Andrew Halford, better known as Lake Turner, is a London-based producer, who transitioned from a background in post-punk and indie music to electronic music. Notably, Lake Turner has released multiple EPs and the full-length album, ‘Videosphere,’ a blend of ambient-disco-techno crafted in London and on his parents’ farm in Worcestershire. Lake Turner creates music that invites listeners to reflect, whether it be to the sounds of nature or the city. This shines through on his new EP ‘Arcade 55’ out on February 2nd via Ki Records, where the compositions are a harmonious blend of urban energy and rural tranquillity, mixing driving beats with ambient synths and incorporating field recordings from his outdoor adventures. We took a moment to chat with Lake Turner about his thoughts behind the release.

WWD: Could you tell us more about your upcoming EP ‘Arcade 55’. What were your inspirations behind it?

Whilst I was making this EP I was thinking a lot about dreams and the worlds within our subconscious. The title Arcade 55 refers to a games arcade (like one you see in English seaside towns) that appeared in a dream I had. A maze of different rooms where with each door that opens even more of a vivid, kaleidoscopic world unfolds; a place where ‘flowers fell from the sky’.I think there are definitely lots of ideas and nods to the otherworldly places similar to those in the television show Twin Peaks – almost everything is suffused with what the author David Foster Wallace called “ambient spiritual antimatter”. The synth sounds and sonics on the record are more warped and dream-like than previous cuts.

WWD: Which track are you proudest of on this EP and why?

Probably Arcade 55 feat. Anna Pancaldi as it’s a track that’s been sitting at the back of the freezer for a long time & I kind of gave up on it at one point. But something kept drawing me back to it. It was a track that I felt out of my comfort zone as I was initially writing it without any drums to anchor on to. In the end, I think it’s become something that is bastardised but beautiful, which I’m super proud of.

WWD: Through the journey of creating this EP, what do you feel you have learned through its creation on both a personal and artistic level?

I think on an artistic level I’ve learned that it’s better to catch the moment of creation as efficiently as possible when writing and not to delay getting it down. The best ideas happen in that potent moment. Also capturing that moment as efficiently and as high quality as possible in the moment is important as I rarely replace that initial idea with a better recording down the line. On a personal level I think I’ve learned that more grit & character is important to push myself to get the best possible results, I think a previous me would’ve just parked it and moved on. I’ve learnt more to embrace any fears so as to not be imprisoned by them.

WWD: During this EP, you’ve worked with vocalist Anna Pancaldi. How did this partnership alter your creative process and did it go as planned?

I often work with a lot of vocal samples so it was nice to have such a high-quality vocalist like Anna in the room with me for a change. I found that when working with a vocalist, a tiny change or suggestion can go a huge way that you can never get from working with samples. The delivery of a vocal in the room can be so much more powerful & Anna’s voice is just incredible.

WWD: How would you describe the genre of this EP? How does it differ from your previous releases?

I think the EP has a duality in nature: almost half of the tracks being upbeat melodic electronic dance, and the other half being downbeat cross-over electronic/ambient. I think there are similarities of the upbeat side to previous output, but the more downbeat side is probably the most different I’ve explored in that area. I never had an acoustic piano or many electric guitars on previous output.

WWD: Are there any artists that you’re really enjoying at the moment or would like to collaborate with?

There are tons! I guess top of my head I think John Tejada is probably one of the best electronic music producers out there at the moment, I feel. Certainly wouldn’t say no to a collaboration there. I’ve also been a forever fan of people like James Holden, Clark & Nathan Fake, it’s electronic music that set the foundations for a lot of the music I make and I still love what they’re putting out after all these years.

WWD: Do you have any forthcoming projects or live events that you could share with us?

Not sure when this is going out but I’m playing at Village Underground in London this Thursday. Also if there were any fans of the ambient cross-over record Shelter On a Hill Pt.1 – WEM. & I have tentatively started work on part 2.