Lánre is redefining the pop & r&b genres with every hit. Born Olánrewaju Keyede, he began his music career at age 10 in his hometown of Plainfield, New Jersey where he attended a school for music and was classically trained in vocal performance. He then went on to discover his songwriting talent and released a 6-track demo at age 15 under the tutelage of his cousin and mentor, Mike Will Made-it.
With the 2020 release of his debut EP, In My Dreams, Lánre has shown that he is ready to make an impact on the music industry in a major way. In just a year of its release, the independently released project has gained over 300k+ streams, with lead single “Beautiful Lies” crossing 200k+ streams. He also received support from BBC Radio for his single, “Somebody New (graymattr Remix)”, which is also crossing 200k+ streams. Atlanta’s newest breakout singer is definitely an artist to keep an eye on as he sets the stage for the new age of superstardom. Lánre is artistically at the top of his game and surely has a huge future ahead. And the most exciting part – he’s still only really just getting started.
Who are you taking a page from when it comes to achieving your music goals?
My biggest musical influences are Beyoncé, Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Usher, and Chris Brown. They are all icons and G.O.A.Ts in their own rights. I learned so much about the art of performing and true musicality from them growing up, and I’m striving to make the same if not more of an impact in my career.
They always put their art first and put the ‘celebrity’ gimmicks second. I admire that about each of them and am taking those lessons with me into my career.
What do you have your heart set on for your music career?
Besides selling out arena tours, selling millions of records, and becoming an icon in the music industry. I essentially want to do for others what music has done for me. I want my music to help silenced people feel heard, and for lonely people to feel like they have a friend in me because they do. I remember in the lowest times of my life, I had a Beyonce or Justin Timberlake album that helped me get through it. Above all the accolades and fame that will come, I want to be able to give that same feeling of 'wholeness' to generations of people when they listen to my music.
When are you finishing up your next project?
My next project is already wrapped and is coming out on February 18, 2022! It's called 'No Bodies' and I’m very excited about it because it’s a return to a sound/style that I haven’t dabbled in since writing my EP in 2020. It’s crazy how that was already two years ago! I think my day-one fans are really going to love this song. It’s a catchy Pop/R&B song that’s full of energy and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Once it’s released you’ll understand why I had so much fun writing it!
How do you respond to obstacles in the music making process?
Over the years I've learned that taking a break is the best thing I can do for my creative process. It allows my brain to refresh and for me to have a new perspective on the music when I get back to it. I used to be so afraid of taking breaks because I thought I would lose my inspiration. But now, I've actually taken it a step further by rewriting parts if not the whole song when I revisit it after resting. This has really helped my songwriting process a lot!
What does it take to apply all your focus in making a project come to fruition?
I'm a very hardworking person to my core, and that intensifies when I'm working on something I care about. So for my music projects, it doesn't really take that much for me to channel the energy I need to complete projects. I realize I'm very fortunate to have this trait because I've worked with a lot of people who are more chill about their music which is fine. But I prefer doing projects my way most of the time because it makes everything more efficient.
What are you gaining from spending your time on ultimately doing what you love?
I've gained so much discipline, wisdom, real-world 'adulting' experiences, creativity, the list can go on and on honestly. Music illuminated my whole life. I think in general aligning myself with my calling of being a musician has made me a better person to my family, loved ones, friends, and fans. I had no idea that this would be a result of starting my professional music career, but I'm so grateful for it!
Are there any other passions aside from your music that's getting your attention?
Yes, I have been working on my mental and spiritual wellness over the past two years. It started with me seeing a therapist regularly and now that I know first-hand how much trauma can be solved by just working on yourself, I want everyone I know to do it. Not just seeing a therapist but being mindful of your actions and intentions to help you become a better person for yourself and others around you. I'd love to use my platform to advocate for mental health especially amongst the African-American community.
I've also had a great time working with designers on my artist merch lately. Fashion has always piqued my interest and you'll see me dive more into that as my music career develops!
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