Every Monday, CelebSecrets4U gives you the scoop on what’s hot on our radar in the music biz. This week, we give you indie pop/rock band The Strange Familiar.
The Strange Familiar consists of band members Kira Leyden (piano/vocals), Jeff Andrea (Guitar), Frank Freeman (Bass), and Nicholas Sainato (Drums). Kira and Jeff are the husband and wife songwriting duo behind The Strange Familiar. They have been writing and performing together since they first met in their Guyahoga Falls, Ohio elementary school.
Many of TSF‘s songs have been heard on hit ABC Family series including The Secret Life of The American Teenager and Pretty Little Liars. The track “Courage Is…” was used in Secret Life‘s promo theme songs and “Shelter” was featured in the PLL episode titled “Now You See Me, Now You Don’t.” If that’s not all, the band has also been featured on The CW’s The Vampire Diaries!
Check out the official lyric video for “Shelter” (featured on Pretty Little Liars) below…
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyIK57xRaVk]
The Strange Familiar’s latest EP, Surrender (out now), contains five tracks with deep lyrics and catchy tunes with positive messages.
CelebSecrets4U had the chance to speak with Kira and Jeff where they spilled TONS of deets about the new EP! Q&A below…
Hi guys! Thanks so much for talking with us! How are you?
TSF: Good! How are you?
I’m great!
I think your band name The Strange Familiar is really interesting! How did the name come about?
TSF: “Before we were in The Strange Familiar, we were in a band for about ten years. When we started The Strange Familiar, the name fit really well because it is kind of strange for us, but it is something brand new. It is also what we always wanted, which was to do music since we were in grade school. The other reason why is because I heard the phrase “In order to study other cultures, you have to render strange familiar and familiar is strange” so it just kind of stuck with me.”
Your music has been featured on so many hit shows including PLL and TVD and now the EP is finally here! How does it feel to finally get your music out to the world?
TSF: “It is awesome! The first time our song was featured on Secret Life we actually came in and watched the promo before anyone else. That was huge deal. We were blown away by it; it was really moving and exciting. Every time our song is in a show, we get really excited and watch it! It is always interesting to see what the fans think, too!”
Can you tell us a little bit about your EP?
TSF: “Our EP contains five songs and is a journey from beginning to end. It starts off dealing with feelings such as being lost and then becomes a growth process. In the end there is hope and you put surrender. That is where we the title for the EP and our song came from. “Surrender” is pretty epic. I think with sound it is a bit darker, but also it has a little more energy from the last record.”
Can you tell us a little bit about the writing process for the EP?
TSF: “This time the writing process was a little all over the place. Some songs we wrote a while ago, but it is amazing how they all fit together. We also wrote with Nick, our drummer, for a track that we were working on while we were in Atlanta for a video shoot. In between takes we were writing the song– it was really fun! Some I (Kira) wrote by myself. Jeff and I usually collaborate on the lyrics, but he usually takes what I do and tells me “that’s cliché, do something else.” We argue, but that is usually where the lyrics come from. We all collaborate in ways that helps bring music to the next level. I feel like this new EP has such value to it compared to the last album. For some reason, it really connects with fans of these shows and they keep coming back to us and I love it. It is the work of a dramatic story line.”
Can we expect a full-length album or tour anytime soon?
TSF: “We are actually working on finishing songs for the full-length album, which we wish to have out next year. We plan on doing some tour early next year.”
For anyone that hasn’t checked out your music yet, why should they?
TSF: “What we offer is songs that lift you up more than bring you down. I think it is easier to be angry in music or to be negative and putting bad vibes out. What we try to do is always bring something up. It is a question that always challenges you and that’s what our music does.”
Since our website is called CelebSecrets4U, would you be able to share a secret or a hidden talent–something that the fans wouldn’t really know about you guys?
TSF: “We love to cook! Jeff always cooks everything. He makes a mean lasagna. We aren’t too crazy, but probably the coolest thing about us is that we’ve been together for so long while doing this.”
Awesome! Thanks so much for chatting with us! Congratulations on the release of the EP and I’m looking forward to your full-length album!
