Some of the tastiest dishes are prepared with the simplest of ingredients. The same concept applies artistically to Låpsley and her contemplative song “Station”, which eschews the exotic for an authentic expression of ambient-pop. This is a producer, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist putting out something that is rich, yet delicate.
Entirely by herself.
At the age of 17.
With no label support. (yet)
Låpsley has strung together a serious of vocal acoustic releases over the past few months from her home in Liverpool, England, but “Stations” is verging on viral sensation. Surging well past 100k plays on Soundcloud, we wanted to share this tune and were lucky enough to talk with the artist, Holly Lapsley Fletcher, to learn more about her youthfully longing creation and emerging career.
Relaux: Having to handle all aspects of a song, is there a specific part that is most challenging? Most enjoyable?
Låpsley: Most challenging has to be making the beats, takes me ages and I am really indecisive. The most enjoyable has to be the melody and lyrics, creativity boom!
Relaux: What sorts of equipment and production methods do you use?
Låpsley: I only use Samson g-track mic and a Roland Juno Gi and record and loop everything in garageband.
Relaux: You’ve said before that you have a clear vision for your songs. “Station”‘ is mysteriously published as ‘Part 1′, do you already have a plan for the future parts?
Låpsley: Parts 2 and 3 are already written.
Relaux: Do you have any strategies or favorite ways to help you with the creative process of song-making?
Låpsley: I write everything originally on piano or on guitar and then convert it to an electronic track. I write lyrics on the go and save them on notes in my phone.
Relaux: Any mentors or teachers that have especially helped your musical development?
Låpsley: Started piano, classical guitar and oboe lessons in primary school. But to be honest I have to thank my parents for forcing me to stick with it otherwise I wouldn’t have the ability to write the music I produce now.
Relaux: How was the process of making your first video? Blinded by projections?
Låpsley: Haha it may look like I’m crying slightly in the video, but yeah that was me being blinded and choking on the incense lit behind me. I came up with the idea and approached my mate Mike, who is an amazing and talented guy, to turn my idea into reality on a small budget.
Relaux: Do your friends and family realize you’ve become ‘internet famous’ yet? Is it weird or distracting? You must be getting tons of label, gig, and feature requests!
Låpsley: Yeah, but it doesn’t influence my daily life, getting an email is different to getting stopped on the street. I manage it well at the moment. Yeah it is quite distracting, but finishing my A levels is my priority at the moment.
Relaux: Lastly, can you think of any other less-known songs or artists that you think our readers should check out?
Låpsley: Check out Oceaan, really talented producer, he has a beautiful soulful voice, big influence and big respect.
Big thanks to Holly for taking the time to chat with us as she juggles a full schedule of HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES and her developing fame. While “Stations” has now put her on the map, we’ll leave you with a second serving of her talent, this time as a deep house vocalist for Babel’s “Life of Eve”. Keep an eye out for her work to hit commercial channels in 2014 and beyond, with bloggers and media types making comparisons to the likes of Lorde and James Blake.
