Elektro Exclusive Interview with Adrian Lux

How was the show at Webster Hall? Any highlights you really enjoyed?

Adrian: The show at Webster Hall was amazing! It was fun to do. I love premiering something new, something that’s not out yet. I premiered my next single, “Wild Child” which is a collaboration with Marcus Schossow.

When you look to collaborate with someone, what kind of vibe or talent do you keep an eye out for?

Adrian: I mean just something that will collide with what I’m working on. You always collide working with someone else because you’re not the same person, but I just look for what can be interesting and fresh. I think it’s important to try new things even though it doesn’t always work. But, it’s good to be open-minded and not hold back from new sounds.

After playing for an audience, what do you like them to leave with?

Adrian: Something new, maybe something they might not have liked in the past, but now enjoy because I am all about mixing different types of electronic music. I can go pretty commercial, but I like mixing the electronic music I like.

Can you tell us a little more about your musical background? In the past you’ve played around with reggae and dubstep.

Adrian: I grew up with a band background, playing instruments since a young age. But I realized I wanted to do something I could do on my own. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do but when I was 16 I started going to a new school and I got together with this group of people who were into rap music and hip-hop. I felt like that world was pretty cool because it was more free. You can rap, produce or even break-dance. Essentially, you could get into whatever kind of element you wanted to get into. From there is where I got into a lot of English hip-hop after that and that takes a lot from electronic music like drum and bass. So from then on I wanted to do more story telling with my DJing.

What moment made you say “I want to start producing?”

Adrian: I think it was when I started DJing and I knew I wanted to start producing because I had so much fun DJing. I had this summer job, so I saved all my money and went to London to buy equipment. I started producing and playing my own stuff because, well, it goes hand-in-hand. The point is to play your own stuff in between other’s material.

Something we really like about your music is that it has this sort of “in-between-ness” to it. It hits really hard, but has this softness at the same time. Can you discuss that a little more?

Adrian: I think it’s because I come from a more techno background, where everything is very loop based. So I try to make my music more “pop-house”, like I make everything in the song something that I can hear in its original and then I can play with all the elements. So that outcome is a techno song that still hits hard but it’s still like a more organic sound, because I’m not a huge fan of big drops that completely change the song into something else. I’m not completely against it, but it’s not something I’m a fan of.

You always seem to find the perfect vocals for your tracks. How do you go about choosing?

Adrian: Well, I breed the vocalists on a farm. hahaha! No, but I put a lot of time in choosing. I think it comes from my techno background like if I want to put someone on a track there has to be really good vocals over it. So I’ve spent a lot of time trying to become good at writing lyrics and working with vocalists. I definitely think I have a good ear for picking out vocalists, but then there’s also a big process on what to do. So on my tracks I try to write down hooks and progressions for the vocalist, in order to make good concepts around them.

Can you walk us through what your production process is?

Adrian: It starts with the initial inspiration and that can come from the guitar, or something that’s the musical part of it. So if I have amazing vocals, I don’t want to compromise it with a melody. I’ll try to keep the surrounding components of the vocals very simple.

Where would you say your musical education comes from?

Adrian: It comes from a lot of DJing, because it’s basically training for the ears. I’ve also taken some guitar lessons, but other than that, I haven’t had any sort of musical training. I used to DJ in my room and I learned how to get used to rhythmic arrangements. Also, when you play a lot you don’t really have time for music you don’t feel. I remember when I was a kid, I would listen to anything, but now after DJing your world gets smaller but bigger too. You start liking certain music and wanting to play more of it.

How do you avoid sounding monotonous and staying on your feet in terms of always providing something original and thoughtful?

Adrian: I think I just learned to do this well. You know, in the beginning you’re insecure, but then you gain that confidence and you learn what works. I remember the first time I was coming over here and I just made music I always felt like it wasn’t a “bang” or a big hit, so I was afraid to showcase my music to others. But then I started traveling more here and meeting others, so I started to really appreciate having my own sound instead of always competing for the “sickest” drop. I try to do my own thing and be the best I can be, in order to try and give the people something new.

Speaking of American crowds, what’s your experience with playing for here?

Adrian: You can definitely feel that it’s a new scene. I think the whole scene is getting better. I’ve seen the evolution, like back in Sweden, and I can see the change, but it’s obviously not going to be the same. It will definitely become more and more interesting.

Where do you see yourself in that evolution within the next couple of years?

Adrian: I’m not too sure, I’ve thought a lot about it. Sometimes I spend too much time caring, so I feel like I need to stop caring and just be in the moment.

We’ve heard you’re you working on your second album already. Can you tell us more about it?

Adrian: I’ve been working a lot of on it, but since I’ve been on tour recently I don’t have as much time. Every free second I have I try to do something on it. On this album, every track will be something special, something new. I’m really going to try to produce ten really strong songs. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some really interesting people and some cool vocalists. I’m also trying to make really good instrumental tracks. It’ll be out next spring.

Now on to what the people really want to know! Have you ever been arrested, and if so for what?

Adrian: No I haven’t! haha

What’s the funniest fangirl experience you’ve had?

Adrian: It was this girl in Vancouver! It was a really fun show and my first Vancouver show, but she had those hats that go into your arms [rave furry hats] and she was standing on the side and screaming the whole time, mind you this place isn’t that big. This girl eventually made it up to the stage and said “We’ve got to get tattoos!” So I was pretty drunk at this point and well we ended up at this tattoo place. When we got there it was closed, but yes I was planning on getting a tattoo.

What were you going to get?

Adrian: I don’t know, I was so drunk. Eventually I sobered up and told myself, “You need to go home!” She was cool though, a lot of fun.

Do you have any pet peeves?

Adrian: Well, I’m a terrible morning person if that counts.

What’s the first album you ever went out and bought?

Adrian: The Black Album.

What’s your favorite movie?
Adrian: A Fish Called Wanda. I’ve just seen it so many times because my grandma had it recorded. Anyway, it’s really good. So every time I’d go over to my grandma’s house I’d want to watch it.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Adrian: I had a phase when I wanted to be a Marine Biologist.

What’s your favorite drink? Alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

Adrian: Beer and non-alcoholic beer. I really like beer, to the extent that I enjoy non-alcoholic beer. They’re all good!