The Get Arounds is a Vancouver-based Power Pop band, comprised of talented individuals such as Lana Ryma on vocals, Carman Lethbridge on guitar, Paul Albert on bass, and Eric Lowe on drums. The band came into existence during the COVID-19 lockdown when Carman and Lana found themselves confined to their house, utilizing this time to write songs and create demos. Lana, who has a background as a drummer, had long harbored a desire to explore singing and finally had the opportunity to learn a new instrument. It quickly became evident that she possessed a natural talent for leading the band’s vocals, and she undeniably embodies the signature sound of The Get Arounds.

Carman Lethbridge and Lana Ryma explain how I Wanna Live came about.

What was the moment you knew you were on to something?

Carman Lethbridge: I’ve always been a songwriter and I’m always demoing songs. I think the “a ha moment” for me was when I was trying to sing a harmony on a chorus and couldn’t get it so I asked Lana to sing backup on it. She started singing and instantly the chorus appeared and sounded better than I ever could have sung it. Up until then she was a drummer who wanted to sing, I think at that moment she became the singer. She made the song better. That was when we decided to try this idea of her being the singer. That’s how The Get Arounds really started.

The meaning of success for this record?

Carman Lethbridge: Of course success means something different to everybody and I love money as much as the next guy, but let’s get serious, there ain’t no money playing rock and roll! We all do it because we love it. I can’t quit, I tried a few times. I’ve surrendered to the fact I’m a lifer. What I want from this record is to be heard. To get some attention. Open a few doors for us, a bit of online presence. Have some people hear us and remember the name and remember the songs. Set us up for the next record. This record was self produced and recorded (with a little help from some friends) and I was surprised how well it turned out! We know we can do it now and make something that sounds pretty good, and the goal is always to get better. I guess in some ways I feel the record is already a success, now I just want the rest of the world to feel the same way about it.

What was the best song you ever wrote?

Carman Lethbridge: It’s always the new one! My favorite on I Wanna Live is probably Good Times. It came about really fast and it’s a lot of fun. There’s a lot of harmony and the sound is a bit of the spirit of 76 punk like Ramones with a Beatles chord in it. It’s hard to pick the best song. All the ones I really like no one else seems to care about!

We’ve been working on the next record and there are a couple gems on it. Black Corvette is one of the best I’ve written. For now.

What compliment have you received that you never forgot?

Carman Lethbridge: The best compliment is when people sing your songs back to you! When you’re onstage and there are people singing along, that’s just the best.

Whenever anyone says you remind them of one of the greats you know you’re onto something good.

You can pick 3 co-writers to write with… who and why?

Carman Lethbridge: Maybe I would like to write with Ghost because I think they write great modern pop metal songs and I like their shtick. They remind me of a Satanic Bon Jovi! And they’re probably a good hang too.

Also on my list would be Max Martin. He’s penned more than a few bangers in his life and he’s still got it. That guy knows how to write a chorus. It would be amazing to learn from one of the modern greats.

And maybe Oasis. Mostly Liam though. They both seem like total dicks but they’re still iconic dudes. Iconic style. Noel probably doesn’t like to share. I get it. Love them or hate them they’re the last great rock band.

As an artist, you choose to show your emotions to the world. Is it always comfortable to do so?

Lana Ryma: At first it was a bit scary there’s a certain amount of vulnerability that happens mostly on stage for me.

The human condition is to watch and form opinions, the goal is to guide those opinions to coincide with the songs message or emotion. I think people can tell if you’re not sincere in a performance so I try to be really present on stage & in the moment.

The more shows we play it gets easier I think less about what people think. It’s not an I don’t care thing but more a focus on the song & it’s delivery ultimately giving into vulnerability if that’s what the songs message requires.

I love when people sing along & dance. The world can be a bit overwhelming sometimes & music gets people thru dark times, it’s about sharing joy, excitement & emotions for me.

I love playing Live the most!

What’s the gig you will always remember? And why?

Lana Ryma: After playing 1000’s of shows as a drummer, the gig I’ll always remember clearly was my first show out front as a Singer. I remember my thoughts clearly, the show was packed and in a whirlwind of working through each song, hearing my voice LOUD for the first time was terrifying. Now I love it haha.

I got through the show and had a ton of people telling me who I sounded like.

Exene Cervenka, Blondie, Joan Jett, Heart, Annie “Holly” Woods, Marianne Faithfull. I got all those comparisons which made me feel unique because they were all different comparisons, it wasn’t a ton of people saying the same thing, I took that as my voice is original and mine.

What compliment you once received will you never forget?

Lana Ryma: After a show, a guy came up to the bar to talk to me. He said “you were so great and looked really hot. I had a hard on the whole time I was watching you on stage. You’re so beautiful.”

Ewwwwwwww omg, really, these people exist!!!