Q: Hey, can you tell us a bit about where you come from, and what made you want to start a career in music?
A: I’m from Liverpool in the UK, and have been living in Bali, Indonesia for 12 years working full time as a DJ & Producer. In total i’ve been dj’ing for around 20 years now, and producing for about 12!
Q: Did you have any formal training, or are you self-taught?
A: Self taught..for the most part! i’ve been lucky enough to have amazingly talented friends in the industry which over time has led to me having a good skillset in the areas I need, but i’m always learning and getting inspired every day!
Q: Who were your first and strongest musical influences, and why the name ‘LPR’?
A: So many influences in so many genres to be honest, I like a bit of everything and always have, so it’s hard to pinpoint really! In terms of my name, there’s truthfully not much to tell there, it was one of the quickest musical decisions I ever came up with haha I just kind of landed on it one day and it worked!
Q: You have just released your new single, ‘Swahilisoul’. Is there a story behind it?
A: Swahilisoul is one of those records where everything needs to come together for it to work as one project. For example, I love piano’s in tracks, but everything around it has to work also, or it can be a bit of a waste, you know? That’s why despite this, I don’t have piano’s in all of my work, but you’ll notice that the ones that do, really stand out! In this case, the track was built around it, and then of course there is the non negotiables in the form of the signature bass sound, and infectious drums! No matter what I make, you’ll always find that the bass stands out above all.
Q: Can we expect a new EP or even an album from you in the near future?
A: Yes! I have many projects in the hands of labels already, and even more that are there or there about! I’m now getting to the point where labels are actively asking me for tracks to send them, which is always great having spent years banging on doors and not knowing if you’ll even get a reply!
Q: What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
A: I mentioned before, but the bass is my calling card. If you go back to previous releases, the bass stands out in every record i’ve made. These days though, I have really honed in on my ’sound’ if you like, which is very accessible Deep House with my own ‘Glitch’ elements which I always try and incorporate.
I came across an artist from South Africa several years ago whilst on a bit of a sabbatical named FKA Mash, and my mind was blown! The South African variation of Deep House spoke to me, and i’ve been playing it in my sets, listening to as many artists as I can, and trying to put my own stamp on it ever since – i’m completely obsessed! I hope I’m doing it some kind of justice, in my own way bringing UK Deep House and older Garage style influences into my productions.
Q: Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it, or are you expecting something more?
A: I’m lucky enough to be able to do what I do full time, where as many are not. The struggle is certainly real though, and always has been. There is no magic bullet, just hard work, and a ‘don’t take things personally’ mindset.
Q: Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song?
A: I get asked this a lot! For me it depends what has brought me to the table on that particular day, and it changes every single time pretty much in all honesty! But like I have said, I know whatever I FINISH (IYKYK) must have that great bassline in there!
Q: What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
A: Finding my sound, and being brave enough to stick with it despite what trends may come and go.
Q: On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
A: I’ve had some amazing moments..My debut single ‘Watching You’ in 2012 went to #1 which was surreal but also gave me a false sense of what this industry would be like after that moment. I’ve played in front of thousands of people, including before and after some of my absolute favourite DJ’s and producers, but I just enjoy all of the process these days, and look forward to reaching new people with my music which is especially the case moving from the more commercial side of house to something closer to my heart in this Deep/Glitch house sounding space.
