FEELS

Raw Geronimo’s debut album “Dream Fever” sounds like the sum of many dreams, only some of them feverish. The band surfaced two years ago as the vehicle for the songwriting of multi-instrumentalist and sonic adventurer Laena Geronimo, whose exploits in myriad L.A. bands of both the pop and experimental variety inform the cerebral and visceral scope of the debut, out July 30 on Neurotic Yell Records. It’s easy to imagine that DNA had a role as well — Geronimo, born Laena Myers-Ionita, is the daughter of the late Alan Myers, the Devo drummer who died June 28 of colon cancer. Geronimo’s band is now a sextet, including Michael Rudes, Lauren Fay, Shannon Marie Lay, Lance Piebenga and Vug Arakas. “Dream Fever” has only whispers of the two best-known bands for whom Geronimo has played — lightweight popsters the Like and theatrical rockers Dante Vs. Zombies. But in spirit, it’s more like the latter: ’90s art-rock, ’80s pop and ’70s punk sprinkled everywhere, with attitude. Tracks like “Bitched,” “Lose My Mind” and “Chinatown” all land with appropriate sting, but the first single “Magnetic Love” is more of a magic moment. - See more at: http://buzzbands.la/2013/07/08/download-raw-geronimo-magnetic-love/#sthash.RYPVF5t8.dpuf - Buzzbands.LA

Off of the forthcoming debut album, “Dream Fever” on Neurotic Yell Records, GhettoBlasterMagazine is excited to premiere the track “Magnetic Love” by Raw Geronimo!!! A surging composition of musical goodness!!! So happy 4th to all that apply and enjoy the weekend with the new sounds of Raw Geronimo!!! - Ghettoblaster

Off of the forthcoming debut album, “Dream Fever” on Neurotic Yell Records, GhettoBlasterMagazine is excited to premiere the track “Magnetic Love” by Raw Geronimo!!! A surging composition of musical goodness!!! So happy 4th to all that apply and enjoy the weekend with the new sounds of Raw Geronimo!!! - Ghettoblaster

How did Raw Geronimo start? Was it something that you'd always talked about or was it just "hey, let's do this!"?
This is definitely something that I've pretty much always known I would have to do, deep down in my bones- I never did all that much talking about it though... I used to actually be like, reeeeeeeeally shy, believe it or not? It's been a process, but lets just say- as a teenager i thought I would be a "closet musician" for life.

Fronting my own band and presenting my own songs is sort of the last frontier in tearing down those self-doubt/inhibition barriers for me. I've been sort of secretly recording and compiling songs for years. Now at this point I've played so many roles in so many other people's bands; I know the ropes like the back of my hand. I knew at some point there would be a breaking point where this crazy build up of creative energy would overtake the last pillars of shyness and I would feel like I would just explode if I didn't just take the plunge and put it all out there. Right around New Years 2011, The Like made the decision to take a break going forward and something just clicked- my brain just said "Alright let's do this!"

Most of my friends are musicians, and within a month of deciding what instrumentation I would need, I had put together a band of 5 awesome musicians (and super nice, chill, fun people to boot) who are really really into it. The first full band practice we had was like every Christmas and Birthday rolled into one ridiculous amount of happiness for me.

How do you think Raw Geronimo differs from other collaborations that you've been a part of?
Well, it differs in almost every way to me, personally. This is my baby: I'm writing all the songs. At this current stage of the band I've actually fully fleshed out all the musical parts myself- all the recordings are just me playing everything- THEN I assembled the band to play it. (But going forward I want it to become more collaborative with everyone adding their ideas to the pot).... And then there's my role in the live show as just vocalist and front-person- that's something I've never done before. I'm insanely excited by it! It's so exhilarating to just give in to the moment... and terrifying at the same time.

Every instrument I play serves as an outlet in a different way than the other. For instance, with violin it's very internal and emotional, and with bass it's external and physical. With singing it's this all-encompassing release: there's just this crazy energy- like a Mr. Hyde- inside of me that needs an outlet, and this is it. That's why it's called Raw Geronimo. Cuz it's me in my rawest state.

Of all the collaborations you've been a part of, which do you think challenged you [musically] the most?
I mean, every instrument and the way that it interacts within every project has it's own unique challenges, so it's really hard to say.

Swahili Blonde really pushes my skills with violin improvisation, arrangement, and experimentation... Nicole is just basically like: "ok here's this song that has 7 different sections, 5 drum machines looping at different intervals, irregular vocal harmonies, and these guitar lines that are weaving between different keys constantly: GO." We are about halfway through recording the new record now, and it's funny cuz every time i sit down with one of the new songs it seems like there's no space, it doesn't need violin, etc and i get all frustrated and filled with self-doubt. But then basically I just walk into the studio, ask Nicole to hit record, and let it just happen. That's when it all comes to me- I get all excited and see and hear all these parts... it's like having these mini-revelations every time... But really at the end of the day though- having my own band is the most challenging. It's all in my hands with Raw Geronimo, and that is really a lot of pressure. At this point now I'm song-writer, manager, booking agent, publicist, street-team, performer, EVERYTHING. This is a full-on DIY thing. It's taking the music to this whole other level for me.

-3


Van Gough Baby is probably the most played song on my laptop as of late.Such an eclectic (I know, such an overused word) sound. This music is unlike a lot of the music out there. Do you ever feel pressure to tone it down or to be more mainstream?
Thankyou! My taste in music is insanely eclectic, so I'm glad that my music comes across that way. I personally don't really have any interest in tailoring my music to sound safe and easy to categorize. When I write lyrics I sometimes try to write them from a place that i imagine every person can connect to, but then sometimes I don't. I feel fortunate to be in Los Angeles and involved in the local DIY/experimental/underground music scene, which is actually incred - Laughing With Broken Eyes

How did Raw Geronimo start? Was it something that you'd always talked about or was it just "hey, let's do this!"?
This is definitely something that I've pretty much always known I would have to do, deep down in my bones- I never did all that much talking about it though... I used to actually be like, reeeeeeeeally shy, believe it or not? It's been a process, but lets just say- as a teenager i thought I would be a "closet musician" for life.

Fronting my own band and presenting my own songs is sort of the last frontier in tearing down those self-doubt/inhibition barriers for me. I've been sort of secretly recording and compiling songs for years. Now at this point I've played so many roles in so many other people's bands; I know the ropes like the back of my hand. I knew at some point there would be a breaking point where this crazy build up of creative energy would overtake the last pillars of shyness and I would feel like I would just explode if I didn't just take the plunge and put it all out there. Right around New Years 2011, The Like made the decision to take a break going forward and something just clicked- my brain just said "Alright let's do this!"

Most of my friends are musicians, and within a month of deciding what instrumentation I would need, I had put together a band of 5 awesome musicians (and super nice, chill, fun people to boot) who are really really into it. The first full band practice we had was like every Christmas and Birthday rolled into one ridiculous amount of happiness for me.

How do you think Raw Geronimo differs from other collaborations that you've been a part of?
Well, it differs in almost every way to me, personally. This is my baby: I'm writing all the songs. At this current stage of the band I've actually fully fleshed out all the musical parts myself- all the recordings are just me playing everything- THEN I assembled the band to play it. (But going forward I want it to become more collaborative with everyone adding their ideas to the pot).... And then there's my role in the live show as just vocalist and front-person- that's something I've never done before. I'm insanely excited by it! It's so exhilarating to just give in to the moment... and terrifying at the same time.

Every instrument I play serves as an outlet in a different way than the other. For instance, with violin it's very internal and emotional, and with bass it's external and physical. With singing it's this all-encompassing release: there's just this crazy energy- like a Mr. Hyde- inside of me that needs an outlet, and this is it. That's why it's called Raw Geronimo. Cuz it's me in my rawest state.

Of all the collaborations you've been a part of, which do you think challenged you [musically] the most?
I mean, every instrument and the way that it interacts within every project has it's own unique challenges, so it's really hard to say.

Swahili Blonde really pushes my skills with violin improvisation, arrangement, and experimentation... Nicole is just basically like: "ok here's this song that has 7 different sections, 5 drum machines looping at different intervals, irregular vocal harmonies, and these guitar lines that are weaving between different keys constantly: GO." We are about halfway through recording the new record now, and it's funny cuz every time i sit down with one of the new songs it seems like there's no space, it doesn't need violin, etc and i get all frustrated and filled with self-doubt. But then basically I just walk into the studio, ask Nicole to hit record, and let it just happen. That's when it all comes to me- I get all excited and see and hear all these parts... it's like having these mini-revelations every time... But really at the end of the day though- having my own band is the most challenging. It's all in my hands with Raw Geronimo, and that is really a lot of pressure. At this point now I'm song-writer, manager, booking agent, publicist, street-team, performer, EVERYTHING. This is a full-on DIY thing. It's taking the music to this whole other level for me.

-3


Van Gough Baby is probably the most played song on my laptop as of late.Such an eclectic (I know, such an overused word) sound. This music is unlike a lot of the music out there. Do you ever feel pressure to tone it down or to be more mainstream?
Thankyou! My taste in music is insanely eclectic, so I'm glad that my music comes across that way. I personally don't really have any interest in tailoring my music to sound safe and easy to categorize. When I write lyrics I sometimes try to write them from a place that i imagine every person can connect to, but then sometimes I don't. I feel fortunate to be in Los Angeles and involved in the local DIY/experimental/underground music scene, which is actually incred - Laughing With Broken Eyes

Raw Geronimo is a young L.A. band whose sound is an interesting mix of '50s and '60s surf, '60s girl groups, '70s glam, with a dash of post-punk.

Raw Geronimo is a young band out of Los Angeles known for their mesmerizing live shows in southern California. Their sound is an interesting mix of ‘50s and ‘60s surf, ‘60s girl groups, ‘70s glam, with a dash of post-punk. LA Weekly said of the group, “If you remember the B-sides of ‘80s punk comps, where “art” bands like the Nuns, Los Microwaves and Suburban Lawns matched playful technique with a sense of humor and the sheer force of personality, then you’ll recognize Raw Geronimo instantly: new wave in the best and weirdest way.” Raw Geronimo have released a couple of 7-inch singles so far via Neurotic Yell Records with the recent “Roll Play” (below the fold) being the latest. Today we bring you the premiere of a new song “Shot on the Spot” by way of this brand new video directed by Aliethea D’Angelo. - Pop Matters

Raw Geronimo is a young L.A. band whose sound is an interesting mix of '50s and '60s surf, '60s girl groups, '70s glam, with a dash of post-punk.

Raw Geronimo is a young band out of Los Angeles known for their mesmerizing live shows in southern California. Their sound is an interesting mix of ‘50s and ‘60s surf, ‘60s girl groups, ‘70s glam, with a dash of post-punk. LA Weekly said of the group, “If you remember the B-sides of ‘80s punk comps, where “art” bands like the Nuns, Los Microwaves and Suburban Lawns matched playful technique with a sense of humor and the sheer force of personality, then you’ll recognize Raw Geronimo instantly: new wave in the best and weirdest way.” Raw Geronimo have released a couple of 7-inch singles so far via Neurotic Yell Records with the recent “Roll Play” (below the fold) being the latest. Today we bring you the premiere of a new song “Shot on the Spot” by way of this brand new video directed by Aliethea D’Angelo. - Pop Matters

Raw Geronimo are on the attack with their new release, “Role Play.” Fronted by the energetic Laena Geronimo, the band proves they can play to the garage-pop leanings of their previous effort, 2011's “Faustine.” Geronimo’s vocals are a marriage of Karen O and Toni Basil. The twang of Andrew Scarborough’s guitar is evenly matched with the tight drumming of Michael Rudes. The A-side is tenacious, but just when you think you have this band pegged as another lo-fi beach band, they turn you on your ear with the flip side of the disc, “Shot on the Spot.” As if they were blown straight off the wind-swept ponderosa of a Sergio Leone flick, Raw Geronimo deliver their own spaghetti western strut. Laena’s sultry lyrics hypnotize, a fine effect, while her bandmates synthesize the grandeur of a Man With No Name epic to a tight clip just shy of three minutes. After hearing two such varying styles, it will be interesting to see what Raw Geronimo can do with an entire album. - LA Record

Raw Geronimo are on the attack with their new release, “Role Play.” Fronted by the energetic Laena Geronimo, the band proves they can play to the garage-pop leanings of their previous effort, 2011's “Faustine.” Geronimo’s vocals are a marriage of Karen O and Toni Basil. The twang of Andrew Scarborough’s guitar is evenly matched with the tight drumming of Michael Rudes. The A-side is tenacious, but just when you think you have this band pegged as another lo-fi beach band, they turn you on your ear with the flip side of the disc, “Shot on the Spot.” As if they were blown straight off the wind-swept ponderosa of a Sergio Leone flick, Raw Geronimo deliver their own spaghetti western strut. Laena’s sultry lyrics hypnotize, a fine effect, while her bandmates synthesize the grandeur of a Man With No Name epic to a tight clip just shy of three minutes. After hearing two such varying styles, it will be interesting to see what Raw Geronimo can do with an entire album. - LA Record

Ascendant L.A. sextet Raw Geronimo describe their sound as "jungle-punk-surf-goth-pop-wildness." Frontwoman Laena Geronimo (formerly of The Like) is brimming with pop-punk charm on debut single, "Faustine." Download it today for the first time. The band will issue their debut LP sometime in 2012. The "Faustine b/w Magnetic Love" 7-inch streets November 21 via Neurotic Yell Records. They're throwing a free, all-ages release party at Origami Vinyl on November 22. - Under The Radar

Ascendant L.A. sextet Raw Geronimo describe their sound as "jungle-punk-surf-goth-pop-wildness." Frontwoman Laena Geronimo (formerly of The Like) is brimming with pop-punk charm on debut single, "Faustine." Download it today for the first time. The band will issue their debut LP sometime in 2012. The "Faustine b/w Magnetic Love" 7-inch streets November 21 via Neurotic Yell Records. They're throwing a free, all-ages release party at Origami Vinyl on November 22. - Under The Radar

Raw Geronimo is at the core of it Laena Geronimo. Having been a part of various bands, she got together 5 friends and began her current journey as Raw Geronimo. Here, Laena goes in depth and gives some insight into all things Raw Geronimo.


1. How would you describe this project and would you describe it as a solo effort, that turned into a full band?

The closest I've come to summing up our sound is: Jungle-Punk-Soul-Surf-Goth-World-Avant-Pop-Wildness... and I could keep adding hyphens for hours. Basically It's a very eclectically inspired, high energy set. Everyone has a different description for it. I haven't been sold on one yet. I suppose initially it was a solo effort- only because it was just me writing songs and recording them by myself with no specific purpose for years; I was reeeeally shy as a songwriter and kinda just kept it hidden away. Then something just clicked; I basically experienced a totally abrupt about-face early 2011 and suddenly became consumed with this mission to share my songs and to sing my heart out to the entire universe. There was never any question in my mind about whether or not to form a full band: the "band" is my natural habitat. No backing track can replace that camaraderie, not to mention the nuances of human musicianship. Each member adds their own personality to the mix and I believe in that whole heartedly. I think that the songs sound 10x better and more exciting now being played by the full band than they ever could have in my wildest dreams.


2. Where did the name originate from?

Well, I guess I should go ahead and explain my name first... If I'd been born a boy my mom wanted to name me Geronimo, inspired obviously by the great Chiricahua Apache Native American Chief. In 2009 I decided to streamline "Myers-Ionita" to something a little easier to spit out, and I couldn't turn down the opportunity to go with something really awesome and symbolic... The idea of summoning that "male" counterpart to Myself, along with the strength and prowess associated with that Name Itself felt right. I also love how the name is used in pop-culture when someone's jumping off a cliff or something...I kind of feel like everything I do has an element of that reckless faith to it. When I finally decided to bite the bullet in 2009 and put some of my own material out there online I did it as Raw Geronimo- a name I'd been dabbling with in journals n doodles; I liked the way it sounded and it seemed fitting since this was the rawest presentation of myself that I had ever made public; it really was very much a naked feeling- as opposed to always having been able to hide behind someone else's vision... Flash forward a year a half: I'd formed a band and they all liked the name. So it stuck.


3. When did you start playing music?

I'd say shortly post-womb? My parents are both very musical; my mom is a singer/songwriter from Romania who had a band (BABOOSHKA) that practiced in our living room when I was a kid and my dad is a drummer/percussionist (DEVO). We sang a lot; I was always surrounded by instruments- guitars, keyboards, percussion galore, sitars, flutes- you name it. Started studying violin in school when I was 10 and then seriously trained with private teachers and symphonies until I started touring with bands too much to keep it up. Played guitar in the jazz band in high school. Started playing bass when I was 18 in a band. So I mean, I dunno.


4. How do you approach different projects/bands?

With a smile haha. Playing music is the funnest most fulfilling thing in the world to me. I would rather work on music than watch tv or sit around a bar any day. Being in multiple bands, especially ambitious ones, does require a LOT of organization skills and also a solid understanding of priorities between everyone involved, but I enjoy playing different instruments and different roles in a band too much to have only one outlet for it all, at least for now. At one point back in 2007 I was playing in 5 different bands, all the while holding down a full time job. Playing music is seriously my passion, sometimes to my own detriment! I'm a full-on addict. I still play in 2 other bands and work other fun little projects in when I can, but really now with my baby Raw Geronimo to care for I've had to learn to be realistic about my time and turn things down a lot more often. I spend an enormous amount of time as the wizard behind the curtain organizing, conceptualizing, planning etc... It's very different when it's your own band; you can't just show up n wing it on the spot.


5. Who or what are some inspirations you either use or perhaps don't directly channel, but nevertheless look to?

As far as live performance goes- Iggy Pop is The Man- he embodies the maximum of the sort of energetic, uninhibited live performance that I love- also Jim Morrison, Ian Svenonious, Dante White-Ali - Under The Starry Nitez

Raw Geronimo is at the core of it Laena Geronimo. Having been a part of various bands, she got together 5 friends and began her current journey as Raw Geronimo. Here, Laena goes in depth and gives some insight into all things Raw Geronimo.


1. How would you describe this project and would you describe it as a solo effort, that turned into a full band?

The closest I've come to summing up our sound is: Jungle-Punk-Soul-Surf-Goth-World-Avant-Pop-Wildness... and I could keep adding hyphens for hours. Basically It's a very eclectically inspired, high energy set. Everyone has a different description for it. I haven't been sold on one yet. I suppose initially it was a solo effort- only because it was just me writing songs and recording them by myself with no specific purpose for years; I was reeeeally shy as a songwriter and kinda just kept it hidden away. Then something just clicked; I basically experienced a totally abrupt about-face early 2011 and suddenly became consumed with this mission to share my songs and to sing my heart out to the entire universe. There was never any question in my mind about whether or not to form a full band: the "band" is my natural habitat. No backing track can replace that camaraderie, not to mention the nuances of human musicianship. Each member adds their own personality to the mix and I believe in that whole heartedly. I think that the songs sound 10x better and more exciting now being played by the full band than they ever could have in my wildest dreams.


2. Where did the name originate from?

Well, I guess I should go ahead and explain my name first... If I'd been born a boy my mom wanted to name me Geronimo, inspired obviously by the great Chiricahua Apache Native American Chief. In 2009 I decided to streamline "Myers-Ionita" to something a little easier to spit out, and I couldn't turn down the opportunity to go with something really awesome and symbolic... The idea of summoning that "male" counterpart to Myself, along with the strength and prowess associated with that Name Itself felt right. I also love how the name is used in pop-culture when someone's jumping off a cliff or something...I kind of feel like everything I do has an element of that reckless faith to it. When I finally decided to bite the bullet in 2009 and put some of my own material out there online I did it as Raw Geronimo- a name I'd been dabbling with in journals n doodles; I liked the way it sounded and it seemed fitting since this was the rawest presentation of myself that I had ever made public; it really was very much a naked feeling- as opposed to always having been able to hide behind someone else's vision... Flash forward a year a half: I'd formed a band and they all liked the name. So it stuck.


3. When did you start playing music?

I'd say shortly post-womb? My parents are both very musical; my mom is a singer/songwriter from Romania who had a band (BABOOSHKA) that practiced in our living room when I was a kid and my dad is a drummer/percussionist (DEVO). We sang a lot; I was always surrounded by instruments- guitars, keyboards, percussion galore, sitars, flutes- you name it. Started studying violin in school when I was 10 and then seriously trained with private teachers and symphonies until I started touring with bands too much to keep it up. Played guitar in the jazz band in high school. Started playing bass when I was 18 in a band. So I mean, I dunno.


4. How do you approach different projects/bands?

With a smile haha. Playing music is the funnest most fulfilling thing in the world to me. I would rather work on music than watch tv or sit around a bar any day. Being in multiple bands, especially ambitious ones, does require a LOT of organization skills and also a solid understanding of priorities between everyone involved, but I enjoy playing different instruments and different roles in a band too much to have only one outlet for it all, at least for now. At one point back in 2007 I was playing in 5 different bands, all the while holding down a full time job. Playing music is seriously my passion, sometimes to my own detriment! I'm a full-on addict. I still play in 2 other bands and work other fun little projects in when I can, but really now with my baby Raw Geronimo to care for I've had to learn to be realistic about my time and turn things down a lot more often. I spend an enormous amount of time as the wizard behind the curtain organizing, conceptualizing, planning etc... It's very different when it's your own band; you can't just show up n wing it on the spot.


5. Who or what are some inspirations you either use or perhaps don't directly channel, but nevertheless look to?

As far as live performance goes- Iggy Pop is The Man- he embodies the maximum of the sort of energetic, uninhibited live performance that I love- also Jim Morrison, Ian Svenonious, Dante White-Ali - Under The Starry Nitez

“To bring out the animal:
be it a stampede of elephants or birds chirping in the morning.”

Laena Meyers Ionita. A vessel for sound. What can’t she do? She’s got this special
ability, like a music super hero, to pick, play, and bang what words wish they
captured. But then again, she sings, too. And like all badass super
heroes, you would probably never know. Walk right past her on the street without a
second look, other than to notice her waist-lined jeans you wish you could fit in.

If someone said they were obsessed with me, it might freak me out. But I’m pretty sure
music feels lucky to have Laena as a translator for the most universal language we have.

A correction to the above: If you do ever happen to run into her and she’s not with an
instrument in hand or singing, rest assured you will still know it’s her, she’ll be dancing
to the music in her head… “bringing out the animal” perhaps at your local grocery store
in the produce section. Yep. At which point, you should stop what you’re doing, join in,
and dance along side her. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

Tom Tom Magazine: When did you start playing percussion?
Laena Myers Ionita: When I was old enough to hit things.

TTM: Reason that you started playing percussion?
LMI: My dad is a drummer/percussionist, and apparently he used to sit me on his lap while he played. He even built a miniature drum set for me when I was like 4. He collects percussion instruments from around the world and there were always plenty of things lying around for me to make weird noises with.

TTM: What is your favorite percussion set-up? Why?
LMI: I basically like to have a circle of shakers, bells, drums and sticks around me on the floor and sit in the middle of it. That way everything is within reach when inspiration strikes.

TTM: What would your dream percussion set-up consist of?
LMI:A couple of timpanis, a huge gong, a snare, a steel drum, a tambourine, one ride cymbal, a marimba, and me in the middle of all of this with as many bells and shakers as I could possibly strap on to my body. If I could have a couple of extra limbs that would be cool too. Hey, I mean you said “dream set up” haha.

TTM: What do you think the role of a percussionist is?
LMI: To drive the song in a way that awakens the more primitive aspects of rhythm in all of us. To bring out the animal: be it a stampede of elephants or birds chirping in the morning.

TTM: Do you play any other instruments? If so … how does that effect your percussion playing?
LMI: I play the violin, bass, guitar, and I sing as well. For me, the understanding of the different roles of melody, harmony and rhythm within a song that comes with playing different instruments helps to be more discerning.

TTM: Most notable show you ever played?
LMI: I played percussion with Dante Vs. Zombies on the Rocket Boat in Long Beach… It’s literally a little speed-boat decked out with Christmas lights that holds maybe 50 people. They have shows at night out on the water in the middle of the bay.

TTM: Have you experienced any setbacks as a female percussionist?
LMI: No I have not.

TTM: Who are your favorite drummers/percussionists?
LMI: Alan Myers, Louis Hardin, Hal Blaine, Mitch Mitchell, people banging on pots and pans and whatever else they can get their hands on…

TTM: If you could change one thing about percussion what would it be?
LMI: I would like for there to be an inexpensive, better way to mic percussion. Maybe one stand with several small mics branching off to encompass a wider space without getting in the way?

TTM: Where do you shop for your percussion pieces?
LMI: There is an amazing place for African instruments in LA called Motherland Music. The Pro Drum shop in Hollywood is great too, and sometimes they have some interesting imported stuff. In the San Raphael area there is the Ali Akbar Khan school of music’s instrument store, which sells imports from India and other parts of Asia.

TTM: What are some of your other hobbies / interests?
LMI: I’m pretty obsessed with music. I write music, play a lot of different instruments, and love listening to so many different types of music. I honestly don’t really have time for anything else. If I can’t work on music, I draw or read or write. Oh and I really love snuggling with my 2 cats very much. And laughing about absurdities with the few friends I have who share my bizarre sense of humor.

TTM: Who are some of your favorite lady drummers/percussionists right now?
LMI: Tennessee Thomas, Nicole Turley, Mo Tucker

TTM: Who are some of your favorite bands right now?
LMI: Kate Bush, Moon Dog, Martin Denny, Fool’s Gold, Adam and the Ants, Julia Holter, Siouxsie and the Banshees, 13th Floor Elevators, The Growlers, The Kinks, Os Mutantes, Shocking Blue, Suburban Lawns, VUM, Farncois Hardie, Brian Eno… The Soweto collection that just came out is awesome, the Ethiopiques collections are mind-blowing…I love pretty much any world m - Tom Tom Magazine

“To bring out the animal:
be it a stampede of elephants or birds chirping in the morning.”

Laena Meyers Ionita. A vessel for sound. What can’t she do? She’s got this special
ability, like a music super hero, to pick, play, and bang what words wish they
captured. But then again, she sings, too. And like all badass super
heroes, you would probably never know. Walk right past her on the street without a
second look, other than to notice her waist-lined jeans you wish you could fit in.

If someone said they were obsessed with me, it might freak me out. But I’m pretty sure
music feels lucky to have Laena as a translator for the most universal language we have.

A correction to the above: If you do ever happen to run into her and she’s not with an
instrument in hand or singing, rest assured you will still know it’s her, she’ll be dancing
to the music in her head… “bringing out the animal” perhaps at your local grocery store
in the produce section. Yep. At which point, you should stop what you’re doing, join in,
and dance along side her. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

Tom Tom Magazine: When did you start playing percussion?
Laena Myers Ionita: When I was old enough to hit things.

TTM: Reason that you started playing percussion?
LMI: My dad is a drummer/percussionist, and apparently he used to sit me on his lap while he played. He even built a miniature drum set for me when I was like 4. He collects percussion instruments from around the world and there were always plenty of things lying around for me to make weird noises with.

TTM: What is your favorite percussion set-up? Why?
LMI: I basically like to have a circle of shakers, bells, drums and sticks around me on the floor and sit in the middle of it. That way everything is within reach when inspiration strikes.

TTM: What would your dream percussion set-up consist of?
LMI:A couple of timpanis, a huge gong, a snare, a steel drum, a tambourine, one ride cymbal, a marimba, and me in the middle of all of this with as many bells and shakers as I could possibly strap on to my body. If I could have a couple of extra limbs that would be cool too. Hey, I mean you said “dream set up” haha.

TTM: What do you think the role of a percussionist is?
LMI: To drive the song in a way that awakens the more primitive aspects of rhythm in all of us. To bring out the animal: be it a stampede of elephants or birds chirping in the morning.

TTM: Do you play any other instruments? If so … how does that effect your percussion playing?
LMI: I play the violin, bass, guitar, and I sing as well. For me, the understanding of the different roles of melody, harmony and rhythm within a song that comes with playing different instruments helps to be more discerning.

TTM: Most notable show you ever played?
LMI: I played percussion with Dante Vs. Zombies on the Rocket Boat in Long Beach… It’s literally a little speed-boat decked out with Christmas lights that holds maybe 50 people. They have shows at night out on the water in the middle of the bay.

TTM: Have you experienced any setbacks as a female percussionist?
LMI: No I have not.

TTM: Who are your favorite drummers/percussionists?
LMI: Alan Myers, Louis Hardin, Hal Blaine, Mitch Mitchell, people banging on pots and pans and whatever else they can get their hands on…

TTM: If you could change one thing about percussion what would it be?
LMI: I would like for there to be an inexpensive, better way to mic percussion. Maybe one stand with several small mics branching off to encompass a wider space without getting in the way?

TTM: Where do you shop for your percussion pieces?
LMI: There is an amazing place for African instruments in LA called Motherland Music. The Pro Drum shop in Hollywood is great too, and sometimes they have some interesting imported stuff. In the San Raphael area there is the Ali Akbar Khan school of music’s instrument store, which sells imports from India and other parts of Asia.

TTM: What are some of your other hobbies / interests?
LMI: I’m pretty obsessed with music. I write music, play a lot of different instruments, and love listening to so many different types of music. I honestly don’t really have time for anything else. If I can’t work on music, I draw or read or write. Oh and I really love snuggling with my 2 cats very much. And laughing about absurdities with the few friends I have who share my bizarre sense of humor.

TTM: Who are some of your favorite lady drummers/percussionists right now?
LMI: Tennessee Thomas, Nicole Turley, Mo Tucker

TTM: Who are some of your favorite bands right now?
LMI: Kate Bush, Moon Dog, Martin Denny, Fool’s Gold, Adam and the Ants, Julia Holter, Siouxsie and the Banshees, 13th Floor Elevators, The Growlers, The Kinks, Os Mutantes, Shocking Blue, Suburban Lawns, VUM, Farncois Hardie, Brian Eno… The Soweto collection that just came out is awesome, the Ethiopiques collections are mind-blowing…I love pretty much any world m - Tom Tom Magazine

I was so excited to hear that I got this interview, because I’ve been the biggest fan of everything Laena Geronimo has done, whether it be violin with Swahili Blonde, bass with the Like and Starlite Desperation, percussion with Dante Vs. Zombies, or even her contributions to Neverever’s Angellic Swells LP, but it truly is about time we finally get something solely of her own creation. At the same time, however, Raw Geronimo is worlds away from anything she has done before, and in fact, it’s in a world of its own altogether. With this group you cannot simply compare them to any one group and leave it at that, such as how the Like were often touted, however erroneously, as the modern Go-Go’s, nor can you file Raw Geronimo into any one genre, because they belong, if only a bit, to every single sound. There’s elements of pop, punk, post-punk, Roy Orbison’s grand operatic ballads, avant-garde, garage, goth, jungle, world, new wave, no wave, and even touches of a really talented YMCA drum circle, all with the confines of one single perfect little group. - Neotomic

I was so excited to hear that I got this interview, because I’ve been the biggest fan of everything Laena Geronimo has done, whether it be violin with Swahili Blonde, bass with the Like and Starlite Desperation, percussion with Dante Vs. Zombies, or even her contributions to Neverever’s Angellic Swells LP, but it truly is about time we finally get something solely of her own creation. At the same time, however, Raw Geronimo is worlds away from anything she has done before, and in fact, it’s in a world of its own altogether. With this group you cannot simply compare them to any one group and leave it at that, such as how the Like were often touted, however erroneously, as the modern Go-Go’s, nor can you file Raw Geronimo into any one genre, because they belong, if only a bit, to every single sound. There’s elements of pop, punk, post-punk, Roy Orbison’s grand operatic ballads, avant-garde, garage, goth, jungle, world, new wave, no wave, and even touches of a really talented YMCA drum circle, all with the confines of one single perfect little group. - Neotomic

Following up on their acclaimed debut 7” “Faustine”, Los Angeles’ Raw Geronimo returns in the new year with their next offering for Neurotic Yell Records with two new jams that expand on the band’s unique angular take on post-punk, surf, garage-pop, and R&B.

Equally channeling the sweetness of Ronnie Spector along with the magnetic intensity of Siouxsie, Raw Geronimo is the brainchild of multi instrumentalist/singer Laena Geronimo. Forming the band in early 2011, the group has quickly built a reputation for their mesmerizing live tribal séance and high-energy performances making them an act to watch out for in 2012. The upcoming release is the first recorded as a full band showcasing a bigger sound. The new 7” finds the band expanding upon their previous output adding more baroque influences like late 70s glam with the twang of 50s rock and roll. The A-side “Role Play” takes a familiar templates of garage rock and pop-punk and turns it inside out with Geronimo’s dark, coo-ing storytelling creating something more alluring and fresh than a sum of it’s parts. The B-side “Shot On The Spot” offers a great surprise with its Gypsy/Western strut but still works seamlessly in to the band’s wildly eclectic, ever-expanding sound.

"If you remember the B-sides of '80s punk comps, where "art" bands like the Nuns, Los Microwaves and Suburban Lawns matched playful technique with a sense of humor and the sheer force of personality, then you'll recognize Raw Geronimo instantly: new wave in the best and weirdest way." - La Weekly

Following up on their acclaimed debut 7” “Faustine”, Los Angeles’ Raw Geronimo returns in the new year with their next offering for Neurotic Yell Records with two new jams that expand on the band’s unique angular take on post-punk, surf, garage-pop, and R&B.

Equally channeling the sweetness of Ronnie Spector along with the magnetic intensity of Siouxsie, Raw Geronimo is the brainchild of multi instrumentalist/singer Laena Geronimo. Forming the band in early 2011, the group has quickly built a reputation for their mesmerizing live tribal séance and high-energy performances making them an act to watch out for in 2012. The upcoming release is the first recorded as a full band showcasing a bigger sound. The new 7” finds the band expanding upon their previous output adding more baroque influences like late 70s glam with the twang of 50s rock and roll. The A-side “Role Play” takes a familiar templates of garage rock and pop-punk and turns it inside out with Geronimo’s dark, coo-ing storytelling creating something more alluring and fresh than a sum of it’s parts. The B-side “Shot On The Spot” offers a great surprise with its Gypsy/Western strut but still works seamlessly in to the band’s wildly eclectic, ever-expanding sound.

"If you remember the B-sides of '80s punk comps, where "art" bands like the Nuns, Los Microwaves and Suburban Lawns matched playful technique with a sense of humor and the sheer force of personality, then you'll recognize Raw Geronimo instantly: new wave in the best and weirdest way." - La Weekly

Laena Geronimo, singer and multimistrumentalist for Raw Geronimo, displays a rhythmic swing that's both lively and trippy. With a vocal pitch that varies from playful to ominous (but ever so sticky sweet), Geronimo feels so seductively at ease that its contagious. She's the driving force in "Role Play" a bouncy, twangy ditty that effortlessly crosses different decades (fifties nostalgia, fun in the sun beach vibes, and seventies Rough Trade post-punk) with a breezy, irreverent tongue-in-cheek slant.


- Deli Magazine LA

Laena Geronimo, singer and multimistrumentalist for Raw Geronimo, displays a rhythmic swing that's both lively and trippy. With a vocal pitch that varies from playful to ominous (but ever so sticky sweet), Geronimo feels so seductively at ease that its contagious. She's the driving force in "Role Play" a bouncy, twangy ditty that effortlessly crosses different decades (fifties nostalgia, fun in the sun beach vibes, and seventies Rough Trade post-punk) with a breezy, irreverent tongue-in-cheek slant.


- Deli Magazine LA

Indie sextet Raw Geronimo have recently released their latest 7", which features the upbeat surf-pop track "Role Play." Singer Laena Geronimo's vocals may be cheery, but she insists that the track has a darker nature despite its poppy sound. "'Role Play' is a super cynical, but also fun, song about people pretending to be other people on the Internet," she says. "Musically and lyrically it goes through a lot of different moods and perspectives, from whimsical to psychotic to happy-go-lucky pop and back again. It's a fun song."

- Rolling Stone Magazine

Indie sextet Raw Geronimo have recently released their latest 7", which features the upbeat surf-pop track "Role Play." Singer Laena Geronimo's vocals may be cheery, but she insists that the track has a darker nature despite its poppy sound. "'Role Play' is a super cynical, but also fun, song about people pretending to be other people on the Internet," she says. "Musically and lyrically it goes through a lot of different moods and perspectives, from whimsical to psychotic to happy-go-lucky pop and back again. It's a fun song."

- Rolling Stone Magazine

Let's check in on Laena Geronimo, so named probably because she wouldn't be scared for even a second if she had to parachute from an airplane 8 miles up. It's that kind of free-fall fearlessness she brings to Raw Geronimo, the L.A. band that makes loop-the-loop punk-pop songs bristling with hooks and finely honed dark humor. Geronimo is one of those omnivorous iconoclasts who makes every song a statement of identity, and her most revered forefathers would include Kate Bush, the Mael brothers and under-the-radar California agit-art bands like The Eyes, The Nuns and the mighty Suburban Lawns. A pair of singles on L.A.'s Neurotic Yell still stand proudly as prelude to the 21st-century Kimono My House she's destined to one day make. --Chris Ziegler - La Weekly

Let's check in on Laena Geronimo, so named probably because she wouldn't be scared for even a second if she had to parachute from an airplane 8 miles up. It's that kind of free-fall fearlessness she brings to Raw Geronimo, the L.A. band that makes loop-the-loop punk-pop songs bristling with hooks and finely honed dark humor. Geronimo is one of those omnivorous iconoclasts who makes every song a statement of identity, and her most revered forefathers would include Kate Bush, the Mael brothers and under-the-radar California agit-art bands like The Eyes, The Nuns and the mighty Suburban Lawns. A pair of singles on L.A.'s Neurotic Yell still stand proudly as prelude to the 21st-century Kimono My House she's destined to one day make. --Chris Ziegler - La Weekly