Story & Interview by Brittany Marino | Photos courtesy of Cheryl Georgette
Straight out of LA, meet Nani! a new manic-wave band consisting of Nina Ljeti (Vocals), Jack Loeb (Guitar), Fielder Thomas (Bass), and Bosh Rothman (Drums). We got to see the band live when they played our LA Nowhere Now showcase with HEARTS REVOLUTION, Death Valley Girls, and Puro Instinct back in February. At that point, the band only had a few shows behind them and no music online, but their explosive energy powered by Nina’s raspy vocals, relentless drums, and slithering baselines left us all impressed! I distinctly remember thinking “holy shit, these guys are great!” Since then, Nani has been doing their thing and opening for acts like The So So Glos, but the band still left no trace of music online… until now!
Alt Citizen is very pleased to premiere “I Am Volcano,” Nani’s first single off their upcoming debut EP – which they recorded with maverick producer Ross Robinson (The Cure, Head Wound City, and At the Drive-In) – and is set to be released late 2016. Listen, repeat, and read our interview with the band below!
Where are you all originally from?
Nina: Bosnia > Canada
Jacob: South side of Chicago
Bosh: St Louis
Fielder: North Carolina
How did you guys meet?
Nina: Jacob and I are best friends and we met in LA.
How long have you been playing together?
Nina: A little less than a year.
Any memorable shows yet?
Nina: We played a show with The So So Glos at the smell recently. We felt really lucky to be playing there.
Have any of you played in other bands before?
Nina: Jacob has another sick band called Golden Daze. Bosh used to have a rad band as well, called Living Things.
What else are you guys up to?
Jacob: We’re writing a lot of new music.
Nina: I’m directing a film this summer and writing new music!
What are some other bands you’ve been listening to recently?
Nina: E.S.G, Parquet Courts, and Radiohead on repeat
Jacob: Parquet Courts, Guided By Voices, Roy Orbison on repeat
An album you think everyone should listen to?
Nina: Junkyard- Birthday Party
Jacob: 375 Images of Angels-Behavior
Who are some of your dream collaborators?
Nick Cave, Johnny Greenwood, Steve Albini
So, you guys have an EP coming out?
Yes! We’ve completed our first EP. We’re hoping to release it sometime this year!
Can we expect you to play NYC anytime soon?
We’re trying to get out there this summer! Fingers crossed.
Find Nani online @heynani
