around with images that people had perhaps never seen before. I have this one image where Nkosi sees Isibindi for the first time. He looks out of the window of his shack and sees the rhino eating trash out of the trash can. That single image gave me so much joy. I actually illustrated it and re-illustrated it four times before I felt happy enough with the final product to put it in the book. It happens often. Painting is not work for me, it's relaxation.

Best advice you can give to budding writers and illustrators?

 

Let's start with illustrators. Find your own style, firstly, because there are so many illustrators out there that the competition is fierce. If you have your own unique style, people will immediately recognise your illustrations, regardless of a multitude of others.

Then, for budding writers: be true to yourself, be true to your story and don't give up. It is not easy to be a writer. In fact, I think it's one of the hardest professions in the world. So don't listen to that voice in your mind that tells you, you're not good enough because you are. If your story is good enough, people will enjoy it just as much as you do. Never compare yourself to others, compare yourself to you. Take your passion for writing and turn it into something usable. Transform it.

 

Can we expect more books in future?

 

Yes! I have a second book planned – a children's book – to be released in May 2014, but I am not going to say anything more. Watch this space!

Isibindi and his mother

Get your copy of Isibindi: The Last Rhino

Isibindi: The Last Rhino is available in softcover and e-book format from AuthorHouse, Amazon, and Kalahari. A portion of the sales goes to rhino conservation, which makes 'Isibindi' not only a great book to have on your shelf, but an absolute necessity.
 

Like Isibindi: The Last Rhino on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IsibindiThelastRhino?fref=ts

Author profile

Born in Sasolburg, a small town in South Africa, Hernes grew up the youngest of three children in a house filled with books. From an early age, his love for reading became apparent and soon he started to write his own stories. After he completed High School, he travelled through Europe where he worked as an au pair before returning to South Africa. He attended the University of Pretoria and has a Architecture degree. A supporter of animal rights and nature conservation, he believes that change starts with education. He lives in Pretoria with his spouse. When he is not writing or painting, he loves to take long hikes in the South African savanna.

The Lara Collective

Through the chaos, there is calm.
There is love, and then there is music.

The Lara Collective

The Lara Collective, singer-songwriter Lara Eidi and cellist Stavros Parginos, are fulfilling their dream of playing the Fringe this August! Sweet Venues will host the duo, promising a breath of fresh air and originality across two exclusive performances. They will perform from their debut work Little People, premier new tracks, as well as select covers of favourite artists, including Joni Mitchell and Peter Gabriel.

Lara Eidi is a singer-songwriter of Canadian, Greek and Lebanese descent. Having performed as a solo vocalist and pianist, she decided to change focus, founding The Lara Collective with cellist Stavros Parginos, Lara’s music developed into an original synthesis of sound, produced solely from voice, piano, acoustic guitar and cello. The Lara Collective seeks to emphasise creativity and music that blends folk, indie and ethnic vocal styling with atmospheric harmonies and sincere lyrics.

"The lyrics reflect our most intimate fears, our inner desires, love and the pursuit of happiness. The music is intended elevate and allow listeners to travel through the tunes and give them a sense of peace,"  says Lara Eidi.

Greek journalist, Maria Markouli, writing on Little People: "Artfully embroidered compositions, resonate with crystal vocals. It was as if Joni Mitchell had exchanged a secret with Lara, to which she kept and then later revealed with such originality, in her own distinctly unique voice. A Greek-Canadian with Lebanese roots, she is the new blood of cosmopolitan folk."

The Lara Collective will be at Sweet Grassmarket (Venue 18) Aug 15 and 16 19:45 (45mins) £10.00 (£8.00)

Twitter: @LaraEidi

Show Contact: Lara Eidi : eidilara461@gmail.com

Venue Media Contact: Annie Marrs : annie@sweetvenues.com : 07912 042630

  

Woodstock Mafia

 

Independent, thumping grunge rockers, Woodstock Mafia, is an energetic band out of Cape Town, making waves in 2013. Not only has Woodstock Mafia’s world class debut single ‘Electric Light’ been playlisted on 5FM and PUKS FM, but it has reached the Top 10 on the prestigious, only all-rock radio station in the country, TUKS FM 107.2, and the number one spot on the TUKS FM Most Wanted Top 20. Their music video for ‘Electric Light’ also held the number one position on DSTV’s MKtv for four consecutive weeks. Watch it here to see why:

 

 

Woodstock Mafia also received two MK Music Awards nominations this year in the Best Rock and Best Newcomer categories.

Launched in April 2011, the band has played most music festivals in the Western Cape, including Rocking the Daisies, Synergy, Rock the River, Up the Creek, and Ramfest. They are currently on their ‘Born Wild Tour’ of South Africa, having just performed at Splashy Fen music festival, Arcade Empire in Pretoria, and The Bohemian in Jo’burg. They will end their tour back home in Cape Town at Mercury on Friday 5 April 2013. See the Facebook event page for details: http://www.facebook.com/events/160835410735751/

 

 

It’s not difficult to understand why Woodstock Mafia is a band to watch out for in 2013!

Listen out for ‘Rebel Dreams’, Woodstock Mafia’s second single, as well as keep a look out for its music video. A third catchy, guitar riff single ‘Trigger and Gun’, will follow hot on its heels.

 

Woodstock Mafia is:

Joe Theron – Vocals
Nick van Rensburg – Guitar
Ryan Matthews – Bass
Owen Ingarfield - Drums

Links:

Website: www.woodstockmafia.com
Facebook fan page: www.facebook.com/woodstockmafia
Twitter: @woodstock_mafia
Listen to Woodstock Mafia: www.SoundCloud.com/WoodstockMafia

 

Lara Eidi: music in her veins



Lara Eidi (Photograph by Eftihia Liapi)



I first met Lara Eidi at a Scottish Universities International Summer School in Edinburgh in 2006. Her bubbly personality lit every step she took and people were filled with laughter and joy where ever she went. However, late one summer evening, while relaxing beneath a tree on campus, hired guitar in hand, Lara sang and all listening were silent. The echo of her voice and guitar in my mind still gives me goosebumps. Crystal clear, sincere, heartfelt. It was then that I realised that music runs through Lara’s veins. It is not just something she does, but it is a part of her very being, far more than just an intense passion.

     

Two years later, I met up with Lara again in Edinburgh. She decided to entertain at our favourite pub, Bannermans, with a rendition of “With or without you” by U2, during an open mic night. It was no surprise (not to me, at least) when a talent scout approached her with a business card and told her that she’ll organise a gig for Lara.

     

I’ve since been watching my gifted friend bloom and grow into the true artist I always knew she was. To this day, I don’t know if Lara knows exactly how amazingly talented she really is because music and Lara are one and the same – it’s how it’s always been. Music is something she has always shared with the world.

     

I simply just had to have an exclusive interview with Lara, the first international artist to be featured on Culture Box.

     

Here follows the interview:

You have a diverse background. Tell us a bit about your family and upbringing.

Lara Eidi (Photograph by Eftihia Liapi)

Ah. Yes. I have trouble explaining it myself. Well, I’ll give it a go. I was born and raised in Greece. My parents are of Lebanese-Palestinian-Canadian descent. We conversed in three languages simultaneously, not by choice, and often confusing. I soon understood all Lebanese follow their way of speaking by the same means. I went to an international school; all my friends were Greek so I learned Greek there. I imagined myself studying in Scotland. I’ve travelled and have been grateful for the opportunity to do so. I have always seen myself as an outsider, culturally, as I believe we are human beings first before we are a nationality.

When did you start to show an interest in music?

I’ve always been into music. I knew it was something I could identify with as a kid, when all else failed and, as I grew older, something I could create and share. Now I understand how it is an extremely spontaneous art form that can often elevate as much as it can remind us of dark times. I tried following the conservative way of learning music, studying at various music conservatories on and off, but very seldom did very few teachers show me the way to make music as a way of life, not as a job.

Is your family musical at all?

Yes! (smiles) Most members of my family here [in Greece] and abroad are either accomplished or amateur musicians.

What instruments can you play, and when and where did you learn to play each?

I played classical piano since the age of eight and enrolled in a conservatory (Odeo Kodaly) where I was part of an amazing vocal children’s choir, which opened my eyes to the possibilities of vocal harmony (Mr. Patseas). I taught myself guitar, jamming with friends at 14. I stopped playing piano around 19 years old, due to tendonitis, and started taking up lessons again only recently. All lessons took place in Greece.



Lara Eidi (Photograph by Eftihia Liapi)


Have you had any voice training? You sound like an angel!

I trained with amazing voice teachers; two different, but very positive human beings (Karen Solomon and Nina Kaloutsa). Karen, I had known a long time and trained with her for about three years on and off. She helped me discover my voice again after a period of not being able to sing for three years, as I had nodules on my vocal chords and refused to see a doctor. When I did, and had an operation, she helped me regain my ‘speaking’, as well as singing. Nina was responsible afterwards for finding the power in my voice and giving me a final nudge out the door, so to speak.

What qualifications do you have and why did you choose to study in that/those directions?

This is a question which I try to avoid, as I only really have a few! (laughs) I have a Degree in English Literature and Journalism because, besides music, I am an avid fan of the literary arts and love writing, especially literature for children. Roald Dahl was my hero growing up and, often times, my comfort zone. I have a few qualifications from the London College of Music, but most of the qualifications I have in the arts are not written on paper. Having said that, a musician’s and writer’s role, I feel, is to continuously learn and never stop, by practicing and playing, not by means of certificates on a wall.

Lara Eidi (Photograph by Eftihia Liapi)

Was it always your plan to be a professional musician/singer/songwriter? If not, what made you change your mind to pursue a career in music?

I honestly can’t say that I’ve chosen music as a career, as I’ve seen that nowadays musicians’ careers (successful ones at least) last for a period of three years maximum. I always struggled with the idea of taking up music professionally because I feel that I can’t handle the whole ego thing with musicians (who can?), as well as the competition. I never actually saw myself as a singer-songwriter; more as a singer who can play the piano well enough to write some songs, and with a lot to say. I feel that inspiration to document everything down musically led to my decision, therefore, to choose music as a life path.

I believe you have performed both as a solo artist and as a band member. Which do you prefer? How are the dynamics different, if at all?

It’s a give and take situation, both ways. In a band, you learn to put your personal feelings aside so that they can correlate harmoniously within a group. You offer some part of your soul through your instrument, but not all. As a solo artist, you do the same actually, but this time, it’s tougher because you have to continuously lead and inspire people, i.e. your band mates. I think, although I reject the idea of being called a leader because I like to learn from people who are better musicians than me, I prefer the second, as it gives me more room to create and more artistic space.

You’ve performed in pubs and at big festivals – which do you prefer and why?

Well, I have a long way to go (laughs), but er, so far I think I prefer small audiences. They’re nicer and you can see who you’re playing for. Of course, festivals aren’t so bad either. As long as I can play music big enough to fill all that standing space!

Lara Eidi (Photograph by Eftihia Liapi)

When did you start writing your own songs?

Two years ago.

What inspires/influences your music?

Everything.

What do you believe people can gain/learn through music?

I hope, that at the point I’m at, I can give some calm to people in this crisis - I don’t feel like an entertainer, I feel like a person who wants to sing and play for people who will listen and feel relaxed, as well as happy. Music for me is supposed to drown out the noise in our heads.

What is it about music, no matter what genre, that makes it so universal?

When words fail, music takes shape and form and speaks for us. (Yes, I know Shelley, Byron and Keats ALL said that. But it’s so true!)

What do you think it is about music that can move you from one emotion to the next?

Its spontaneity - it’s so many things all at once: sound, shape, tonal frequency, rhythm, harmony - they all follow our emotions, which change invariably. And I guess the more complex the emotions, the more complex the music.

Any other achievements/comments you would like to add?

Hmm, well, I hope to go back to Scotland one day and my dream is to play at the Festival. And I hope to be able to play one day for Palestine. Music has the power to transcend borders on a grand scale; people just don’t see it yet.

Upcoming gigs?

Yep, I’ll be playing with my current band mates at a beautiful location in Plaka, Athens, called Vrysaki. After that, I believe I’ll be singing at a festival for charity in Beirut. Anything I can get my hands on, anything I believe in.

Lara Eidi's EP titled "Little People"

Any albums in the pipeline?

Well, a small and humble effort was made this summer to record a mini EP of four tracks, which will be available end September on CDbaby!

Other future plans?

Gig, gig, write, gig and write some more. And of course, travel with music!

Visit Lara’s website: www.laraeidi.com

Like her Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/LaraEidi

Follow her on Twitter: @LaraEidi

Watch Lara’s first track on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RF5v1sADuCk

Lara Eidi - Singing Ah (revolution song)