L-Lissa
A-Alex
P-Percy
R-Richy
M-Michael
*Introduce yourselves and your part in the band
L-Hey! I’m Lissa and I’m the lead singer/rapper/songwriter.
A-Hi my name is Alex Mercier. I am a guitar player in L Squared.
P-Hi I’m Percy
R-My name Richy “Stix” Scaglione and I am the drummer for the band.
M-Michael Breckenkamp, one of the guitarists
*When/how did you guys meet? Were you friends prior to this?
L-We met through different people that we knew, so when I decided to look for band everything just sort of fell into place!
A-All of us moved to LA to pursue or musical careers, and we all just stumble on each other……Our manager had a lot to do with that.. wink.
P-We knew each other from New York and decided to come to LA and get this band rolin’.
R-We are all from different parts of the country so we did not meet each other until Lissa and I held auditions for the rest of the guys. The guys tried out and we started the band. As they say, “The rest is history”
M-I met Rich, Lissa, Alex, and Percy in May of 2007 at Cascade Studios in Hollywood, CA. I heard that Lissa was looking for a guitarist after Stained Pink and several other things she had going on at the time, so I contacted them and went from there!
*Were any of you in projects prior to L Squared?
L-Yes, i’ve been a solo artist artist for the last few years, and in between that time i dabbled with a couple of other groups but nothing ever came of them
A-I’ve been a song writer and a producer for a long time. So I’ve had a chance to work with a lot of people and groups.
P-I was an underground dance music producer, label owner and DJ for 6 years. I also composed music for film, television and commercials. Earlier this year I played bass for Madonna at the Coachella music festival in Palm Springs.
R-I was in several musical projects prior to LSQUARED, one of them included playing at New York City’s famous Radio City Music Hall.
M-yep! Lots of local bands around the midwest. everything from old school blues to today’s metal. In recent times I’ve done some playing with Blasko ( bassist: Rob Zombie/ozzy), logan mader (guitarist: machine head), and evan seinfeld ( ‘oz’, teravision, biohazard). I’ve put on more shows than playing almost in the past. As far as playing in bands goes, nothing exactly long term I guess you could say, except for regional bands. So I was lookin to get into something that was more long term and can still go off once in awhile and do my things with other people like this.
*Lissa-How is L Squared different from your last project in Stained Pink?
L-Stained Pink was fun, but we really only got together for that show. I’m really excited to now have backup musicians (for more then just a show) that could play my music the way I hear it in my head.
*What is your favorite song that you’ve written/recorded?
L-Actually my favorite is a song I’m working on right now. It’s Rock/R&B and I get to rap in it, which I love! =)
A-My favorite song that we’ve done is Scratch. I just reminds me of the early nineties. Some of my favorite bands came out of there.
P-My personal all time favorite has gotta be ‘Scratch’. ‘Million Dollar Man’ (to be recorded) is very popular in the band and probably the overall favorite. But ‘Scratch’ is da tune that everyone will jump to.
R-Scratch
M-I haveta say ‘Would You Mind’ or ‘Million Dollar Man’. They’re both so up beat and feel goody haha.
*Is there a CD in the works?
L-Yes!
A-There is definitely a CD on the way. Keep your eyes peeled.
P-Yes we are planning our first release and are to hit the recording studio hard early next year.
R-YES
M-There most definitely is! We’re finishing up a couple songs and fine tuning them as we speak.
*What about a 2008 tour? Will we all get to see L Squared out on the road anytime soon?
L-There are people in talks with us right now about that…can’t say anything more though…but as soon as I can, you will be the first to know!
A-There most likely be a tour starting sometime in the early spring. It’s still in the works.
P-A tour is in the works. We will be opening for a couple of major rock ‘n’ roll acts. I am not yet at liberty to disclose details.
R-Right now our priority is working and completing a full CD, however a 2008 tour is a strong possibility.
M-After we record and then give it time to breathe we’re planning on doing so.
*We’ve heard rumors of L Squared being pursued by a record label, is there any truth to this?
L-Umm….lol that’s all I can say =)
A-There have been a number of discussions with labels. We haven’t quite found a relationship that fits. In the meantime we’ll just keep doing our thing.
P-There is a lot of label interest. We are letting our songs create an industry buzz (average 2000 plays on myspace per day) and are about to pick the best deal offered.
R-YES. Due to confidentiality reasons, that’s all we can say for now.
M-As far as I know yeah, we have had it shopped to a couple and most of them loved the tunes.
*Who are your inspirations?
L-Who isn’t my inspiration? Haha have lots of those! My biggest ones are Mozart, Frederic Chopin, Grace Slick, Cream, Prince, Gwen Stefani, Joss Stone and Timbaland.
A-My biggest influences are jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Elton John.
P-I have a large cross section of tastes. My studies at Berklee College of Music opened me up to many genres and influences. Many of these Inspirations are also spiritual guides and they have helped me in times of need. (the music biz is tough!): Miles Davis (jazz), John Williams (film music), Marcus Miller (bassist), Dave Weckl (drums), Deep Purple, Pink Floyd, Alex Mercier (Lsquared)
R-Neil Peart, Dave Weckl, Thomas Lang, John Blackwell, Vinnie Coliauta, Steve Gadd, Dennis Chambers, Mike Portnoy, Mike Mangini… the list goes on and on. As far as bands go, RUSH, Queen, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, The Rippingtons, Pearl Jam, Goo Goo Dolls, 3 Doors down, Creed, The Eagles, Daughtry, this list goes on and on as well.
M-as far as music goes I would say Rick Cate of Salems Cradle/Predawn Hour, Nirvana, Fred Durst and Wes Borland, Korn, Johnny Cash, Madonna, would be my top.
*Have you gotten the opportunity to do something you never thought you’d be able to do?
L-Not yet because I always knew this is what I would be doing. However, if 2008 goes the way it looks like it will…maybe I’ll get to do something I never thought I would.
A-I’ve definitely experienced some things that I never thought I’d do. I’ve lived in Malibu, which is something I really recommend. I’ve also been able to meet some of the biggest producers in the world and have seen some incredible studios. I can’t wait for what’s next.
P-Yes, to meet a bunch of great talented musicians and have an awesome dedicated band manager set us up and take us around the world.
R-The closest I have come is playing at Radio City Music Hall. I am expecting much greater things to come in the near future.
M-mmm, yes, get my picture hung in the Rainbow on Sunset Strip!
*What is one thing you’d like to accomplish most in Lsquared?
A-My biggest goal for this band is to reach as many people as possible. It’s not about the money at all. I play music to communicate with something people. We can make someone’s day, life or even ten minutes better than I’m good.
P-To form a strong pulsating unity and an individual voice that will influence generations of musicians. I believe we will produce more than just music, deep down I can feel it.
R-Touching the hearts of millions and millions of people with our music. I believe that music is the language of the soul and in proper context can be a powerful vehicle to bring about positive change in our world.
M-I won’t ask anything as much as to be a revolutionizing and barrier breaking band haha, although that would be nice. If LSquared could sustain and not implode itself, in the meantime we could create music, an image, and vibes that people enjoy. Whether it be a song at a roller rink, in a car, at a dance, whatever.
*Message to your fans?
L-I love you. I love you. I love you. Did I say I love you?
Lol seriously thank you so much for all your support…
I can’t wait to meet you all at future shows! woo hoo!
A-I always say one thing, “You can’t fake it if you want to make it. You have to live it.” Hank Williams Sr.
P-We want to capture your love and your hearts. Thank you for all your support.
R-Thanks so much for all of the positive feedback and support you have given us.
M-I want to let everybody who gets on LSquared’s page and all that jazz that I can’t believe that many people from other places have caught on because of the main core hardcore followers. I appreciate very much. Without anybody to listen to check us out, what are we haha.
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