GET TO KNOW THE BAND: LYDIA

October 2015

Interview and photos by Sophie Hsu

"It happened the same way the other tracks came about; we all just criticized and rearranged songs until they got to a point when we all agreed. But thank you—that definitely came out as one of my favorites. " - Leighton Antelman, Lydia

Not only did Lydia share some of their warm sound from Arizona, they also brought some of their warm charisma to the polar opposite Manhattan. Lydia formed in Gilbert, Arizona in 2003 by Leighton Antelman (lead vocals and guitar) and moving on with various changes, he, with current members Justin Camacho (guitar) and Matt Keller (keyboard, guitar, bass guitar, programming), gloriously returned with the recent release of their newest album, Run Wild. They are currently headlining The Run Wild Tour with Seahaven, The Technicolors (Check out our interview!), and Turnover to promote the record, and Leighton took some time to discuss his spark for music, including performing at his middle school dance, the story behind their name that involves a pizza shop, but most importantly, the superhero power he desires.

What was the first musical instrument you started making music with?

I think it was just a guitar; I know, kind of boring.

What sparked your interest in music, both playing and listening?

I'm not sure what really sparked my interest in music. I guess growing up, my Pops always really liked The Beatles, and would play that since I can remember. My mom is a country gal and has been playing that since I can remember, as well. I guess that is a pretty strange mix, but that's the first music I ever remember hearing. In junior high, I played/sang at my school’s homecoming dance. It was terrible though, I'm sure.

How did the band form and take on the name "Lydia"?

Well, it's actually a very simple story. We had our first gig at a pizza shop that did shows on the weekends. We were outside waiting to go on and the promoter of the show came out and said, "You can't go on stage without a name," so our guitar player at the time said," How about Lydia?" We all looked at each other and said, "Yeah, alright."

You recently released a new album titled Run Wild a few weeks ago! Briefly, what was the process of writing, recording, and producing the album? Why Run Wild as the title?

So all three of us are constantly writing and putting ideas down on paper by ourselves. We've never been a band that gets in a room together and "writes a song." Run Wild was created by all of us individually writing and recording songs, and then bringing them into the studio to get things cut and moved.

After listening to the album, my favorite track is "Watching the Lights." What sparked the inspiration for that particular track, and what was the process of creating that one?

That's also one of my favorite tracks on the record. To be honest, there wasn't anything special about the creation of that song, in particular. It happened the same way the other tracks came about; we all just criticized and rearranged songs until they get to a point when we all agreed. But thank you—that definitely came out as one of my favorites.

Who are some of your prominent musical influences?

I'm kind of all over the place; I listen to anything from rap to some country. A good song is a good song, regardless of what genre you want to classify it as.

If you could tour with any two artists (alive), which would you select?

John Mayer and Kanye West.

If you were to plan a perfect night in NYC as a performer, where would you want to play a show, followed by a bar or spot you'd grab an after show snack or drink?

Damn, as often as I've been to NYC, I'm honestly not very familiar with the city. Maybe someone could give me some tips?

If you were not in a band right now, what would you see yourself doing?

I always played sports growing up. It sounds pretty ridiculous, but maybe I would have continued doing that. That probably wouldn't have lasted very long though, ha.

What is a favorite restaurant or bar in NYC you would recommend? Any places back home in Arizona?

Last night, we played NYC, and I was kind of blown away by how many restaurants there really are. Every block was packed with a restaurant/eateries. Back in Arizona, I'm more of a "have drinks on my balcony" sort of human. I don't really hit bars that much, to be honest.

If you were a superhero, what power(s) would you possess?

Just flight; I'm pretty jealous of birds on the regular.

What can listeners expect in terms of upcoming projects and/or releases?

Hmm...we have quite a few things in the works but not all that I can mention. We just announced the pressing of our first ever record on vinyl, so we’re excited about that. Lydia will be releasing a few music videos in the coming weeks along with some other really cool announcements.

Is there a question or topic you have hoped someone asks in an interview?

I wish they would ask me about dogs and space.

A huge thanks to leighton and lydia for taking the time and thought to respond to our questions. Be sure to FOLLOW THEM ON DONYC TO CHECK THEM OUT the NEXT TIME THEY'RE IN TOWN!

GET TO KNOW THE BAND: LYDIA