“Shocked” To The System
So. Cal. Rockers The Feisty Piranhas
When I first heard of The Feisty Piranhas I was a bit apprehensive. I really didn't know what to think. So when I received the band's latest CD, “Shocked,” I was eager to hear what the band sounded like. One of reasons why I was so intrigued was that one of the band's members plays the clarinet! I wanted to hear how a proclaimed rock band would sound with a clarinet player. This would be a first for me. I have to say I was quite surprised with what I heard. The band's mix of blues-punk-hard rock guitar, progressive rock drumming, emotional vocals, and razor-sharp clarinet harmonies creates a new breed of songs that are catchy but also have true emotion and musical attitude. What I noticed immediately, right off the bat, was the band's tight chemistry. And to be honest with you, if there was clarinet playing on the album, I didn't notice it.
So when I and All Access Magazine Editor Debra Stocker got the invite to visit the band and see their studio, we were eager to see how they created such a dynamic and unique sound. But, before we go on any further, let us give you the 411 on The Feisty Piranhas.
The Feisty Piranhas are a rock trio from Camarillo, California. The Feisty Piranhas' frontman and lead guitarist is a seventeen-year-old songwriter, Peter Alexander Lust III, with his roots in the Southern California punk rock scene. Being born with a 95% loss of hearing in his right ear and 50% loss of hearing in his left has not stopped Peter Alexander from creating music that expresses his views on life and the world. The band's second member is 
Peter Alex's father Peter Lust, Jr. Peter has been a drummer since his early teens and creates the driving force that pushes The Feisty Piranhas to the next level of music. The third member is Jens Schnabel. Jens is considerably the oddest member in the group in that he plays clarinet. The oddity of the instrument in rock is only amplified by the fact that Jens’ clarinet sound is so juiced up and effected, he sounds more like a lead guitarist shredding the hell out of a Gibson.
We were initially met by Peter Lust II and Jens Schnabel. They walked us back to the studio where Peter Alexander was laying down some riffs on his guitar. Their studio is one of the best studios I've ever been in. I thought I was at A&M or Goodnight Night L.A., I kid you not. Amazing, simply amazing!
The trio graciously enlightened us on what they have planned to get their music heard by the masses. Here is what they shared with us.
AAM: How did you come up with the band's name?
PL: The name of the band, Feisty Piranhas, was chosen by Peter Alexander. We were driving one day thinking about what name we should call our band. Then
randomly Peter Alexander just came up with Feisty Piranhas. It was like…wait! That sounds really cool. Once we had the name down, Jens came up with our piranha logo, which is trademarked.
AAM: How long has the band been together and how long were you in the studio recording?
PA: The band has been together for about 5 years.
PL: As far as when we started recording “Shocked” and tracked our first song, that would be 2 years.
JS: In that 2-year timeframe is when our vision for Feisty Piranhas [came together], is when we really got focused and serious.
AAM: Do you guys have sponsorship? (We ask this because of the band's studio is adorned with hanging guitars. And Peter Lust II's drum kit looks like something Neil Peart would play.)
PA: I am indorsed by Minarik Guitars. They are building a custom Feisty Piranha guitar for us as we speak. When I am recording I use Minarik Guitars. Mark and I have become friends and often just hang out. He comes down to studio all the time. Minarik is making a Piranha guitar that will be integrated into the design of the guitar.
PLII: Jens came up with the design of the guitar. I am working with Sabian currently. I have an endorsement application that I will be sending them. They actually came down to the studio and were blown away! Then they invited us to Sabian in Canada, where for two days they dedicated the entire factory to us. In the end they made us an entire series of flatrides that eventually became the "Piranha" cymbals. If Sabian approves the endorsement it will be green lighted to be sold in stores.
AAM: What is the writing process like for you guys?
PA: Basically I write the music and the lyrics. Then I show it to my Dad.
JS: Yeah, pretty much Peter Alexander comes up with the lyrics, then he has me read them. After we go into the studio to lay down the track, we pretty much build the song on the rhythm track.
PL: There is flow to our songs. Even though they are different, there is a flow.
AAM: How would describe your sound? And who are your musical Influences?
JS: That is true. Peter Alexander's foundation is that pure punk sound. When I came to the band, I told the guys I can't do punk. I need to create music that has groove and melody. As far musical influence, I am pretty music into all kinds of music.
PA: Me personally, I am all about the punk sound. Bands like Social Distortion. I also listen to old school Delta blues and classic hard rock. When it comes down to it I listen to a variety of music from Kelly Clarkson to Megadeth and Rush.
AAM: Your latest release, “Shocked,” has such a variety as far as musical direction. There are elements of rock, punk and jazz. Was that what you wanted to achieve?
PL: That is interesting. That was one of the goals we had with “Shocked.” Not to have every song sound the same. We tried to have a flow to the album. There are fast, slow, and even songs that are governmental. I believe we covered all the bases musically with our new album.
JS: It's like, if someone comes up to us and says, “You guys sound like Green Day,” then we have already lost. That is why we wanted to record this album the way we did. To have something for everyone.
AAM: Do you guys feel the pressure of the industry?
PLII: The pressure of the industry was never a concern of ours. What people will see is that we are rock band that is determined and focused, but still remain very humble. That is the message we want to get across to our fans.
PA: For me, I am not too worried about the industry or people saying that I sold out.
AAM: Talk to us about being musician with a hearing defect, being born with 95% loss of hearing in your right ear and 50% loss of hearing in your left.
PA: Basically I was born with hearing defect. I don't even notice. When I was growing up I was always strumming a guitar. I am a self-taught guitar player.
PL: Peter Alexander is being very humble about it. I look at it as person who has normal hearing abilities. I think the fact that he created the music on our album with the hearing impairment that he has makes him a musician at a plateau that I can't even imagine. He is truly an amazing and gifted musician.
AAM: Talk to us about the story behind the song "Perfect Life," a song written by Peter Alexander about the relationship between father and son.
PL: From the perspective of being a father, it’s very complicated to be in an emotional environment like writing music and trying to create something, and to have a father-and-son relationship in the environment. There is a tremendous amount of stress and friction caused by both parties. Sometimes by me and sometimes by him. It's a very stressful situation. That is probably why you don't see that many father-and-son rock bands. I think Peter Alexander's music shows a lot that frustration. Then to get through the stress and create a final product that we are both satisfied with really says a lot. Believe me, once we step out of this studio, we can still have that father-and-son relationship.
PA: I agree with what my father said. When it all comes down to it, at the end of the day we agree with the music that we created. I am not going to have Jens or my Father do anything that they don't feel comfortable doing. That is where having our chemistry comes into play.
After spending a couple of hours hanging out with The Feisty Piranhas it is obvious that these guys are determined to get their music and name out to the masses. Plus they are three of the coolest rockers you would ever want to hang out with. They are doing it in their own way and doing whatever it takes, bringing us a unique brand of rock music that is energetic, vibrant, catchy, and eclectic. The trio draws from their various influences, infusing them all together and creating The Feisty Piranhas sound.
The band's latest release, “Shocked,” is now available on their website and at CDBaby.com. It’s an eclectic mix of punk rock anthems, huge choruses, massive sound, and emotional music and lyrics—a release that the band says is a true reflection of the band. The Feisty Piranhas are definitely a rock band that has a very promising road ahead. All Access Magazine would like to thank Peter Lust II, Peter Alexander Lust III and Jens Schnabel for sharing their time. We truly had a blast hanging out with you guys!
For more information on The Feisty Piranhas, please check out TheFeistyPiranhas.com
Story by The Atomic Chaser
