Whisker-A-NoGo

This is straight LOVE-MAKING music! :) [Makes me wish I had it on vinyl.]  Check out their Sonicbids profile here, and the video teaser for the new single “Aka. the Brightest”.

Gibbran Khan Rashid, a revolutionary soul man, and Tamsynn-Lee Isaacs, an expressive sense kind of woman, have been brought together by love and energy to form Gibbran&Tamsynn-Lee.

With the rhythm of love-making and cosmic frequency, this duo produces sweet music that they call “Steam.” Early 2009, these two artists converged, conceiving brilliant emotional, sensual and glorious songwriting. Gibbran&Tamsynn-Lee create the sounds of love. Music that elevates the heart, the spirit and the soul. No doubt their chemistry is contagious. 

Their debut single “aka. The Brightest,” originally titled “Shine,” is a celebration of love, life and beauty. This epic soundscape features Mr. John T Davis, a Virginia jazz cat, on the B3 organ. Recorded, engineered and co-produced by Jeff D. Elliott at The Audio Recording Academy in Toronto, Ontario and mastered at Joao Carvalho Mastering house by Joao himself. 

Gibbran, born in Guyana, continues to create his own music. Revolutionary Soul is what he calls it. This genre takes a controversial and revolutionary approach to songwriting. With titles like “Fight,” “Anchor” and “Save my soul”, Gibbran demonstrates songwriting from the source with his soul at the core. Gibbran currently has a DVD entitled “Live @ Harlem.” An hour long concert at Harlem Restaurant in Toronto, with 12 original songs, plus bonus footage. 

Tamsynn-Lee hails from Cape Town, South Africa. Upon meeting each other, Gibbran helped elevate her already budding career by encouraging her to write more of her own material. Tamsynn-Lee was heavily involved in the HipHop scene at the time, whilst also advancing her acting career, but nevertheless took to Gibbran’s kind gesture. She quickly picked up the guitar and started composing her own songs. Creating, what she calls, Expressive Sense music. With titles like “Strumdela”, “Heart Song” and “Iron Lungs,” Tamsynn-Lee’s music is fuelled with feeling and a message delivered by a voice that is truly blessed. Tamsynn-Lee is the definition of a natural born singer, her voice is a gift to humanity. Her latest project “Vixen” is a HipHop/R&B based mixtape, with some special features, showing off her vocal and lyrical range. 

Now, with their recent return from a successful tour in China, Gibbran&Tamsynn-Lee are diving into their first full length album together entitled “Steam.” This project has a Soul/Psychedelic//Pop vibe with a sound that is unique only to this duo. The project includes tracks like “Naked,” “In the Beat of the Light” and “Natural Remedy.” All songs exude a positive message with a positive vibe. The album is schedule to be released in the summer of 2013. 

Here’s my Q/A with Gibbran and Tamsynn-Lee:

Briefly introduce yourself, and the band:

Gibbran: well my name is Gibbran and her name is Tamsynn-Lee and together we go by Gibbran&Tamsynn-Lee.  Writing beautiful songs and making love are what we do best.. and not necessarily in that order..  

In no particular order, list your top ten inspirations, even if they’re not musical.

Gibbran: Jesus, My Dad, Tamsynn-Lee, Ross Werlick, Sunsets, Love, Women, Freedom, Emotions, Visions/Epiphanies.. and ya they’re all musical to me.. I’d prefer if the question asked for at least the top 100.. because inspiration is infinite.. i think?

Tamsynn-Lee: Well, My Parents, Whitney Houston, Gibbran, Justin Nozuka.  Right now I am inspired by anyone who has made a name for themselves on their own.  I know how challenging this industry can be and we face it everyday.

What are your thoughts on the current status of the music industry?

Gibbran: hmm.. i have no thoughts on that..    

Tamsynn-Lee: I have started to get a glimpse of what it really is about.  Its changed so much since I was young.  Now its all about your ‘online’ involvement.  Making a name for yourself on the inter web.  Plus labels, stations, publishing won’t even look at you unless you have a product and a following.  There’s no such thing as a demo anymore.  We have to write, record and release something first.

Are you signed to a label? What are your thoughts on that?

Gibbran: no not signed to any label.. I have no thoughts on that either.. 

Tamsynn-Lee: We are not signed to a label.  Everything we’ve done up to this point has been completely independent.  Something that we are very proud of.  It seems to be the direction the industry is taking.  However, if some sweet deal comes along we would consider it for sure.

What would you hope people think about when they hear your music?

Gibbran: …. i’m not yet wise enough to answer this question.. first off ..i hope thinking is not the main activity they would be doing.. 

Tamsynn-Lee: I hope that they really and viscerally feel the music we make.  Its a whole experience when we are in the studio.  Each sound and instrument is purposefully chosen.  and sometimes it even chooses us.  There is no way of telling if that shows through.

Have you ever bought an album for its cover? Which one?

Gibbran: yes there r a few.. I don’t remember which ones though?  

Tamsynn-Lee: I have never.  I was never adventurous with my music selection.  I think I am more open to that at this time in my life.  

What’s one place/venue in the world you’ve always wanted to play?

Gibbran: maybe.. woodstock 1970 at 4:20am sunday morning.. right after sly and the family stone.. tuned to the 432hz frequency and jam out for an hour or so.. oh and Massey Hall in Toronto..

Tamsynn-Lee: Right now, I would love to play Massey Hall for sure.  I’ve been working there for years and I always feel like I’m on the wrong side.  I should be on stage.  I’ve stood centre stage for a moment before and it was breathtaking.  

My rating: 7.9/10

@whiskeranogo