Last Life in the Universe
Los Angeles, California, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2009 | SELF
Music
Press
Life, the Universe, and Everything
Last Life in the Universe,is a pop/rock band based in Los Angeles which was founded by Pete Razo (guitarist) and VNA (vocalist). The duo met through Razo’s Craigslist ad in 2009.
[Pete] Razo’s background had been in rock while VNA was “completely in love with electronic music.” Through shared influences like The Beatles and Garbage, the pair found their sound – a rock-based hybrid that incorporates synths and breaks threaded throughout.
After playing together and growing the brand for several years – including shows at some of LA’s premier venues – VNA was diagnosed with breast cancer and the band had to put things on hold for two and a half years. Though she was told the cancer was gone July of 2014, it returned shortly after and she was diagnosed with Stage IV as the cancer had spread to her bones.
The band continues on, however, and MusicZeitgeist, inspired by their fresh and energized sound, filled with intention, had the opportunity to interview the singer:
MusicZeitgeist: Tell us about the early days of the band, and how you blended your influences into a unified style?
Last Life in the Universe: Within a few years of getting together, our sound did grow immensely; we’ve worked hard to develop the music. I don’t think there is really a name for what we do, so we just categorize it as pop rock/modern rock because our music does have a lot of those elements. Starting out, Pete had a lot more experience than I did but he was always moving from band to band and I was just finding myself musically.
MusicZeitgeist: How did you find translating it to a live show?
Last Life in the Universe: I remember the first time I performed at the Viper Room and it was scary as hell. Pete practically had to force me to do the show. The music was so raw back then. It took us another solid year of playing at various venues to get up and running. The music industry has changed so much in the last 10 years and I think we really had to accept the idea of the “DIY band.”
It’s been a bumpy road navigating through the music world but what keeps us going is our love of music. It might sound trite, but we know there is definitely something to that. When the odds are against you, you really have to remember why you’re doing this in the first place.
END - Music Zeitgeist
Discography
Dreams- 2012
Stargazer- 2012
Closer- 2012
Angel's Flight- 2012
For release on iTunes December 2012.
Photos
Bio
Last Life in the Universe combines the talent of VNA (Vocals and Keyboard) and Pete Razo (Guitars). These two artists couldn't come from more different musical backgrounds- Pete grew up on all genres of Rock, from Heavy Metal to Punk Rock to Grunge/Alternative. Although from the same era, VNA preferred Classical and Electronica- mainly breakbeat and IDM. But together, they combine their songwriting genius, creating songs of depth, meaning, and melody. And it works. Pete’s guitars are sweet, sad, but powerful- reminiscent of U2’s The Edge and melodies heavily influenced by British pop. VNA’s unique vocals are emotional and memorable.
They have collaborated with artists and producers such as Taso Kotsos, Howie Pyro (DGeneration), Big Chris Flores (Slash) and Arnie Geher (Disney), Paul Roessler (Geza X) in their journey to evolve their music. The band, although young, is wise in its sound. Playing the Hollywood circuit (Viper Room, Cat Club) and a handful of Los Angeles shows (AMPLYFI), they quickly recognized the beauty of funding their own band and fueling their own projects. Their story is one of sacrifice, persistence and struggle for their love of music.Having battled cancer for the past two and a half years, with a stage 4 diagnosis, Last Life in the Universe vocalist, VNA, aims to inspire others to live their life to the fullest.
Having battled cancer for the past two and a half years, with a stage 4 diagnosis, Last Life in the Universe vocalist, VNA, aims to inspire others to live their life to the fullest.
As they express in their song “Dreams”, it’s all about embracing one’s own path despite all obstacles and not being afraid to do things differently- withstanding all judgement and standing strong.
Band Members
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