A Dirty Dozen with LELA from VENUES – May 2021

According to a recent press release: “German modern metal outfit VENUES have released the third single “Uncaged Birds” from their forthcoming new album Solace, out August 27 via Arising Empire. The album will be released on limited colored vinyl, as well. In cooperation with videographer Marius Milinski, the story that began in NSFW videos their previous singles “Rite of Passage” and “Shifting Colors” continues with “Uncaged Birds.” From the depths of their deepest crisis, VENUES emerge victoriously, welcoming two new members: clean vocalist Lela and guitarist Valentin. When former vocalist Nyves quit the band mid-tour, following the release of their pivotal debut Aspire (2018), the modern metal crew was shaken to the bone. Despite this situation, the remaining members refused to give up and tirelessly searched for new talent.” We get clean vocalist Lela to discuss new music, influences, and 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 you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

Our latest release is “Uncaged Birds” which came out on 14th May. This is a special song for us as a band because it was the first song we wrote together in the current line-up. At that time we didn’t know how working with each other would be so we all were pretty curious and excited. And it turned out awesome. We got to know each other better while spending time writing and recording the song. To me personally this song has a deeper meaning because I processed parts of my relationship back then while writing the lyrics. So spending time with the band in the studio, recording this song for me really was the best cure.

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

I wanted to be a musician since my very early days. Each of my family members plays at least one instrument and my grandfather even owns a music school. So making music has always been an important part of me. The first time I sang on stage was when I was seven years old in front of an audience of 500 people. Maybe this was the crucial event that made me realize that this is what I want to do.

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

I remember singing “Mercedes Benz” from Janis Joplin at any possible occasion together with my mother before I could even understand the lyrics. This definitely steered me into a direction.

4. Who would be your main five musical influences?

There are several vocalists that influenced the way I wanted to sound like. Apart from Janis Joplin I would say Steven Tyler, Eddie Vedder, Christina Aguilera, and Beth Hart had a huge impact on my way of singing.

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

It’s hard to choose only one 😉 If it was to choose a vocalist I guess I´d call Christina Aguilera because she´s an incredible artist and combining our music with hers would definitely be an interesting mix. I think this could be awesome.

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?

The typical VENUES sound is modern metalcore guitars mixed with rather old-school hard rock riffs and out-of-this-world drums. Robin ́s vocals make the songs sound rough and wild while my raspy and smoky clean vocals bring in the deep feelings and the vulnerability while still sounding energetic and strong. Some people compared us to Amaranthe lately. I would not put VENUES and Amaranthe in the same box. But I have to say that of course for me VENUES sounds different than it does to others who listen to it for the first time.

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

When it comes to cooking I would say that each of us is evenly committed. But Dennis and me are definitely the ones who get the drinks in. Our two guitarists Constantin and Valentin are the ones to grab the guitar first. Sometimes it’s me though.

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

I would say the last time I was starstruck was when I watched the video of Heart´s live performance of “Stairway to Heaven” at the Kennedy Center Honors. I got goosebumps from Ann Wilson´s vocals and the whole arrangement of the song is breathtaking.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

For me the best part of being a musician is the way you can express yourself. On one hand I can take all my emotions and feelings and put them into lyrics. For me this is the perfect way of handling difficult situations or thoughts. On the other hand I can share those emotions with so many people. This makes me realize that I am not alone. That we are all connected somehow. My dream job apart from being a musician would be something music related. I used to work as a project manager for open air and festival stages. This job was really cool. So I am pretty sure I would stay in the music or event business.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

I really appreciate it when Interviewers are creative. I am tired of answering the same questions over and over again.

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?

Not at all. Every decision I made brought me to where I am today. There’s no need to overthink past situations. I always try to focus on the present and the future.

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?

I would choose being a part of Led Zeppelin´s composing / recording sessions at Headley Grange. It must have been awesome to live, compose and record at this location. I mean, most of the lyrics to “Stairway To Heaven” were written there in one single day.

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Category: Interviews