Aside from being a great website, I got a mention in Sean Parker's Istanbulldogs article this week - www.indieoma.com :)

This interview was dreadfully translated into turkish for the studyo imge website so i feel obliged to post the original transcript here, in english;


“Acoustic International İstanbul” Questions

Can you talk something about “Acoustic International İstanbul” shortly?

Sean: This project came about basically through my deep love of the music of Black Schwartz, and growing acquaintance with Tomas Eagle, who’s newer on the scene, but no less talented or driven. We wanted to highlight the talent in Istanbul which might otherwise go ignored, and through my online empire and good friends at Shaft in Kadıköy, organised this event.

How did you decide that organization?

Sean: We decided on the organisation over many bottles of Miller, a few fistfights, and knowledge that Shaft is one of the oldest and most respected clubs in Istanbul.

We will listen Sean Parker Band and Tomas Eagle within “Acoustic International İstanbul” at 29th June. Are there another bands at the night?

Sean: There are indeed. Rod McKee of The Wingmen will sing solo – and there is an amazing voice – and Steady Fingers, sometimes of Alley and Electric Blue, will also do his psychedelic acoustic blues thing. To my great regret Black Schwartz will be back in his Canada home at that time, but will be sure to headline the next one when we organise it.

What can you say about “Acoustic International İstanbul”s sound? There are two important words here: Acoustic and İstanbul.

Sean: Is ‘International’ not important then? The sound is about mellowness with soul and integrity, a deep and real soul expressed in general with acoustic guitars (though any acoustic instrument would be fine), through people who mean it. I hope to see Matthew Lemon at future events, with his massive instrument, and Fulya Ozlem too, with her insanely original style and voice. Soul, integrity, and individuality.

Can we take an idea the groups and their music from a web page or else?

Sean: Yep, we set up a myspace site for it, www.myspace.com/acousticistanbul, where you can find Eagle’s ‘Ever Again’, a track from his old UK band Brothers Aureus, and my ‘Whose’ . There’s a facebook group out there with the same name too.

Will “Acoustic International İstanbul” go on with the another concerts?

Sean: Hope so. I personally love Shaft, but we’re also speaking to Nayah, Studio Live, Balans and Babylon about some future events, where we shall see the mighty Schwartz, and other surprises.


Your real name is Stephen Schwartz. Why do you prefer to use “Tomas Eagle”?

Tom: My real name IS Tomas Eagle. Stephen 'Black' Schwartz is another groover in these parts.

Can you tell us something about your musical history?

Tom: As many, I was taught piano as a child and got my first guitar at age 10. Brothers Aureus formed a little later, during highschool with my good friend Jim Campbell. BA only really flourished when we moved to Leicester, England, and staged many local and London gigs. The most notable was at Covent Garden Rock Gardens.

What do you think about being a musician in İstanbul?

Tom: In terms of live music, I'm only really looking in from the outside  through the eyes of Sean and Stephen. After a couple more gigs I'll have a better idea. In terms of creativity... there is a magical aura around the city. You'll notice in my song 'In the Morning' I captured the call to prayer by hanging my microphone out of my apartment window. The noises of a busy bazaar, the chaotic streets and the intense heat are all condusive to creativity.

What do you do in İstanbul except music?

Tom: I use alot of my time cursing the heat, the pollution, almost getting killed and getting ripped off.

Can we say about your music that interaction of John Martyn and Nick Drake sound?

Tom: There should be a similarity there. These two incredible people have played a huge part in my life and mind.

How can we learn more about Tomas Eagle? Is there any web page or else?

Tom: I'd ask the same question. It's a slow road to knowledge they say. www.Myspace.com/TomasEagle is my main vent.

What is your future plans about your music life?

Tom: If I can continue as I am at the moment I'll be happy.

What is your favourite musicians?

Tom: Long term favourites have got to be; Nick Drake, Cat Stevens, Pink Floyd and The Grateful Dead. Lately I also stumbled upon Glen Hansard who's incredible.

How did you decide to join “Acoustic International İstanbul” family?

Tom: There was an advert in the news paper, I forget which one. They were looking for cool cats and groovy girls to live in a commune on the outskirts of the city. We met, shared a single cup of tea, and performed my initiation ceremony on the same day.

What will be the profits to become a member of “Acoustic International İstanbul”?

Tom: It should be like a warm bath I expect - comforting to the mind and cleansing to the body.

Will you be in another projects like this? And will you go on with “Acoustic International İstanbul”? (I mean in the second one or third maybe?)

Tom: Yes of course. I think there is a plan to do themed nights, eg Leonard Cohen, where each performer will play their own music as well as that of the chosen artist.




See the translated version on their website.

I've got this idea for a song. If you're interested, here are the words so far..;

Sitting in a garden where begonias reek of arson
Where the benches talk in passing of the trees who were their fathers
Their leaves don't fall much faster than their cousins in the pastures and
It doesn't seem to matter to the beach and oak that plaster this old town
or the ones who let them down

Compass pointing southwards with my rose born of a coward
Pass the plants though long deflowered, would your father ask my dowry
We've seen the night and breathed the dawn with blackened face and damaged lung
The city key was stolen on the day we pledged to run

but where can we go
hope is distant and our energies are low
sailing on i'll be a mason, build a house out of these stones
where the cardboard fools are distant we shall shelter from the cold

A few times a year I will need some help with posters and fliers for gigs.



If you'd be interested in helping me, please send a message with 'Street Team (your area)'.



eg. 'Street Team Beyoglu'



I'd really appreciate the help and those who do will be rewarded  (what with I don't know yet).

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7858458.stm

For those unaware of John's music,

www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOi_wxypeGc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTwfTMBB-H0

this kid...