A DJ, producer and live act who is exploding onto the realms of contemporary electronic music more with each passing day. His music defines itself as a mixture between new wave and breakbeat influenced electro, a sound that is shaped by the distorted drum machines of The Hague as well as the romantic synth melodies of San Francisco in the 80s. We caught up with L.F.T. to talk more about his inspirations, live instruments and approach to music production.
When did you discover that the dark Electro / New Wave sounds are your go-to and what shaped your work in this direction?
I discovered this kind of music when I was in my early 20s. It was played a lot at Golden Pudel and Kraniche club back in Hamburg where I would go almost every day to listen to music.
I appreciate you play so often with vinyls, it fits the style of the music you create and play. What do you think about the current trend of playing with digital equipment?
Since I am a big fan of vinyl and a collector myself I love playing them. For me it’s also much more fun to do on stage. I like a more „hands on“ approach and the mixing focuses way more on what you hear since you don’t have any display/infos in front of you. Therefore I think you can also have a better connection with the crowd since you are not looking down in front of you so much. I can understand that touring with records can be quite annoying and sadly there are often problems with turntables in clubs. So I can understand why for some people playing digital is more attractive.
I just love the hands on feeling on a synthesizer. That every instrument feels different and looks different is already inspiring to me.
Do you also use mostly analog equipment in the studio? What kind of hardware do you value most?
I just love the hands on feeling on a synthesizer. That every instrument feels different and looks different is already inspiring to me. I think if I have to choose some favourites in my studio it would be the Korg MS20, Roland SH 101 and Roland Space Echo 201
That are great pieces of gear. Do you play other acoustic instruments, like guitar?
The guitar was the first instrument I learned when I was a kid, but I am not a pro on it since from the moment I discovered synths and sequencer, my attention moved over to that area
Your music is extremely emotional. Tell us about your full creative
process. How often do you spend time creating?
I am big fan of emotional music and even cheesy melodies. I try to adapt that in my songs. I think I spend everyday some time, thinking about what I could do, Write it down and then go to the studio 1-2 times a week for 3 hours since my attention span is quite low
Do you have any favourite of all your tracks? Something that’s special to your heart?
Hmm that’s hard to say, but one of my favourites would be “Visitors” from one of my first records.
My heart definitely beats for the small underground clubs. I think you can create a way more intense energy with 50-100 people that are all committed to the sound.
What kind of events allow you to fully unleash your energy and unite with the audience? Are they small underground gigs, larger club events or maybe big festivals?
My heart definitely beats for the small underground clubs. I think you can create a way more intense energy with 50-100 people that are all committed to the sound.
That’s absolutely true. When it comes to the local scene. How would you describe Hamburg’s club / music scene? How does it differ from Berlin?
Hamburg has a lot of great musicians, sadly not so many stages anymore. When I was younger there used to be a lot of places you could go like Golem or Kraniche Bei Den Elbrücken which played amazing music and the sound had a huge impact on the music which I am making. However these days, besides Golden Pudel club, there is not much left. Berlin has a huge variety and quantity of night clubs, but sometimes (for me) it’s too much focused on techno music. But there are of course amazing places as well!
Thanks for the interview, it was a great experience for us.
L.F.T. Socials: