1) Who are the members of your band and how did you meet?
Michael J. Peña (synthesizers & bass synth pedals)
Lisa Marie Perkins (lead vocals)
Shawn Paul Alvear (drums)

After having released two solo instrumental albums in the early 2000’s, I sought to find a female vocalist to work with. Through an online ad, I met with and auditioned Lisa who subsequently became my lead vocalist. Shawn and I have been friends for over 20 years. We first met in Junior High School and we both played music (drums). We were reacquainted in Austin after nearly 10 years following our hometown departures.

2) How long have you been in Austin and how long have you played music?
I’ve been residing in Austin for 23 years. I got my first start in music at age 13 learning to play drums, which is my primary instrument. Keyboards, is my secondary instrument. I’ve been playing music for a little over 25 years.

3) Has the city of Austin had any influence in the style or direction of your music?
The city’s had influence more on the direction than the style of my music.

4) Do you perform live shows in Austin, and if so, what are your favorite venues?
Yes we perform live shows in Austin and have been doing so since 2011. To name a few of our favorite venues: Elysium, Swan Dive and Barracuda.

Hamerzya 5) Are there other bands in Austin you’d recommend to your fans?
Obsolete Machines, The Nimbus, Neosho, New Neon, Mr. Kitty, Zeale, Lazerhawk…these are the first few that come to mind. We feel they’re doing something musically unique and admirable. Austin though, is filled with so many other brilliant & unique music artists yet to be discovered and given more credit for their work.

6) What musicians have most influenced you?
When I first started out playing music, I was highly influenced by Canadian Progressive Rock Trio Rush. Particularly, drummer/lyricist Neil Peart. The music of Rush vastly opened up my mind sparking intense musical imagination. Anthony Gonzalez of the French electronic group M83 and British synthwave band Gunship are a few of the modern groups I’m also most influenced by. Various music soundtracks have been a very important influence too playing a huge role in my songwriting style & development.

7) What’s the best thing to that has happened to your band?
Moments worth noting would be having been booked as a local support act for several touring headliners in Austin. This put us in front of a larger audience than normal which really challenged us to bring our “A ” game.

8) Any cringe-worthy moments the band has endured that you’re willing to divulge?
We’ve experienced a fair share of minor flaws/technical difficulties while on stage performing. Our cover-up method: smile right through those moments and show the audience you’re having a good time. Never make it obvious to your audience.

9) Is there anything you’d care to share or anything else you’d like to let us know about?
Look out for our 4th album entitled ‘Earth Rebirth’. Its production is currently in progress and a release date is TBD.

10) Give us one fun fact.
The name Hamerzya, pronounced (hammer+z+eye+uh) originated in 1991 and was visualized as such in a dream. I wrote it down knowing someday I would use as a band name.