LOELASH - Fantasia (Album) + 10 Questions
Italian-but-London-based producer and multi-instrumentalist LOELASH shares his debut full-length album Fantasia. An album that explores creative freedom and takes its influences from a number of genres, it's guaranteed to make you feel something, whether that's longing for late nights with friends in low-lit clubs or laidback afternoons with coffee and silky jazz flowing from your headphones, Fantasia is an open invitation to be truly present.
"I don't think I have ever been more proud of a project I've worked on than Fantasia," explains LOELASH. "I loved every part of it, from conceiving the concept to producing the music, looking for features, engineering and promoting. It is something that has been living with me every day for the past two years and has also helped my creativity through the pandemic. There are so many emotions and feelings stacked up in there - a true statement of yet another metamorphosis I went through as an artist and a human being, translated into music."
Offering the chance to really sink into his soundscapes, LOELASH steers the ship into a plethora of jazz-enhanced waters to navigate us through a collection of tracks soaked in exploration and expertise. Weaving electronic, jazz, hip-hop and classical influences throughout, Fantasia creates its own world of experimentation and gives listeners an insight into the heart of LOELASH's creativity.
LOELASH sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
I was born in a musical family, with both my parents being classical musicians, teachers and composers. I have always been immersed in music since I can remember!
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?Being a DJ always pushes me to listen to so much music and I get inspired by all of it - I do have some artists I listen to every day, like Pat Metheny, KAYTRANADA, Sam Gellaitry, MNDSGN but I wouldn't necessarily want to work with them. I've got a few sessions lined up for the next few months that I'm really excited about!
3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?
Making music wasn't really a problem - if anything, I can say that the pandemic helped a lot with that. I had a lot more free time to just make music all day every day and I came up with two EPs and an album last year. As for releasing, I decided to wait until the situation cooled off a bit and just focused on writing - which brings me here now, with a debut album ready to be released!
4. How would you describe your sound?
My sound is a new sound. While being fundamentally electronic music, you can find elements of Jazz, Funk, Soul, Trap, House, R&B, Hip-Hop, Ambient. I get inspired by all of these genres.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
Probably supporting Anomalie in his UK run back in 2019. That tour gave me such a boost that when I came back home, I conceived the idea of an album and started working on it, making the first batch of drafts.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Don't get too caught up in the social media nonsense. Focus on the music. Trust your gut when building a team. Don't overthink. Believe in yourself. Leave out everything else.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
All the artists featured on my album: Taite Imogen, Counterfly, Palmaria, BAKARE and DijahSB, plus some of my favourites: Entek, BANDICUT, Ellzo, KMB, asvhin.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
MNDSGN - Rare Pleasure, ROMderful - Please Reconnect Controller, The Last Skeptik - you don't like me but I'm still here, producerboibrad - vol.1 EP, Deekapz - Poly EP.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
To take my mind off music I usually work out, cook or play video games. Gym is essential when you're feeling overwhelmed by work, a good diet is recommended too and I rediscovered my passion for Nintendo games during the pandemic after a good 10-year break (which is basically when I started making music).
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
My saxophone, Chamomile tea and incense.