Lemonface is a local pop-ska band that’s been making waves throughout the D.C. metropolitan area not only for their catchy tunes and harmonies, but for the fact that they’re all just 14 years old. Coming down off a show this past Monday at Fort Reno, the three members, Dana, Richard and Brendan took time to answer some DCist questions.

VITALS:
Full Name: Dana Wilentz (bass/vocals)
Age: 14
Hometown: Montgomery Village, Md.

Full Name: Richard Wynne (guitar/vocals)
Age: 14
Hometown: Vienna, Va.

Full Name: Brendan Philip McCusker (drums)
Age: 14
Hometown: Rockville, Md.

You guys are all 15 or 14, correct? Have you found that your youth has worked for you as a band (i.e. novelty in the scene) or against you (i.e. people not wanting to take you seriously)?

DANA: I think it’s a little of both. The novelty thing is okay sometimes because people will make a conscious effort to come out and see us, but when we send our CD to some clubs, I think some won’t even take a second look at it. They see “a band of 14-year-olds” and throw it in the garbage.

RICHARD: I think it kind of works both ways. Because some people might see the Jammin Java website, for example, and see a picture of a bunch of 14-year-olds and think, “They probably won’t be very good, I shouldn’t waste my time.” But then some people see us live and think we’re great because we’re so young.

BRENDAN: I know at concerts I’ve heard during pre-shows things like “here come the middle schoolers,” and degrading crap like that about us, but whatever. When they hear the stuff we play, it doesn’t make a difference.

How did the band get together, and how have you been able to make such a name for yourself in a relatively short period of time? I could barely keep a diary when I was your age…

DANA: I met Richard two years ago at a day camp where you make rock bands (Dayjams). We were put in a band together the first week. I asked Richard to join a band that I had with my friend Kyle, who is a drummer. We started playing around the area at community centers and some local clubs (Jammin’ Java and Galaxy Hut, e.g..) In July of 2004, Kyle left the band. I got Brendan’s number from his drum teacher, Steve Larrance. He came and played for us in August, and we said, “We need to get this guy in the band.” We’ve been together like this ever since.

RICHARD: The guitarist from Dana’s band, Corrupt Dollhouse, was quitting and the drummer from my band, Kilroy, was moving to Florida so we thought it would be a great opportunity. We decided to change the name to Lemonface.