Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Lese.
Hi Angela, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a professional drummer residing in Nashville, TN. I’ve been here for 13 years now, and some of my previous bands include The Dead Deads, Taco Mouth, etc. and I’ve played with several other artists, too (Raelyn Nelson, Jax Hollow, Emily Wolfe, Kalie Shorr, Brennan Wedl, etc.). I’m currently in a rock duo with my partner Rachel Brandsness called Lips Speak Louder. We’ve been a band since late 2023, and just released our debut album earlier this year entitled “Consolation Prize” (produced by Emily Wolfe, engineered/mixed by Shawn Dealey of Sweetwater Studios, mastered by Brian Lucey). I also have an all-femme Foo Fighters tribute band called Fingernails Are Pretty. Although I do occasionally sit in with different artists, my main focus is Lips Speak Louder because it’s my most favorite band I’ve ever been a part of and we’re making some waves for an indie band.
All of this came after years in the National Weather Service. I have a Master’s Degree in Meteorology and was a meteorologist for over 15 years. That career brought me to Nashville in the first place in 2012. I left that career in 2016 to pursue my drumming career full-time.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
If anyone tells you the road is smooth, they’re out-right lying or they’ve had everything handed to them (which I would argue is a massive disservice in the long run). There’s plenty of struggles in the music industry, especially for a queer woman. There will always be more “no’s” than “yes’s,” there will be massive disappointments, jealous issues, numerous roadblocks (many of which you have no control), etc. I could go on all day haha. Misogyny and bigotry are unfortunately part of the path, too; I’m not even sure it’s getting easier, but what’s getting easier is deciding who gets to be a part of my journey. It takes a village for any musician; it takes sacrifice, support, help, sometimes financial help, too, and being open to accepting help, at least for me, has been a struggle. Deciding who you can trust and who you can’t is always a struggle, too, but if you keep at it and you stay humble and nice and work hard, you’ll find your tribe and the struggles won’t hit so hard.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a professional drummer, and my current bands are Lips Speak Louder and Fingernails Are Pretty (all-femme Foo Fighters tribute band). I’ve also been a hired-gun drummer for a variety of artists, which I do enjoy, but there’s nothing like being able to play your own parts in your own band. I think most people would say that I’m a rock or hard rock drummer, but I’ve played everything from metal to punk to pop to americana. I think I’m known for the way I play; no one is having more fun on stage than I am when I’m drumming, and that can be infectious. So, I would say I’m known for my stage presence and my hard-hitting playing style.
I’m most proud of my current band Lips Speak Louder. I think we’re a really great band, we’re both super pro, and the songs are catchy. I’ve never been more proud of an album in my life (“Consolation Prize”), and I get to do what I love with my partner Rachel Brandsness…what’s better than that?
I’m also proud of the small, yet mighty, femme Foos tribute band, Fingernails Are Pretty. (FAP) The showcases some of the underserved female/non-binary/transgirl singers in the Nashville music community. The coolest thing about every FAP show is the camaraderie felt in the green room. It doesn’t matter who the guest singers are, if they’re big names or small, it feels like the group has been friends forever. That energy is palpable, and if there’s anything we need now more than ever, it’s community and a feeling that we’re in this together.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I have several favorite memories from when I was a child, but I loved going to festivals with the family. Anything from a small town music festival to something as particular as the Johnny Appleseed Festival were some of my favorite experiences.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lipsspeaklouder.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/tamachick
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lipsspeaklouderofficial
