André Laos
A Gothenburg producer, a Red Bull Music Academy place and two EPs on New York’s Let’s Play House: the disco-tinged house of André Laos.
- Swedish producer and musician based in Gothenburg.
- Took part in the Red Bull Music Academy in 2013.
- Debut EP Roundabout on New York’s Let’s Play House in April 2014, followed by Nordic Delight in 2015.
André Laos makes the warm, melodic end of house music: piano lines, disco touches and drums that sit slightly behind the beat. The Gothenburg producer found his first home far from Sweden, on the New York label Let’s Play House, after a year that took him through the Red Bull Music Academy.
Gothenburg roots
Laos grew up on the outskirts of Gothenburg, near the woods, with a twin brother. The two had a rehearsal room at home, with drums and synthesizers. By 2014 he had lived in the city itself for about ten years. Alongside his solo work he played in a noir electro-pop band that performed at Roskilde Festival, and as a solo act he played Berlin Festival, Bestival on the Isle of Wight and dates in Germany and France.
In 2013 he took part in the Red Bull Music Academy, his first trip to New York. “Made a lot of friends there,” he said the following year.
Roundabout on Let’s Play House
His debut EP, Roundabout, came out on 21 April 2014 on Let’s Play House, the New York label run by Nik Mercer and Jacques Renault (catalogue LPH026). The label had been signing Swedish artists such as HNNY, M.D.C. and Name In Lights. The four tracks are loosely themed on traffic signs: “Detour”, a Session Victim remix of “Detour”, “Yield” and “One Way”. Reviewers described “Detour” as disco-tinged boogie with punchy keys and fuzzy female vocals, and “One Way” as a melancholic closer.
Nordic Delight and other records
The second Let’s Play House record, Nordic Delight (LPH039), followed on 9 October 2015. It is built around “Stroganoff” in three versions: a vocal mix, a “piano stew” dub and a remix by Anton Klint of Tiedye, his Gothenburg neighbour and studio mate. The B-side, “Kalops”, is moodier, with tight percussion and xylophones.
He also released “Mangold” on Rob Da Bank’s Silver Bear Recordings, remixed Mood II Swing for King Street and IYSS’s “Paint Me” for 100 Songs, and put out Tragic Tofu / Soy Beaner on Monologues.
Influences
Asked about his influences in 2014, Laos named Loscil, Hammock, Plastikman, Terrence Parker, Carl Craig, Lindstrøm, Prins Thomas and early Thomas Bangalter of Daft Punk. In Sweden he praised Genius of Time, Shakarchi & Stranéus and Axel Boman. On production, his advice was blunt: “Analog isn’t always the best.” If his sound works for you, keep digging with the warm house of Laurence Guy.
FAQ
Where is André Laos from?
He grew up on the outskirts of Gothenburg, Sweden, and by 2014 had lived in the city for about ten years.
What has André Laos released?
The Roundabout EP (April 2014) and Nordic Delight (October 2015) on Let’s Play House, “Mangold” on Silver Bear Recordings, and remixes for Mood II Swing and IYSS.
Did André Laos attend the Red Bull Music Academy?
Yes, in 2013. It was also his first trip to New York.
