Sub-Brain

Present yourself to the readers

My name is Lana Shea, I’m a songwriter, singer, rapper and poet from the West Coast of the US. I’m based out of Portland, OR and Los Angeles, CA. I have been making music for a long time but just released my first solo album, Duality, and I am SO happy to be sharing a little about it with Rock Your Underground.

What’s the story for DUALITY ?

Duality refers to two sides, so in the context of my album title this refers to several things. On a basic level I sing and I rap. I also write happy songs and sad songs. I’m fun-loving and also political. In the intro which is also the title track I say “some commonality is part of our duality”. I think our multiple sides allow us to connect with every other person, somehow, at some level.

Your texts and your compositions ?..What are they talking about ?..How does inspiration come ?

Great question, I’m not sure I have an answer to that, but I’ll try. See I think there is a bit of mystery around where inspiration comes from. It’s some sort of cosmic gift and I just try to stay open to receiving it. I do believe in expressing my thoughts and views even if they may be unpopular to some. I have always been curious about and aware of moving through the world as a woman and I know that my feminism comes out in a lot of my songwriting, but for me this is less of a conscious attempt and more a by-product of who I am and how my life experience has shaped me.

Are you day or night ?

Late nights and early mornings.

Why did you choose this style of music ?

I was introduced to Hip-hop by my brother at a young age, but not before my dad introduced me to Jazz and Classic Rock. I have so many different genres that appeal to me I am very glad to be able to make an album like Duality where I can tap into multiple sides of my musical tastes and abilities.

What are your personal musical tastes and your influences ?

So much. I grew up loving Fiona Apple, No Doubt’s first album, Black Eyed Peas second album, Janis Joplin, Billie Holiday, Etta James, Bonnie Raitt, Steve Miller Band, Big L, The Roots, Hole, Ani Difranco to name a few. Recently I have been listening to H.E.R., Kendrick Lamar, Janelle Monae, Rapsody, Tove Lo, Ellie Goulding, Ill Camille, Florence and The Machine. I also love blues singers like Bobby Bland, B.B. King, Taj Mahal and on some nights I like to dance around to Rihanna, Lil Debbie, Honey Cocaine and Nicki Minaj. Plus I love bass music. I have really diverse taste in music it makes it difficult for me to fit into one genre, but that’s me and I’m happy with it.

What’s your top 5 albums of all time ?

Brandy- Brandy
This was the first CD I ever got, my cousin sold me her used copy for $5 and it was the beginning of me buying my own music and making my own choices. I would always try to sing along but was also very aware that I could NOT sing like Brandy.
No Doubt - Tragic Kingdom
Gwen Stefani struck me as the ultimate badass when this album came out. My mom took me to the No Doubt concert the year after and I still remembered being inspired.
Janis Joplin- Pearl
I felt like I had discovered something truly special when I found this scratchy-voiced icon, always in awe of her abilities.
Big L- The Big Picture
When my brother gave me a burned copy of this album I was absolutely tickled by Big L and his rhyme schemes. A lot of the content was not for me, but I was already used to blocking out the misogyny hip-hop often carried and the cadence and punch lines drew me in to the point where Big L became my favorite rapper.
B.B. King and Bobby Bland- Together For The First Time
I discovered this album on my dads shelf and can listen to it anytime. It’s a live recording of a concert with two powerhouse musicians and there is stage banter, some mistakes, something new everytime I listen to it.

In the shower or in the bath, do you sing ? If yes, your songs or those of others ?

Yes, both! I often work on new ideas in the shower too.

In studio, what was the ambiance for the album DUALITY ?...etc.…

I recorded half of Duality in LA with my producer Tristan Calder aka Treyshawn of Kill The Computer, and the other half was recorded in Portland, OR. I tend to practice a lot when I am writing a song, singing through it dozens of times until I feel it’s ready to record, then I like to get in the studio as soon as possible to try to capture whatever feelings are behind the lyrics.

How does it work for the design of the CD ? and why this title ?

The album art was designed by Jared Fiorino, an artist and illustrator out of Brooklyn, NY. When he agreed to do the design I sent him photos from a shoot I did with photographer Heather Slingerland, also out of NYC. I loved the photos she took of me, they were both strong and vulnerable at the same time, which is another dual concept I feel the album encapsulates. I sent the photos and album to Mr. Fiorino and, after discussing the feelings and ideas I had put into the work, he conceptualized the cover. He also did single covers for “Questions” and “Thyself” and I’ve gotten a great response from people who are impressed by the designs. It’s awesome to be at a point where I’m able to collaborate with such great artists.

How was the shooting of the clip QUESTIONS ? and why this choice ?

The Questions video was conceptualized and shot in Portland, Oregon by Storybox Creative. When I found they were interested in making a visual for the song, I let them take the lead and Jon Lang directed while Rachel Lang styled everything. We discussed how I wrote the song about the importance of staying open and vulnerable, even though bad things will happen and the world will knock you around, and with this theme in mind they came up with some really nice ideas to create a visual story to accompany the track. After putting so much effort into the music myself, it was enjoyable to let other creatives be in charge of different aspects of the project. They’re great at what they do and so I felt comfortable opening myself up to their direction. The result was definitely the most beautiful video I have ever made.

With Management and booking, how do you work ? And with whom ?

I am currently my own manager. I’ve learned that it’s easy to be taken advantage of, and until I find someone who I know will do a better job than me, I’m happy to continue working for myself, even though there are days where I’m too exhausted to be a good manager. I’m a very understanding boss so it’s ok.

What would you have chosen as a job outside of music ?

Astronaut so I could go to space. Quantum Physicist so I could understand how things really work. Biologist so I could hang out with animals somewhere.

What’s your biggest regret ?

Biggest regret?? Wow that’s quite the question. My biggest regret is taking too long to learn how to stand up for myself. In fact I think I’m still learning how to do that, but I have definitely improved drastically. And at the same time I know I’m where I am now because of everything I’ve been through, and I’m grateful. So maybe I don’t have any regrets after all.

What are your projects ?

I’ve been working on a lot of collaborations but nothing I can really talk about yet. I did write and sing a hook on the song “Humble Pie” from the Del and Amp Live album “Gate 13” that came out this year. I have a lot of new songs but before I can get to them I’ll be focused on promoting my album Duality for the next few months. I figure I gotta get about a million more people to hear it.

What do you expect from the future ?

I expect that there will be a third world war that will wipe out the majority of earths population and I think maybe the survivors will build something much better. As far as my little future goes, I’ll continue writing the lyrics and melodies this existence inspires me to, and hopefully gain new insights and inspirations along the way. And I hope to tour Europe soon.

What's your motto ?

Get excellent at what you do, find your tribe, and keep the channel open.

Website to remember

www.Lanashea.com
www.instagram.com/LaLanaShea
www.facebook.com/LaLanaShea

What would you like to say to the readers ?

I would like to say thank you for taking the time to listen to what I have to say, and if it appeals to you I’m glad that we can connect. Connecting with people all over the world through music and art reminds me that we can be united even through all our diversity.

What question, I did not ask you and would you like me to ask you :-) ?

Purple. My favorite color is purple.
Thank you Hughes!