When most musicians in Malawi establish their own music studios, they forget to make music of their own.

One such example is gospel musician Lloyd Phiri who seems to have abandoned making music of his own since he established Llohay Sound Control in Chilobwe Township, Blantyre.

The studio has impacted a lot on the music career of Phiri who confessed that the studio business was stealing much of his time.

"I cannot run away from the fact that these days I am into music production at my own studio. This development really compels me to dedicate some time and talent to it as well," Phiri told The Weekend Times.

Phiri was quick to point out that the establishment of Llohay Sound Control was a business venture.

"For your own information, we are living in tough world where anyone wants to survive both socially and economically. Therefore, apart from promoting local music through production of professional music, I set up Llohay Sound Control as a survival strategy. You know, God blessed us with creative minds in order to come up with avenues of sourcing income," said Phiri.

He said with the current economic environment, it was hard for people including musicians in the country to rely on the sales of their music alone in order to survive.

"It is risky for one to bank all their hopes on music sales because it is not working these days. I mean, music business today is unpredictable venture which can frustrate you. But some of us survive because we are into it as a ministry," said Phiri.

Phiri said since the establishment of Llohay Sound Control he has worked with gospel musicians such as Thoko Katimba, Princess Chitsulo, Ethel Kamwendo-Banda and Wycliffe Chimwendo.

Not long time ago, Phiri was among the hotshots of Malawi music. Asked about the current situation which happens to be completely different, Phiri said: "There are several challenges ranging from piracy to poor prices that my music encounters these days This is a problem faced by almost artist in the country and contribute to our downfall because investment without a harvest is a great loss."

Phiri said he had invented a new style of releasing music in order to prove his luck once again.

"I am currently concentrating on producing and promoting singles after which I will compile an album. The tracks that will be featured in this album will be based on their popularity and demand from my fans. This time around I want fans to enjoy every track in my albums," said Phiri.

He added that for the first time in his career, he has collaborated with gospel singer Princess Chitsulo.