The US folk-rock band The Lumineers have been world-famous since the song "Ho Hey". It all started with a small ad, says cellist Neyla Pekarek (29).
Michel Imhof: You became a member of the Lumineers through an ad in the US version of "Schatzchäschtli". Were you looking for a band?
Neyla Pekarek: I had just finished school. I was actually just looking for something to keep me busy until I got a proper job. And then I saw this Craigslist ad looking for a cello player. At the time, I never thought it would change my life so much.
What was it like getting to know your bandmates?
Wesley and Jeremiah lived near me and sent me demo versions of tracks in advance. We rehearsed together and it felt good. Eight months later we went on tour together.
Are you more friends or business partners now?
We are friends. We spend a lot of time together and we have this business together, so we have to make difficult decisions. That's why we're business partners at the end of the day.
You don't co-write the Lumineers' songs. What's it like for you when your bandmates come in with the finished songs?
Wesley and Jeremiah split the composing between them. They are always looking for something specific in the new songs. If I give them input, it's not unwelcome, but in the end the others make the tracks.
Were you under pressure for the recently released second album "Cleopatra" after the success of your debut?
It was certainly different to the first album. However, we were under a lot more pressure back then because we all quit our previous jobs and focused fully on the music.
What has been the best moment of your career so far?
We have experienced so much. Everything happened at the same time: the European tour, our Grammy nomination - and that we were allowed to take part in the US comedy show "Saturday Night Live".
Are there also negative sides to success?
Yes, of course. Sometimes it's hard not being able to coordinate your own schedule and having hardly any free time. Sometimes I also get homesick. But it's a good thing that we're so busy.
THE LUMINEERS
19.07.16, Paléo Festival Nyon
TICKETS
If there are currently no more tickets available: 1500 tickets will be held back and will only go on sale on the day of the event.
