HIS FIRST studio began in a spare bedroom. Now he is the process of reconstructing his former music studio Aasramam, which he hopes to have open within the next two months.
Ian Eyan Alleyne is a former member of Coalishun, a band formed almost three decades ago in 1988.
“A lot of Coalishun music is music that we still play today, but in different forums. The music is not forgotten, it’s there on a shelf waiting to be dusted off and played again,” Ian told EASY recently with a twinkle in his eyes.
On November 29th, in celebration of the nation’s 50th anniversary, Alleyne and other members of the now defunct band, will be performing at Digicel’s Barbados Is Music show, along with two other big bands of the era– krosfyah and Square One.
“It will be a simple trip down memory lane. This time around I have a different role in the band, because although I am playing I am also musical director for the show. It’s an exciting idea, and a role I haven’t played with this band.
“I have produced in studio, but live is an entirely different approach. All personalities have to be taken into consideration when putting it all together, so it will be interesting to see how it all comes together. I am looking forward to it,” he said laughing as his fingers roam smoothly over the strings of his bass guitar.
A look of absolute euphoria mask the musician’s face when he is asked about his greatest memory playing with the band.
“ . . . . We had some really good times in the Boatyard here. It was fun; it was work, yes, but it never felt like work. We have travelled to Trinidad a few times, and those shows were bigger in terms of crowd. We played in Canada and Britain and I also did a Labour Day and that was ridiculous.
“I would say it’s a mixture [of great memories]. I can’t single out any one memory, but the Boatyard stands out. The intimacy and the regularity of being there every Tuesday, and we normally played longer than we should. There was always a good time to be had in the Boatyard,” he recalled.
As his fingers continue to caress the strings of his guitar, a Fender American Deluxe Jazz Bass, he plays different chords and explains that music is his life, and so he takes his guitar everywhere with him.
“Writing music is a different process for me. There are people who are on the instruments and could put it all together one time. Or there are those who come up with a melody in their heads, and then add the lyrics.
“I tend to work with the music first, find some progression and put it together. Then I come back at it, vibe it and see where it sends me lyrically, and then I put the words to the music,” he said.
The self-taught musician said that he was always musically inclined, having come from a musically oriented family.
“My dad and his three brothers all played instruments. I had one uncle who played the guitar, who was closest to me in age, and I thought he was the funkiest, most attractive and exciting. I must admit, though, there was a long time when I tried to decide which instrument I should play, because I liked the drums a lot and the guitar just as much.
“I played the drums for a while. A neighbour made a set of drums with things around the house, and I started to play with him. He switched to the guitar so I learnt the first three chords from him, and took it over from there,” he said flashing a smile.
Former music studio Aasramam, holds many memories and Eyan recalls his start with his first studio in a spare bedroom.
“We graduated from there over time. I’m expanding and so a name change is imminent. I haven’t come up with one as yet, but it will come closer to the end,” he said.
He is always inclined to share his talent of over 40 years with those interested in his craft.
“I am not selfish with what I have learnt over the years. I show people what I know. If anyone is interested and asks a question, I show them. I also give a bit of lessons as well. I will continue to play my guitar until I can’t play anymore, and then that will be a bad day for me,” he said matter-of factly.
Outside of the music the father of five daughters, ranging in ages from 30 to 17, spends a lot of time “liming” with his friends.
“Life is made for living; that’s the only thing you can do,” he said. “The other day I saw something that I really like and fully endorse. It said “Everything you do with yourself, goes with you when you die; but things you do with other people stays with them when you’re gone”. It’s not my philosophy, but I think I will adapt it.” (RA)
