Lera Lynn, Ben Lewis (UGA c/o 2011), Bain Mattox and C.K. Koch of the band Lera Lynn have been making some impressive strides in their musical careers.

As of late, the young musicians have been awarded the “People’s Choice Award” from the Independent Music Awards. Other recent nods include Merlefest Chris Austin Songwriting Competition and 2011 Flagpole Awards Americana Band of the Year. Not too shabby.

We got the opportunity to sit down and chat with the talented Lera Lynn. Check out her interview to get an inside scoop from the musician herself.

TCS: So how does it feel to have won the People’s Choice Award for the Independent Music Awards?

Lera Lynn: It’s quite encouraging to win a people’s choice award. It shows not only that listeners have just as much agency as the people running the business (which is especially empowering for a DIY musician), but also that we’re doing our job in raising awareness about the music

TCS: True that. How did you get your start in music?

Lera Lynn: My mother was a performing singer when I was a child. I got my first solo in the church choir when I was five years old, and I ran with it from there.

TCS: I see–so it runs in the family. How did you meet your bandmates?

LL: C.K. Koch (drummer, co-producer for “Have You Met LERA LYNN?”) and I met at least eight years ago when I first moved to Athens through mutual friends. We always hit it off and had been discussing recording an album together for about a year when we finally got the time to do it. Ben Lewis (lead guitar) and I met, funny enough, through Facebook less than a year ago. He had seen me perform in Athens with my old band and was actually interested in collaborating on songwriting. I told him I was about to release a new record and asked if he would be interested in auditioning for my new band and the rest is history..

TCS: Ahhh the power of social networking. Who are some of your favorite artists?

LL: Eric Satie, Jeff Buckley, Ray Charles, Patsy Cline, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Beatles, George Jones, Hank Williams Jr and Sr., Elbow, Fiona Apple, Heartless Bastards and on and on…

TCS: If you could resurrect any artist/band for one last concert, who would you choose?

LL: The Beatles. Hands down.

TCS: What shoe best describes you? Why?

LL: Do you mean figurative shoe or literal shoe? I’ll answer both. I am an artist first and foremost. It’s difficult for me to do anything severely structured (though I am very organized) or lacking a creative outlet. I am definitely a perfectionist and like to make everything as good (or clean or what have you) as it can be. If I had to choose a shoe to describe myself, I’d have to pick wing tips. They’re comfortable, a little on the masculine side, sophisticated, simple, stylish and sturdy. I’d like to think that I also am those things…

TCS: Isn’t it nice to find qualities in footwear that you see in yourself? We love our wing tips too. Okay now back to the music, What advice do you give to aspiring student musicians?

LL: There is no such thing as overnight success. Be patient. Be consistent. Do the very best and the most you can do. If you do what you love and do it well, you’re bound for success. Enjoy the process.

TCS: Ain’t that the truth. That’s great advice Lera. So, what’s your favorite thing about www.TheCampusStyle.com?

LL: The blogging network of student writers from several colleges makes for very diverse and regionally pertinent content.

TCS: Finally, throw out a shameless plug where people can find more of your work.

LL: Go to leralynn.com for current news, music, videos and links to other sites.

-Photo Credit: Andy Payne

- Cintra McGauley (VP)