Is it Pop? Is it Emo? Is it Dance? Is it RnB? Is it Rap? WHO GIVES A SHIT?! IT'S LORD LAWRENCE! Lord Lawrence has a sound that is pleasantly familiar but does not resemble any artist I've heard before. The content has this negative yet positive feel. It's upbeat, but it isn't, yet it still isn't contradictory. His tones and cadences are all over the map, soaking in fresh melodies and autotune, but more in a T-Pain way, where you can tell he has a fantastic voice. Expect amazing production quality both in the music and visuals as well. Lord Lawrence builds an eclectic universe with a vast range of sounds, from pop punk acoustic guitar chords and 808's, to EDM beat drops and everything in between. All those things aside, Lord Lawrence himself has an extremely interesting, entertaining and intriguing performance style. My advice, check out his videos and music for yourself, because its fun. His charismatic persona paints the backdrop for the stories within his music. Each song builds and is structured to keep attention. It might lift you up, it might make you think, it might make you dance and jump around, so do yourself a favor and put it on so you can find out. I had a chance to speak with him about his music and experience, here's what he had to say:
Even though you write about serious topics, why are you always smiling?
I think my worst days are behind me. I love to laugh. I don’t really know. I think it just comes naturally. I do have dark stuff that I feel and think, but I don’t want to walk through life swinging my baggage at people and ruin anyone else energy. That’s why I put it in my art.
You have a very melodic tone, do you have a vocal background?
I’ve played in tons of bands, ranging from melodic hardcore to pop/punk. But other than that no. I didn’t take any lessons or anything out of the norm. Actually, just tons of singing in the shower. That reverb slaps. Crying in the shower while “Marvin’s Room” stayed on repeat is the real training I had.
You used to have super long hair, what made you cut it?
Well, as a self proclaimed popstar, it was only fitting I had a mental breakdown that ended in me shaving my hair off. Also, I was so sick of it making my neck sweaty. Your boy already runs so hot.
How do drugs influence your music?
My last EP entitled My Apologies speaks a lot on that. I recently just lost a very close friend of mine to drugs and that was enough for me. I won’t ever judge someone for their choices, but my time with all that is done. I want to be better. If anyone is truly interested in how being hooked on uppers affected me, I’d just ask them to listen to that EP. We taking ginger shots and getting rich all 2020.
Are you collaborating with any clothing designers for merch or doing it yourself?
Not at the moment. I’d really like to, but I’m trying to focus budget and energy on content right now. I think by summer I’ll probably have the ability to make more things happen like that. Huge shout out to @highlxry tho. They’ve shown love since like 2017 and they absolutely make incredible streetwear.
When do you like using pitch corrections, and when do you not like using pitch corrections?
I’m probably just now getting more comfortable with my natural voice. So I’ve been dialing back a little here and there. However, I think autotune is still widely misunderstood. I like to think of it as distortion on a guitar. It’s a tool. It’s fun. But you still have to have a grasp on melody to make it work. I’ve for sure been around artists that use it as a crutch, and trust me... it doesn’t work.
How do you feel about the music scene in the northwest?
I think we have such incredibly talented artists in this area and I’m really proud to be from here. I’ve seen so many sides of the NW from being involved with different genres and it’s cool to see the common hunger everyone here holds. Kinda like we all have something to prove.
Do you draw inspiration from love, or rage/anger?
All of the above, baby. Whatever I’m feeling. Art is subjective, You know? I think I read a tweet one time that said something like that. Maybe it was in tumblr. But, I think it’s important to be honest, so I don’t like to force something if I’m not currently in that mindset.
Tell us about how you feel when you are writing...
I guess it depends on the environment I’m writing in. Studio writing is always fun. Feels like I’m doing what I was born to do. Forgive me for the cliche, it just feels right. I love it. Trying to write when alone always feels much more therapeutic though. It feels like a weight has been lifted when I finish a song.
Could you talk about your latest release "These pills won't crush"... story behind your inspiration?
Man, just needing space. Time to breathe and really figure out what my needs are in order to be okay and fulfilled. It’s so easy to get caught in a toxic cycle. Weather it’s drugs or shit relationship. I just don’t want to drain myself and waste my energy when I could be using it for good. The song is ultimately about wanting to be a better person and believing that eventually I will be okay.
Are there producers you like recording with more than others?
Of course! But everyone has had their own strengths. I’m always just appreciative of the fact that someone would allow me in their space. I’ve been lucky enough to meet people I vibe with heavy. Recently I’ve had the pleasure of working with CallGirl and BILLYRO5E. They are both so talented. I highly encourage any artists to look them up and try getting in the work.
How do you feel about buying instrumentals from producers vs working with friends in the business?
When I was primarily making pop music it was kind of difficult to find someone I knew that was making what I was looking for. So I’d have to look online. However, I just spent 5 days with BILLYRO5E and we have 6 songs that he made on the spot with me. I really hope that solidifies me never having to use YouTube type beats again....
What tattoos do you have on your face? What was it like getting them?
I have my daughters middle name “Daylight” and her birthday as well. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it’d be. Honestly, the neck was the real torture.
Why do you make music?
I have been through a lot. It’s weird to just say it like that, but it’s true. I’ve always gravitated towards music because it made me feel special. I want to feel loved, I want validation, I’m still that lost little kid who got placed in foster care. Life is weird and music is the only thing that has ever made since to me. Shout out abandonment issues and self doubt. Most importantly and why I continue to do this, I don’t want to tell my daughter to chase her dreams if I’ve given up on mine.
What can we expect from Lord Lawrence in the future?
A lot. I have something really special in the works that I can't talk much about. I hate it when artists say that.... but it is what it is. Genuinely super excited for this year and what’s to come. I promise big things.
For more LORD LAWRENCE:
soundcloud.com/lordxlawrence
or find lord lawrence on all streaming platforms
and check out his music videos on youtube.
Search: "lord lawrence these pills won't crush"
or "lord lawrence my apologies" for his most recent visuals
