THEAUSSIEWORD.COM catches up with local Melbourne artist Lakelend.
How and where did it all begin for you? What drew your interest to the music industry?
I started playing guitar properly when I was around 1o years old. From there I played in the different groups they had available to be a part of at school. When I was about 14 (year 8) I ‘got the bug’ and was hooked. This came after watching some of the older kids play in the live band for the school production ‘Grease’. I just thought it was so cool that these guys not much older than me were performing these songs exactly like the originals, doing them justice and really making noise! From that moment on I knew this was what I wanted to do. I wanted to play music, so I started practicing, alot.
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music? Performing live, hands down. There is literally no better feeling in the world than having an audience react to your output of sound, stories, messages and emotions.
What are some of your biggest goals you hope to accomplish? The ultimate dream is to build a career playing my songs to as many people around the world as possible and set up myself and my close friends and family during the process.
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour? So I’ve just dropped my second single ‘Supernova’ with the music video to follow! I’ll be releasing a few more tracks as we move into the new year and then it will definitely be time to start playing some shows!
Tell us a bit about your latest release and how would you best describe your music?Supernova is about the journey of falling in love with someone extremely fast, moments within and looking back. I wrote and recorded this in August 2019 with my good friend Cam Bluff. Cam co-produced Amy Shark’s breakout smash ‘Adore’ and has also created some of the bangers from Hilltop Hoods, Illy & Allday to name a few!
Give us an insight into your creative process. What gets you writing songs?
I think for me, most of my songs (so far) have been linked to extremely emotional times of my life. Whether that be heartbreak, intense romance or loss there is definitely some type of correlation or common thread in the songs that I write. I’ll usually start with a story or diary entry that i have written on my phone and pull it apart, reshape it and create a song out of it.
Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
Not specifically as I try to make my experiences as easy as possible for the listener to understand but I will say that each single artwork so far has the letters ‘BHC’ on the right hand side. These letters will be linked to and revealed a bit further down the track.
Success, what is the secret to it?
Success to me is doing what you love every day. So many people settle for something less, but I can’t. I’ve got a dream and I won’t rest until it’s a reality.
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
I think there have been a couple of highlights so far during my time in the music industry. Some would include playing to thousands of people in my old band ‘Storm The Sky’ at a festival called ‘Unify Gathering’ as well as playing some of Australia’s most iconic venues like The Enmore Theatre with ‘The Used’ and also having the opportunity to tour the country relentlessly and pop over to play in New Zealand!
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
There are a few artists that I really look up to. One that inspires me everyday is Juice WRLD (rip). He had a brain and work ethic like no other.
Are there any new projects in the pipeline?
There are, this year has allowed me to write song after song and build up a really cool collection to choose what I release in the future. The plan (at this stage) is to put out a couple more stand alone singles and then a body of work.
The music industry is constantly changing, where do you see yourself in a few years?
I see myself touring as much as I can both in Australia and overseas. I want the world to know my songs.
What is your favourite and least favourite part about this line of work and why?
Favourite would be performing for sure. I don’t really have a least favourite but I guess at this early stage of the game asking fans or friends to help push things isn’t my favourite thing to do but it’s necessary! (I don’t like asking for help in general so that’s probably ingrained as part of my personality!)
Name a few of your favourite Australian artists.
A few Australian friends/artists that are killing it right now would be: The Kid Laroi, Troye Sivan, Ruel, Illy, ONEFOUR, Mallrat, Running Touch, GRAACE, CXLOE, Triple One, Lastlings & Carla Wehbe.
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?
I think with the internet and social media things can happen for an artist extremely quickly nowadays. Someone could be slaving away for 10+ years and then ‘overnight’ a song could take off. I also think what takes off has never been more unpredictable.
How will you continue appealing to the international market?
I honestly think the music I am making these days probably translates better in the American market but i’m sure time will tell! Would love to get over there as soon as I can when the rest of the world opens up!
Do you collaborate with others? Who is on your wish-list?
I do! I love the process of collaborating with other people. Some of my best collaborations to come have been literally written with a really close friend as we’ve been able to be completely open to each other as to what we want to say. The good ones have also been written in about an hour which is usually a great sign! My wishlist of collaborators would definitely include Julia Michaels, Benny Blanco, Machine Gun Kelly, Sasha Sloan, Paul Klein, Lauv, Jeremy Zucker, Chelsea Cutler, EDEN & Nothing Nowhere.
What advice do you give for other artists wanting to follow in your footsteps?
I’d say go for it and that you can do anything you put your mind to.
A message for your fans. How do you best interact and respond with your followers and fans? Always happy to chat to people that enjoy what I do! My dm’s are open for all!
Any last words? Thanks so much for having me, appreciate your time and to those that have read on! See you at a show in 2021!!
Website: http://lakelend.com.au
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lakelend
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lakelend
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lakelend/