LEWISLAND Releases Gold Digger
A new album release from Lewisland delivers a slew of gorgeous and colorful arrangements and instrumentation that are built upon these lush and vibrant soundscapes and rhythms that are uncontrollably danceable and you find yourself becoming addicted to the entire vibe of this record quite quickly.
The Gold Digger album is able to take a multitude of influences and different songwriting approaches and styles and bring them into one record that still feels confluent and connected somehow.
There's no way you can listen to this record and not start moving your body because it was made and based on deep grooves and classic rhythms that are quickly infectious and have you shaking your butt in your seat or dancing around your living room trying to sing along on the first go.
This record has everything from guitars, vibrant vocals, horn sections, live drums, walking bass lines, and so much more and it all has this energy that feels like a live performance right there on the floor and recorded so that everyone involved was just feeding off of each other the entire time.
This makes you want to go see all of it performed live right in your face simply because that energy is so massive that you sort of want it forever.
The cool thing about this is that the instruments complement each other just as the vocals complement the entire musical ensemble.
You can hear this influx of influences from classic hip-hop, reggae, rock, Soul, and so much more just all coming through in different little sections of different songs.
This is all part of why this record comes through with so much energy and so much impact. Not only is it endlessly fun and danceable, but it's got some meaning behind it and a lot of these songs came from someplace real but it also is able to combine so much culture in one record that you come out of it feeling a little bit different.
This is a perfect example of an album that was built and created with fewer boundaries than you might be used to and I think that's important when it comes to someone who is making music purely for the passion of making music.
Lewisland really has his finger on the pulse of what he wants musically and can bring so much of what he envisions to life that you can't help but wonder how he does it, how it goes from an idea to fruition.
Now, we're no strangers to the artist and can tell you that this is an even more expansive record with a larger instrument base and more diversity than ever before and again, because the artist himself is so cultured in general. He was born in Nigeria, raised in Italy, and now lives in London.
He can take so much of himself and put it into the music, that you can feel it when you listen.
The vocals are robust and right in your face performed with a lot of heart and a lot of colorful vibrancy.
This is an album that you can't just listen to one or two tracks and understand in full.
Listening to a few songs from this record will not give you an idea of the full spectrum of what it actually has to offer.
With the release of such a genuine and intense set of sounds, we had to have a sit down with Lewisland to find out where all of this actually came from and what might be next for the artist.
Here's what happened.
Let's kick things off by talking about the Gold Digger album which really feels personal while being expansive and refreshing musically. Where did this record come from? What is it about for you?
I was inspired to make the album during my trip to Nigeria. This was the first time I went back to my country in 18 years. I was expecting a big change, but I was saddened to find out nothing really changed. This album was the best way to express my experience.
I feel like it's been at least a year since we've heard music from you, is that right? Was this a big project to take on for you?
hahah I think it's close to 2 years. Time goes by so fast. This is my biggest project ever. I went from R&B/Soul to Afro-Funk which I found more complex but rewarding. I had a story to tell and I'm glad I was able to narrate it perfectly!
Aside from vocals, what are you performing on the record? Did you have any help or collaborations for any tracks?
I played the Keys, Organ, bass, guitar and programmed the drums, strings and horn section. I had help from my Band on "Festacville" and other musicians on the Guitar, Drums, Sax and Trumpet.
There are aspects about the record that makes it feel like a concept album. Is this right in some capacity?
Absolutely! The concept of "GOLD DIGGER" highlights the corruption and greed amongst those in power. My goal is to deliver the message that will leave you questioning the truth and everything in its way.
Did you write and compose most or all of the record? There is a variety of styles and instrumentation that give color!
I wrote and composed all the songs on the album. I think I pulled off the impossible with this one The whole album was recorded in my living room which I think is quite impressive. I wanted to make it sound big, like it was played by 10 musicians in a mega-studio. The key was blending analog and digital sounds while recreating a studio atmosphere. That's the magic color!
Can we expect music videos coming from you soon?
Yes, the music video for the single "Checkmate" just dropped. https://www.youtube.
Are you planning any shows or tours for this record?
I just played at the Wilderness Festival last week with my band, which is currently my biggest show to date. I will be travelling next month for a show in Italy to promote the album.
What is your absolute favorite aspect of making music?
Making music is like making love, every aspect of it is great! My favorite part is the songwriting, There's something fascinating about painting pictures with words.
This album felt like it was very character driven and it shows personality! How does it feel to finally have it released? Is it like a weight off your shoulders, or are you still itching to go back into the studio?
I feel I poured my soul into this album and I'm curious to see what the universe and my fans feel about it. So far, the reception has been amazing. I think it's the harvesting period, so I will just chill, play shows and promote the hell out of the album.
What would you like to say to fans of the music?
I won't stop fighting to create good independent music. Your support will be crucial to keep us going strong. Like, share, and buy the merch <3
