lemolo

What are you working on right now?

Right now I’m working on writing the songs for my third album. I’ve released two full length albums, The Kaleidoscope and Red Right Return, and am looking forward to releasing my third. I have a lot of songs written for it already, but others need to be finished touched up a bit.

What is your gear setup?

I typically perform as a duo, with myself and my awesome drummer Adrian Centoni. (He is also an actor and photographer http://adriancentoni.com.) I play electric guitar and synth, and I sing as well. Sometimes I do everything at once with the help of a few looping pedals. Adrian plays drums and bass synth through an SPD pad, and he also manages to play some keys at the same time. We probably have the gear of a four-piece band, but it’s a fun and exciting challenge to find creative ways to play everything as a duo.

What do you like to do outside of music and does it affect your music?

When I’m not playing music there are so many things I enjoy doing. The Pacific Northwest is a naturally beautiful area, so I love to get outside and do things like sailing, hiking, biking and camping (see new music video). I also love spending time with my family and friends, and in particular my two nephews who are ages 5 and 1 and make life very sweet. My music is definitely inspired by my life and the beauty of the area where I live. The natural world brings me peace and helps me feel relaxed enough to get creative musically.

photo credit: Eric Tra

How would you describe your music genre?

I’ve always had a hard time categorizing my own music, but I think the genre of dream pop is fitting.

Do you know any music theory?

I took piano lessons my entire childhood, so I was raised knowing a lot of theory. But once I started writing songs I let most of that go and I honestly don’t pay very much attention to it anymore. Sometimes I wish I was more knowledgeable about music theory, but other times I feel like writing and playing based on feeling alone helps me to be more creative and worry less about the rules.

What are your plans for the future?

My immediate plans are to record my third album. As an independent artist, recording a full-length record involves so many steps and is a very long and involved process. So I’m looking forward to dedicating myself to it in the year ahead. And of course I dream about touring in Australia and hope that can come true one day soon. 🙂

Who are your top 5 influences and icons?

In no particular order because they are all so amazing: Elliott Smith, Emily Haines, Thom Yorke, Cat Power, Feist.

When are you playing next?

I will be performing at music festivals in the Pacific Northwest in August, and will then be headlining a UW west coast tour in the fall to debut the new songs that will be on my next record. All of my shows will be announced on my website (https://lemolomusic.com) in the coming months, so be sure to stay tuned for news!