L E A – Jersey Boy

By starrymag | December 30, 2021

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) How I would describe my sound is different from what others would describe my sound. Usually when I ask people they jump to answer “pop,” but I think my sound is vibrant, loud, exciting, punky, alternative…. pop. Influenced with a bit of rock n roll!

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I’ve been super into indie pop punk artists that are coming up right now. For example, I keep finding myself going back to listen to Cherie Amour. I love modern pop elements mixed with 2000s punk and rock.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Pebbles.”

 

A) “Pebbles” starts out innocent and sweet, ready to jump back into the dating pool again. But, alas, I become impatient quickly once I hit the chorus. When I want something, I want it now. It’s part of my whole “go-getter” mentality. [laughs]

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I’ve had people tell me, “This song is meant for the radio,” which is awesome. I think its listenability is pretty easy-going. I’m happy I’ve made such a fun, laid back tune with the help of producer Joe Pepe. The sound and the lyrics combined make for an enjoyable tune.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) Honestly, when I hit up Kris Khunachak I was like, “I kinda wanna jump around on camera, singing along and having a good time.” The video elements are meant to be visuals for the tracks themselves.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) It depends on how the idea comes to me. If you ask me to sit down and write, I need music to write to. But a lot of my songs come to me at random times. I’ll have some lyrics and a hook in my head, out of literally nowhere. That’s normally how I write.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) Well, I have production “ideas,” concepts, and sounds that I try my best to articulate to the producer. For this EP Joe Pepe was really able to take my vision to the level I was imagining it in my head. For some of the songs, such as “Pebbles” and “Take You on Tour,” I already had some structured production ideas before entering the studio.

 

Q) What are some themes you explore on your new EP Jersey Boy?

 

A) Honesty, boldness, desire, hometown roots… stuff like that

 

Q) What track challenged you the most to create?

 

A) Ooh, good question. Structure wise, “Candy Coated” was probably the hardest. I loved the idea and concept, but I was really struggling to finish it. Then, I had the help of my good friends Cali & Libby, who essentially helped me write vocal parts and the second verse!

 

Q) What song on the EP holds a special place in your heart and why?

 

A) “Take You On Tour.” This one was a personal one for me and I really just wanted to say what I had to say.