Ben Polson – better known as Lakuno, hails from Perth, Australia. His first forays into the music scene were at the age of 18 when he began gaining momentum in Drum & Bass circles under the name Spectrem after signing to UK label Technique Recordings in 2013.
Ben has since pursued Trap and House music, and garnered success on his first release “Echo (Ft. Bahar Dopran)” which sits with over a million plays on Spotify. The sound of Lakuno can be described as a blend of melodic synths, energetic drums, soothing vocals and a hint of 80’s synth pop.
Ben is a man of many interests. When he isn’t writing music he can be found training for the hit TV show Australian Ninja Warrior, or mercilessly trolling music journalists. Some of his musical equipment could be considered unorthodox, but Ben isn’t one to be bound by the restrictions of what the music industry considers “instruments.”
We put ourselves on the receiving end of his wicked sense of humour and chatted to Ben about his unconventional approach to songwriting, and the pitfalls of the music industry. We still can’t get the image of Morgan Freeman in a bubble bath out of our heads….
Hi there, how are you and what are you up to today?
I’m excellent, just drinking juice and listening to a podcast called S-Town
To those not familiar with you, how would you describe your sound?
A mixture of future bass and house with an 80’s touch.
What are the 5 albums that have influenced you the most?
1:Bloc Party – Silent Alarm 2: Coldplay – Parachutes 3: Linkin Park – Meteora
Which other artists are you into at the moment and why?
I’m loving Kasbo’s new track “Found You”, it’s just sooo well put together, the vocals create such a unique vibe. I also listen to a lot of Ludovico Einaudi who composes some real emotional roller-coasters.
Are there any key pieces of equipment that you are using to define your sound?
I add a secret fart in every song I produce to give it some unique flavor. I own a fidget spinner, I also own a talkbox so would love to incorporate that at some point.
What would you say some of the challenges artists face today in the music industry?
That question doesn’t make sense? “What would you say ARE some of the….”
That question doesn’t make sense? “What would you say ARE some of the….”
Facebook’s algorithms, soundcloud declining, never put all your eggs in one basket. Relying heavily on record labels to get anywhere, losing control of our own music.
Where do you gather songwriting inspiration?
I dance to Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” for 12 hours straight until I pass out, when I wake up I have a new idea for a song.
Take us through your songwriting process. Are there any particular steps you take when putting your music together?
I whip out the piano and play some chords, add some drums, go through my top secret unique samples pack and just go with the natural vibe of the song, never force a song into a certain direction.
What’s the best gig you have ever done and why?
I played on a boat party, it was the worst gig I have ever done, it was also the only gig. I’m waiting for the call from Yeezy to book me for his 50th
I played on a boat party, it was the worst gig I have ever done, it was also the only gig. I’m waiting for the call from Yeezy to book me for his 50th
And the worst?
I didn’t realize this would be the next question, now I’m considering copying and pasting my last answer here…. I guess I didn’t do it because you’re reading this.
If you weren’t a musician what would you be?
A Ninja. #NinjaWarriorAus
Do you have any particular gigs or festivals that you dream about playing?
The funeral of a particular president. Morgan Freeman while he enjoys a bubble bath.
If you could perform alongside any other band or artist, living or dead, who would it be?
The Gorillaz so we could share old stories about Harambe.
Do you have any information regarding upcoming releases, projects or gigs in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?
Remix coming out soon, along with some fresh solo tunes. MUCH LOVE
Follow
Lakuno: https://www.facebook.com/pg/lakunobeats
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/lakunobeats
