Paralandra
Interview conducted March 30, 2020
By Dan Locke
A 4pc rock band determined to create a sincere and unique musical expression of ourselves, regardless of style or genre.
What is your upbringing?
Casandra: I grew up in Springfield, Missouri, and was raised in a very musical household. I was super into sports all the way through high school, but eventually, music took over my life full time!
Paul – There were no musicians in my family, but was in church all the time. I had very loving and fun parents who were very active in our lives, so I feel very lucky in that regard
How did you discover music?
I’ve always been around it in some way, and it’s mostly because of my dad. He played on the worship team at church and played in multiple bands while I was growing up, so I always just listened to what he listened to.
How did you get your first guitar and do you still have it?
I got my first guitar for my 11th birthday! It’s a Greg Bennett Malibu, made by Silvertone, and I still play it from time to time. Great little guitar.
Paul – My parents rolled the dice and bought me my first guitar for Christmas when I was 17. It’s been through a lot of upgrades, but I still have it and play it live on occasion.
First and last concert you went to?
My first concert was 3 Doors Down and Red at The Shrine Mosque, in Springfield. I think it was around 2007. The last concert was probably a Tantric show to support my boyfriend. I travel with them a lot on my off time!
First – Petra, Last – The Many-Colored Death (I HIGHLY recommend)
Paul- Tell me about your connection to Christian music?
Paul – Being brought up in church, it was my major influencer, so that was natural to emerge in my writing. I studied Christian bands and guitar players to learn guitar. I’ve played in church for most of my life. I would say I became 90% of what I am from improvisational playing in church. I’ve played in many types of bands in the past, but I prefer a non-labeled band where we can write about anything without being boxed in, thematically.
How did you write your first song?
Paul – It honestly came from my best friend and I jamming on guitars (and a keyboard with a drum machine) in my garage! We were just goofing off, playing riffs and having fun, occasionally throwing out some impromptu lyrics, and every once in a while, something would strike us a super funny or clever and we’d remember it, and before you know it, we were unintentionally writing songs. We would videotape ourselves and watch back and literally just laugh so hard we’d cry.
And do you remember its name?
Paul – Maybe “Don’t Bleed on My Floor No More” … completely improvisational and absolutely hilarious. And 100% not available. Ha-ha!
Casandra- You did an internship at Disneyworld. Tell me about that?
I was a part of the Disney college program in 2013. My sister recommended it and it was amazing! I worked at a restaurant in the Magic Kingdom and got to live the Disney fantasy daily for 5 months.
You played SXSW in 2016 and 2017. What were some of the highlights of that time?
I would say the highlight of 2017 was surviving SXSW. Ha-ha! There were two shootings and it was chaos! Something I definitely won’t forget. Some great things I remember are the food, and as always, performing.
Since COVID-19 happen and SXSW was cancelled how is that going to affect the music world?
I think for now, everything is going to be more focused online until live concerts are able to happen safely again. I’m loving all the live streams happening right now!
During the time at Disneyworld you had to chance to debut you writing and singing abilities with Paul. How did this happen? And what was the name you give the band?
We began sending song ideas to each other through email while I was working there. I was contemplating extending my program, but chose to come back and pursue the music we had been working on. A couple months later, Paralandra was born.
Do you remember your first gig in other bands?
Paul – A few, I do. Usually, I remember the train wrecks the best. So awful at the time, but they definitely make for the best stories!
Paul and Casandra- You both had something to do with the School of Rock. How was that and is it anything like the Jack Black movie?
I participated in Musicians University at Springfield’s Palen Music Center, where my Dad actually taught the class. I, later on, went to teach there, as well. It was really fun! We wrote a couple of songs, played a couple of gigs. It was short-lived, but still a great experience.
Paul- I cannot deny I was inspired by that movie and had a total blast teaching kids to play their instruments and gel together as a band. We did gigs, music videos, the whole bit, and I’m proud to say that most of them are still musically active!
How did you get onto the lineup for the Kiss Cruise?
We were entered into a contest where fans had to vote for 3 bands to join the cruise. Luckily, we have an amazing fan base and won! Still not sure how we won that.
How was it to have the Women International Music Network debuting your video “Love Will Win”?
It was awesome and an honor that they wanted to associate us with such a great organization.
Tell me the back story of “Love Will Win” And who are you trying to reach with the video?
Paul – I was inspired to write a song about how, if all of our secrets, our dirt, our darkness, was to be exposed, we could only hope that there would be forgiveness, or we’d all be in trouble. As I continued, I centered in on the continued horrors that mankind has visited upon this earth and that we as a collective people desperately need saving. In the end, though, the message is our belief that God’s love will ultimately win. So, it may sound a bit dark to begin with, but it’s honestly a message of optimism and hope 🙂
What do you do to relax after a show?
Paul – Taco Bell 🙂
Is Allison still doing all your local booking?
Yes, she assists with many things. She’s the best! #momager
What is the local booking area?
Springfield, MO
Casandra- How was it to perform the National Anthem at the Buffalo Run Casino?
It was nerve racking but an absolute honor to be asked. I’ve been back for a second time and loved it even more.
You are about to start a short tour. How do you feel with the COVID-19 happening?
Unfortunately, the shows had to be canceled due to the restrictions on the country. We hope to make it up as soon as possible.
What do you do to relax after a show?
Going out to get some fresh air always helps but I truly can’t relax until I’m in bed. When it’s a show night, there is always work to be done!
Digital vs. vinyl?
Vinyl for quality and digital for accessibility.
Any plans to tour?
As soon as the COVID-19 chaos has subsided, we will be back out.
What song from the past is in your mind right now? And what is the meaning that song mean to you?
Turn back time by Cher. It showed me that she was actually the first yarler. Lol!
Paul – Spirit of the Radio by Rush. Musically still amazes me, and lyrically is just as surgically dead-on today as it was 40 years ago!
How do you see yourself in the next five years?
Happy, making music, and hopefully touring!
Paul – Whether doing music or not, hopefully being happy and making others happy, as well
Anything you would like to say in closing?
Thank you for the opportunity to talk about the band. Thank you to all of the fans for the endless support over the years, and don’t forget to request our new single “Live Will Win” on your local radio stations.
Paul – I truly feel blessed more than I could have ever asked for. Thanks!
