Laiko

Brooklyn-based producer Laiko has a unique style that truly sets him apart from the rest of the mainstream. The artist began releasing music to Spotify in 2018, starting with his debut single “White Volvo.” In 2020, after dropping two singles that both received tens of thousands of plays, he dropped his debut EP Strange Attractors. One of the singles off the project, “In the Light,” has over 23K streams thus far. With the release of the EP came considerable attention, as he was featured on Spotify’s Fresh Finds: Indie and Fresh Finds playlists. His fanbase has grown to 12K monthly listeners on Spotify; and, by the looks of it, Laiko is only just getting started. We recently spoke with the producer about his music style, his writing process, and more! 

How did you start making music?

After watching School of Rock when I was younger, I left the theater with an overwhelming feeling of excitement. Proceeded to start a band with my little brother and next door neighbors without knowing how to play an instrument.  Still fumble around most instruments to this day, but from then on I was always experimenting with different ways to create music. 

What’s a staple of a Laiko song? 

Autotune

What’s your secret for creating music with a dreamlike quality such as yours? 

It's just how i feel most of the time.  Removed from reality, head in the clouds, trying to create a world without worry. 

Where is your go-to location when it's time to write and why?

Writing happens mostly as a freestyle activity in the studio.  After I have a solid base instrumental, I'll just loop it and sing over it for a while until I catch a melody I like.  First bounces tend not to have lyrics and I'll try to make out words from my mumbles until something makes sense -- or doesn't, but feels good.

What are some of your favorite non-music activities? 

Most activities include music in some way, shape, or form. I love futzing around with graphic design, photography, doodling -- but haven't really mastered any of them.  Playing basketball too whenever I get the chance, but there hasn't been much of an opportunity to do that in quarantine.

Out of any artist ever, who would you love to collab with? 

Anyone who knows me knows the answer to this question. People who don't know me can probably tell from listening to my music. 

Do you have any future projects in the works?

Yup. Focused on everything surrounding getting this EP out from July 17th and now it’s back to writing.