Who is Lionel Boy?
Words by Sarah Morrison
Photo by Basil Vargas
There’s been a lot of anticipation surrounding the debut EP release from Hawaii-born, Long Beach–based songwriter Lionel Boy. ‘Who Is Dovey?’ has finally arrived and is out via Innovative Leisure.
The debut came from a trying to fill space and time during the hot summer in 2018. While experimenting with new musical gadgets and yelling poetic obscenities, Lionel Boy came to be.
We caught up with Lionel Boy to chat about just that, working with their label Innovative Leisure and producer Johnny Bell, the exploration of love and growth, artistic direction, and skateboarding.
At what age did you make the move from Hawaii to Long Beach? How has living in both states impacted the way you look at and approach your direction with timbre?
I was 22 when I moved to Long Beach from Oahu, now 28. Growing up I wasn’t exposed to using synthesizers, drum machines, or producing from a desk at home. I just had an acoustic guitar that I’d sing along with. But since moving here, it’s tough to not be inspired to try new things. I’m just experimenting right now and having fun with it.
What was the initial purpose of going into the studio back in the summer of 2018?
It was honestly just so hot. Too hot to skate or sit out in the park-and the studio was the only place where we could run the a/c full blast and chill.
Who are The Bolo Heads and how are they significant to the foundations of the project?
Well, it was really hot that summer, so the Hawaii boys decided to buzz their heads. Back home, instead of bald, we call that ‘bolohead.’ There were about six of us but Lawrence Castro and Wylan Cabuag would be the OG Boloheads in the studio.
At what point did you realize the yelling of obscenities you were all playing around with in the studio could morph into a musical project?
The boys had never played an instrument but we got into a room with some samplers and keyboards and were able to pen ‘Lost.’ Then, I thought it’d be funny to see them in an actual recording studio and… it was. It was also just fun so I ran with it. As things progressed, Lionel Boy became what it is today.
Was it scary at all to consider exploring the world of writing or did it fall naturally?
It was pretty organic. I’ve always loved reading and writing, and heading into my teens I began telling my own stories. Eventually I learned to play the guitar and those stories became songs.
What was the initial attraction that led you to sign with Innovative Leisure? How were you introduced to the label?
I heard of Innovative through Jonny Bell at Jazzcats and my manager, Eric. Eric had met Jamie at TreeFort Music Festival in Boise the previous year. I was already a fan of what IL did and the musical acts they supported. They were down for what Lionel Boy was doing—so it only seemed right.
Jonny Bell (The Buttertones, Pinky Pinky, Hanni el Khatib, The Reflectors, Tijuana Panthers, The Molochs, Korey Dane) who worked with a number of label alumni as well as other Los Angeles subculture acts also jumped on board to help with the recording process of ‘Who is Dovey?” As this was your first time working together, how did you find the experience? What was one of the most valuable things you took away from the process?
Jonny is the man. I came to him saying I wanted to do a mixtape thing where I’d song-write and collaborate with someone new on each track but, as we progressed, Lionel Boy took shape instead. Jonny’s always putting me on to something new and working with Jazzcats has taught me the importance of collaboration. I mean, that’s basically what Lionel Boy is—one big collab between me and my friends.
You and your partner have been in a relationship for ten years and the stories and lessons you’ve experienced play a large role in your lyrics. In a simple phrase, would would describe the decade you’ve spent together?
BLAUW!
The way you decided to explore your thoughts and feelings comes across in such a humble matter. During your journey of the exploration of love and growth, what are the most important lessons you’ve learned as a team? Did you find your notions hard to expand at times?
We’ve learned to give one another grace for our mistakes. It’s the reason why our relationship hasn’t fallen apart, and why we’ve continued to grow. What is love if its strength lies solely in the lovableness of the object? Nah. It’s grimier than that. To me, love is seeing the ugliest parts of another person, but persevering with patience and free love. Life becomes light when you’re no longer jockeying for the approval of others, especially your significant other.
For the album, you had a series of headshots taken by Noah Sahady, almost best described as those yearly school photos. What led you to this artistic direction with the EP?
Originally, we were going to film all the boys buzzing their heads in the backyard but, as time went on, some didn’t want to commit to the buzz cut. So instead, to show camaraderie, we did class photos. There was an auditorium close by that we received permission to shoot in and the idea kind of snowballed from there.
Outside of writing music, you tend to do a lot of skateboarding. How long has this been a part of your daily life?
For sixteen years skating has been a force in my life. It’s what brought me to California in the first place. I’d say most of what I know now I learned through skateboarding, whether that be perseverance, style, even my music taste. I still get it in with the boys anytime I can.