“I think the impact of music on socio-cultural is big. I think depending on what people listen to, it can make them feel or think, or even act in certain ways.  Hopefully though we all have the wherewithal to treat others with respect and as human beings, no matter what music we listen to.”

Lance & Lea: Blues For Breakfast

Nashville's Lance and Lea prove that some of the most compelling musical stories are born from unexpected origins. Their journey began when Lea, a product of an Amish upbringing singing country and gospel hymns in church, crossed paths with Lance, a rock musician fresh from the grit of the Texas club scene. In a twist of fate, the two met in Nashville, and after a single songwriting session, the duo Lance and Lea was formed. The result is a sound that reflects their opposite-side-of-the-tracks origins. Their music is rooted in old-school country and rock influences, driven by Lance's Texas blues guitar riffs and Lea's pure, soothing voice and harmonies. A creative engine that has written over 1,000 songs, their collaborative genius is the heart of their artistry. On their new record, Blues For Breakfast (2026), Lance and Lea mine a blues groove that not only showcases a musical partnership operating at a psychic level, it puts their songwriting prowess front and center. Drawing on Lance's roots steeped in rock and Texas Blues, and Lea's background in country and americana, the two have merged their talents for over a decade to create a catalog of soul-stirring roots music and built them an ever-growing fanbase that's beginning to stretch well beyond the Lower 48.

(Photo: Lance & Lea)

Cutting across a broad range of territory, the songs on Blues For Breakfast trace their roots from Texas all the way to Chicago, down to Memphis and, finally, back through to Lance and Lea's home base in Nashville. It's a testament to their songcraft and collaborative powers that the tracks feel so natural individually and cohesive when played one after the other. It's often said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and that might be true, but THIS breakfast is as satisfying as a 10-course banque.

Interview by Michael Limnios               Special Thanks: Larry Kay (Night Train PR)

What keeps a musician passionate over the years in rock and blues music? How does your hometown (Nashville) affect your music?

Lance: I think continuing to learn and grow as a guitar player and songwriter keeps you passionate. And focusing on learning the things that you are interested in learning. For instance, what are your favorite songs or guitar solos? Learn those! Work on the things that you are excited about. As for songwriting, just writing every day or as much as you can keeps things interesting and exciting because you never know what you're going to write. And each time you write a song or piece of a song you get excited about it and that further fuels your passion which then makes you excited about releasing it into the world.

I think your hometown affects your music in the way that you let it. If you just stay true to yourself and know that no one can do the things that you do and the way that you do them, then you're always moving in the right direction. If I were to look at Nashville and compare myself to all the other artists and start trying to be like them, well that wouldn't be true or authentic to me personally. Also, I will say that there are so many great things about being in music city Nashville.  Because of all the great songwriters and artists here, it keeps you fueled each day to go after your dreams and you have an opportunity to meet so many other people in your same field. People you can write with, record with, partner with. I'd definitely say Nashville has affected our music in an amazing way given all the opportunities and doors that have opened from living here. 

Lea: Having the music in your soul will keep the passion alive and of course having fun is a big key too. Also, always learning and staying curious. Nashville has that music spirit which keeps you on your toes and creates a bit of a healthy competition sort of environment where you know if you’re not writing the best song someone else is. Being surrounded by other creatives is inspiring! 

Country, Rock, and Blues … a lot of these genres are trying to be more inclusive, but sometimes it feels like they’re forcing it. Where’s the balance, and how do we find it? 

Lance: I think you just have to be who you are in that moment.  We all grew up listening to multiple genres of music at various points in our lives. All of which influence us as artists and musicians. I think there are no boundaries when it comes to who or what you can be. And that's a good thing, let people be who they are. At the end of the day, the fans are the ones who decide if they like it or not.  Since it all comes down to the song I'll say this: If I was getting ready to write a song and immediately started thinking about what exact style of music I wanted to write, it would probably limit the song. For me it's better to just go with the flow and once you have 10 or 100 songs written, pick the ones that excite you - then go and record those!

As far as finding balance in it all, again I believe in always going with your passion that day and in letting people release the music they want,  and be who they are at that phase in their life. Again, the fans will let them know if they like it.

Lea: I think as long as it feels authentic we shouldn’t get too caught up in genres. A good song is a good song. Trying new things and collaborating/crossing genres can be how great things happen. Also, for what it’s worth, I think award shows should all be fan voted.

“Nashville has that music spirit which keeps you on your toes and creates a bit of a healthy competition sort of environment where you know if you’re not writing the best song someone else is. Being surrounded by other creatives is inspiring!” (Photo: Lance & Lea)

Is there a message you are trying to convey with your songs? Why is it important to preserve and spread the blues? 

Lance: I think there's an underlying message of hope and love in our songs. We are a couple, and we do pretty much everything together. I def believe this filters into the music and the blues. I also think the blues isn't just limited to sad songs. The blues can be happy, it can make you wanna dance, it can bring you joy, it can lift you up! I think it's important to preserve and spread the blues given so much of our music these days has come from it. Rock, Pop, Country, they all have the blues in them. It's an important part of our musical ecosystem.  

What is the status of women in music? How do you find opportunities for women in the music industry? 

Lea: The status of women in music is better now than it’s ever been. Female artists have nearly doubled their presence on global streaming and radio charts vs 20 yrs ago. There’s still lots of room for improvement but I’m grateful for how far we’ve come and the strides that have been made in the right direction. Getting your music out there, letting your voice be heard, being supportive of each other and collaborating are important keys. 

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of music?

Lance: The thing I miss most is probably the guitar solos in songs! Haha I grew up learning from so many great guitar players and that helped me become who I am as a player and get better. I also miss the timelessness of songs from the past. The ones that really stayed with you and made you wanna play them over and over. They really spoke to you. I'm not saying those don't exist now but there was something about a lot of the past music that just resonated differently.  In fact I tell Lea all the time, if we can create music that uplifts and inspires other people, kids, etc. to pick up the guitar or wanna learn to sing or just get into music, that's where it's at. Because I remember that feeling growing up when I was so excited about learning an artist's song, it was amazing.

My hope for music in the future is that it continues to heal, uplift, and inspire others and give them what they need. Whatever that is.  We all have different backgrounds and something to give as artists. As far as fears, I don't really think about fear as much just because I know everything is always changing, and I've learned that trusting everything will work out is a better way to view life. I view music the same way, it's a sacred thing and in my mind it will always have a great future.

Lea: One thing I miss about the culture of music from the past was how not everything/everyone was so accessible. It sounds weird to say but I remember going to concerts and it feeling like the most magical moment in time getting to see this artist who was just breaking out (or a super famous artist) and if you were lucky enough to maybe meet them, or interact with them up front by the stage, it felt like such a big deal. Now it seems like everyone has become so accessible that in a way it kinda takes away from that special once-in-lifetime feeling of getting to connect with one of your favorite artists. 

My hope for the future of music is that it will continue to make people feel something. That the soul of music won’t be lost. I think as long as there is human to human interaction/communication, it won’t be lost. We must keep the human element of music alive.                                                                  (Photo: Lance & Lea)

“My hope for music in the future is that it continues to heal, uplift, and inspire others and give them what they need. Whatever that is.  We all have different backgrounds and something to give as artists.”

What is the impact of music on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

Lance: I think the impact of music on socio-cultural is big. I think depending on what people listen to, it can make them feel or think, or even act in certain ways.  Hopefully though we all have the wherewithal to treat others with respect and as human beings, no matter what music we listen to. I grew up listening to Metallica and AC/DC and hard rock bands early on. On the outside, someone could have looked at me and judged the music saying, "it's bad for him because it's rock, haha, etc." But it truly helped me become the guitar player and artist I am today, and I'm so grateful that I found and had the opportunity to listen to those bands and many others!

I don't really think about how I want the music to affect people, but I hope, as I said earlier, that it inspires the next generation and people in general and gives them whatever it is that they need at that moment. 

Lea: I want people to have fun, to feel happy, loved, inspired and not alone when they listen to our music. We’re all on this journey called life and if we can have a positive impact on even one person, we’ve already won. 

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths? 

Lance: One of the most important lessons I've learned is to trust life and trust the process. You're going to have twists and turns and not everything you want is going to happen in the timeline that you want it to happen in. The most important thing you can do is to just live fully and authentically in that moment and enjoy the ride! Don't get caught up over thinking things. It will all work out.

Another one would be to let go of control. Things may not go exactly as you plan, but that can be a good thing! If we always got exactly what we wanted, where would the surprise be in life? You would already know everything and how it was going to happen haha.  

A final one would be: Be open to new opportunities and collaboration. Let others help you and support you in your journey, don't try to hold on so tightly to everything. Life is better if you have people to share it with!

Lea: One of the most important lessons I’ve learned (still learning) is to be fearless. Even if you’re scared, do it anyway! You’ll never regret trying, even if you fail, but you’ll definitely regret not trying at all.

Lance & Lea - Home

(Photo: Lance & Lea)