Lo

Background and Influences:

Who are some of your biggest influences?

My dad, My older cousin Lance (aka “L-Jay”), and my engineer Raph Echols (aka CamberMixedIt) are my biggest influences. My dad, a gospel choir director, taught me to play instruments and nurtured my love for music from an early age. I’m also inspired by artists like SWV, Leon Thomas III, Pink Sweat$, Masego, 4Batz, Jade, Guy, Keith Sweat, and Ne-Yo.

Where are you from?

I’m from Marysville, Washington, just north of Seattle. I also have dual citizenship in Canada since my mom is Canadian, and I have family in Vancouver and Alberta.

How has your upbringing and experiences impacted the type of music you make?

Growing up in a Black gospel church with my dad as the choir director gave me a strong foundation in music. I played in concert and jazz bands and took music theory, which shaped my understanding of structure and harmony. While my dad pushed me into music at first, I grew to love it and became passionate about songwriting and creating music that feels timeless.

What was the first song you ever released and can you still find it online?

The first song I ever released was called “Remember,” a diss track I dropped in my freshman year of high school on SoundCloud. It was set to Drake’s Back-to-Back instrumental and got about 2,000 plays in a week. It’s no longer online because it doesn’t reflect who I am as an artist now, but it’s a good memory of how I started.

Creative Process:

Where or what do you get most of your inspiration from?

I draw inspiration from my life experiences, emotions, and the vibe of the instrumental. Sometimes it’s something I’m going through, and other times, it’s just the feeling the music gives me.

Can you walk us through a typical songwriting process?

I freestyle my songs in the studio based on what’s on my mind or heart at the time. I start with the instrumental, find the vibe, and then punch in or revise as I go. It’s about capturing raw emotion and refining it into something cohesive.

How do you know when a song is finished?

It’s hard to say because I’m a perfectionist. I’ll keep refining a song until it feels right, but I also rely on trusted people to let me know when it’s ready to release.

What are some challenges you face when writing and recording a song?

One challenge is overthinking and wanting everything to be perfect. Another is balancing my desire to experiment with keeping things authentic to my sound.

Do you have any rituals or routines that help you write?

Not really—my process is very free-flowing. I let the instrumental guide me and see where it takes me.

Music Career and Goals:

What is your main goal for your music career?

I want my music to resonate with people and have longevity. My goal is to create timeless songs that people connect with emotionally and play for specific moments in their lives.

How do you handle criticism?

I love criticism, whether constructive or not. I believe there’s always room for growth, and I take feedback into consideration without letting it discourage me. I’m confident in myself but open to learning from others, even when the advice is tough to hear.

What message are you trying to convey through your music?

I don’t have a specific agenda—I create music based on what I’m feeling. However, I avoid promoting drugs, violence, or negativity. Music holds power, and I want even my sad songs to contribute to a more positive world.

What are your current thoughts about the music scene in your city?

There’s never been a better time to be part of the music scene. Talented artists like Oblé Reed, Yonny, and Tooly are making a name for themselves, and the scene is finally progressing. I’m proud of my peers, and I know they’re proud of me too. There are many more artists that I didn’t name because I can’t name them all, but those are just a few.

What are some of the biggest challenges you have navigating the music industry?

Understanding the business side of the industry is the biggest challenge. Making music is the easy part, but learning marketing, promotion, and how to target an audience takes intentional effort. I took over two years off to focus on these areas, and patience was the hardest part of that process.

Delve Deeper:

Can you share the most pivotal moment in your music career so far?

About two and a half years ago, Oblé Reed, Nash Pearson, and Yonny sat me down at Starbucks for an honest conversation. They told me to take my time, perfect my craft, and focus on what sets me apart. At first, I was hesitant, but I listened and took over two years to refine my music and branding. That conversation changed everything and led to my current path.

How do you balance being an artist and making music with other aspects of your life?

My son is my top priority. While music is incredibly important to me, he comes first. I balance everything through time management, discipline, and prioritizing, making sure I dedicate time to both my son and my music.

What kind of impact do you want your music to have?

I want my music to feel like medicine. Whether someone is sad, happy, or celebrating a milestone, I want my songs to be what they turn to for comfort or connection.

What advice would you give an aspiring artist or someone thinking of becoming an artist?

Be authentic and never stop pushing creative boundaries. Too much music today sounds the same, but if you stay true to yourself and focus on creativity, your work will stand out. Have fun, and don’t be afraid to be different—that’s what makes music connect and last.