Vintage Boombox – Collaborating with musicians during lockdown
By Aideen O'Flaherty
The lockdown has given singer Sandii Jane Hyland the opportunity to remotely collaborate with many musicians, including Johnny Logan, both as a solo performer and as part of her jazz and soul band Vintage Boombox.
Sandii Jane, who is from Springfield in Tallaght, lists Aretha Franklin and Ella Fitzgerald as key influences and, in the absence of live shows, has turned to collaborating with other musicians and posting the videos on Facebook.
The past pupil of St Mark’s Community School has been putting a jazzy, bluesy spin on the covers that she posts online as part of Vintage Boombox, including a soulful take on Estelle and Kanye West’s ‘American Boy’ and Spandau Ballet’s ‘Gold’.
The talented singer, who is a theatre studies graduate of the Inchicore College of Further Education, took some time out to talk to her local paper about collaborating with the Late Late Show Band, what she enjoys most about being a singer, and how she felt about the lockdown.
Vintage Boombox has recently collaborated with musicians, like Luke Thomas from the Swing Cats and Johnny Logan, since lockdown began. Why do think collaboration amongst musicians has become such a key feature of lockdown?
I think the online collaborations are really helping to keep the music alive during the gig drought. I’m really loving getting to sing with so many brilliant artists from the comfort of my own home – it’s great.
What do you most enjoy about being a singer?
The thing that I enjoy most about being a singer is the community of musicians that builds over years of playing with different bands. I almost prefer singing as a part of a group more so than solo, it just gives me a really good feeling.
Sandii Jane Hyland
You recently performed the song ‘Will You’ by Hazel O’Connor with the Late Late Show Band, how did that collaboration come about?
I ended up doing that collaboration with the Late Late Show Band because both the bassist and drummer also play in my band, Vintage Boombox. It was great to be asked to do the collaboration with them.
How do you feel about the response that performance received?
I was delighted with the response. I’m not surprised the feedback was so good, considering Derek ‘Doc’ O’Connor was on sax – he is just incredible.
True Colours Video
What are you most looking forward to doing after the lockdown measures are lifted?
Honestly, I really don’t know. I really enjoyed the free time, because life has been crazy for me for the past few years.
I’m just looking forward to the Dragon in Tallaght Village opening back up, so I can have a lovely pint with all the lovely people.
Following Sandii Jane Music and Vintage Boombox on Facebook to keep up-to-date with Sandii Jane’s collaborations.
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