A Dirty Dozen with BEN LIONETTI from LAKESHORE – February 2020

According to a recent press release: “LAKESHORE premiered their latest video for single “Mountain View” yesterday on Alternative Press. The band has announced the OK, Psychopath Tour that begins on April 29th in Chicago, Illinois in support of the release. The band has obtained a cult like grass roots following from their live touring schedule and festivals like Warped Tour . They have gathered a strong fervent social media following that has stuck with them ever since the announcement of the project. The band is comprised of vocalist Jesse Doran, Ben Lionetti on guitar, with brother Joe Lionetti on Drums, bassist Chris Segovia and lead guitarist Mitch LoBuglio.” We get guitarist Ben to discuss new music, influences, and much more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets the band put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

That’s honestly a good question and one that I’ve never been asked before. When it comes to songwriting, I definitely like to be as blatant as possible within the lyrics and in the tones. We always try to keep a positive message forward, but yes there are always deeper meanings with certain things, but honestly that stuff stays with the me, although the wise may see.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

My father is a drummer and was always in bands while we were growing up, so this has always been something I’ve been around and gravitated towards.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

This is a simple answer Stone Temple Pilots.

4. Who would be your main five musical influences?

Steely Dan, Aerosmith, Stone Temple Pilots, and Korn.

5. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

I would definitely love to write a song with Steven Tyler of Aerosmith. He’s had so much longevity. I love everything he does and how he re-invents himself.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

I would say we are definitely a form of modern rock and roll, although I saw somewhere it said we were “post-screamo.” I didn’t know that was a thing.

7. What’s the best thing about being a musician?

Aside from free stuff, the ability to express myself and do what I love on a consistent basis – it is definitely an outlet for a lot of pent up emotions at times.

8. When the band are all hanging out together, who cooks; who gets the drinks in; and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

Joe our drummer definitely cooks all the time. We are a sober band, so it’s nothing but coconut waters and soda for us. Mitch our guitar player or Jesse would definitely be the first to grab the acoustic they know how to play everything.

9. When was the last time you were star struck and who was it?

In 2009 I was on tour with Mudvayne, Black Label Society, and Static-X. One day I walked outside during a string of shows that Korn jumped on looking for a cigarette and Jonathan Davis was standing right there smoking. I didn’t realize it until I almost went up to ask him for a cigarette.  I was so starstruck at the time I just walked right past him and back into the venue. Other than that I’ve never been star struck before or after, so that was a first.

10. If you weren’t a musician, what would be your dream job?

I’d be a music producer. I actually have a studio called Loud Lion Productions where I do a lot of young up-and-coming artists of all genres. If it didn’t have to do anything with music, I would be a chef.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over”, even if it didn’t change your current situation?

I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, so I don’t regret a thing.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

Steely Dan – Babylon Sisters. That record and the entire album that it is on is pure musical and musician magic from start to finish. There aren’t that many albums that are like that that I can think of other than maybe the Eagles, Led Zeppelin, or Aerosmith.

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Category: Interviews