Shows

Maya Laner is the female singer and multi-instrumentalist for Berkeley indie-pop group Local Hero. She went from “just me in my room (playing music), and small performances for friends and family” to professional recording sessions, shows for hundreds of people, band practices and more responsibilities when she joined the group this fall.

But being in the band hasn’t extinguished the private experience of creating and recording music for herself, and in this case a “special friend.” Her cover of The Ronettes, a 1960′s all girls pop group, has a light pop feel. Listen to the lyrics though, which were carefully layered by Maya, and you’ll be overwhelmed by angst and longing for something that has been denied to you. Laner communicates the pop, and the emotions, which apparent ease. Uke parts blend together with equally numerous vocal overlays, an accordion jangle, acoustic guitar, and some irresistible clapping.

The two things that impress me about the back story for this song are that Maya is only 18 years young, and that she recorded and mixed this clean cover with Garageband. There’s nothing immature or bootleg about this cover, however. That’s the impressive part. Sure there are plenty of young musicians out there, and plenty of low budget covers, but this one doesn’t feel like either. It’s more like a 20-something went into a recording studio. Enjoy the stream+download below.

Why Don’t They Let Us Fall in Love (Ronettes Cover) by Local Hero!