LANNDS is the indie-electronic project of Florida-based songwriter Rania Woodard. We came across LANNDS’ latest single, “Legends,” and became entranced with her unique sound. Rania, along with producer Brian Squillace are gearing up for the release of their second EP, also titled Legends.
We caught up with LANNDS to ask about her start, the political inspiration behind “Legends,” and favorite show memories. Keep reading for more!
How did you get your start?
I’ve always grown up around music my entire life. My intermediate family on my mother’s side started a gospel group and would “tour” our hometown of Memphis, going to different churches and events locally singing. That always had a huge influence on me musically. My mom bought my first guitar when I was 8 years old and during middle school and high school I would always write poetry.
Who or what has inspired your sound and latest track “Legends?”
The track “Legends” was really inspired by everything that was happening last year with our presidency. I am not a huge political person and I don’t follow politics at all, but I really wanted to talk about the situation and contemplate over it. “Legends” started over just a drum beat and some harmonies I put down in Logic Pro.
Is there a story behind your artist name?
One day I was messing around with spelling and a bunch of different names and “LANNDS” was on the list. I didn’t really like it at first, but I had a dream that I should use two NN’s in the spelling one night and that’s how the spelling came to be. It also has a lot to do with being grounded and rooted to Mother Earth.
What is your favorite show memory?
I have a ton but what sticks out most to me is the show that happened in Manhattan last fall. We were touring with our friends, TENDER, and there was one moment where I was playing and looking around at the crowd and the people were actually singing to some of the songs. It was a really weird, surreal feeling and I almost choked up but I knew in that moment that this was exactly what I was suppose to be doing with my life. Later on that night, I can remember just running around throughout the venue, so much was happening and so much was going on but it felt like time had stopped and we were just having the best time of our lives.
What would be your dream tour and why?
My dream tour would be touring with my close friends/bandmates, going to our favorite places and just having the best time we could possibly have without any limitations.
Tell us about your writing process; any unusual quirks?
I guess if I had any unusual quirks it would be always having or needing tea on deck whenever I’m doing anything creative. Also the lighting and the mood needs to be set correctly or else it just feels weird. My writing process varies from time to time but usually if I hear a melody or something and I’m not right beside my equipment, I’ll just record on my phone until I can fully but my ideas down.
What’s your favorite song to cover?
My favorite song to cover is “Marvin’s Room” by Drake.
If you were to create a “soundtrack to your life,” what songs would be on it?
If I had to create a soundtrack it would be anything from Frank Ocean, Ry X, old school Stax and Motown Records, anything from James Vincent McMorrow or Kanye West.
