Musician and film director Flying Lotus: “The whole lo-fi music has become like Starbucks music” | Flying lotus

You should produce an album for one rapper, no guest spots, just you and them in the studio. Who are you choosing? ShermanMLight
Kendrick Lamar. He’s one of the few people I’ve worked with in the hip-hop world and he’s a true genius. He doesn’t get enough credit for being a producer either – because he has a clear perspective of what he wants in his music, he knows where every sound should be. Not every artist takes this approach, most don’t get too involved. Working closely with Kendrick would make me a better producer. It will be a great meeting of the minds, like when we did our tracks together.

What was it like working with the late great David Lynch? [on the track Fire is Coming]? Stepheno1979
A dream come true – someone who inspired my entire artistic career. He was exactly who I hoped he would be. I went to his studio and sat down with him a few times, and it was really special. And he never seems to age. Twin Peaks: The Return was one of his best works, and the last thing he did.

Was it a big step? Making a science fiction film on a fairly large budget [2025’s Ash, FlyLo’s debut feature]? Steve__bayley
This has been the most challenging and creative thing I have ever done in my life. It took five years, the whole process, maybe longer. It was tough, man, but it was so rewarding. When I saw all these little ideas I was starting to appear on screen, and the characters were wearing the hair and costumes I imagined for them, in the room I helped design, and the special effects were going off, and the lightning was amazing and everything was perfect, and the actors were killing it…nothing like it, dude. And then you have to go back and edit it and add sound and music to it…it’s a lot of fun. [pauses] But I actually don’t recommend it. [laughs] Because making a movie can eat up your entire life, your relationships, everything. It’s a big sacrifice to jump into this world. At every turn, I wished all I could think about was just making music. I will continue to make films, but without giving up the rest of my life while I wait for the film to be made.

You came up with your artist name, Flying Lotus, while “lucid dreaming”, and your name Until calm comes The album is inspired by a dream. Are there any dreams you can’t forget? Or do you like it? harkmamal
Even if I have a dream that I would like to forget, I am grateful that I had it and remembered it. I don’t remember my dreams much these days, maybe because I smoke weed before going to bed. Sometimes I’m in a nightmare and I’m like, “Oh, that was a great pace. That was. That was great.” So Good guidance.” I have to give that up to my subconscious.

Is there any opportunity to cooperate with MF Death Being released? Acid House
I would like to release these things, but I have not been able to contact his estate to make that happen. He had a whole bunch of music that we recorded and kept asking me for more beats. I was like: “Dude, I don’t have a heartbeat anymore!” But I know he recorded stuff on my beats, and it’s where his latest laptop is currently. I heard one of the pieces of music; I know he’s been working on some cool stuff.

She was your aunt, Alice Coltraneher influence on you as an artist, and how do you feel about how her legacy has been reevaluated in the years since her death? com. polymagoo
Honestly, that was very emotional for me. I wish people would have appreciated her in her time, although even if they had, I don’t know if it would have meant anything to her; She was beyond all that. But it’s great that she’s getting her love now. When I was coming up, people were always asking her about John Coltrane this, and John Coltrane that. Now she’s Alice Coltrane. I think everyone who makes art knows, deep down, that no one will truly appreciate you until you die [laughs].

Your will Captain Murphy changing Ego is making a comeback, and who are the current hip-hop artists you draw inspiration from? com. polymagoo
Of course, Captain Murphy will be back. I’d really like to do something with Westside Gunn, that would be fun. And Freddie Gibbs. We have achieved a path but we have to do something appropriate.

How would you say your music has changed from one release to the next? Chevse
I remember when I started how exciting it was to wake up every day and feel like everything was completely new and unknown. Now I’m a better musician, I have a better understanding of what I do and who I am as a person. It is a balance between confidence, ability, innocence and understanding.

I’ve worked with some amazing singers. Who are some of your favorite people to work with and why? Steve__bayley
Thundercat will always be number one for me. In terms of new people I’ve worked with, Dawn Richard always comes up with great ideas and is very inspiring, and I’ve really loved collaborating with Devin Tracy on The Room; He has a great voice. Erykah Badu was a huge inspiration, and the fact that she wanted to work with me was an affirmation, like: OK, I deserve to be here. They were the real deal too – always great ideas and a great approach. She introduced me to the concept of Demoits, where you fall in love with the demo you’ve created and don’t want to change anything. I I love Working with Thom Yorke, just because I was a huge fan of his as well, but we never worked together in the studio – we would email each other and it was a bit distant. But I love that guy, and whenever we can get together, it’s always a good time.

The difference between good producers and great producers is knowing how to get the artist to do their best work. Every artist goes through something: maybe he just broke up with his girlfriend, or maybe his mother just died. They’re trying to write a song, and dealing with life at the same time. You have to find a way to navigate it all, to get the best out of the moments you spend with people. That’s the difference between just making beats and actually producing.

Have you now abandoned the Los Angeles style of music that you were initially known for or is it possible that you are returning to a more dysfunctional style Boom bap voice? CoreSway
I still do all these things. I just don’t put them all out there. But I feel like the whole “lo-fi Beats” thing has become like Starbucks music. I have to make things that challenge myself – I want to try to do things I’ve never done before. I just follow my muse, and try not to push things too hard.