In this episode, Channa Channa Channa talks to Andy Wardle (Vocals), Steven James Fowler (Guitar & Vocals), Lee Gibson (Drums & Vocals), Dave Tillyard (Bass Guitar) of British hard rock band The Innocents.  Channa discovered them through a friend.  Channa enjoyed their song ‘I Come Alive’.  

The Innocents hails from The Midlands, England, the UK which is famous for bands like Black Sabbath, Judas Priest.  They are a bunch of friends who even played in bands together in their teen years.   They describe their sound as a blend of rock and superbly crafted pop.  

They released their debut album “Rise” in 2020 just prior to the pandemic and the same tour was also postponed due to pandemic.  They wish to release more songs in the coming months and looking forward to touring post-pandemic.  

Andy, Steve, Lee and Dave talk about their town, their childhood, their early music,  how they meet each other, forming the band, how they write music, their debut record, touring and performing.   

Check out their “Rise” album on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/7xM1pAHazhvHboAwdPN5OZ?si=J8bbNSW9ThS1xgimG0ZXPw

#channa3x #channa3xvlogs #theinnocents

In this episode, Channa Channa Channa talks to pro wrestler Andrew ‘Shark’ Carter from Perth, Australia.  Channa met Andrew and his crew The Foundation joined PWR event in Manila in 2019.   

Andrew got interested in Wrestling when he saw The Rock on TV. Andrew gave up a lucrative soccer career for wrestling when he was just 16 years old. He started with amateur wrestling and won the state championship twice. 

In 2008 Andrew travelled to Calgary, Alberta Canada to join the wrestling school of WWE, ECW, WCW  superstar Lance Storm.  After completing his training he was active in the independent wrestling scene in Canada and the US. On his return to Australia, he started his own wrestling promotion. 

Andrew talks about his childhood, how he got interested in wrestling, training in Lance Storm’s wrestling school, life in the independent scene in US/Canada, starting his own wrestling promotion, touring the world, meeting his wresting idols, his thoughts on retirement and his new blog ‘Shark Tales’. Andrew also remembers the amazing time he had when he travelled to Manila.

Check Andrew’s blog “Shark Tales” on Pro Wrestling Post:  https://prowrestlingpost.com/author/andrew-carter/?fbclid=IwAR3k51_4vFz0fhyy66U9jUm9eM0bIwEY5R_lHtHTPm2k5qyrM35fMboM65Y

#channa3x #channa3xvlogs #andrewcartertheshark 

In this episode, Channa Channa Channa talks to Hitomi (vocalist) and Hassy (bassist) of Japanese Heavy Metal band Nacarbide based in Bangkok, Thailand.  Channa was introduced to Nacarbide by a friend and he immediately loved Nacarbide music. 

Nacarbide was formed in 2016 by Japanese residents based in Bangkok Thailand. Most of the music is composed by Masa, lyrics written by Hitomi and Hassy.  They released their first album “Lots of Eyes” in 2017. 

Hitomi and Hassy talk about their childhood, their early influences, their life in Thailand, performing in metal festivals, stories behind their famous songs, their upcoming plans and impact of Covid-19.  Nacarbide looking forward to touring around the world post covid. 

Check out Nacarbide’s latest album “Iron Lotus” on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6tRuMWZ4xRPcGWAhnM3DX4?si=05Y9A8CfR9uoGEZgvZfGJg

#channa3x #channa3xvlogs #nacarbide 

In this episode, Channa Channa Channa talks to American singer, songwriter & musician Justin James Bridges.  Channa got connected with Justin through a mutual friend. Channa loves Justin’s music, especially the song “Shine On”. 

Justin born and grew up in Texas. He started playing the guitar by ear in his early 20s. Justin says he gets his songs and song ideas from his dreams. He recorded his first album with the band “Leprechaun Theory”. In early 2011 he recorded his first solo album “Hang on for the Ride”. 

Justin is a passionate activist of Cannabis Legalization, social justice and he performed in many festivals and tours like “Cannabis Common Sense Tour” for many years. In 2011 he experienced an unfortunate incident with police brutality while he was volunteering as an ASL interpreter in Portland. He shared this emotional experience during this podcast. 

Justin is currently working on 2 new albums which are to be released soon.  

Check out Justin’s music on Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/artist/4unUulDS5hGdb9ljojyWaO?si=5CTEUOl0RP2XM0Z3f8E0yQ

#channa3x #channa3xvlogs #justinjamesbridges 

In this episode, Channa Channa Channa talks Sri Lankan rapper Mudiyanse AKA Vinod Attanayake.  Channa remembers watching Vinod’s famous 2004 performance of “Sihasuna Matha” back in the day. 

Vinod born in City of Kandy in Sri Lanka heard music very early on and was influenced by Michael Jackson.  He was introduced to Hip Hop while in college.  He was very active with Interact club where he saw a lot of new performers which inspired him to become a performer himself.   

He wanted to create hip hop/rap songs in Sinhalese with a meaningful message which he was able to do with producer Ranga Jagoda.  While juggling the corporate job he is currently working on this new material which is to be released soon.  

Check out Mudiyanse on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/vinodattanayake

#channa3x #channa3xvlogs #mudiyanse

In this episode, Channa Channa Channa talks to Loïc El Haddad Founder, Songwriter, Guitarist of Lebanese Groove Metal band Phenomy.   Channa discovered Phenomy via YouTube years ago.  Channa recently got connected with Loïc via Facebook.  

Loïc growing up in Lebanon, got into metal when he first listened to “Seek and Destroy” from Metallica which was the theme song of WWF (then WWE) wrestler Sting.  He got into playing the guitar very early and with his friend Rudy they started writing/playing songs.   

After playing in prior bands, they formed Phenomy in 2014.  They have released two albums and currently working on their 3rd. Their songs talk about social issues, justice and fear inspired by the situation in their country and around the world. 

This episode was broadcasted live on Facebook on Halloween day and discussed many topics including Phenomy formation, upcoming music, Pandemic, Social issues, Halloween and some wacky questions submitted by Phenomy fans.   

Check out their latest single “The Mute, The Deaf, The Blind” on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSzpCJzGnEg

#channa3x #channa3xvlogs #phenomy 

In this episode, Channa Channa Channa talk to phenomenal guitarist, composer, producer Mark Pyjama of Pyjama Planet Studios from South Africa.  Channa discovered Mark via a friend and immediately loved his music.

Mark started playing the violin at 6 years old. Afterwards moved to saxophone, piano and guitar.  Mark was part of Heavy Metal band “All Guns Full Ammo” based in Cape town till 2014. 

Mark got into producing over a decade ago and he created his own Fantasy world which became Pyjama Planet Studios. Mark lives on a farm away from the city life where he feels his creative juices are overflowing. 

Check out Mark's latest single "The Prelude" with Kris Xenopoulos (of Vulvodynia) on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eo4n_0H3D8E

#channa3x #channa3xvlogs #markpyjama 

In this episode, Channa Channa Channa talks to Ryno Theron(Guitar/Vocals), Warren Jones(Guitar) of South African Thrash Metal band Truth Decayed from Durban, South Africa.  Channa discovered Truth Decayed via the Internet. 

Ryno and Warren grew up together and Ryno’s cousin introduced them to Metal.  Influenced by band from the 80s and 90s they started playing the guitar.  Warren played in the Durban Metal band "Mystical Element" and Ryno in numerous Durban Metal bands, most notably "Throne".

With Johan Maree (bass) and Brandon Carey (drums), they formed Truth Decayed while in lockdown.  

Ryno and Warren talk about their city, their childhood, how they discovered metal, their early bands, forming Truth Decayed, responses for their music, stories behind their songs and upcoming plans. They also talk about the loss of Eddie Van Halen, his legacy and influence. 

Check out their latest EP “Modern Day Illusion” on Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/album/4JBtpqN11639Id3HepA9oS?si=orBkQ06hTt2xIkoHKNemow

#channa3x #channa3xvlogs #truthdecayed 

In this episode, Channa Channa Channa talks to Aaron and Grace Bond of When Rivers Meet the Blues + Roots Rock duo from Britain.  Channa discovered When Rivers Meet via Facebook and loved their music.  Channa's favourite WRM song is  “Tomorrow”.  

Grace and Aaron the British husband and wife duo first met each other at the local pub and the first thing they discussed was music. They toured around the country on a self-converted VW Van performing town to town.  

They released their first EP “Uprising” in 2019 follow up by the EP “Innocence of Youth” in 2020.   Their recent single “Battleground” got featured on Planet Rock and Guitarist and Classic Rock magazine.  

Grace and Aaron talk about their childhood, discovering music, their influences, how they met, touring together, recording their first song, their instruments, their debut EP. They also talk about the response they received on their regular Livestream every Saturday.  

They are releasing their full-length album “We Fly Free”.  Pre-order available here https://shop.whenriversmeet.co.uk/

#channa3x #channa3xvlogs #whenriversmeet 

In this episode, Channa Channa Channa talks to legendary Sri Lankan filmmaker Boodee Keerthisena.  Channa was a big fan of Boodee’s film Mille Soya (Buongiorno Italia) and recently got connected with Boodee via Instagram after Boodee responded to one of the posts related to Channa’s interview with Derek Wikramanayake of Wildfire.  

Boodee was born in Mahawewa in North-Western part of Sri Lanka.  His family owns the popular Buddhi Batiks and a movie hall which he remembers dearly. Early on he started in drawing comics, painting, fashion design and visual arts.  

He believes his imagination was shaped by music, he discovered bands like Santana, Abba, Boney M via his dad’s records. His world was changed when he was introduced to David Bowie by a family friend.  In the mid-1980s Boodee was the frontman for Post-Punk band  "Boo-Dee and the Woo-Zees". 

He moved to NYC to study film and television at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan.  While studying in NYC, he had many adventures in music and promoted many bands like Living Color and also worked with legends like the famous poet Allen Ginsberg. 

He put out his first movie Sihina Deshayen (Veil of Maya) in 1996 which impacted the Sri Lankan film industry for the better. His 2004 file Mille Soya revolutionized both film and music industry in Sri Lanka. 

Boodee talks about his childhood, his school friends, early memories of music, his love for David Bowie, playing with Woozees,  life in Manhattan, his influences, favourite directors, his movies and stories behind them and his close relationship with Jaya Sri.   Boodee also talks about his compassionate living through a vegetarian diet.  

Check out Boodee’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/buddhikadee

#channa3x #channa3xvlogs #boodeekeerthisena