A smooth, buttery, soulful mix from London-based DJ LORA S.
Growing up in a household where you would hear the vibrant sounds of MJ and Luther Vandross alongside the likes of gospel and Nigerian music, it’s no wonder that LORA S’ output has this soft, warm glow to it. As we chat with Laura and get to know her a little better, digging through some of her core memories, connections and influences, it’s clear that this obsession for music and constant discovery was embedded in her from early on. Whilst her mixes span all corners of electronic music, there’s an element of groove that weaves throughout it all – something that also lends itself to the event series she founded last year, FLOORJAM. In the manifesto of sorts it says, FLOORJAM is ‘for the dancers, for the shakers, for the groovers, for the 4am crew. Euphoric cuts on the dancefloor for yours truly’, the last part nodding to the self-released mix series Laura started 3 years ago as a way of her stepping out into the world as a DJ and expressing her sound. Through FLOORJAM, Laura has booked the likes of Raji Rags, Soft Break, James Bangura, Dean Bryce, Daughters of Frank, Tatyana Jane, Mr. Redley, and Alexander Nut to name a few. This goes hand in hand with the various radio shows and residencies Laura has hosted or contributed to over the years including Balamii, Rinse FM and NTS as well as key dates at Venue MOT, The Carpet Shop, Corsica Studios, Ormside Projects and Phonox.
With her upcoming dates including Apron Records’ 10th anniversary and DeepDig with Mr. Redley, we welcome LORA S to the 909 series <3
Hey Laura! How are you doing? What have you been up to lately?
Hey Untitled909! I’m good thanks, hope you guys are too! I’m currently easing into my winter arc haha I’ve been djing, working as a music lawyer and working out lots actually!
Let’s start from the very beginning, what was your first introduction to music in general and then more specifically electronic music?
My earliest music memories include watching videos of MJ’s live performances and rinsing the moonwalker vhs till it was on its last legs as well asa hearing luther vandross and various bits of gospel and nigerian music in my home. As I got older my music taste grew from UK pop to US R&B and then Hip Hop and electronic music. My strongest memory of falling in love with electronic music comes from when I lived in Paris and would go out clubbing at french electronic parties. This coincided with the rise in club music collectives like Pelican Fly and of course at home with Night Slugs and related Fade To Mind. I’m a huge fan of most expressions of electronic music but I am particularly drawn to Chicago house, Detroit techno, breakbeat and UK breaks styles at the moment.
Who was the first artist or band that you were a fan of?
The honest truth is I was an MJ obsessive. I remember being nursery school aged and just being utterly enthralled by him and his music.
Was there a formative moment growing up, whether that’s seeing your favourite band live or an incredible DJ set, that led you to this path?
I don’t think there’s one specific moment I can point to but rather a collection of moments. From loving MJ and the Spice Girls, to growing up and seeing the rise of BBK and UK grime in general, it’s all had an impact. I didn’t actually start going to live shows until I was in late adolescence but by that point my obsession with music was fully formed I’d say. However, thinking back to being sixteen and putting on a charity talent show at school might have been indicative of this path I’ve ended up on somewhat haha.
How does your environment inform your work?
I’m not sure how it does. It must… but I don’t think I can really hone in on how it does in this present moment. I’m forever informed by having grown up in and presently living in a big city – its demands, how it stretches and pulls you, its rhythm and whenever I leave and visit somewhere else I meld in a little bit of that city’s rhythm into my own. I think my work is more informed by my internal world and incidentally, and of course, that is informed by my relationships with people. So my anxieties, my hopes, my passions all feed into how I express myself and the sorts of soundscapes I am drawn to and try to build for myself and others.
Where do you look for sources of inspiration outside of music?
My friends and family for sure, films, magazines and other media in general to be fair. I can’t believe I’m saying this but over the last year or so I’ve really gotten into running and it’s a great way for me to not only clear my hear but also look at the world around me whether that be nature, animals, a spot of people watching and work out creative kinks I might be experiencing or receive jolts of inspiration I may be seeking.
What has been your most recent musical discovery that you’re obsessed with?
Ten Thousand Nights! He’s a talented producer from the UK and I’m excited about what’s to come from him.
Also, Alexis Curshe, she’s a really talented DJ from the US and I can’t wait to see her play live and direct!
You’ve also contributed a mix for the 909 series, what’s the concept behind this one?
I recorded this one on a still Monday morning and quite frankly was feeling quite meditative yet upbeat. So that’s what we’ve got here, me playing around with some of my favourite sounds of the moment, easing myself in, stretching out, with upbeat bits, meandering bits, ravey bits, hoping you wiggle along with me despite some kinks along the way.
When was the last time you were on the dance floor?
I went to see Steven Julien play at his DJ Kicks LP release party at the Lion & Lamb. It was a wonderful celebration of such a great moment for him and the line up was great too, I caught Saige Sounds and Yung Ethernet play, fantastic vibes all round.
What are you most excited about right now?
I’m going to Lagos, Nigeria for the first time in 9 years at the end of December, so I am buzzing! I really want to check out the electronic scene out there and have been talking to collectives such as Sweat It Out who throw fantastic parties out there from what I can see. I hope I get to connect with some like-minded people and also just spend some quality time with my family too!
What’s on your vision board at the moment?
Crikey this is a good question! I didn’t make a vision board this year. I made one last year and barely looked at it. It probably didn’t help that it was on my notes app. If I did have one, I think I’d have an hourglass on there. I could do with finding a way to make more time for myself. I learnt how to produce this year so I would love to hone in on that more and grow that craft and I want to start a wellness brand so there’s that, let’s see!