Lost In City is a new name turning heads in the world of ambient and cinematic soundscapes. The Montreal artist is part of the original wave of talent to launch Reflections, Anjuna’s new home for ambient, chillout and downtempo music. The label is the third imprint under the Anjuna umbrella, founded by British trio Above & Beyond. We caught up with the Quebec-based artist this week to get the lowdown on recent developments, his creative focus for the rest of 2022 and lots more!
WWD: Thanks for joining us! What has your schedule been like this week?
Typically busy. I have a lot going on these days. I’m fortunate but it comes with a certain amount of weight. The price we pay when we’re levelling up.
WWD: ‘Streets’ has had an amazing reception from the Anjuna family and Above & Beyond themselves. What was your reaction when you first heard they wanted to sign the track?
I couldn’t believe it. I produced ‘Streets’ and the entire album that came with it with one thing in mind and that was not to have any expectations. I wrote it to truly have a good time and bend the rules as much as possible. ‘Streets’ itself is not a track that bends the rules much, maybe that’s why people like it, who knows… I feel like it communicates a certain message I intended to and I’m really happy they vibed with it.
WWD: Can you walk us through the creative process for ’Streets’?
With all LIC tracks, I make orchestral instruments the focus as much as possible but I don’t corner my creativity with it as well.
Cinematic music is very important to me. So it was important to build the track with that in mind. I started the track with a recording of the streets of Thailand as the background vibe and then started putting the track together one step at a time. My trip to Thailand, over 10 years ago, was the inspiration behind this one.
WWD: Montreal is an amazing city. What do the Summer months in Quebec generally look like for you?
Summers here in MTL get quite musical with all the concerts and the shows. I’d say that’s what I like most about it. Especially the downtown experience. I’ve felt like it has changed a lot post-covid, but it still feels like home.
WWD: Where is your creative focus for the rest of 2022?
I’m currently in the process of writing a 4 track EP, it’s coming along well with its natural ups and downs. We’re planning on releasing the album through 6 singles over the 2nd half of this year.
I’ll be putting a lot of effort in building a live set that truly represents the essence of LIC. The ultimate goal is to have an orchestra… overwhelming just to think about it but this will be the start of it all on a small scale and slowly to grow into that huge cinematic experience.
WWD: Can you share 1 essential piece of advice you give any emerging artist trying to make their way in the industry?
You’re ‘in’ 100% with 0 excuses or you won’t survive assuming it’s a career you’re looking for in the music industry.
Always remember that you all have a unique voice. The sad reality is that 99% of producers quit before they master the art of production which in turn puts them in a reality of not ever discovering their true sound. The hopeful thing here is that if you stay in the game your time will come, even though that might be 5-10 years from now.
Follow: Lost In City