LAKOTAH
Known as a rock artist with an enigmatic side, LAKOTAH's new single ‘Pesticide’ has exploded on radio and put this artist on the world map.
BLAKE: Let's just get this out in the open- What is the craziest thing that has happened to you in your music career?
LAKOTAH: 1. It was Halloween, my band had a show at 11pm at this very large club in downtown L.A. When we arrived, we saw how big it was and how everyone was in costume. I mean, really in costume. The band before us was this death metal horror band which played the darkest and most uncanny music I have ever heard, lead by this really tina woman, who sounded like the devil himself. They were so loud and horrifying that even a lot my new fans (as I was building my fan base at this time) left..Dude..they left! They couldn't take that band. And I couldn't blame them. They were so dark! That band literally cleared the place and played for like an hour. It was devastating. But we had to perform next. We finally start our set to like 25 fans that stayed. Then, all of a sudden, during our second song, all these images appeared in the crowd. They were not solid. They looked transparent. We played on. Then, after three songs, the place was filled with transparent images-not even joking! It was the creepiest vibe ever! But we played on. All this weird technical stuff malfunctioned during the set as well, but we played on! When we finished to thunderous applause,the placed was packed with those transparent images and the loyal 25 band before us. So I jumped off the very high stage to meet the crowd to give my thanks and all of a sudden, no one was there but my 25 loyal fans. This is no joke.
BLAKE: Your song’Pesticide’ is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
LAKOTAH: I was super excited and happy to hear that my new single 'Pesticide'is getting such positive response concerning airplay. I have had a few other singles, that have received airplay since about 2014, but I wasn't quite sure if this single was as radio friendly as my others, so the exhilaration is endless to know that it plays well on the air and is requested.
BLAKE: What was the inspiration behind your radio single?
LAKOTAH: 'Pesticide' is a explosion of complete madness. A declaration, if you will, of passion, obsession and of what can become of total engulfment into the soul of another.
BLAKE: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
LAKOTAH: Yes, embodiment as a human on planet Earth throughout time.
BLAKE: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician?
LAKOTAH: I am genuine. I feel every lyric and every note I write. I play many of the instruments on my albums. I am so grateful to anyone who takes the time to listen and purchase my music. I so appreciate when someone lets me know how my music makes them feel.
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BLAKE: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
LAKOTAH: My current team is the A list of beautiful hard working people who are conscious and have their ethics and morals in place. They know the business and how to get the job done. From my manger/record-label (BooBoo Records) to the recording studio I work with (4th Street Recordings), I have complete trust in them as they have proven their dedication and belief in me. I also have the pleasure of working with some amazing musicians. I haven't always been this fortunate. I do have horror stories of past teams that where quite detrimental to my career. Who you work with in this business, or any business , makes or breaks you. You must be conscious and very aware of who you are working with.
BLAKE: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
LAKOTAH: I came from very musical and literary family. My mother wrote novels while my father played guitar and performed regularly. I grew up singing with my three sisters and father as we performed throughout my childhood. My mother played Black Sabbath tapes while my father sang Johnny Cash songs. I grew up listening to The Who, Fanny, King Crimson, Buffy Saint Marie, Madonna and Kate Bush and more. Music was always playing in my house.
BLAKE: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
LAKOTAH: The most rewarding thing being an artist is when my music touches someone and they let me know. It is performing live to a crowd that is merging into the vibe and singing along as they feel the emotion as it affects them in the deepest way. The most challenging is navigating through this new belief in pop culture that you don't have to buy music anymore, that it's enough to just to stream your music. People have to remember that if you don't buy the music you love, the artist makes nothing. We get like .003 cent per play when you just stream. Think about going to your job and getting paid .003 cents per hour. Its the same for us.
BLAKE: Who are your role models in music?
LAKOTAH: My role models are: My Father, who sang and played music since before I was born and taught my sisters and myself how to sing, harmonize and perform. He had a tremendous work ethic as did my Mother who wrote novels while we practiced music. They both taught us that you have to know your craft and do it well.
BLAKE: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
LAKOTAH: House of Blues on Sunset right before it was torn down. My band had a show in one of the lounge rooms. It was very ethereal and seemed like a dream. There were so many people in that room and it was a highly spiritual experience. Despite technical difficulties, the show came off like crazy good. The crowd was so appreciative. It was magic.
BLAKE: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
LAKOTAH: Don't Do It! Get your masters or doctorate in music composition/theory and become a conductor. Seriously though, if you really feel it in your heart, learn your instruments, learn your voice, learn how to write a song. Know the business and what you are putting yourself in. Be true to yourself. Don't do it just to be famous or to be a 'Star'. Do your research and become prolific at your trade.
BLAKE: What's next for you as an artist? Is there an album in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
LAKOTAH: I have a new single coming out soon. I am also working on a musical for the stage. There is also a new album on the horizon.
BLAKE: Can't wait to hear everything! Thank you for sharing more about your life with me. I wish you continued success in the future.
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