Tyler-Simone Molton Discusses Lesibu Grand’s Origin, Musical Backgrounds and Personal Style

Transmission 098: Interview with Lesibu Grand

Atlanta-based new wave punk group Lesibu Grand is founded by singer Tyler-Simone Molton and bassist John Renaud as a result of their collaborative songwriting. Tyler-Simone Molton, the lead singer and co-writer, exudes energy in all facets of her artistic expression. The band draws inspiration from 90s rock acts like Pixies and Green Day as well as the NYC new wave culture, especially Blondie and Talking Heads.

With their force and volume Lesibu Grand blasted out of Atlanta’s punk scene again and again and again …  Lesibu Grand’s songs consistently appeal to the portion of the listener that longs for some optimism, whether it is by lamenting the politics of the nation’s collapsing humanity or by addressing the yearning to return to treasured memories of earlier times. Sometimes a song comes at the perfect time, striking the mood and becoming an instant classic. Using modern pop, punk, and surf rock tones, each song in the new compilation captures the spirit of their chaotic musical essence, weaving together strands of private reflection and societal satire. They are thrilled to share songs they wrote for a fearless and adventurous friend, songs about the tension between encouraging love and the dread of falling behind. 

Featured image by Nathan DuCongé
Lesibu Grand‘s Official Site, Instagram, Facebook & Bandcamp

How did you two initially connect creatively, and what has been the most surprising aspect of your musical path so far—whether in your partnership, the band’s evolution, or your experiences in the industry?

Ironically, our creative connection began at a rock concert. We ran into each other (unexpectedly) at a show for the band Pains of Being Pure at Heart. I had known John since childhood because I used to go to take your daughter to work day and company volunteer days and hear stories about my mother’s quirky, creative and fun boss, John Renaud who was also a well-known bassist in the jazz-funk band, Cadillac Jones. We were both playing with other bands at the time, and we began discussing the idea of doing a collaboration at some point. Months later, we got together for coffee and hashed out the details and started working on our first single Hush Hush after I brought a super rough recording of me singing and playing it on a voice memo. From there, John brought on some musicians he knew and that’s when we formed a full band and started practicing more regularly. From that point, we brought other songs to our bandmates that we had written and taught them a few of our originals. We also learned some covers, and would eventually play our first live show at a neighborhood porch fest. Since then, we’ve focused solely on original music and have created some great music, in my humble opinion. The most surprising thing of it all, so far, is that I never would’ve expected my mom’s former colleague to become my bandmate and life-long friend. 

Growing up in a diverse Atlanta suburb, Tyler-Simone was exposed to a wide range of musical genres. She was influenced by artists such as Outkast, Eryka Badu, and Lil Wayne, but she also spent time with punks, metalheads, and independent kids.  She also adored listening to punk bands like the Clash, 90s rockers Green Day, and Nirvana, as well as late 1970s new wave acts like Talking Heads and Blondie. She didn’t define herself by a single genre.

Your music draws heavily from the NYC new wave scene and 90s rock, with influences like Blondie, Talking Heads, Pixies, and Green Day. How do these diverse influences merge to form your band’s unique sound, and how do you balance these influences while maintaining your personal style? 

Our sound takes a form of its own, I think because of our various musical backgrounds. I grew up playing violin and learning music from a more classical/traditional approach while John was a self taught rocker who played in bands since his teens. Additionally, I grew up listening to all genres of music from Denise Williams in the backseat of my grandparents’ car on road trips, to Hillary Duff on my discman in the early 00’s. I also listen to the classics like Bob Marley & the Wailers, The Cars, the Beach Boys and Nirvana. I was introduced to bands like The Pixies from John who listens to music ranging from Belle and Sebastian all the way to Bad Brains. I say all that to say, our music genres span across a multitude of areas and that is expressed in how we write and perform. Personal style is always apparent though because while we do have our influences, we believe everyone has their own unique perspective and can provide new insight on timeless themes like friendship, heartbreak, and human rights. 

Are there any lesser-known artists or bands from the new wave or punk scenes that have significantly influenced your music, but may not be immediately obvious to listeners?

Personally , I love to listen to the Coathangers when I need some inspiration for a punky  and punchy sound or if I just want to rage out. I also have a rule when writing new material, which is not to listen to music that was made within the last three years, at the risk of recreating something that is TOO similar to another artist’s work. With that being said, I love my local indie family and will go to shows of my faves like Pleasure Venom & Howling Star. 

What does your songwriting process typically look like? Can you walk us through a recent song that was particularly challenging to write? 

Typically, our songs are written one of three ways, either John or I brings a pretty formed song and teaches it to the rest of the group, or we bring a half-baked song and John or I will help fill in melodies or lyrics or a chorus, depending on the song. And the least common but equally as awesome process is a jam session that turns into a song. That is personally my favorite because it’s like freestyling for rock music. Thankfully we haven’t experienced a lot of difficulty with song writing, but the most challenging thing for me is compromising artistic vision. With a band, that usually comes with differing opinions so you have to learn how to pick your battles and fight fair.

Duo shared lived experience that allows the singer  to lean into the conversation with the ebullience that she creates her music band

Your lyrics address powerful and complex issues like women’s rights and reproductive rights, racism, and social justice. How do you approach writing about them? Are they also related to personal experience? How do you want your contributions to those conversations to be remembered within the music industry?

We definitely write from our personal experiences and also as a conversation with nature based on things that happen in the world around us. For example, the song “Not Sweet Enough” was written based on a personal experience with a guy in a bar that was rude to me and my family. It was an expression of emotions I was feeling at that time. It ultimately turned into an anthem advocating for female reproductive rights. As for songs like “WFS” and “Pull the Trigger”, they are reflections of the world we live in. Ultimately, we hope our music is on the side of history that inspires change and sparks emotion to put action behind the words, by fighting for justice. 

Do you find it challenging to ensure the message doesn’t overshadow the music, or vice versa?

Like any art, music is open to interpretation. And because we are musicians first that is always going to be where our efforts lie. Whether or not people overshadow the music doesn’t concern me as much because at the end of the day, if a listener gets any kind of benefit from listening to our songs, that’s a win in my book. 

Your music has roots in punk, which is often known for its high-energy live performances. How do you approach your live shows, and what do you hope audiences take away from balancing the message and the performance? Do you have a stage that has a significant meaningful memory for you? Can you please share the story behind it?

We approach our live shows from the perspective of the audience. Not only is sound important, but visuals too. So, we like to dress up at our shows. Whether it’s a pink power ranger outfit or a marching band uniform with football jerseys. Our goal is to entertain. The energy we have on stage comes naturally because of the adrenaline you get from playing live music and the instruments behind it all that rock so hard you can’t help but to lose yourself to dance. I would say the best show so far was our most recent show at the Earl in Atlanta, GA for our album release, “Triggered.” It was a full circle moment for us because that’s where it all began.

Led by LA-based radio jockey/producer Christian James Hand (The Mowglis), Lesibu Grand’s debut single “Hush Hush” explores the subtleties of uncertainty and self-doubt in today’s hyper connected society, referencing the sounds of Blondie, Berlin, and The Motels.

What about your new release “Triggered”? Can you share with us more about it and what makes it meaningful for you?

This album means a lot because not only is it our first LP, it was years in the making. To have it finally released in the world is humbling and I hope listeners enjoy it from start to finish. The title of the record is a reflection of the state of mind you are in when you’re feeling triggered. Similar to stages of grief you go through stages of being triggered. Since there are 16 songs, I guess there are 16 stages, beginning with rage & anger, and ending with releasing all your emotions by letting it all go and raging out at a party. (Responsibly of course!)

Photos courtesy of Lesibu Grand

Dominique Musorrafiti

Ciao! My name is Dominique. I’m Italian and I’m proud to be a mix. My father was an Italian chemical engineer and high school teacher, with Greek and Polish heritage. My mother is Haitian, she was high school language teacher, with Dominican, Spanish, French, Portuguese, African and Native American heritage. Being a mix makes me appreciate to want to understand different cultures and lifestyles. I grew up in Italy, lived few years in Haiti, travel around main European capitals, lived many years in China, in Spain and UK. Traveling makes me feel that we can learn something from every situation in every part of the world.