#MusicExchange: Loui Lvndn

Loui (real name Lutho Mtyamde) is influenced by a diverse musical palette, inspired by an array of genres from the likes of Jimmy Hendrix, Queens of the Stone Age, Highly Suspect, The Mars Volta, Arctic Monkeys, Red Hot Chilli Peppers to Michael Jackson, Brand, Boys to Men, SWV stretching to Michael Franks and Simphiwe Dana. A fan of Hip Hop music in general, Loui’s inspirations reveal the broad understanding of music as a whole and that which he creates.

Lvndn recently released his debut album, entitled Your princess is in Another Castle I spoke to him to find out what music means to him and more…

I’m happiest when I’m in the trance, daze that comes when I’m either composing or writing a song. I literally cannot be stopped or be bothered by anything until I’ve spent the inspiration. Sounds like a sonic prison a bit, but it’ s true joy I tell you.

What does music mean to you?

I am music. It means me, to me.

Have you had any funny moments on stage?

Last year while doing an inner-city tour as Loui Lvndn Live, the band and me were playing a fashion show in Maboneng. I went a tad too wild on stage — as one should — and broke the stage. Either the stage wasn’t ready for me, or I was too ready for the stage. Either way, it literally came undone amidst my rage. I think it was during my performance of Degrees Of Comparison from my debut EP.

Who are your heroes?

Let’s see… Michael for sure. Michael a lot actually — what a king.  I really admire Pharrell; he really rides the pop vs. substance divide with grace. And one of my favorite musicians for a while now, The Weeknd.

Which living person do you admire most and why?

Uuuuhm, I think that might have to be Elon Musk for sure. He’s more than a businessman. He’s a visionary and social engineer. Really inspiring how he is reshaping the human condition in the 21^st Century. I have such hopes myself.

What is your most treasured possession?

Headphones. There really is no sadness like when I’ve left home and I realise that my headphones are on my couch. Real life horror.

It’s your round, what are you drinking?

Gin… Obviously!

Way too many of these. Sheeesh. Can I do three?
They don’t really care about us – Michael Jackson
House of Balloons/Glass Table Girls

Nicknames?

Lord Hikari aka Lord Light aka Darling Boy aka Her Killer.

If you were not a musician what would you do?

Write? A novel or something. Or law. Or be a fine artist. I am already a graphic designer though.

Pick five words to describe yourself?

Formidable. Light. Dark. Narcissistic. Obsessive.

What would your five desert island discs be?

Your Princess Is in Another Castle – Loui Lvndn
Zandisile – Simphiwe Dana
Trilogy — The Weeknd
Songs For the Deaf – Queens of The Stone Age
Demon Days - Gorillaz

What song changed your life?

The first song I wrote.

Give us some real proper slang and what it means

Chargie. Jamaican patwah for “a close friend”. Don’t know if it’s a thing thing. But I use it.

What do you complain about most often?

People. They often suck.

What is your fear?

Time. Not doing everything in my potential before I die.

Where would you like to be right now?

Right now. I’m pretty happy.