by Mely Duong
Leiana. One word and it packs quite a punch within that singular word as it should for a band name. A definitive name for an edgy yet polished sound coming from Liana Grasso, the female vocalist of Leiana. The name Leiana was suggested by Chuck Treece, who recommended that Liana name the band after herself. Leiana is a Hawaiian name for twisted vine and her music is twisting up this industry from the inside with its infusion of vast influences. The band arcs and spans various genres incorporating bits of rock, punk and even some hardcore, which allows many people to identify with it. There’s a little bit of everything mixed into her songs for all sorts of musical fans. No one is left isolated. Her biggest influences include the late 70’s punk scene out of the UK including The Ruts and The Jam, to California bands from that time such as the Avengers. Rather than merely replicating the sounds from the old punk scene, she has truly modernized it and given it a twist, her own take and perspective on punk, Leiana style of course.
(photo credit Brett Martenelli)
Although she has lived in Philadelphia, she considers herself to be more influenced by the lifestyle and music of LA. However, her first two records did include a collaboration with Chuck Treece, a Philadelphia musician, who steered her towards some NY and DC bands. That being said, her music does have a flavorful hint of East coast. Perhaps that is what can attest to her success in the industry. Her clever ability to incorporate influences from all around are an indicator of her musical capability and her innovativeness. However, as a female artist, she has found it difficult to be taken seriously as an artist in the rock genre. That being said, hard work has gained her much respect throughout the industry and amongst her fans.
The first two records, as aforementioned, were a collaboration of Chuck Treece and Liana. Together, they self-produced and self-released two studio albums, and from there Leiana, consisting of Liana and Treece, toured stateside and overseas. Chuck Treece and Leiana originally only intended to work on an EP, but Treece stayed on to co-write, co-produce and play all the instruments. At the time, the songs flowed naturally because Chuck and Liana had an undeniable chemistry together for musical collaboration. Many of the songs were based off of Liana’s poetry, which Treece would convert to lyrics. Eventually a second album was produced in LA once the touring ended.
Unsigned for the first two albums, Leiana has now been recognized for talent and is signed. From this new LA based management, she was able to produce her third album titled Lucky #3. Lucky, indeed. Or rather is it hard work that is paying off finally? The new lineup for Leiana consisted of Rob Caggiano (Anthrax), Sean Danielsen (Smile Empty Soul), Brett Scallions (Fuel, the Doors), John Tempesta (The Cult), and Ken Schalk (Candiria). They had all been hanging around in the same circles, and then everyone agreed to graciously help Liana out with her project. Given the fusion of Leiana’s own talent with the contributions of such heavyweights, it was sort of inevitable that the third album would be a success and has rightly rocked this industry so.
Liana’s favorite part of being a musician is getting to do what she has simply always loved to do and to be able to work with people she loves. She would like to thank her fans for their support and is truly grateful for it. She would also like to encourage everyone to fully live their dreams as she has pursued her own dreams. .
