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We hear it all the time. This is why most bands get together. Being part of something creative and getting up in front of an audience that is cheering you can be intoxicating. This is the reason The Lets are doing what they do — because it’s fun. And they are having a lot of it. Coming from Hamburg, Germany, they have lived in a city with a rich past when it comes to rock & roll history. Starting in the 1960’s rock bands from England, France and other European locales came to Hamburg to perform at the many clubs and pubs. It was a proving ground for many bands. Ever heard of The Beatles or Led Zeppelin. Or course you have. Hamburg is where they got their first taste of being on the road in a foreign country. It’s where these bands realized how much fun it could be — and how much work being in a band really was.
This is the environment The Lets started out in. They took it all in stride as they began to find their place in this rock & roll world. They always seem to be upbeat about their music and life in general.
Exploring the emotions that comes with writing music, guitarist Lasse explains how everything seems easy at the beginning but can get tense as they progress. But this has never interfered with positive approach to their music. They know then can do it.
As Joey, songwriter, lead singer, and guitarist, explains, this is how The Lets work. He says they are about letting things happen — letting things go. And this is the genesis of the name — The Lets. As Joey continues to explain; in tennis, on the first serve to an opponent, if the ball grazes the top of the net it’s called “a let.” Or, in layman’s terms, a “do over.”
This sense of starting over is the foundation of their song “New Over Known.”
"The world seems cursed — To be where it belongs. —I seem to be blessed — With being wrong. / I’ve been trying — To hide myself away. — Behind my thoughts — My feelings will be safe."During our interview Joey admits that The Lets aren’t doing anything new. They fall back on rock history. In fact, they are playing the kind of music we are starting to see more of lately. That is, a classic sound to rock music. Not classic rock. More along the lines of types of bands that made classic rock. Their music runs the gamut of classic styles. You will definitely hear pop music and grunge. They do not shy away from their influences.
They discuss how they believe they are authentic and true to who they are with their music. They want their audience to understand this, even though they are putting themselves out on a ledge — opening up to criticism.
Joey says he has been writing since he was eight years old. Encourage by his guitar teacher he started experimenting with different sounds and began writing. And thence realized how important it is to put his whole heart into his writing. Lasse chimes in saying, “Passionately.” This passion helps them to understand the importance of letting go of the music once it is put out for others to take in. Once the audience makes the music their own, the band no longer has control of it. This is all part of growing as a band and as songwriters.
As any modern rock band knows, their music is a product — even though that product is them. They realize they are at a starting point and setting the groundwork for growth.
Not being dependent on the success of the music right now, doesn’t mean they would not do this all the time. In fact, this is their goal, their wish. The best times they have are in practice. Getting together usually entails hours of talk that includes working out the music in each other’s minds. They just like hanging out with each other. Joey considers how this will all change once they turn their music into a product. Will it change them?
An integral in their promotion is how they believe in the importance of the music video. More importantly is making the music video is so much fun. This was the case with “Out Of My Way.” It just happened. You can see the band having a great time.
Winding down the interview Joey talks about his time living in Austin, Texas. There are times when his Texas accent is obvious. The jokes came quick.
Right now, they are enjoying everything about what being a rock band. So much so, they know they want to do it more. This turns the topic to them making more money. Or, as everyone knows, how to “monetize” what they are doing. This will allow them to continue doing what they have come to love doing. But how do they separate art form product. Especially since they know they need both to succeed. Joey then admitted something important to him and the band, “If the audience is feeling something they are successful.”
Which lead him to philosophize by quoting a line he once heard,
“If you don’t see the path you’re on, you’re probably on the right one.”
