Lesha
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Interview with Lesha By Chris 16/7/08
Lesha is an Australian singer songwriter,an actor and artist based right here in Melbourne Victoria and she really good. I dug her tunes and think she gonna go far so read on.
1. How did you get into music?
I always loved music. I’ve been writing lyrics for as long as I can remember. I wanted to play drums when I was 10, but my Mum wouldn’t let me. My Grandfather had an old classical acoustic guitar, and every time I’d visit him I’d stare at it longingly. He let me borrow it when I was about 12. I fell in love, and started saving up for an electric guitar.
2. Who were your idols growing up?
One of my earliest memories is from when I was about 4 years old, sitting on a lambs wool rug in front of a record player, listening and trying to sing along to Madonna. Yep, she was definitely up there for me back then, and Belinda Carlisle. I’m not afraid to admit it.
3. Who were your influences?
Mostly heavy rock, Alice In Chains and Bush contributed a lot to my writing as a musician. As well as bands like Tool. My sisters got me into Nirvana, Hole, Guns n Roses and Bon Jovi. Mum was listening to a lot of Country music, that helped me ease into the acoustic guitar thing.
4. How is playing music compared to acting?
It’s completely different. I see music as my own personal expression. An extension of my emotions and a creative outlet, whereas with acting I’m more of a instrument for the writer/director to tell their story. Acting is also very internal. I enjoy both.
5. What inspires you when writing music?
Mostly love and the attainment of love, I started out writing angsty songs. Now days I can’t write unless I feel hopeful. Needless to say, I try to stay positive.
6. Has the internet helped with your music?
Definitely, in the beginning when I first started using the net, it was a great way to meet people and get opinions on my music, feedback and encouragement. It helped a lot.
7. Do you think tools like MySpace are useful?
For sure. Without MySpace I’d definitely be spending a lot more time on the monotonous stuff, like; finding ways to reach more people, or constantly sending out EPKs to venues. It’s definitely a necessity for anyone starting out without label or booking agent support.
8. How did you get into acting?
I kind of fell into it, I loved stage performance as a kid and jumped into any school production. I had a spare elective to fill in grade 12 and Drama was the only available interesting class. So I took it and loved it. A local production company put out a casting call at my school for a 5 year TV campaign. I auditioned and got it. As soon as I got on set I knew it was something I’d be doing for the rest of my life. No matter how great or small.
9. What has been the highlight of acting so far?
Anytime your agent tells you you’ve got a call back it’s a highlight. Haha.
10. Who has been the most help so far with your music?
Tom.. aka MySpace.
11. Where have you enjoyed playing the most?
I played at Schoolies Week on Surfers Paradise a few years ago. It was an afternoon gig. The stage was on the beach and faced the ocean. It’s was freaking gorgeous.
12. What has been the highlight for music so far?
Learning how to record at home, the quality of my song writing jumped enormously and it gave me so much freedom. I definitely recommend it!
13. What is on your stereo at the moment?
Paramore and John Mayer. And the MySpace artists in my top friends.
14. What are some of your favourite musical artists/bands?
This list is long. I’ll condense it.
Incubus, John Mayer, Tool, Tori Amos, Paramore, A Perfect Circle, Birds of Tokyo, GnR. You get the idea.
15. What don’t you like about the Australian music industry?
I used to hate it. I won’t lie. I always dreamed of relocating to America or Europe so I could see the bar raised and work amidst a higher standard, but the music industry has grown so much in Australia over the past 5-10 years. I feel proud to be an Aussie musician.
16. Have you had any responses from record labels?
A couple of indie labels have hit me up. But generally the tiny ones who couldn’t do much more for me then I’m already doing for myself.
I’m pretty resourceful, so I don’t need a label unless they’re offering full support or an advance. Then I’d be all for it. 😀
17. Do you think digital downloads is the way to go for music?
I’m a CD lover. I love having the artwork and reading the lyrics, the whole package and owning a little part of the band/artist.
Digital downloads are cool, but I don’t even have an iPod (Christmas present anyone?). Digital definitely makes it easy to access. But I don’t think anything will beat CDs.
