LOR

With support from the likes of Mano Le Tough, Âme, John Talabot and Roman Flügel, Belfast’s LOR is making waves with his remixes of Arthur Russell and Kraftwerk.

Who are you?

I’m LOR. I am based in Belfast, I have lived here for most of my life. I work out of a studio in the centre of town called Start Together. There is a lot of great equipment there that I can use if I need it, but most of all it’s just a really cool place to hang out.

What do you sound like?

There are influences from my favourite groups like Kraftwerk and Orbital as well as more contemporary electronica,  house and techno. Roman Flügel is one of my biggest supporters and there is definitely some musical common ground there.

Why should we listen to you?

I don’t think you ‘should’ listen to my music – just listen if you want to! I like what I do… that’s the reason I do it, to make music I want to hear and to play to people. So if that sounds good to you, come have a listen!

What have you released so far? What else have you got coming out in the near future?

I have a release forthcoming on Nvh, which is a sub-imprint of John Talabot’s Hivern Discs label. It is a trio of bootlegs of tracks by three of my favourite artists. I have my first original material finished and I’m fortunate to be able to say I’m in conversation with some great labels who I really respect. I hope to be able to say more soon!

What song sums you up? Why?

‘It’s Hip To Be Square’ by Huey Lewis and The News. I’m a geek who aspires to be cool.

What or who is your biggest influence and why?

The first music I made as LOR was inspired by Kraftwerk. I wanted to replicate the sound of their Computer World album… as is so often the case in these scenarios, I failed to replicate the sound exactly and ended up creating something different – that track is called ‘Factories 1984’. I didn’t continue to try and emulate Kraftwerk but listening to their albums is a reminder to me that a lot can be done with very little – if you choose your sounds carefully.

Where can we hear your music?

Obviously you can hear my music via my SoundCloud. You can also hear my tracks played by various DJs who are supporting me – Mano Le Tough, Âme, John Talabot. Roman Flügel finished his last Boiler Room with my bootleg of Arthur Russell. I am just beginning to DJ around Belfast. My first DJ set was with Timmy Stewart on Belfast Underground Radio – you can watch it on Livestream.

Where will you be in five years’ time?

Of course I don’t know but I hope it is similar to where I am now, as I am very happy. I am creative and have wonderful friends and family. Anybody who does what I do hopes that their work will take them into new places, open new doors and help meet new people – but I try keep my ambition in check and focus on my work, and then see what happens.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.

I have played synth on two albums by sludge metal band Slomatics, which was really interesting for me. I met them through the studio I am based in. I love their music. Sludge metal has a lot in common with techno. It’s all part of the same approach to music – a focus on tonality and the interplay of the different sonic elements. It’s something I’m really proud to be involved with. The first album I played on is called Estron and you can check it out on Bandcamp.

Find LOR on Twitter and SoundCloud.