Today we are being led by girl power and speaking to Stephanie Wlosinski, lead singer and bass guitarist of the band Hearts & Hand Grenades. She explains about the band’s hard rock style and how she was inspired and in love with the Devon rock legends, MUSE.
Band Name: Hearts & Hand Grenades
Members: Stephanie Wlosinski (Lead Vocals & Bass Guitar), Mike Bress (Rhythm Guitar & Keyboard), Kenny Blesy (Lead Guitar) & Tom Lafferty (Drums)
Genre: Hard Rock
Founded: March 2019
Originated From: Hamburg, NY, USA
Discography: Wait (EP, July 2019), Nothing Left (EP, December 2019) & Adrenaline (EP, May 2020)
How would you describe your music?
We are very much a hard rock band, but we bring a mix of alternative, metal, and even punk to our tracks. Every song tells a story, and they are all something that I think everyone can relate to.
What is your musical creative process like?
Typically, we start with a guitar line or two then just add the parts individually from there. Mike will come up with a riff and then we add in some bass. At this point, the lyrics start to come together before we add in the lead guitar and drums. It’s very much a collaboration of different ideas and sounds that we just run with and see where it goes.
How did the band form?
After performing in cover bands for many years, we just decided it was time to start creating our own sound. Mike and I participated in playing live on a local telethon, and after, we were approached by Robby Takac of the Goo Goo Dolls.
He encouraged us to visit his recording studio in Buffalo, NY, and after doing so we decided it was time to write our own music. We got to work creating the first four tracks from our EP, Wait, and we haven’t looked back since.
How did you come up with your band name?
We were looking for something that really represented the contrast that our band delivers. We are female fronted and have no problem rocking as hard as anyone.
We had a few different ideas that we bounced around, but ultimately landed on Hearts & Hand Grenades. Not at all your typical sugar and spice, but instead a sweet and sour punch.
Who influenced you within the music industry?
I think individually we are all a little different in who our favourites are, but we have all drawn inspiration from bands like Metallica, AC/DC, and Joan Jett.
But we also have to acknowledge modern artists like Halestorm, and In This Moment for taking the modern hard rock game for women to the next level. For me personally, MUSE is my favourite band hands down. They have always used their creativity to be both musically phenomenal as well as entertaining at their live shows.
Have you performed live much and what was your favourite gig to play at?
We have performed live for many years in various bands but have all experienced many different types of venues. Mike, Kenny, and I had the opportunity to play the stage at a local club that hosts National Acts, and there is no better feeling than when the lights turn to the audience and you see a giant crowd of people singing along, and just really having a great time with us.
What is the best thing about being in a band?
The creative process is a lot of fun when you can do that with a group of people that enjoy and believe in the music as much as you do. That makes being in a band enjoyable. I really like the way Mike and I approach our song writing because it’s about working together, and not about one person making all the decisions. Besides the creative process, there is no feeling like it when you are all out on a big stage and everyone is in sync and playing their hearts out. Its magical.
What’s the biggest problem you’ve had to overcome so far as a musician(s)?
For me, I am always faced with the reality that being a female in a rock band comes with certain challenges. There are always people who assume I’m just there for visual aspects and not for my talent. This only fuels me to keep working hard and to dominate the stage.
What plans have you got coming up this year?
We are eager to put together a tour this year to promote our three EP’s. We have shows locally but would really like to reach a larger geographical area. We are not opposed to touring in the US or aboard, so we are looking for upcoming opportunities.
What is your ultimate dream as a band?
I think the ultimate dream is probably the same as everyone else’s…to tour the world, bring enjoyable music to all of our fans, and have one hell of a time doing it.
You can find out more about Hearts & Hand Grenades and their social media channels on their website at www.heartsandhandgrenades.com.
If you’re in a band or a musician and would like to appear on this blog, please contact me and I’ll forward you an interview template.
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