We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brendan Peleo-Lazar a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Brendan, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
I maintain my creativity by constantly evolving and staying open to new sonic directions—most recently through my work with SHEEPSPEAK, a project I share with my partner Lejla Subasic. Collaborating with her has been a grounding force, pushing me to explore more electronic, nu wave, experimental, and hip-hop-influenced sounds while staying true to the raw energy I’ve always loved. Creativity also feels like something I inherited—my mother’s genes gave me an intuitive sense for creative branding and storytelling, something that’s carried me from jamming with my dad at age eight to making records that reflect who I am now. Whether I’m playing drums, producing, or writing, I’ve learned to protect my creative drive by surrounding myself with people who inspire trust, honesty, and experimentation—qualities Lejla brings into every session we share.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a musician, producer, and multi-instrumentalist based in Los Angeles, originally from Chicago. My work spans everything from live performance and touring to studio production, acting, and tribute band work. Lately, one of the most exciting parts of my creative life has been SHEEPSPEAK, a collaborative project with my partner Lejla Subasic that blends electronic textures with hip-hop influences. It’s a big shift from the rock bands I grew up playing in, but that evolution is what keeps things fresh.
What’s most special to me about this work is how personal and honest it can be. I’ve been playing drums since I was eight years old, and music has always felt like an extension of who I am. My creativity is something I trace back to my parents genes, and the awesome concerts they and brother Chris, took me to when i was young. there’s something instinctual in the way I approach rhythm, sound, and storytelling. Whether I’m behind a drum kit, writing a new track, or quietly building out arrangements in the studio, I’m most energized when I’m blending intuition with experimentation.
I want people to know that my work isn’t about fitting into a genre or trend—it’s about creating something real, something that reflects both my journey and the people I create with. I believe in collaboration over ego, and I always aim to bring something unique and meaningful to every project I touch.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that had the biggest impact on my journey are integrity, confidence, and the ability to take risks while “sticking to your guns.” Integrity has been the anchor—knowing who I am, what I stand for, and refusing to compromise my values in an industry that can easily chip away at them. Confidence doesn’t always mean being the loudest in the room; for me, “A Silent Giant,” it’s been about trusting my instincts, believing in the work I bring to the table, and not letting rejection or egos shake that foundation.
Taking risks has been essential—whether it was moving to L.A. or shifting my sound with SHEEPSPEAK—but those risks only pay off when they’re rooted in something authentic. I’ve learned that knowing when you’re truly valued, especially in a volatile and often superficial place like L.A., is critical. If you’re not careful, you’ll end up paying for someone else’s dream with your own life. So my advice to anyone early in their journey is this: develop your craft, stay grounded in your purpose, and don’t waste your energy in spaces where your value is constantly questioned. Protect your time, trust your gut, and never trade your identity for short-term approval. The right people will find you when you’re real.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Right now, the biggest obstacle we’re facing is the shift in how music is shared and discovered—releasing SHEEPSPEAK’s first single, “Trouble,” has been exciting creatively, but navigating the world of social media as part of that release is definitely something we’re learning to tackle. We are doing everything ourleves, including the visuals for this single. It’s not a challenge in the traditional sense—it’s more of an adjustment. We’re both passionate about the music itself, the process, the message—but in today’s landscape, that’s only part of the equation. You can’t just release music and let it speak for itself anymore—you have to become a sort of influencer, constantly showing your face, your life, your process.
It’s a strange shift, especially for artists like us who grew up inspired by a sense of mystique in music. There’s less room for ambiguity now, less space to let the art speak without also becoming a content creator. But Lejla and I are figuring it out together, trying to approach it in a way that feels genuine and aligned with who we are. We’re finding ways to share our story without losing the heart of what we’re making—and that’s an ongoing process, but a necessary one.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.youtube.com/@LazerBrendan
- Instagram: @lazerbrendan
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lazerbrendan
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LazerBrendan
Image Credits
Lejla Subasic
Neil Soiland
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