Name: Penny Lane Diersing

Age: 43

Occupation: Radio DJ

Hometown:
“I grew up is Carmel, Indiana then we moved to the country now (for the past 17 years) and reside in Fountaintown, Indiana — right next to a big cornfield!”

Hobbies/Interests:
“Listening to music, sharing musical experiences with my children, six dogs, a pot-belly pig that does tricks, tie-dyeing with my daughter and friends, interviewing people and sharing their story — what makes them special.”

When and how did you discover Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros?
“I overheard my son listening to Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros and had to ask who that was. They were the first band my son listened to that I actually liked … I almost didn’t tell him. He likes to not agree with me. LOL. Teenagers!”

How many times have you seen ESMZ live? When and where? Describe your experience(s).
“I have been blessed to see ESMZ three times. The Taft Theatre (Cincinnati, Ohio), The Ryman Auditorium (Nashville, Tenn.) and Ohio River Throwdown. The kids introduced me to ESMZ. The first live show, I really only knew a few songs, it didn’t matter. The experience of how the band interacted with the crowd was awesome.

My son convinced me — spur of the moment — to drive six hours to drive to Nashville after work, watch ESMZ and then drive back to work in the morning. Oh my … that show was powerful! By that time, I pretty much listened to all their albums, over and over and OVER. My job allows me to watch bands/musicians perform acoustically in front of me a lot, and I cherish every moment, but it shocked me how many did not perform the songs the same way as their albums. I was shocked and SO impressed that when ESMZ performed, they harmonized and sounded just like their albums. Their personalities flow off the stage, and every member is so talented. Oh, and the other fans … WOW, we have met so amazing people and have stayed in contact through social media. I love how ESMZ brings people together. I believe there is a reason people are drawn to the same kind of music — the same energy or something. Something awesome.”

How has ESMZ influenced your life?
“ESMZ is a musical blessing in my life. As a middle-aged mom, working at a small radio station (out of passion), I honestly was not moved over and over by any band or musician since high school. I feel like a crazy person saying this but ESMZ’s songs at one point where stuck in my head non-stop. Listening to their music instantly fills my mind with an intense feeling of joy. It puts energy of love in my soul that I can feel.

I have worn out the entire radio station talking about ESMZ. I get talked to ALL the time about sneaking in an ESMZ song, but I still do it. Listeners need to have the experience. It is awesome, watching my friends and listeners fall in love with ESMZ and share the love for their musical creations. I feel lucky to experience a band that I love that much. I like every song on their albums; that hasn’t happened for a long time for me.”

Favorite ESMZ song(s)?
“Hmm, that is a hard question to answer. I really listen and love ALL the songs. I Don’t Want To Pray, Dear Believer, Child, All Wash Out, 40 Day Dream, Desert Song, Home, Man On Fire, Up From Below.”

Do you have a favorite ESMZ story?
“First, I would like to say that from the bottom of my heart, I sincerely thank the ESMZ Family. ESMZ has shared moments with our family that people dream about. My teenage son, Carson Diersing, met ESMZ at Floydfest. He had just performed and was eating backstage, and one of the members of ESMZ sat beside him. Carson was thrilled to be able to talk to a member of his favorite band. Later that night — during the last song — Alexander invited Carson on stage to play harmonica on All Wash Out. I was not able to go to Floydfest, but my brother filmed it. As a mother, I am thankful for those precious moments. My husband teased me about how he was there to experience it and watched the video so much that Carson bought him headphones because the harmonica riff was getting stuck in head. At The Ryman, Alexander called Carson out of the crowd … it was a moment I will never forget. I often think that ESMZ are my Beatles experience — if that makes sense. Music has always been an emotional escape for me. ESMZ’s music takes me to a world of happiness and love. To witness my son perform with musicians who influenced him so much and that our family has enjoyed together — singing songs together in the car (well, they tell me to quit singing) — brings tears of happiness.”

We would love to hear your story and what Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros means to you. Visit janglinsouls.com/storytime to tell us your story.