10 Questions with ... LANY

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

LANY (comprised of Paul Klein, Les Priest and Jake Goss) happened organically. The Los Angeles based genre-bending band LANY recently released EP "Kinda" on Interscope Records. The band has performed at Bonnaroo, Sasquatch and Firefly, as well as 14-dates opening for Oh Wonder. Their new single "ILYSB" (I Love You So Badly) was just released to Hot AC. We recently caught up with Paul Klein to talk about the band's recent success.

1. Please tell us how LANY was first formed? How did you all meet each other?

We all met in Nashville and we were just friends and never worked on music together. I then moved to Los Angeles on my own. After I moved, Jake and Les started making music together. I asked if I could fly back and just see what we could come up and that's how LANY began.

2. Why do you think you all work so well together?

I think we're good together because we're genuinely fans of each other and each other's ideas.

3. Where did the band name come from?

LANY represents the span of the country ... From Los Angeles to New York.

4. How was your first headline tour? What were some of your favorite venues and crowds?

The first headline was really cool and totally sold out. It was only 10 or 11 shows, but some standout cities were Los Angeles, Salt Lake City and Houston.

5. How did it feel when you found out you were the most streamed artist though Spotify's Discover Weekly feature?

That is so rad! I love Spotify. We have the coolest relationship with them and we always swing by their offices when we're on tour.

6. Please tell us about your new EP, "Kinda." What was the inspiration for these songs? How did they all come together?

"Kinda" is just a collection of songs we've been making out of our little house in Malibu.

I guess the inspiration is just emotion. I think I'm starting to realize that I feel things pretty deeply ... Like I'm hypersensitive. In everyday life, it actually "kinda" sucks. But i'm learning to channel it and put that emotion and energy into my artistic endeavors.

7. Who are some of your favorite artists?

I'm all over the place. I grew up loving and admiring John Mayer. I'm not really a guitar player, but the way he's mastered his craft and continues to do so really inspires me. I also think he's one of the greatest songwriters alive right now.

8. Who would you love to work with in the future?

As far as collaborations ... I've tried a few co-writes and stuff like that and I just really just like working with the boys. However, there are so many artists I'd love to be friends with and have relationships with and share ideas and just hang.

9. At the end of the day, what do you hope is the message of your music?

I guess I just hope that our music elevates them from whatever position they're currently in. Music should always build up, improve, heal and never tear down or destroy.

10. What do you hope listeners take away from your songs?

I hope people become better versions of themselves after listening to us.

* Special thanks to Leah Adams who conducted this interview.