How did you get involved with Gritty In Pink? 
Tyler-Simone Molton (“TSM”): "We were introduced to Gritty through Instagram. We were impressed with their cool content and unique focus on female rockers! Shortly after comments and likes were exchanged between us, you guys invited Lesibu Grand to do a livestream performance at the 2020 virtual festival Atlanta session. After that show we became instant friends with Shira and the whole Gritty In Pink crew <3."
When did you start your music journey? What was the moment for you, that you knew this is what you wanted to do as a career?
TSM: "I knew pretty early on what I wanted to be. 'Either a Doctor, a singer, or a stay-at-home mom.' That was 14-year-old me lol. But since then, things really haven’t changed. I am currently living out one of my aspired career paths and I couldn’t be happier! As far as my journey is concerned, I have a vast one. I started at age 6 knowing how to sing along with my favorites like Christina Aguilera, Destiny’s Child and Mariah Carey (I know! My tastes have changed :P) From there I entered 6th grade where I learned how to play violin. I continued to sing throughout those years but just recreationally since my primary focus was on violin. I played in college and sometime after that but haven’t really since the band formed in 2018. Now I mainly focus on vocals with some guitar strumming here and there for songwriting purposes. I hope to continue to improve my vocals through lessons and playing shows which will hopefully help solidify this music biz as a reliable career path and a dream come true!"
When did your band form? How is it being the frontwoman?
TSM: "In 2018, when bassist John Renaud and I reacquainted with each other at the Pains of Being Pure at Heart show in Atlanta. I think I naturally draw to the center of attention so being the frontwoman comes naturally to me. However, I do feel at times that I wish I could blend in with the band a bit more. Ultimately, being the frontwoman gives me a lot of opportunity to express myself in a powerful way. I feel confident and energized after those performances!"
First concert you went to?
TSM: "My first concert was Lady Gaga. I was with my little sister and the security guys escorted us to the front row because he saw how much fun we were having. It was epic! Gaga is a truly talented performer and I try to take some of my cues from her."
You’re known as a new wave/punk band, are there any genres you’re interested in branching off into or trying? 
TSM: "Yes for sure!  We really love dance music, especially disco, which we think we can blend well with our new wave punk sound. We take much inspiration from Blondie."
How did your band get the name “Lesibu Grand?”  
TSM: "Lesibu is my South African grandfather’s last name which is also my middle name. We paired Lesibu with grand as a tribute to my grandmother, “Grand Sandra” We originally had “Grand Lesibu” as the possible name pick. But, we decided on ‘Lesibu Grand’ because it flowed a bit nicer."
Who are your biggest musical inspirations? 
TSM: "Blondie, The Clash, Daft Punk, Solange, Kanye West, and Nirvana (to name a few).
Do you have a dream artist you would like to work with in the future? 
TSM: "Yes. If Daft Punk decided to get back together for ONE last song, I would have them featured on one of our songs! It would be a dream come true <3
What’s one thing the band likes to do together when you’re not working? 
TSM: "We love to hike, cook, make cocktails, and hang out for hours in hot tubs!
Favorite TV Show?
TSM: "How I Met Your Mother."
Your favorite quote?
TSM: “If you ain’t first, yer last.”
One word to describe your band?
TSM: "Lasagna: it’s got many layers, saucy, delicious and fills you up. So, yea, Lasagna."
What’s your ideal day?  
TSM: "It starts by me waking up early to go on a hike before it gets too hot. I’d play my 'Good-morning' playlist. Follow that up with brunch that serves bloody Mary’s and crab cake Benedict. After that, I’d go take a shower and a nice long nap. Then I’d eat AGAIN, probably at a steakhouse or seafood restaurant and go to a music show or an art gallery. Get home around 10 pm then cuddle with an animal (human or non-human) and go to sleep. Rinse and repeat."
Where do you see yourself and the band in five years?
TSM: "I hope that we are touring the US and Europe and potentially elsewhere making interesting but accessible music that stimulates people to think deeply and also feel good about themselves. That would be amazing!"
Biggest advice for young women just entering the industry? 
TSM: "Be sure to value yourself and your work, but also be objective about how to improve your work and your career, and surround yourself with people of integrity. Like Gritty In Pink!"
What’s next for the band? Any upcoming music releases or tour dates?  
TSM: "We really love partnering with creative people and making remixes of our songs. We will be releasing a remix of our current single 'I’m Not Sorry' which was done by a Chattanooga based producer named Summer Dregs, and he turned the song into a duet with a singer from NYC called BROCRISP. Its very synth/80s pop! We are also playing Hullaween Festival in Florida on Oct 31st -- it will be complete madness!"
Any final comments?  
TSM: "We just want to take this opportunity to say thanks so much for what Gritty In Pink has done for us, and many other fantastic female-led bands! It means so much to us to be a part of your orbit, and we’ve gotten to know a lot of other fantastic female musicians through you all. We hope to make it out to LA sometime in 2022 and hopefully meet in person!!"