If you take the time to think about where Ego Lemos has come from, one could easily think the future is lost. Coming from turmoil, heart ache and instability, Lemos has bridged the gap with his music. We had the chance to speak to Lemos.
Can you explain your frame of mind when recording your latest album?
My frame of mind when I recorded the latest album was focused on messages such as the importance of nature and a sense of peace.
We sensed that you enjoyed yourself at the WOMADelaide 2009 festival; can you share with us your experiences at this festival?
That was the first time I attended WOMADelaide and also the biggest festival I had ever performed at so I was feeling very positive.
Did you form many fruitful musical relationships from this experience?
Yes definitely, there was so much to share at this festival and the relationships and connections continue to inspire me to this day
Given the crowds and popularity you have garnered in Australia, there is no shortage of people wanting to listen to your stories. Is this the same back home?
It is a bit different compared to back home because East Timor is a new nation and a small Island so it is easy for people to get to know you very quickly through radio or mass media but outside of Timor it is a bit different because you are in front of so many different people and countries so it’s surprising when people want to know about my stories.
How do the traveling experiences influence your song writing?
Travelling experiences really influence my song writing because I am able to see many different things and perspectives. Much of my travelling experiences are exceptionally inspiring.
Can you tell us more about the boundaries you have faced in successfully expressing your music in your own nation?
The boundaries of expressing the music in my nation, As well as being a form of entertainment, music – in post-war Timor is important in the healing process. During the occupation in Timor music also played a positive role right throughout its struggle for independence and now music continues to play a very important role within our society for nation building.
What are your thoughts on the influences that mainstream music has on East Timorese youth?
Music for youth is very important generally. It can effectively change the attitude of our youth. During the struggle in Timor music had a strong role in keeping the Timorese youth positive and optimistic about the future. Now music continues to play its part in the art development there, so it’s used for entertainment but importantly music it is also instrumental in the forming of a character so that our youth can be creative, intelligence and remain positive.
You have expressed Rock and Roll ambitions with some of the work with “Cinco do Oriente”, what do you feel when you play these more upbeat tracks?
Firstly, Timorese people like rock and roll; it’s popular. I’m not sure why, but my feeling is because of the Portuguese influence through Latin music. When I was growing up I heard so much rock and roll music on the radio and watched western music concert on TV. Secondly even today rock and roll still influence most Timorese, therefore when we arrange the music we always combine the Traditional Timorese rhythm and a bit rock and roll in it. The reason why we do that is because we are in between generations who like traditional music and for those who like rock and roll music. Therefore our fans are not only young people but also every level of people with different groups of ages.
You’ve successfully coordinated the Permaculture Timor Lorosae (PTL) forum and this is an example of how you have managed to transfer your ideas from music, how much has music played a part in the development of PTL?
Because all Timorese people like music I use it as a tool to attract people in my Permaculture work, and to spread relevant messages to the people about Permaculture and other social issues.
What hope do you hold in Timorese youth to continue on in the future with the messages you sing about today?
My hope for Timorese youth is for them to remain aware, creative and positive about the future of Timor.
Can you tell us more about the influence that the late Francisco Borda Da Costa on your career, what about other artists that inspire?
Fransisco Borja da Costa is the greatest first Timorese writer I have ever come across, although he is no longer alive his messages is his poem and the music remain very powerful today. Other artists who inspire me are John Lennon, Bob Dylan, and Bob Marley.
Are there issues or themes that you have yet to write or perform about, that you would one day like to cover?
The themes that I plan to write about are food, seeds, land, and more about water.
Which of your songs evoke the most personal emotional response?
I think the song called “To’os Nain” (Peasants), that song is now being taught in almost all primary schools around East Timor. Both kids and their parents like it. I think that is because the song really reflects the daily life of the peasant to support their children’s for education.
What does it mean to you to be an independent musician in Timor?
I feel great to be an independent musician in Timor, although it is hard right now, one day people will understand and then it should be alright.
