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Singer
Songwriter
Leiana's
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About
Leiana
The music industry may be more dominated than ever by soulless mega-corporations, but the DIY spirit of bands like Leiana is still alive and definitely still kicking. The female-fronted, Philadelphia-based band of seasoned musicians has a rapidly growing fan base in the hardcore and skatepunk worlds. With two self-produced and self-released studio albums and a third on the way, as well as stateside and overseas touring under their belts, Leiana are proof that talent, inspiration, and hard work are still the most important things you need to make good music.
Singer Leiana and multi-instrumentalist Chuck Treece form the foundation of Leiana. The two met through a mutual friend who heard that Leiana was auditioning for bands, and also knew that she had been writing songs for a long time. Music had actually been her saving grace throughout a troubled suburban childhood that included the loss of a brother. She began playing piano and drums as a kid, but soon took up writing and harbored a desire to sing. It took a number of years before she could overcome her fears and get up the nerve to actually perform. She cut her chops in standard rock cover bands, but was personally inspired by '70's British punk and '80s SoCal hardcore. "These bands spoke to me. As time went on and pop music got more and more horrible, I would dive deeper into a particular scene from the past."
Following a stint at the Musician's Institute in L.A., Leiana returned to Philadelphia and ran into that infamous friend who suggested that she meet Chuck. "It seems like you like the same music. You write, he plays…" Leiana recalls of the conversation. Chuck helped her sort through her 15 years of writing to craft what would become the first Leiana EP, which he went on to produce and play all the instruments on. A former pro skater and prolific musician, Chuck has been a driving force in skate rock for over 20 years. He's also a founding member of punk legends McRad, and a well-respected tour and session player whose resume includes such diverse acts as The Roots, Bad Brains, Urge Overkill, G.Love, and Billy Joel. "Chuck has had so much studio and live experience that he really is like a mentor," explains Leiana.
The EP didn't go unnoticed, especially its first single "Surfy Punky," which made its way onto several punk compilations. as well as the soundtrack to ESPN's women's downhill skiing show. The tune "Follow Blind" made it on the soundtrack to pro-skateboarder Todd Falcon's movie "Call To Fly". The band seemed to find an instant niche. "Chuck, skates, I surf — our audiences are young kids who are into that. It's kind of where we fit in the most."
In May of 2005, Leiana released her first full-length CD "Page." The well-received album featured the singles "Follow Blind, " which was included in the Gnarly Dude compilation, and two versions of "Dirty Car" — one remixed by Mike Elizondo (Dr.Dre, Eminem, Fiona Apple). Also in 2005, Leiana started her own label, Page Records. The band has toured the U.S. extensively and also did a UK Tour in fall of 2005, which included a sold out show with Seattle indie rockers Minus the Bear. They've also played such festivals as the Boston-area LocoBazooka, NXNE and headlined at a showcase at South by Southwest in Austin. The touring line-up of Leiana has varied, and in the past included Chuck either on guitar or drums and Roy Mayorga on drums (Soulfly,Ozzy StoneSour). It now includes Dave Woodman (McRad, Idle Wilds, Black Beans, AM60, Steph Pockets) on bass, Branden King on drums and Louie Graff on guitar- both from Paul Green's School of Rock.
Currently, Leiana and Chuck are busy recording the follow-up to Page at Bombshelter Studios in Los Angeles, owned by STP drummer Eric Kretz. The new album "No Going Back" will be released early in 2007. The band will be touring continuously starting November 2006. It can be a 24-hour a day job, but Leiana wouldn't even consider cashing in for the easy route. "The hardship and frustration are worth it if you don't have to sing crap or be a puppet. At least I can trust that it's real."
Discography
single "All Over"
EP "LEIANA EP"
album "Page..." released March 2005
album :"No Going Back" to be released June 2007
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