Interview with A&L
The past 5 years have included various live shows, radio interviews and features in leading music publications. Their songs have been in rotation on over 150 radio stations both terrestrial and internet based all over the world. Their videos have been featured on top video sites. They have released eight singles over the past four years and released an EP with an additional song. A&L has received radio play in over 70 countries. Their single Cliché released in the summer of 2016, peaked at #9 on the Euro Indie Music Top 200, was on the countdown for over 3 months and made the Top 100 songs of 2016. The winter release Singing My Life Away peaked at #3 after 31 weeks on that chart and made the top 50 Indie songs of 2017. A&L’s other songs have also charted on that countdown as well as in other countries. Their videos have topped various popular video platforms. Recently A&L’s summer 2018 release We Are Love peaked at #16 on the Euro Indie Top 200 and has charted on other world-wide musical charts.
Where are you from?
Buffalo NY
How long have you been making music?
A&L was started by two seasoned industry professionals: Anthony Casuccio and Lana Marie. Anthony is a 20-year music veteran whose production work has been nominated for three Grammy awards, been featured in major music publications and topped the music charts. Anthony’s received RIAA certified gold records for his production work. Lana is an award-winning vocalist who has been a long-time force on the NY music scene and voice to many jingles on radio and television. Although both have worked in the music business, neither has released original music before creating A&L after they worked together on a few jingles Casuccio was producing. Adding to the success of A&L is Rich Smith who has been behind the drum kit since A&L’s 3rd release, Smith is a hard-hitting rock drummer who always puts song writing and band chemistry first. Smith’s raw energy and powerful technique drives A&L’s live shows and bleeds through the song compositions. And Matt Sunick, whose bass playing has been influenced by progressive roots, gives A&L that groove and feel that they have been striving for.
How many songs /albums have you released to date?
We have released 10 singles and one EP
Can you tell us about your latest release and the background and inspirations behind it?
A&L are back with the release of their 10th single; the sarcastic, non-apologetic So Sorry. The hard-hitting guitar-driven song sounds like The Artic Monkeys and Muse backed up Taylor Momsen from The Pretty Reckless. “After the success of our last single We Are Love, that was a ballad, we wanted to get back to our aggressive roots.” Says Anthony Casuccio, the Grammy nominated engineer who is the production force behind A&L. So Sorry channels the anger and realization that you are being played by a new lover. Lana Marie delivers a blistering vocal performance on So Sorry. Her powerful performance is a call to action and a warning to all players out there: “You break my heart, you better sleep with one eye open.” You screwed with the wrong woman. The cutting edge yet radio friendly song is set to be a summer favorite.
How have you ended up in the music industry?
We all have the passion, drive and desire to create new music. You don’t chose music, it chooses you. Its what you do with that calling that determines your direction.
What do you think of the music industry in 2019?
It had drastically changed in the past 5 years. Its exciting to use social media to reach fans and build your fan base as an independent artist. the past 5 years have reduced the amount of income from selling your music. There is still money to be made. It’s in live performances or merch. The paying field has been leveled but so have to pool of money.
Who do you think the most influential artist?
The Beatles, Rush, Pat Benetar, Oasis and Luke Bryant are present in our music.
Who have you collaborated with so far in your career?
Anthony Casuccio the guitarist has had a 25 year music career as an engineer. His work has been nominated for 3 Grammys and he has a fine list of credits.
How do you think you differ from other artists?
We are a pop/rock band that has very radio friendly music that is still guitar-centric. That is not the norm these day.
Dead or alive, who would be your dream collaboration?
John Lennon. Hands down.
What’s your favourite song at the moment?
New Politics – Come Back Kid
If you had to sell your music collection tomorrow, what album would you leave in your draw?
My Brit rock collection.
What is your favourite saying?
It is what it is.
What other hobbies or interests do you have?
We are an older band so adult things come to mind.
Do you have any tattoos or piercings?
Two members do two members don’t
Tell us more about your upcoming project or this new project?
We just released the track So Sorry. We plan to work on promoting that as well as playing out and some streaming live events.
What’s in the pipeline after this project?
We plan on releasing a new song in January.
Thank you for your time and may you carry on making great, fresh music.
Thank you
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