Q+A: LAKE!

With the release of his latest track, “Circus,” LAKE! proves he is only just getting started. From Los Angeles, CA, the 18-year-old producer and rapper isn’t looking to steal your attention with only his amusing beats and open, honest lyrics; his visuals will also take you for an unforgettable ride. At just 14-year-old LAKE! began learning to produce his music, and now the rapper/producer promises this is just the beginning, and to watch out for what he has in store next.

We had the pleasure of interviewing LAKE! to discuss his newest track, “Circus,” the inspiration behind the visual, and some artists that inspired his sound.

Can we get an introduction to who you are?

Sure, my name is LAKE! I am an 18-year-old artist from Los Angeles, CA. I love to sing, skateboard, and create visual stories that tie into my music.

In three words, could you describe your music to anyone who's starting to get into your music?

Genre-bending, Pop, Hip-Hop.

We can hear a bit of pop-punk influence in your sound; what pop-punk bands, to rock bands, can you say influenced the particular sound you have?

That's the first time I heard that! But I have pop-punk influences like Blackbear, this one is a little less pop-punk, but I love The Neighborhood and The 1975.

For your latest track, “Circus,” you have a visual that resembles films like Henry Selick's Coraline. Would you say that particular film or motion films in general, inspired this specific visual?

Yes, exactly the vibe I was going for. I like horror-style film/art, and I got a chance to work with my talented friend NoFac3 on this project, and we wanted to make something similar to the actual music video.

You taught yourself how to produce your own music at the age of 14; what advice would you give to anyone who wants to pursue producing their own music but doesn't know where to start?

Make music for yourself without the intention of showing other people and getting their opinion. Instead, make music you would want to listen to and sing or rap about things going on in your life. It's going to take time and practice to use the DAW's, but once you learn it and get past the "how do I create" phase, the feeling of self-expression will come through way more.

What could you say that your fans and newer fans can expect or look forward to from you?

To everybody that's been tuned in listening to me now, I want to thank you guys for all of the love; you guys are the reason I keep creating. For all of the new fans, welcome; I am always working on my next release and consistently trying to top my last music video. I got some dope music and videos coming out this year. This is just the start of my music career, so I am excited for you all to be a part of my journey.