Hello Rockstars! Today’s Artist of the Week is Punk Rock Band Lean 13!
Here’s their story in their own words, enjoy!
VMS:
“When did you start writing and performing your music.
What’s your backstory and current lineup.”
Lean 13:
The members are as follows:
Lead Vocals – Paul Strawn
Bass – John Fernandez
Rhythm Guitar – Carlos Acosta
Lead Guitar – Rick Head
Drums – Scott De La Fuente.
“Lean 13 emerged from an old band that John and Carlos were part of. We began writing
and performing our music in 2017 with the original lineup. Our current lineup has been
together for six years, creating an electrifying presence in the scene.”
VMS:
“What artist or bands inspire you and your sound.”
Lean 13:
“We draw inspiration from a variety of influential bands, including Beowulf, Suicidal
Tendencies, Agnostic Front, Teenage Rage, Testament, Sepultura, Slayer, Motörhead, and more.”
VMS:
“What’s your writing process and inspiration for your lyrics.”
Lean 13:
“Our music is collaboratively written, with heavy direction from our bassist, John. We focus on themes derived from our everyday experiences, both past and present.”
VMS:
“I love your songs “Loaded Guns”, “Controlled” and “Forma De Mi Vida”. What is the inspiration or story behind these songs.”
Lean 13:
“Loaded Gun” (John): “I work in the behavioral health field, and this song is based on encounters and conversations I’ve had with people. I wanted to confront issues that many prefer to ignore.”
“Forma” (John): “This song originated from a discussion that Carlos and I had about staying connected to our roots. It’s our tribute to Mexican pride.”
“Controlled” (Rick): “I was fed up with the negativity in the news and the realization of how much the government tries to manipulate the population.”
VMS:
“Tell me about: “The Higher the Socks, The Downer the Foo”. What was the inspiration and process of writing it.”
Lean 13:
“The Higher the Socks, the Downer the Foo”: This song was inspired by our desire to move away from playing our old material. With new members joining, we found fresh energy and creativity, leading us to write and perfect this album during the COVID-19 pandemic. We were one of the few bands that continued to practice and live stream our sessions during that time.”
VMS:
“Which local artist would you like to work with and why.”
Lean 13:
“We are eager to collaborate with local artists, but it can be challenging to find those willing to work with us. Our partying style is well-known but may not be understood by everyone.”
VMS:
“What’s your overall theme or message of your music.”
Lean 13:
“Our overall theme is our pride in our heritage. We embrace our roots and beliefs, regardless of the diversity within our group. Our message is clear: we believe in ourselves and our music, prioritizing fun over taking ourselves too seriously.”
VMS:
“Do you have a favorite song that you like to perform.”
Lean 13:
“Not generally, we enjoy playing all our fast songs if possible.”
VMS:
“Do you have any crazy or interesting stories from working in the music scene.”
Lean 13:
“Memorable Experiences – Once, we played a show with DI in Los Angeles. Our band was filled with excitement and started drinking early. As the performance began, adrenaline kicked in, and we all felt surprisingly sober. After the show, we met fans who invited us to a kickback at their house. A memorable highlight was witnessing a little person start a fight with our drummer – Good Times!”
VMS:
“What does the future hold for Lean 13.”
Lean 13:
“Lean 13 is dedicated to continuing our journey in hardcore, punk, and thrash metal. We are planning to record a third album and re-release our first album. Pulse guitar lessons for Carlos!”
VMS:
“What do you want your audience to feel and experience at one of your live shows.”
Lean 13:
“We want our audience to experience all the adrenaline, energy, passion, and intensity that we bring during our performances.”
VMS:
“What have been your personal pros and cons of being a band here in Las Vegas. What do you think the scene could improve on and what are your hopes for the future of the Vegas Music Scene.”
Lean 13:
Pros: “There is a tight-knit community that supports one another. If your band is good, you have a strong chance of landing great gigs. Plus, there’s no “last call” at many venues.”
Cons: “It’s a small music scene, making it challenging to find clubs and venues. There’s a lack of all-ages shows, though we appreciate the rejuvenating energy that younger audiences bring. We aim to work towards more all-ages venues, larger bands, and fair compensation for local artists. I’d love to see more local bands showcased at well-known venues and concerts that come to our city.”
Vegas Music Scene Thoughts:
What I love about Lean 13 is their intense balls to the walls attitude in everything they write. They are raw, real and have a natural magnetism that not only stands out in their wonderful songs such as “Working Class Hero” and “Ex Presidents” but in their live performances as well!
I love that they are either talking about social, political, and real life experiences, all why making you rock your fucking asses off. It’s that wonderful balance that makes them definitely ones to watch. I appreciate that they always stay true to who they are, and have not lost sight of the issues that are important, and I respect that immensely.
I’m legitimately excited to see where the future takes them and I hope to hear some new songs from them, especially in this political climate that is filled with so much uncertainty, the only thing that I am definitely certain of, is now more than ever we need bands like Lean 13, who have a raw honesty and always keep it real in their lyrics and music.
I am proud to call them my Artist of the Week, and I know this ride will be an incredibly wild one.
For More information, Please check out their Instagram!
—-VMS 🙂
Great band. Glad to see them still going strong!