 More Than You Ever Wanted to Know
about Leslie Waller
questions by Gabrielle Hewson
answers by Leslie Waller
Born, raised?
I was born in the swampland of Lousiana…right on the coast with lots of mosquitoes for
company. Luckily, I escaped to Houston, Texas in fifth grade…still speaking Cajun till about
sixth grade. Shed that gator skin and went for the ever-so-slight Texas accent that I wear today. And no, I DON'T sound like George Bush.
First experience with music?
After seeing my cousin play her piano, I started screaming for one at five years old. By the time I was six, I'd secured
my instrument and started lessons. I remember going to the piano store and picking out the smallest one…just my
size. What was I thinking? Classically trained on Bach, Lizst, Mozart, Beethoven throughout college. Rebelled and started writing my own music at age 10…(was writing poetry before that!).
What types of music were you exposed to growing up (what did you parents, friends, family, neighbors listen to)?
Everything from Willie Nelson to Nancy Sinatra to psychedelic Muzak. My first 45 was "Lucy in the Sky with
Diamonds." My mom demanded to know why I was so interested in that "drug" music. My brother would wake me up
every morning with Rush's 2112 album…every morning I'd hear "We have assumed control…"
I have to admit I was playing a lot of Barbara Streisand and Barry Manilow when I wasn't playing Bruce Springsteen.
Loved to play that "Children of the Sun" album when I got my first set of Infinity speakers. Adored Led Zepplin. Had the hots for Michael Nesmith of the Monkees.
Family involvement in your music career?
Yep, my mom forced me to practice all through high school…I was always more of a noodler than a practicer. My noodles usually produced songs. I hated scales. Still do.
My dad bought me my first four-track, and that got me my first gig writing music for radio sound libraries. He started to believe in me after he heard what I could do.
Now that they know it's an integral part of my life, they both encourage me to follow my musical dreams…
What did you study in college and what did you hope to do with it?
Majored in English and French, minored in Music. Found out I had perfect pitch. Comes in handy! Originally wanted
to be a teacher—actually taught Sci Fi for a while—but really wanted to find something that would combine my love of writing with music.
Went to Paris, France and studied there at La Sorbonne…it was a life-changing experience. Everyone should live in another country and try being the minority for a while. I am a perpetual student.
Most interesting thing about yourself?
Geez…you tell me! People say I have a lot of irons in the fire…I'm on a mission to inspire, educate, and create
opportunties for the artist of Los Angeles and beyond. I think it's interesting that I'm still single! Maybe because I'm a workaholic?
Most boring thing about yourself?
I cut my toenails on Wednesdays. (That's a joke, kids!)
Musical education?
About 20 years of classical training on piano. Minor in Music. And one voice lesson (30 minutes total).
Resume: Where have your worked (musically and/or in the music industry) and how did those experiences lend themselves to your current goals and objectives?
I started my first band in seventh grade. We used a suitcase for a drum, and I held down the bass and rhythm sections.
Went on to play in several more bands, write many songs, etc. I was the only white chick in a black soul band. We
played Motown and Michael Jackson. Wrote dozens of radio sound library tracks. Wrote a few film scores. Worked as
the Marketing Director of a music store, where I orchestrated over 80 events for songwriters in one year. Had my own
Internet radio show with FilmMusicChannel.com, where I interviewed songwriters and composers who wanted to get
their songs placed in TV and film. Did countless CD and concert reviews as the Music Editor for Valley Scene
magazine (mostly for Maverick Records, Madonna's record label). I did musical theatre, and I played keyboards to back
up a comedy improv group here in L.A. They would improv skits and I would improv all the music to back them up on
the spot. That was a lot of fun. Sometimes I almost fell off the bench because I was laughing so hard.
Other than that, not much in the way of music…
Early music aspirations?
To be a concert pianist; to score films.
Current influences?
It's always been Joni Mitchell—she is my goddess. I also love Ani DiFranco, Nikka Costa, King Crimson, Tori Amos,
Stevie Wonder, Prince, Beck, Garbage, Peter Gabriel, Massive Attack, k.d. lang, Steely Dan, Sting, and countless others.
When did composing come into play for you?
I've always composed my own songs since I was a fetus.
When did singer/songwriter goals come into play for you?
I have three types of music that I create: instrumental tracks for film/commercials, my spoken word beatnik trip hop project called Incantare (www.incantare.com), and my mainstream stuff (pop/R&B, etc.). I only sing on Incantare
(which, by the way, means "to recite magical words"). I started singing my (Incantare) songs because no one else
understood them. I still don't think of myself as a singer, but I'm hoping I'll learn something at my Vocal Mecca event on July 12, 2003.
Funniest childhood musical memory and what you learned from it?
Not from childhood, but I have a funny one…I was playing live for a theatre musical. Since I was the keyboard player,
I had to do all the sound effects as well. The script called for me to ring a telephone twice, then the actor would pick
up the phone. I once rang the phone after he picked it up. Boy, did I ever get sh— for that!
I do have a funny story from childhood (although it's not musical)—my parents had just bought me and my brother an
ice cream cone. My brother started chasing me down the street, and I was looking back to see if he was catching up,
and I ran into a car. I wasn't hurt, but the ice cream was destroyed, and I didn't comprehend the concept of getting
another one. But my parents got me another one. Moral of the story, watch where you're going, and there's always another ice cream cone. Profound, eh?
Pivotal moment in your life that told you music was the way you would go?
First pivot: I saw my cousin playing the piano when I was five years old and I knew that was it. I began begging for a
piano the same day, and finally landed one when I was six. I've been in love with music ever since.
The big career pivot: I was laid off from an Internet company as the Marketing Manager of Creative Services. It was an
innovative streaming media company, but a little before its time. Like many Internet companies, we had no viable
means to make money. We were funded by an Arabian prince, and he pulled the plug on our funding. It was one of
the best jobs I ever had—great money, great boss, great location—but I still wasn't happy. I wasn't doing music.
After the company folded, I attended the Musician's Institute in Hollywood, and met a teacher (Jamie Lula) who
introduced me to "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron. That book changed my life. Now I believe that I was meant to
be in the music biz and that I can be successful. I don't have to compromise my vision. It gave me strength and
courage; it helped me discover what was holding me back, and I had a moment of truth: that I'll only be happy when I'm pursuing my musical goals and helping others do the same.
Worst moment in your musical history and what you learned from it?
The worst moment in my musical history for me was when I quit writing music for a decade. That was during the time
in my life when I left music and started veering towards the technology sector. (I was a senior technical writer/editor for
semiconductors and radio frequency engineering and other techie stuff/) Made more money, but somehow lost my soul…
Leslie in 5, 10, 15 years from now?
Sitting on top of the biggest musical events franchise in the US; owner of a foundation to support independent
musicians; helping musicians record in my state-of-the-art recording studio with my favorite producers; scoring films
and commercials; having #1 songs with hit artists; conducting a symphony like Mr. Holland; winning a Grammy? Or
maybe just knowing that what I do is appreciated and that some people will show up to my funeral.
What are you most passionate about musically?
I am most happy when I am in the studio recording my songs and bringing them to life. That is the ultimate high…I
am like a kid in the studio, actually jumping for joy when something is working well. Lots of laughter, bliss, and
merriment, even if we're working on a sad song. My two producers like my songs so much that they use them on their demos to advertise for other clients.
Another big passion is other people's great music, like when I hear a song that makes me pull off to the side of the
road when I'm driving. That's happened a couple of times with "Eminence Front" by the Who and "Barely Breathing"
by Duncan Sheik. Or when I hear a song that rings so true like "I Can't Make You Love Me if You Don't" by Bonnie
Raitt. Emotional songs like "Blood of Eden" by Peter Gabriel. Music that transports you, like "A Case of You" by Joni Mitchell. No song is more perfect than that.
And a huge passion for indie artists: When I hear local musicians play like Danielle and the Masses, Lil Sista and
Corinne May. Talent that just smacks you on the noggin and reaffirms how powerful music really is. I want to do
everything in my power to help them get the recognition they deserve and give them the tools they need to succeed.
You can get caught up in the business side very easily and forget why you're here. I'll never do that. I'm glad that I live in L.A., where we have the best musicians in the world!
What do you like most about the music scene in Los Angeles (or the west coast scene vs. east coast)?
You can throw a rock and hit a musician here in any direction. Everyone's into something creative. In L.A., you're
never just an accountant or a cashier at El Pollo Loco. You have a screenplay, you have a song, you have a film. You have dreams.
What do you like least about the music scene in Los Angeles (or the west coast scene vs. east coast)?
I get annoyed with kids who think everything should be handed to them on a silver platter and who aren't willing to
work. Some people just need a heavy dose of reality. Just because you're young and cute doesn't mean you'll get a record deal.
What are your top three (3) peeves about the music industry paradigm as it exists today?
You can get a record deal just because you're young and cute. Witness: American Idol.
Record labels aren't willing to take risks anymore…I hear it takes over two million to break an artist nationwide; and
they just want to bet on sure things. There's no such thing as a development deal anymore. They try to copy the most
recent success. Guess what? It' BORING! Hopefully, indie musicians will start having their talents heard by the general
public. Boy, are the masses in for a shock. There's actually GREAT music out there that's BETTER than what's on the radio.
I think the record labels are making a big mistake when they assume that people who buy CDs range in age from 10-25 years old. That is so not true. I myself bought a CD back in 1996.
What do you believe lies in the future for the music industry as a whole?
All music will be downloadable for a fee; most (old) people will still want to buy their CDs till we all die off; young
groovy kids will build their own CDs at kiosks in record stores and drink high octane caffeinated drinks. XM Satellite
Radio will replace regular radio. Music will go from simple to complex again. (In just the last century, we've gone from
big band to jazz to rock n' roll to psychedelic rock to disco to today's R&B/pop.) We can't get much simpler; we've got to add complexity again. Indie music will predominate due to Internet accessibility.
Do you perform live?
I do every once in a while. I played at the Whiskey last year, along with Kulaks, Hallenbecks, Toi, and a few others…
What do you like doing most (performance, writing, etc.)?
I like writing at 3:00 a.m. with a Bailey's Irish Cream and Kaluha. One of the coolest musical experiences is being in
the studio with my producer, Todd Tackett. I love it when we build my songs from the ground up and he makes them
kick ASS! I love being in the studio. Wish I could be there all the time! I like recording and creating more than performing, although performing is really fun. The sound system at the Whiskey ROCKS!!!
If you could write your own epitaph, what would you want it to say?
She really tried! Hope she succeeded before she died!
Re: Los Angeles Music Productions
Who gets credit for your name and slogan? Very cool.
That would be me. The original name was going to be "Los Angeles Music Events," but the acronym was "LAME."
Although I thought that was pretty good…I decided against it. I like the idea that this new company is dedicated to
shining light on the music industry. We're here to provide education, inspiration and opportunity for L.A. artists!
When setting up proceedings for the LAMP event, what criteria were you looking to meet for yourself and LAMP?
I want to get people that you normally can't reach; who can't be found anywhere else. I want to provide real value and provide upscale events for serious artists with real opportunities.
How did you come about the panel you gathered?
Through my many many super stylin' connections.
What feedback/quotes have you been able to get from the panelists?
They all had a great time. I think these producers/engineers are some of the "unsung" heros in the music industry. Like
songwriters, they rarely get a chance to show their expertise in a public forum. They loved it. See the KUDOS section of this website for more comments!
Will you have other categories for critique sessions next time (i.e., Dance, World, Instrumental, etc.)?
Depends on the availability at the venue. It's really a logistics thing at this point. Next time, I'll rent Carnegie Hall… ;-)
What did you personally get out of the event (maybe a boost for LAMP or a boost for Leslie)?
I get a huge charge out of putting something together that's valuable for musicians. When I hear that someone found
a producer, or a collaborater, or someone learned something that they didn't know before—and it empowered them—that's what I work for.
What will you do differently next time around?
We're adding a couple more hours to the event so we can take our time. We're also going to have an official lunch with listening sessions during lunch. Other tweakings TBD…it's August 7th
! Mark your calendars!
After gathering feedback from attendees, what did you find were the highlights
(favorite portions/offerings)?
Check out my Kudos list on my website (www.lamusicproductions.com).
What type of promotion did you do for the event?
Everywhere; all things bright and musical.
Have you received much press after the event? Did it open any promotional doors for you?
Oh, yes. And the best is from Gabrielle!
Tell me a bit about your board and how they came to work with you (including your prehistory with them, if any).
My board members are friends and business compatriots who stepped up to the plate and started helping me from the
beginning. Each has a unique skill to offer. My right hand is Deirdre from Sumadek. She is an inventor and runs her own business as well (www.sumadek.com
). I couldn't have gotten this far without her. She's the best! We talk every morning and help each other set goals. Everyone else is there when I need them.
What's the future for LAMP (programs, goals, events)?
Several more events this year, with a big concert to benefit music charities at the end of the year. Stay tuned! If you
would like to be involved as a volunteer, promoter, or sponsor, give me a call! Sign up for my mailing list at www.lamusicproductions.com to get the latest scoop.
In your opinion, what makes LAMP the go-to organization for shining light on the music industry?
It's simply this: I'll get the biggest names, give the greatest opportunities, and provide the most fun while you're doing
it! We provide real-world advice and answers from the industry's most successful people. Unlike other events
companies, I'm a musician, composer and songwriter, and I know what it's like out there as an independent artist. My
mission is to help empower artists. I listen to suggestions and I work very hard to bring the most useful and helpful information to artists. They are my bosses.
What would you like to talk about that hasn't initially be covered as yet?
Speaking of feedback, let me know how I'm doing. If you have suggestions for future events, feedback on past events, or just want to say hello, write to me at leslie@lamusicproductions.com, and sign up for my mailing list at
www.lamusicproductions.com! ************************ Leslie's tunes (a few selections) can be heard at
www.cdbaby.com/cd/incantare. NEWS |
