Leonard: The Importance Of Being Leonard
Author: Reuben Keeling
Throughout that lull Leonard have stuck together and credit their current achievements on unambitious beginnings in Oratia on Auckland's west coast. In fact the band is named after the beer fridge brand from one of those first practice rooms. The guys enjoyed meeting up a few times a week and decided to play some songs as well.
"Probably one of the reasons we've stayed together is that we were five mates that got together to play music," says James. "As opposed to five musicians that got together to try and be mates – 'cause we've played with some reasonably high-profile bands, and the arguments that they have!"
Leonard also still practice in 'The Shed', their headquarters for the past few years, the merest mention of which causes good-humoured discomfort for the band members.
"It's way out in the middle of the bush, in Oratia," says James. "From the outside it looks like the shittiest, most rundown shed ever."
"And on the inside," laughs Mark. "It is the shittiest, most rundown shed ever!"
"It has cream shagpile carpet on the floor," says James, grimacing. "Brown and orange shagpile on the walls, with a blue velvet curtain on the back wall. The only problem is that when it gets a bit colder you get bush rats coming in. Big mofos!"
But giant rats and dilapidated sheds aside, Leonard look forward to reaping the benefits of their hard work and joining the growing list of Kiwi acts taking on the charts and airwaves.
Inside Leonard's Shed:Matt (lead guitar): Erik (rhythm guitar): Andrew (drums): Mark (bass): James (lead vocals/guitar): |
