Leona Naess

By Alex Teitz

Leona Naess may be an unknown name to some. Her first album, Comatised buzzed through radio like a mouse through a cornfield. Her father is Arne Naess, ex-husband of Diana Ross. Her voice is alluring and mysterious. Where Comatised was an introspective album, I Tried to Rock You But You Only Roll is a rock driven with album. Produced by Martin Terefe, who has also worked with Shea Seger and Ron Sexsmith), I Tried To Rock You But You Only Roll is filled with great songs including “Mexico”, “All The Stars”, and the title song and single, “I Tried To Rock You By You Only Roll.” FEMMUSIC was able to arrange a short e-mail interview with Naess prior to her new tour with Eagle Eye Cherry. For more information visit Wikipedia

FEMMUSIC: Can you describe your songwriting technique?

LN: I usually write my lyrics and melody’s together, I hear tones and rhythms within the chords I play on the guitar.

FEMMUSIC: What was the biggest challenge making I Tried to Rock You But You Only Roll?

LN: Making this last record was pretty painless. The hardest part was finding the right producer but the songs came to me while I was on tour and I had already played a lot of the songs live.

FEMMUSIC: What was the best experience making I Tried to Rock You But You Only Roll?

LN: Being in London again near my family and old friends was the best part of making the record

FEMMUSIC: How was it working with Martin Terefe, producer of I Tried to Rock You…, compared to Tommy D, producer of Comatised?

LN: Working with Tommy D was a lot of fun and a lot of pain. It was my first record so I was nervous and insecure. With Martin it was less playing around and more to the point. Neither one was greater just different.

FEMMUSIC: What did you learn the most in the time between making the two CD’s?

LN: I must have learnt a lot. I know to stop if something is not right. I know how to get the best vocal take and when I am most creative and to trust the other people in the room but most importantly trust yourself

FEMMUSIC: What can you tell me about your new touring band?

LN: I am moments away from starting my first tour with the new band so it is hard to know but so far they have been great and their playing is inspiring

FEMMUSIC: What one thing would you like to change about the music industry?

LN: I would change everything but this answer requires at least a book.

FEMMUSIC: As a woman in the music industry have you been discriminated against?

LN: I am not sure if I have been discriminated against but I do know that it is not a good time for women in rock right now but this could change

FEMMUSIC: What advice would you have for a female artist just starting out?

LN: My advice would be the same for a man, which is keep going and don’t give up.