Ilanda

Ilanda (sometimes mistakenly spelt Islanda) was a 3 (originally 4) piece band that was formed in Melbourne, Australia. The members, however originate from Auckland, New Zealand, though their heritage is Samoan.

Nothing has been released by the band since 2000, and they are believed to have disbanded.

History

Born in New Zealand, all four members grew up with each other as kids, living in the same neighbourhood for many years. They were all member of the same church choir. However, the fates of the four would come to a halt, when Norman and Lennie migrated to Melbourne. Eleven years later, however, they would discover that Frank and Leighton were in Melbourne as well, so they reunited once more and formed the group known as Past to Present.^[1]

As Past to Present, they achieved moderate local success with their singles "Crazy" and a cover of Earth, Wind & Fire's "September". They also featured on Peter Andre's single Get Down on It. Feeling that things felt a little too rushed, they took a year's hiatus from the music industry and refocused on what they wanted to do in their music careers. Leighton Hema left the group, citing personal reasons.^[1]

They would reappear in the music scene in late 1999 to early 2000 as a three piece band, choosing the name Ilanda, (pronounced the same as 'Islander') a simple reference to their Samoan heritage.^[1] The band achieved moderate success with their singles "It's our time", "Tasty" and Breakin' There's No Stoppin' Us featuring Joanne Accom.

Ilanda credit the Samoan band The Katinas, as being a major inspiration for them.

Members

• Frank Laga'aia
• Lennie Keller
• Norman Keller
• Leighton Hema - (departed whilst the band was still "Past to Present")

Singles

References