Spotlight on one of Karaoke Version's own: Lionel

As part of the development team, Lionel may not have as much time as he would like to practice his newfound passion for guitar. Just starting out as a musician, he's been inspired by the guitar greats (notably Eric Clapton and B.B. King) and considers himself lucky to be able to practice alongside his more musically advanced co-workers on his lunch break.

Time to meet Lionel to discover why he enjoys working at Karaoke Version and his music recommendations.

What is your role at Karaoke Version?

I take care of everything Android: the development of the applications (on our online karaoke streaming partner site KaraFun). There are about 15,000 different Android devices, so it's my job to know how to use them based on my expertise of the system!

Do you play any instruments?

I play a bit of bass and I love it!

Since when?

It’s quite recent, it’s been about a month that I’ve been practicing with the others members of the team on our lunch break.

Why and when did you start to play?

There are several reasons. Firstly, for my thirtieth birthday, I wanted to surprise my friends and family by preparing a small concert for them.

Also, working with music everyday made me want to do the same. Mostly though, my dad always wanted me to play an instrument. :)

What songs could you listen to on repeat? Why?

Sympathy For The Devil bekannt durch The Rolling Stones. It reminds me of the craziness when they played at France’s biggest concert venue. The crowd couldn’t stop screaming “Whoo-hoo” and it took six minutes for them to sing it completely. What a memory!

When It All Comes Down (version Montreux 1993) bekannt durch B.B. King. It’s such an energetic song and keeps you going for the rest of the day! The video is worth taking a look at, just for the trumpeter. And you’ll be able to see that B.B. King plays with a broken cord, but at his level, it isn’t a problem.

Je reviendrai à Montréal bekannt durch Robert Charlebois. The song’s sadness goes straight to my heart.

What artist/group made you love music?

Very hard question, there are so many! I’d say B.B. King. His way to play blues and Lucille’s (the guitar) sound are unique.
His particularity is that he can’t play and sing at the same time, and I think it’s really funny, considering his level.
If you were to tell me that I would be able to play exactly as he plays, with the same constraint, I’d be singing right now!
To paraphrase somebody I know: “In listening to B.B. King I entered into the world of music, it’s like entering a religion.”

Your first concert?

My first was the ultimate induction…. I saw The Rolling Stones. It took two times though, the first one was cancelled because of Keith Richards who fell from a coconut tree…
My parents gave me the tickets (we went together) and this memory is still going strong.

What does working at Karaoke Version bring you music-wise?

Pretty much two things. First off, some incredible musical discoveries, some artists and even some music types I didn’t even know.

Secondly, it gives me more respect for the musicians, technicians who work hard to provide us with quality songs. I’m talking about original artists but also about those who reproduce the songs that appear on our applications.

Why do you like working in music?

Music is a powerful way to express emotions and it’s sometimes easier to express yourself in a song.
Music, as with any art, helps humanity progress rather than destroying it.
The people who work here aim to bring joy via music and this is a very noble objective.

Lyrics or music, what's more important in your opinion?

I think it’s complementary. A very beautiful text can be ruined if it’s too choppy and even perfect elocution cannot make hollow words better.

Anything else?

Yes, I’m also a photographer. Some of the website’s photos are taken by me and I find this very gratifying. They go hand in hand, they are two arts after all. ;)

And to finish, a special song dedication and a huge kiss to my dear, sweet Émilie, with whom I’m getting married this summer. This one is for you, Émilie: Writing on the Wall - Sam Smith

Missed our previous months?

Catch Nico, Alex (guitar), Noémie (drums) and all of our passionate musicians.

veröffentlich am: 17. Mai 2017