Brian Lanese, Frontman for Alternative Rock band Permanent Ability. Interview April 10, 2012
Permanent Ability Interview
1. Could you tell me about the recording process for the upcoming Permanent Ability album?
Sure. Just like my 2010, Grammy Nominated release Bring It On! (which was produced by Jim Wirt) it was recorded at the famous 4th Street Studios in Santa Monica, CA. It’s recorded with tier and vintage equipment this time around, with the rhythm section to tape. My approach to writing this record was with the “less is more” idea in mind. Busy is great when performing live, but simplifying the parts was necessary, and playing what’s right for each song became vital. Now don’t get me wrong, it has its moments of flashy showmanship, it’s still extremely funky and energetic, and menaces with PA’s signature sound; but it grooves a lot more because of this adjustment. Not many people know I’m the lone writer for all of Permanent Ability’s songs including the instrumental parts, so I wanted to expand on the sound a bit. Couple of cool facts about the recording is that I was fortunate enough to get Chili Pepper’s drummer Chad Smith’s ’64 Gretch Kit to use to on the recording, and a few of Taylor Hawkins snares as well (drummer for the Foo Fighters) so it gives the drums this BIG full sound. The record features bassist Mario Pagliarulo of Serj Tankian’s solo band The F.C.C., and new guitarist Orlando Mestre who did my first record with me. My collaboration with Mario came into play when a mutual friend recommended he have a listen to the music, and he reached out to me. He sincerely loved what I was doing, and he passionately wanted to be a part of it. Mario did an EXCELLENT job too! I’m already hearing plenty of compliments on how the bass playing is prodigious and very tight. When an opportunity to collaborate with someone as pro as Mario comes along you don’t say no, especially here in L.A. It was a humbling experience to get to work with him, plus he is very easy to work with, and had plenty of creative ideas to bring to the table. We are already talking about future projects together as well. The guitars on this record are played by good friend Orlando Mestre, and they are insanely unique with creativity, and adds a ton of soul to each track. We got excellent guitar tones from my ’62 Strat, and doubled it with O’s 1980’s Charvel creating this beefy BIG new rocking sound! It will also be PA’s first full length release, narrowed down to about twelve songs; although, twenty-five plus were written. It’s tentatively titled, Love You To Death, inspired by the album cover design. I’m really excited to release this new record. I feel it is the best one yet, and this record will show an evolution of Permanent Ability’s sound that some die hard fans may not even expect.
2. What are the inspirations for the upcoming Permanent Ability album as genres?
Staying true to Permanent Ability’s signature Funk-Rock sound is my passion and inspiration…but the upcoming record will show a matured evolution in my songwriting, lyrics, and instrumental compositions. Since my influences range from Zeppelin to LL Cool J, you will hear those influences peppered throughout the record. I think with this new record, just like the last one I did with Jim Wirt, keeps the funk rock genre alive with another interesting take, along with its own original stamp I put on it. I like to keep my ear diverse to all styles of music, it’s important to me, and it also lends to a vast source of creative ammunition. You will hear that on this record, everything is bigger, and showcases a progression in production quality as well, that I proudly produced myself.
3. What are the current endorsements for Permanent Ability?
Unfortunately none currently. Had a couple big name offers too last year, but they passed when they learned the band is an independent national act. It’s a business, and I understand completely. However, I’m confident I will land something in the near future at some point.
4. What’s your vision on the Internet as a way to releasing Music Online?
I think it definitely evens the playing field between majors and indie, but it also saturates the market with a lot of shit, and wannabe musicians…meaning every person with a guitar and a desktop computer thinks they can be a rockstar. So sifting thru the shit to find the real good bands is a process ever since Myspace began really, but talent always rises above the rest no matter what, and a new artists is born sometimes overnight…which is amazing! I feel it is an awesome tool, and because the world is connected in such a way I am able to communicate to fans in Italy, that couldn’t of been done back in the day. It humbles me to think how many fans out there are hearing Permanent Ability, and in tons of different countries, when years ago this wasn’t even a possibility. I mean come on, imagine if the great iconic bands back in the day had what we have now…image all the things they would of done different or achieved faster. It’s truly amazing at how literally the world is really at our finger tips, and full of new, great music just waiting to be discovered. I feel it’s a very powerful tool, and it sure gives us indie bands a voice and outlet to be heard with all the tools it provides, and I try to maximize every outlet I can find.
5. With all the bands coming out today. Do you keep updated with what comes out online at all?
Nah, not really. I’ll listen to it, but I’m honestly not a fan of today’s music, it doesn’t inspire me like the 60’s, 70’s, and the early 90’s rock era does. Music back then had a real substance to it. That’s mostly what I listen to really. Although, lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of Wu Tang Clan, and hip-hop. So i go through phases at times I guess, and rarely with today’s music, if ever.
6. What could we find interesting in your music collection at home?
I think you would be surprised to find in my music collection the lovely Roberta Flack?
7. Could you describe what goes on in a day in your life as a musician?
Well my daily profession is a graphic designer / animator, and it gives me the means to live…I mean hey, I gotta eat too, right! Music don’t pay all the bills. So having a day job to survive is important to me. Plus, being that the band is currently independent, a day job is crucial to funding the band’s needs. This shit ain’t cheap. I tell people you think your drug habit is expensive…try having a music one. Everything cost money. Luckily my profession gives me the liberty to contribute, and produce a quality product for Permanent Ability’s brand both visually and musically, and without having to pay extra for graphic design…which in turn saves tons, making the independent fight a little less stressful. From my day 8 hour day job, I go to my home recording studio, and its right back to the computer for probably another 4-6 hour session of just music, on top of rehearsal, on top of gigging. So in a sense I work 2 full-time jobs, but its very rewarding once the final product is polished up and completed. I ain’t afraid of hard work and/or earning my place…so its worth it as you can see.
8. How is the Music scene in your area today?
The L.A. music scene is always thriving. It’s a melting pot of pro musicians, along with good and shitty bands too. The benefit about being in a big city like Los Angeles is, more people get to know about you faster, and it’s a lot easier to make some noise independently.
9. Any words for future musicians?
The best advice I can give, is to be a master at your craft, and always be hungry for the knowledge to learn, cuz it will only better your product. Always keep doing what your doing, and forget the haters let them fuel your fire. Thanks Jason for hooking Permanent Ability up! Don’t forget to check us out on iTUNES, “LIKE” us on FACEBOOK and “FOLLOW” our ass on TWITTER . Be good.