by emily harris
photo courtesy of lake!
LAKE! is a project started by an eighteen-year-old Los Angeles native. His two released singles have placed him in a powerful position within today’s pop culture. Coining his native city as a hub of creativity and ambition, his newest track “Better Off Alone” is bound to get you addicted to the scene. We had the pleasure of speaking with him about his future!
Congrats on the release of your newest single “Better Off Alone!” Can you tell us about the writing and recording process?
LAKE!: “Sure, I freestyle all of my music. It's kind of a subconscious release of emotion, a self expression. I never sit down and write, so whatever I feel in the moment just comes out as I'm in the studio or my home studio.”
You also filmed an accompanying music video! What was the filming process like?
L: “The film process was super fun and also kind of hectic. I was on a time crunch. I had to shoot the video on a Sunday and get on a plane to New York the next morning. I got my boys to come produce and direct the video. We shot the music video in Long Beach, California at a house which was used in the TV show ‘Shameless.’ I always love to tie my songs to something people can watch visually.”
What was the inspiration behind the single artwork?
L: “Originally there was no plan behind it. My photographer Griffin Olis and I went into the woods and shot the photo. The inspiration was to portray myself being in my own world. After we shot the photo, we edited the cover art on the same day. After it was finished, I was super hyped because it was exactly how I envisioned.”
What inspired you to release “Dead Roses” as your debut single?
L: “I was supposed to put out a different single before ‘Dead Roses,’ but I already had the music video for Dead Roses ready and wanted to release all of my music with visuals. I was very eager to get my music out to the world and show who I am. I'm glad I did because Dead Roses has been getting great support and I think it was a great first single to put out.”
As you’ve really come into your own as an artist this year, how has it been navigating the industry at such a young age?
L: “Growing up in this industry has taught me a lot of things, from owning your masters, being in control of your creative process, and also having a great team as a foundation. This year has been very exciting so far as I am just getting started to release my music. I am very comfortable and confident with how my brand has come together. I am also excited to share more with the world very soon!”
Who would you coin as your musical inspirations? How have their sounds affected you and your style?
L: “Some of my musical inspirations are artists like Blackbear, Partynextdoor, and The Neighbourhood. All of these artists are brilliant in the way they express themselves through their art.”
Can we expect some new tracks from you soon?
L: “You can expect new singles and visuals from me every month. I have a lot of music already recorded and ready to release. It's just a matter of timing and execution.”
Anything you’d like to say to the fans?
L: “Thank you for all of the love so far. This is really just the start of everything, the very beginning of LAKE!. If you are excited for what I'm putting out now, you'll love what’s in store for the rest of the year.”