SongVault Artist Profile

LEIANA BIO

The music industry may be more dominated than ever by soulless mega-corporations, but the DIY spirit of bands like Leiana is still alive and definitely still kicking. The female-fronted, Philadelphia-based band of seasoned musicians has a rapidly growing fan base in the hardcore and skatepunk worlds. With two self-produced and self-released studio albums and a third on the way, as well as stateside and overseas touring under their belts, Leiana are proof that talent, inspiration, and hard work are still the most important things you need to make good music.
Singer Leiana and multi-instrumentalist Chuck Treece form the foundation of Leiana. A former pro skater and prolific musician, Chuck has been a driving force in skate rock for over 20 years. He’s also a founding member of punk legends McRad, and a well-respected tour and session player whose resume includes such diverse acts as The Roots, Bad Brains, Urge Overkill, G.Love, and Billy Joel. “Chuck has had so much studio and live experience that he really is like a mentor,” explains Leiana.
The EP didn’t go unnoticed, especially its first single “Surfy Punky,” which made its way onto several punk compilations. as well as the soundtrack to ESPN’s women’s downhill skiing show. The tune “Follow Blind” made it on the soundtrack to pro-skateboarder Todd Falcon’s movie “Call To Fly”. “Bitter” off the new album “No Going Back” was featured on the Brenden Borek Compilation along with Jack Johnson, and G.Love amongst others.
The band seemed to find an instant niche. “Chuck, skates, I surf — our audiences are young kids who are into that. It’s kind of where we fit in the most.”
In May of 2005 Leiana released her first full-length CD “Page.” The well-received album featured the singles “Follow Blind, “ which was included in the Gnarly Dude compilation, and two versions of “Dirty Car” — one remixed by Mike Elizondo (Dr.Dre, Eminem, Fiona Apple). Also in 2005, Leiana started her own label, Page Records. The band has toured the U.S. extensively and also did a UK Tour in fall of 2005, which included a sold out show with Seattle indie rockers Minus the Bear. They’ve also played such festivals as the Boston-area LocoBazooka, NXNE and headlined at a showcase at South by Southwest in Austin. The touring line-up of Leiana has varied, and in the past included Chuck either on guitar or drums and Roy Mayorga on drums (Soulfly,Ozzy StoneSour).
Leiana recorded the follow-up to Page at Bombshelter Studios in Los Angeles, owned by STP drummer Eric Kretz. The new album “No Going Back” was mixed by Matt Knobel (Lenny Kravitz). The band will be touring continuously starting November 2006. It can be a 24-hour a day job, but Leiana wouldn’t even consider cashing in for the easy route. “The hardship and frustration are worth it if you don’t have to sing crap or be a puppet. At least I can trust that it’s real.”