- Dr. J Interview April 2007
Interview by Gavin Pereira, Administrator, www.pepperwater.com
Jeff Ewing, a musician in the making with a talent for ‘making music’. He records his music in MP3 formats for easy listening and accessibility. He has bestowed the title of “Dr J” on himself and is a one-man-band who can churn out the music with a great deal of panache. He has the ability to produce sounds that are reminiscent of standing around a piano singing old favorite’s, whilst a friend with artistic skills would thump out the melody. So, if you would like to sample a couple of his tunes just click on This Boy or Blue Moon and enjoy a few minutes of his music. If you want more you will need to visit his home page at The Music of Dr J, but please respect his wish by not downloading any of his MP3’s.
On the other hand, I had a one on one personal interview with Dr. J to find out a little more about his past and present and it turned out pretty interesting.
Q1. What are your thoughts on being an Anglo-Indian by birthright?
Answer: Confused about my heritage most of my life, until I started the Anglo Indian Exchange (http://www.angloexchange.netfirms.com) several years ago which provided a better understanding, and its something I am now comfortable sharing with my kids.
2) Where were you born and brought up and where are you now?
Birth Place: Calcutta, attended Goethals Memorial School Kurseong, until the age of 13. I migrated to Canada when I was 14 years old and am still there.
3) What do you like mostly about your country of origin?
Refreshing to see the progress India has made especially in technology, however I’m sad to learn about the poverty, especially within the few remaining Anglo Indians.
4) When and how did you get into music? Are you a professional or is it just a hobby?
I first got into music at Goethals and at age 13 was the school drummer. I’m an amateur and self-taught on guitar, sax and piano and now keyboards
5) Where would you rate yourself currently in the music industry?
I’m just starting to play; finally for audiences – what I perform is the music I have always liked; but could never find others to participate in. I used to DJ but I don’t like playing other peoples music. All my songs are played on the keyboard in real time – without remixes, corrections, etc, as true live music so to speak. On occasions I may add two parts harmony to my vocals – about 40% of my tunes are vocals.
6) What does it take to be someone like you and to get where you are?
No one should try to be like anyone; be yourself; not sure if I want anyone to be me, kidding aside – success is self-measured; most important is to find something You like to do and better yet, Someone who will pay You to do it – Dick Clark
7) How many albums have you created and sold?
None – some minor self-promotion http://www3.sympatico.ca/jeff.ewing/ – hoping to get an opportunity to play at the World Reunion here in Toronto
If there is anything in the world you would like to change, what is it?
Poverty, War – seems like they go together
9) How did you come to know about Pepperwater.com?
Through the Anglo Indian Portal who also posted an article about me.
http://www.maltap.com/anglo/site/index.php?page=news&type=view&id=67&filter10) What do you feel about PepperWater.com and its articles?
To be honest just starting to explore seems like one has to signup to view most of the content
11) Did you face any bias back in India or where you live now?
Far too much time explaining to “trying to explain” my heritage – I am Canadian – period.
12) A few words on your family and friends!
Married a Canadian Girl (Italian heritage – 2nd generation) two kids, Girl 16 Boy 15 – Friends – a few close and very good ones.
13) What advice would you like to give our future Anglo-Indian offspring?
In this day an age, especially living in a multi cultural society be PROUD of your mixed background – after all – it’s what Peace is all about. Some minorities can’t even get along internally; imagine seeing two opposite races live in harmony? Wow sounds radical – Just ask an Anglo; we’ve done it for years. Now we just have to learn to “support” each other.
14) If our members need to contact you or buy a CD, how would you like them to reach you?
I do respond to all inquiries. So many have asked for a CD; I did produce one for my first show Sept 2005 as a free give away, I will revisit and cut a new copy. It will be announced through the above web page when ready. Those who have sent me e-mails through the contact/feedback form have been automatically added to my mailing list.
15) Please give us a brief on your singing career!!!
Only about 40% of my tunes are vocal
