LCAW is the alias of Berlin-based, Munich native Leon Weber. The 23 year old artist began his journey in the realms of classical music, growing up in a family of musicians and training as a Cellist and Pianist before developing into an electronic producer. He burst onto the electronic scene in 2013 as his unofficial bootleg mixes started to gain traction online – since earning him a legion of followers and supporters.
LCAW’s unique blend of pop and dance music has gained him support from the likes of ODESZA, Martin Garrix, Robin Schulz and Felix Jaehn. He has also since turned in acclaimed remixes for the likes of London Grammar, Parov Stelar, Asaf Avidan, Fritz Kalkbrenner, Marlon Roudette, ZHU and many others. LCAW’s 2016 debut single “Painted Sky” reached the German airplay charts and gained more than 8 Million streams, and singles with artists such as Dagny, WhoMadeWho, Sophie Ellis-Bextor soon followed, propelling his distinctive vision further into fruition.
We caught up with LCAW on inspiration, travelling and dream collaborations:
For anyone unfamiliar to LCAW’s intoxicating resonance – how would you personally describe the music you produce?
Over these past few years there has been a mixture of disco and funk infused dance music and some more indie-inspired dance tracks. It’s all about atmosphere, I tend to make more downbeat and chilled music; sweetly flowing melodies are the heart & the soul.
Your latest offering Meet Me In The Middle EP is full of wonder and excitement; could you detail this recording process? And what was it like working with such a talented, iconic artist such as Sophie Ellis-Bextor?
Working with Sophie Ellis-Bextor was inspiring. We had the recording session at the same studio where James Blunt, Adele and Lana Del Rey had been to record and it was an amazing atmosphere. When we weren’t recording we had great conversations about upcoming projects, the current state of music, inspiration etc. Overall the EP didn’t take too much time because I got the chance to work with incredible singers and co-writers with writing sessions taking place in London, Berlin, Stockholm and New York. Each track has its own story and put together they mark an important point in my musical evolution.
Could you possibly give us some insight into the inspiration behind writing the track “Hummingbird”?
Hummingbird is a personal track with quite sad lyrics; missing someone and thinking about them 24/7. While humming in hooks can be cheesy, with this track it just made perfect sense and the melodic and rhythmic character makes it a great “drop” element.
Stream an exhilarating, exclusive mix presented by LCAW –
How would you describe Munich’s live music scene? Is there anything you would like to improve, or even change about it?
Right now there a lot of motivated people working on improving the Munich nightlife and live music scene and it seems to be getting better and better. There’s been a period when a lot of clubs and venues had to shut down due to politics and investors trying to make more profit out of properties but a handful of really good venues managed to establish themselves and are now a platform for upcoming artists and established musicians and performers.
If I personally could change anything right now, I’d try to establish more open air locations and cheaper prices for entry fees and drinks.
You have toured and performed all over Europe and beyond; are there any specific places that hold a special place in your heart when it comes to performing?
Paris will always hold a special place in my heart, I used to play up to 6 times a year throughout the city and everytime I returned I got to see more and more familiar faces in the crowd. I got to make my greatest club-experiences there and the biggest part of my fanbase is located there, super supportive and heartwarming people.
Are there any pieces of equipment, hardware or software which you feel is absolutely essential in producing LCAW’s original and unique tone?
I’m a classically trained pianist so my biggest inspiration and starting point for every track is on the keys. Most of the production is happening in Ableton and some essential software plugins for my sound are the ones from Waves, Soundtoys and Arturia and also I tend to use a lot of real instruments like electric bass, electric and acoustic guitar, rhodes and piano.
You have remixed for and collaborated with a host of prolific artists, such as London Grammar, ZHU, WhoMadeWho, to name a few. But if you could choose to collaborate with any artist on the planet, who would it be, and why?
If I could choose any artist to collaborate with right now it would probably be Mø. Her voice, her writing, there’s so much about her – it would be a dream to make music with her.
Care to mention any of your own personal playlist favourites? What are you listening to at the moment?
I think everything Elderbrook is putting out at the moment is fire!
Other than that I really enjoy listening to MGMT, Four Tet, Jon Hopkins, Rival Consoles and Boys Noize. I also curate my personal favourites playlist on Spotify
What does the future hold for LCAW?
At the moment I’m collecting new ideas and finding new inspiration, soon I’ll take all that back to the studio and then it won’t be too long until some new music comes out.
Order Meet Me In The Middle EP by LCAW
For more information follow LCAW on Facebook
