THE OTHER LA – A COOL CONVERSATION WITH ARIA
By Ralph Beauchamp
The Other LA is a brazen young band originally from Louisiana but currently based in Nashville. Their music is raw and dynamic. The band has just released their new single entitles “I’m Not Broken” and the track is a blazer. ’
“I’m Not Broken” is an over-the-top expression of triumph despite being born different. It’s about not accepting labels that society including teacher, friends, enemies, family or anyone would put on you. “I’m Not Broken” is the break-out song of Aria (lead singer of The Other LA) coming into her own accepting her Asperger’s and not just accepting but embracing it as a gift. The opening chorus is a gang style vocal of the many voices that compete in Aria’s head. The song sways back and forth from verses quietly rebuking the outside haters to the choruses slamming rejection of societies labels.
In addition to Aria, TOLA is comprised of Mac Lee (Bass/Backing Vocals), Gerardo Prudhomme (Guitar/Backing Vocals), Joel Ericson (Guitar) and Zack Chapman (Drums). Besides packing venues throughout Nashville, the band has supported such acts as Halestorm, Lacuna Coil and Sick Puppies. What makes The Other LA stand out is their seemingly effortless ability to connect emotionally with any audience.
Aria was kind enough to sit with AMP for this cool conversation.
AMP: Can you give us a brief history of the band?
ARIA: The Other LA references us being from Louisiana We moved to Nashville in 2018. The rock scene in Nashville is incredible. The city has been very supportive. We actually started the band in 2014. At first it started as an emo cover band. A couple of months in, we wrote our first original song. That’s when we decided to do this full time. We’re ten years old and still going strong.
AMP: That’s a good segue to the next question. The Nashville rock scene seems to be blowing up. What makes the city so special?
ARIA: A lot of people in Nashville are transplants. They’ve moved to Nashville to achieve their dreams. The cool thing about it is that we support each other. We are all one big family. We want each other to succeed and grow into amazing musicians. That’s why we moved to Nashville. The city is so welcoming. They totally embrace us and we have nothing but thanks for all Nashville has done for us.
AMP: Your new single packs a powerful message. Can you give us some insights into the song?
ARIA: “I’m Not Broken” is about being yourself and not worrying about what society tells you to do. Basically, it’s about becoming an individual and being unique without listening to society trying to make you conform. “I’m Not Broken” espouses one living one’s life without restraints. Everyone has the right to live their dream life without being stuffed in a box.
AMP: You seemingly have embraced your Asperger’s Syndrome. How did you learn how to empower your gift?
ARIA: I think differently than most people and that’s okay. I’ve learned to embrace that diversity. Over the years I’ve become more comfortable with myself. I don’t worry what other people think about me. That’s another reason I wrote “I’m Not Broken”. Hopefully the song will help other social outsiders become more confident in themselves but the fact is, it has definitely helped me grow into who I am today.
AMP: Continuing on that theme, your music seems to resonate with the the social outcasts, Why do you think that is?
ARIA: Like I said, we write songs for the people who stand out and the misfits who are just different. We want to tell them they are not alone. You should have the ability to live your best life without being dragged down. We want our fans to believe anything is possible and there is a community you can lean on for support.
AMP: What musical revelations have you extracted from your influences?
ARIA: My favorite band is Tool. Maynard James Keenan is by far my favorite frontperson. I also love Deftones and NIN. All those 90’s alternative metal bands are awesome. But recently, I’ve been getting into a lot of classic alternative artists such as The Cure, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Joy Division and Bauhaus. We are trying to inject some those influences into our newer songs. We’ve just came back from NYC where we did some recording and video shoots. These new songs are wonderful and definitely capture our sound and influences perfectly.
AMP: Do you feel that the music industry is finally treating female artists equally?
ARIA: Absolutely. The “Me Too” movement has improved the female position. I’m really glad to be playing music in this time period because I know many of my favorite female singers faced outlandish difficulties. The female pioneers of the 80’s and 90’s paved the way for us to get more respect. I also feel safer than ever before.
AMP: The band has supported some outstanding artists. Has any particular gig stood out as special?
ARIA: Our very first big show was with Sick Puppies, Lacuna Coil and Eyes Set To Kill. I was just 15 years old at the time. We tried out for the Revolver “Hottest Chicks” tour but I was told I was too young. The owner of Revolver heard our music and made an exception because he really liked our sound. I was the youngest performer at the show. That will always be a great memory.
AMP: When did you realize you wanted to be a musician?
ARIA: Since I was little I have been a music fan. I was raised on bands like Tool and Deftones, the Cure, etc. I alway loved how raw they sounded and how deeply personal their lyrics were. They were always honest about themselves and their views of the world. I started creating music as early as 14. Growing up in Louisiana, which also has a growing music scene, I would go to these all-ages local bands shows. I became inspired by all the local artists who poured their hearts and souls into their music. That’s when I realized that was the life for me.
AMP: What’s the future like for TOLA?
ARIA: We are pouring all our energy into our new songs and picking up shows. That’s a goal. We want to play all over the world. Massive gigs and big festivals. It’s amazing that we just got airplay on Octane. It has been our dream for a very long time. I can’t thank Octane enough for helping us grow our fanbase. TOLA has a very bright future and everybody is invited to join the ride.
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To learn more about The Other LA, check out their website
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Stream music: Spotify / Apple Music
Purchase: Amazon
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