House music has always been made from the heart and for the floor. Whilst Loure's music adheres to this hackneyed creed, it exists beyond simply the confines of one genre. His jazz infused, disco influenced cuts have found homes on labels such as Delicieuse Musique, 13th Hour Recordings & Slothboogie Jamz.
An oscillating live performer, Loure can be found in the middle of a flurry of hardware for his solo live show, behind the platters for his DJ sets or conducting a full live band setup that is riddled with horns, guitars, keys and infectious improvisation.
Wemoto Radio welcomes Loure!
Hey Thomas, thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions.
Thanks for having me!
How and when was Loure born?
I was born 1994, an hour out of Melbourne in Geelong. Loure, I think around 3-4 years ago.
At the time I’d been floating around Europe for a few months and ended up spending a lot of time in clubs. In Germany I went and watched Move D play an 8 hour set and I think that was a pivotable moment for me. It was the first time I had really noticed that there was something special about that setting. You’re with your friends, with people you don’t know, and everyone just seems to get it. It kind of feels like you’re a part of something, and that something is something good haha. I hadn’t really experienced that before, It felt unique. For me, I haven’t found that anywhere else except in clubs and within the creative community that surrounds that scene. That’s not to say that it doesn’t exist elsewhere - I’m sure it does - but that’s where it exists for me.
In terms of producing - I had always been making music but not necessarily dance music. I was in a deep phase of trying to make post-dubstep type shit. What I was making didn’t really fit though and it wasn’t very good either. When I came home from Europe I was feeling inspired - I knew I wanted to be around that crowd and music as much as possible. So I guess it was a natural progression from listening, experiencing and then making that type of music.
How do you think living in Melbourne has influenced you both musically and personally?
Musically, I feel that I owe a lot to Melbourne. Living here I’ve been provided with endless opportunities to write music and perform alongside musicians, Djs, and artists that I couldn’t have ever imagined I’d have the chance to do any of that with. I think those opportunities have shaped the way I produce and approach music, and although my music doesn’t rely solely on collaboration, it’s a huge part of how I work now and ultimately how a track or records turns out. To be completely honest, without Melbourne’s underground I wouldn’t have ever met any of these people, and I wouldn’t have ever been pushed in any other direction than my own - they’re the reason my music is what it is.
I think the same goes for personally. My people are the good type, and in a really positive way, they influence everything thing I do. I get to spend most of my time with creative, loving and determined people. I think I'm lucky - not everyone has that opportunity.
Please take us through a typical day in your life.
It really depends what day you’re asking the question haha.
Currently I work full time, 5 days a week - I’m on my lunch break right now answering this interview. Looking at a work day I’ll generally work 9-5 and then when I get home I’ll either jump onto something music related like, producing, recording, or rehearsing for a show.
When I don’t have to work my days are structured so I can try to be as productive as possible. I’m a bit reluctant to explain the detail - it might bore you or seem a bit over the top haha. But generally, my alarm goes off at around 6:00 or 7:00 and that’s when I get up. I’m most productive in the mornings so I always try to start early. I like having my gear close to me rather than at a separate location because it means I can always write at any time, rather than having to go somewhere else to lay ideas down - so my studio is my bedroom. As I’m walking to the shower I turn all my synths, computer and sequencers on and let them warm up whilst I make myself pretty. Before diving into anything I look over my diary/planner to check all the notes/to-do list I’ve compiled over the week to see what I had previously planned to do on that particular day. Generally, those notes consist of things like “work on this track”, “Start writing live set”, or recording / rehearsal sessions and times that were previously scheduled during that week or month. It’s meticulous I know, but totally necessary for me to do this stuff - otherwise I forget about things and I end up not being able to dedicate the amount of time i ideally would like to dedicate to a track, session, or live set. After reading through my notes/to-dos, I’ll work my way through each note/task over the course of around 10 hours and then wrap things up around 5:00 or 6:00.
Not sure if other people can get around a day like that but it’s just my vibe - It lets me get shit done. Hopefully in the future it’ll be weighed a bit more evenly with less work and more music. That’s the dream.
Do you have any hobbies or passions outside of music?
Yeah for sure. I mean music takes up the majority of my time but I still find time to do other things. I grew up skating pretty much every day from the age of 10, It’s not as frequent these days but I’ll take any opportunity to go for a roll when I can.
I also spent a few years studying a range of disciplines in design. I’m currently working in design, so I spend quite a bit of time in that world.
I listened a lot to your music recently, it’s full of smooth house combined with jazz elements. How did you come up with this style, and what kind of artists influenced your taste in music?
To be honest, it hasn’t been something that was deliberate. I’ve always just listened to a lot of jazz, soul and rnb. I guess it was natural for me to gravitate towards that sound and the type of chords and melodies I’ve spent so much time listening too. Really it’s the people I choose to write with though. They bring their own sound and way of playing. Taking the time to talk through and understand their ideas and style along with my own - that’s the style right there. One thing I’ve been trying to do lately is consciously take more influence from music I like. Generally when I produce I tend to lose focus on anything but what I’m making, so I forget to look for any inspiration that might give me an idea of where a track could end up. I’m not sure if that’s a bad or a good thing haha. I think that can be a good thing in the sense that you end up creating something that at least feels like it‘s your own. Maybe it even makes it unique. Although on the other side, lending ideas from other artists can lead to something dope.
When I say lending ideas, I’m not talking about producing a track that tries to replicate another person's song or sound. I’m more so talking to production techniques. Like for example, that way someone might structure their songs, their approach to panning elements, or the rhythm they’ve play their keys in. I think drawing influence from that type of stuff can be really valuable in challenging the ways you might traditionally do things. I need to learn to do it more often haha.
You also play in a band, how did that begin? What was your progression as a musician? What is your role in the band?
It was always something I was interested in doing. I spend so much time playing shows solo that the idea of performing alongside other people was something I was really into. It’s been good for me and the live shows. Playing with the band forces you to re-imagine how you perform your tracks. Having a fresh set of ears and people to run ideas by, you approach things differently. It gives you endless possibilities.
I was asking myself this question the other day haha - “What role do I play?” I was watching Freddie Gibbs Tiny Desk recently and there was this guy sitting front row playing a bongo with a stick for the whole set. I thought it was kind of wack and didn’t add much haha. I did some lite research and found out that guy was Madlib.
Sometimes I feel like I’m the Madlib of the band haha. Honestly I’m not too much of a musician. I can kind of play a couple of instruments but not very well, just well enough to lay down some chords, that’s about it haha. I generally play keys / synth and then control the direction of the set with sequencers. It’s cool though - when I perform with the band, they’re really the show. They’re crazy good musicians, all of them. They steal the show and I’m down on that.
Ever thought to start your own label?
Yeah for sure, it’s definitely something I’m interested in doing. I’m just waiting for the right moment, when I know I’m able to dedicate enough time and love to do it the right way.
Is there any new music coming out soon? Can you tell us a bit about that?
Yeah there is actually quite a bit. I’m really looking forward to sharing what I’ve been up to at some point this year.
Since the release of ‘Avenues’ last year, I’ve been working closely with a number of Melbourne musicians and friends to put together what is personally one of my favorite records I’ve made to date. There’s something about making music with other people. You end up spending a lot of time with them, talking and understanding them both musically and personally. There is a patience about it, but If you’re comfortable with that way of working then It can really lend itself to the music.
Having that type of relationship has been important In the making of my new music. If the people I’m working with feel comfortable talking about things unrelated to music and they feel comfortable spending time with me, they’ll feel comfortable putting forward new ideas or suggestions that could completely change the direction of track. That’s a really valuable type of collaboration. They have as much creative license and ownership over the music as I do - I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Doing things this way has pushed some of the music away from my OG sound, less focused on house. Where as other new stuff is just more refined and developed and still has that same drive. I’m not sure if people will be into that or not. It feels good to me, I like that direction.
Which artists made the biggest impression on you lately and why?
Usually this is a really tough one but there are three in particular that I’ve had on heavy rotation over the past couple of months.
Marc Bianco - If you haven’t heard his latest record ‘Speak Like the Hurricane’ you have to check it out. It’s one of the most refreshing records I’ve heard in a long time - especially out of the house scene. That release really showcases his unique approach to making music and it strays away from your traditional 10 track 4/4 House LP. I could only dream of making something so perfect.
Kevin Over - Since I discovered Kevin Over I’ve been playing at least 3 of his tracks in all of my sets. I don’t know how else to describe it but his shit just slaps. He has this particular sound that is initially heavy and aggressive but it’s always met with something smooth and delicate. It’s just a combination that gets me.
Floating Points - You know he’s the man, he’s always been doing something new. That in it self is something to admire. Everything he’s ever released has been my favorite record at some point and time. I think his music has definitely had a role in the direction of my next release. I also just think we’d get along real well.
How do you approach a DJ set? Do you plan what you will play, or do you decide spontaneously?
It kind of depends really. I definitely have some tracks up my sleeve that I know I’m going to play but more often than not the majority of the set is improvised. Either way is cool with me though - people seem to be so burnt about Dj’s preparing their set, not playing vinyl - those same boring and old as fuck arguments. None of that shit bothers me - do what makes you comfortable and if that means organizing a playlist before a set, go ahead.
Finally tell us about your mix and the feelings behind it.
The idea was a day in a life. From morning through to the night. Enjoy!