LAR is someone who I have looked up to during my time learning to produce. I first heard of him through his YouTube channel Out of the loop where his videos helped me tackle many of the common production issues that we all face when starting out. I then saw that he was part of the Production Music Live (PML) team, all alongside having a steady stream of releases on some of the leading melodic and progressive house labels.
LAR has a very inspiring approach to music and learning, so I'm sure you'll all take away some useful wisdom from this interview. And remember if you want to hear more from LAR then make sure you give him a follow (links below).
Keep scrolling to hear LAR's recent releases, including his latest one with Monstercat Silk.
Socials: @lar_music_
Thank you for joining us Matt, can you tell us where are you in the world right now and what projects are you currently working on?
I'm currently based in Stockholm, Sweden, but I was born and raised in Nottingham, UK. I have a bunch of different projects on the go at the moment with several tracks signed to Anjunadeep, Colorize and Monstercat Silk which will hopefully be out next year.
How long have you been producing and what motivates you to keep learning and making music?
I started making electronic music around four years ago now, and what keeps me motivated is purely the enjoyment of producing. There is nothing else that I enjoy more so that gives me the drive to keep going.
Watch LAR's hour long set at the Toolroom HQ following the Zerethree release of his track 'Erase' feat. Nu-La (first song in this mix):
"When I started to really get to grips with how to use these tools thats when my mixes started to sound more professional"
What’s been your biggest challenge so far within music?
I think for a while my main struggle was with my mixing and mastering. I would struggle to get my music sounding professional.
How did you overcome this?
One way I tackled this was making sure that I fully understood everything that I was applying to my music, such as EQ (equalisation), compression, saturation etc. When I started to really get to grips with how to use these tools thats when my mixes started to sound more balanced and ultimately more professional as a whole.
Check out LAR's latest release on Monstercat Silk ft. Fagin & Marg Pappas:
"learn every aspect of production until you feel like your DAW is a canvas that you can paint freely on without frustration"
Is there anyone who has inspired or helped you out along your journey?
Production Music Live (PML) have helped me immensely by giving me a full-time income through music, their sound packs and their education programmes.
A quick note: PML is a great platform for music producers of all stages. I have personally purchased some of their courses and sound packs to enhance my learning. Check out what they have to offer here.
What advice would you give to somebody who wants to pursue a career in electronic music?
I would say to learn every aspect of production until you feel like your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) is a canvas that you can paint freely on without frustration. This means learning about things like sound design, music theory and mixing & mastering until you get to a comfortable level.
Here's 'Collide' released on Anjunadeep 14, The Selection by James Grant & Jody Wisternoff:
Thank you Matt - to finish off, what song or artist you have been listening to most recently?
I've been listening to the whole of the newest Icarus album - 'Change.'
Three takeaway tips:
Utilise as many learning resources as possible: From resources like LAR's YouTube channel Out of the loop, to production course packs by PML, and if you're getting really stuck then there's always 1-1 production lessons from the likes of London Sound Academy (LSA offers in-person and virtual) and OPHANIM (contact via insta DM)
To get your music sounding more professional, focus on learning how to use all of your DAW tools. Here's a list of things to learn about, I used this list as a guide when starting out: EQ, compression, saturation, sound design, layering sounds, basic music theory, using a reference track, how to set low end (kick & bass), reverb, delay, limiting, creating groove, panning, home studio equipment, and using automation.
If you're just starting out, keep going: it's really hard to get your music sounding good straight away, so take the pressure off, keep learning and go at your own pace. We can all take inspiration from LAR, he set's a great example for what is possible when you put the time in and have a positive approach to learning.
Insta links: