Lilac Jun
I am very happy to share this interview with Lilac Jun. It feels good to get to feature refreshing artists with a true musical signature. And it feels good to feature something different on my blog. My goal is to interview authentic artists who have a true vision and it seems like Lilac Jun is one of those artists.
His new single “Want You All To Myself” is now available worldwide and it features the very talented NYC-based artist Leksi Harris. Fusing hyper-pop, trap and r&b, the new single offers a distinctive sound that deserves to be heard.
Go stream “Want You All To Myself” now :)
Photo credit: Seji Inouye
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
I grew up on st. louis and moved to Nashville when I was 18 with the rest of my band at the time. Since I was like 13-14 I became obsessed with music and I feel like almost all my relationships from that point on were centered around loving music. After I moved to Nashville I got really into producing and just immersing myself in the creative community here. I’ve been exploring sounds ever since and i can’t wait to start sharing more.
When did you start feeling connected to music?
I guess in 3rd grade they had our whole class take violin in school and that probably did it haha.
When did you start making music?
I started writing songs when I was like 13.
What did you grow up listening to?
Radiohead, Sigur Ros, Sufjan Stevens …
"Want You All To Myself" is your latest single - what's the story/inspiration behind this song?
I think I was just tapping into this feeling of being kind of desperate to make it work with someone or being hopelessly in love with someone through all this shit.. It’s a situation I’ve found myself in more than once haha
Could you describe the songwriting/production process? What made you want to collaborate with Leksi Harris?
I sampled a voice memo of me singing melodies at my piano and made the beat on instagram live last summer. I wrote a couple songs over it before I finally stumbled on the hook which became the soul of the song. After writing the first half of the song, it felt like the song needed a feature and I knew I had to send it to my friend Leksi Harris in New York. Leksi is a super talented artist and I’ve been dying to do a song with her since I first met her on through instagram when Banks reposted Leksi singing one of her songs. I also got to collaborate with my favorite producer Abe Yellen on this track, who added these Walt Disney vibes, and once my girlfriend added these gorgeous RnB harmony stacks, I knew we had a really special record and I’m so excited to finally get to share it.
What's your favorite thing about this song?
Fantasia x Trap :)
What made you want to release "Want You All To Myself" as a single?
I’m just bringing you into my world. This is the next chapter in the story.
What can you tell us about the artwork?
it's an oasis in the desert. sometimes I’m afraid its just a mirage
What do you want people to feel when listening to your music?
Free to feel however you want. Free though.
As an artist, what is the hardest part? And what is the best part?
Something about finding the balance between being a perfectionist, and learning to love and accept the imperfection and the process. The best part is feeling like you communicated something you’ve been trying to say forever. Music is the best language.
What are your thoughts on today's music industry? If you could change one thing, what would it be?
Whoa that’s a good question. I think it’s unhealthy as fuck. But I’m grateful that it exists too I guess... I mean it’s centered around art which is both the problem and the reason it’s really cool. The problem is anyone who sees the art as a means to an end, or like an extension of their brand. Like hold on…. Who really got into music because they wanted to build a brand. Fuck all that shit. Great art actually adds value to people’s lives because there’s love just overflowing out of it. I think music has to be made as a gift to people…. Not a way to manipulate them into validating you.
What does it mean for you to be an artist?
Trying to be more honest.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
Damn. I think probably learning to forgive and accept ourselves. And realizing that everyone is just looking for like a really good friend.. so instead of waiting around to find them you can just BE them.
What biggest life lessons have you learned so far?
I’m ok :)
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