LIA PAMINA : How Come I

2014-RELEASES, TWEE POP.

NEW ADVENTURES IN POP 034

Lia began singing after hearing her favorite singer, Astrud Gilberto, who, along with Claudine Longet, Margo Guryan and Blossom Dearie, influenced her vocal style. This single is one of those strange and random happenstances which results in little gems, in which the only motivation is a passion for music. Lia Pamina is a vocalist and songwriter from Castellón who previously released her songs online. That’s how her music found its way to the Texas songwriter, musician and producer, Robbie Leff (Johnny Winter, Alice Cooper, THE CRABS), who suggested they record some songs over the summer via email.

The idea for this EP comes from Lia’s contact with another great producer, Roger Gunnarsson (PUSHY PARENTS, NIXON, FREE LOAN INVESTMENTS, THE GARLANDS, THE HAPPY BIRTHDAYS), who suggested that Lia record some of his own songs. She recorded Roger’s "How Come I” and she wrote lyrics for the Spanish version, “Cómo Es”, both songs produced by Roger along with Le Prix (PUSHY PARENTS, Kylie Minogue, Sally Shapiro), creating a link between eurodisco rhythms and dream-pop textures.

Lia’s work with Robbie Leff completes the EP. First with a cover of "Kingdom Of Heaven”, written by Powell St. John and originally recorded (as were many of his songs) by THE 13th FLOOR ELEVATORS. It’s a curious mixture that leaves us with a juicy piece of pop bathed in swirls of psychedelia. The other song has a bit more history attached (a common thread in the young career of this singer). Her recordings with Leff came to the attention of Terry Wilson (ERIC BURDON AND THE ANIMALS), who offered to work with Lia and Robbie, and suggested she record the song "Whirlwind" written by John "Rabbit" Bundrick, longtime keyboard player for THE WHO and principal musician of the cult film, THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW. The song had previously existed only on a demo recorded by Terry’s wife, singer Teresa James (THE RHYTHM TRAMPS). This version’s delightful sixties vibes evoke thoughts of THE BEACH BOYS and HARPERS BIZARRE, along with production styles reminiscent of Phil Spector and Burt Bacharach. All these big names came together to form this track: Rabbit on keyboards, Terry on guitars and bass, Teresa’s background vocals and Robbie Leff’s own production.