Check out Demons the debut single by Malaysian-born dark alternative pop artist LAUST… Her upcoming second single Broken Love, written by LAUST and produced by Alvin Wee (Pharrell Williams, Jesse Carmichael – Maroon 5, Patrick Stump – Fall Out Boy), will be released in February 2018.
Girl Gang Music got to sit down with LAUST and ask her a few questions:
- What’s the inspiration behind the record for you personally? How did you link up wit the producer to write it & what was that story?
I was mostly frustrated with the music industry and my career after realizing that a lot of artists get pressured into changing their sound and identity to get signed. I watched my peers sell out and turn into something they were not. They changed their sound and image to fit what was trendy at the time and some of them pulled in success by doing it. That made my inner demons question my own path and identity as an artist.
The producer, Phillip Peloubet, went to the same music college as I did but we only connected out in LA. He produced a few artists in Boston and he was also doing film scoring when I met him. I really wanted that cinematic vibe for my music, so we blended his film scoring sounds and my alternative style of writing and made this Alternative/Dark Cinematic Pop baby. Then I got Alvin Wee, another awesome producer/composer out in LA, to come in and contribute to it as well as mix the track. He just brought the track to a whole new level.
- What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I’m Malaysian Indian. (Or I studied pre-med to be a doctor but gave that up for music.) - How did you get started in music so young & how do you overcome fears to create fearlessly?
I started taking electone lessons at the age of 5 and started voice lessons around 10. A few years later, I learnt the piano. As a kid, my family forced me to perform at every family or church event against my will!
I think I become fearless from my failures. When you fail or make enough mistakes, you realize there’s nothing to lose as long as you don’t stop. I believe nothing will stop me and nothing has indeed, so far. That’s what makes me brave to keep creating.
- What’s next for you in 2018?
A string of singles, an awesome music video and a bunch of shows in LA. - What do you hope to tell your listeners with your music?
That it’s okay to feel helpless at times but to also always find strength in acknowledging your weaknesses and failures. Don’t beat yourself up too much and keep pushing forward. No one can break you except yourself.
LAUST’s Girl Gang Picks
Laura Nyro
“She was a singer-songwriter in the 60s around the same Carole King was popular. She played the piano and had this dark quirky soulful rock style that I fell in love with. She was David Geffen’s passion project and didn’t have the biggest career but a lot of her songs were hits for other artists. Apparently, she always performed in dressy gowns, even at small club gigs. I love her song, “Eli’s Comin”, it’s a unique blend of rock and motown and I love the fun tempo pick up that happens in the song.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukFt2IkLlMs
Nai Palm
“I love Nai Palm from Hiatus Kaiyote. Her voice is incredible and has the ability to do whatever she wants with it. Her phrasing is interesting and her songs have the prettiest melodies. Also, she looks amazing and has the most unique sense of style. Check her out on, “The World It Softly Lulls”.”
LP
“Love her! She was one of the first few artists I saw live in LA. Her voice is not to everyone’s liking but her melodies are gorgeous and her range is crazy. She was known as a songwriter at first and wrote for Rihanna and other huge artists. I’m completely envious about her whistling capabilities as well. One of my favorites is “Muddy Waters”, I think you’ll hear where my influences come from.”