Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.

All perform all the instrument parts and vocals for this project.

For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to being a solo artist? How long has the band been around?

I’ve been a part of several bands that no one has ever heard of such as “What’s Eating Sally?” My talents are usually devoted to a non-profit called Girls Rock. I volunteer in Charlotte NC and in Santa Barbara, CA. We teach young girls how to play instruments and how to kick ass. 

One day I want to start a band called Medeina were everyone identifies as queer or trans and is a multi-instrumentalist. We would glitter and destroy EVERYTHING. 

What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?

Medeina is a Lithuanian forest goddess apparently. Lara Americo is my real name. Mostly. 

Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?

I am a trans-feminine individual who was assigned male at birth. This creates a lot of drama on my insides. The songs I write are putting those insides on the outside. I always warn people before I perform, “Don’t empathize with me.”

What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?

Slint, Failure, Swervedriver, Ben Kenney, Prince, Ashley Mendel, Can. They inspire me the most. Ahhh and the theme song from the James Bond movie called You Only Live Twice. 

Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?

A mix between Prince, Ben Kenney, and Lenny Kravitz. They all made albums where they played most or all of their instruments. They are the ones who made me want to do the same. 

What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …

Preparing for shows involves finding people who are willing to play my songs with me. This is hard because I don’t have a lot of money to pay them to perform. I also drink a virgin Moscow mule (which is basically ginger beer). 

What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?

This year the biggest highlight has been playing shows for a concert series called Stand Against HB2. I played a few songs solo and got the chance to speak about the struggles that transgender individuals have been facing in NC this year. 

If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?

Right now, I suppose I have obvious choices; Against Me! And PWR BTTM. The queerest and most well-known bands I can think of. It would also be nice to perform at Stonewall Inn and CBGB in the 70s. Can you imagine?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Please send my any lesbian and queer movie recommendations you can think of.