LUVANGA has just released his new EP LUV. Mastered by Grammy and BRIT Award winner Mike Marsha (Calvin Harris, Jungle Brothers, Depeche Mode, The Chemical Brothers), the 4-track LUV EP was produced entirely by Luvanga and is the first project to see him singing and rapping on his own music.
Born in Switzerland to Congolese parents, Luvanga is the latest Music Producer Convention (MPC) ‘Beat Battle’ winner, and his music is best described as flowing between jazz, hip-hop, funk, afrobeat, dance, rock, and electronica, while highlighting his multi-lingual range.
AC: Let’s talk about your new EP LUV. What does this body of work mean to you?
LUVANGA – This project represents a lot. The project is like a renaissance. A rebirth, like a phoenix rising from the ashes. I went through very difficult moments in my life. I am revealing myself through this EP and showing a part of me.
AC: In the studio, do you have a fear you’d like to conquer?
LUVANGA – The studio is a place where I feel safe. I can express my ideas, my dreams, my sadness and my anger freely. Nothing scares me.
AC: What about outside of the studio?
LUVANGA – No, not even afraid [Laughs].
AC: Where does the creation of a song begin for you?
LUVANGA – It depends on my feeling. I can start with chords on the piano, like I can start with a beatbox on my smartphone
AC: Who do you feel inspired by in the music industry?
LUVANGA – It’s hard to say. I listen to lots of artists. But the group I often quote is Daft Punk. I love their artistic approaches. They highlight musicality which is endorsed by strong messages.
AC: As a music artist, what are you still trying to learn?
LUVANGA – I am learning to compose other styles of music. I want to be a great composer.
AC: What was it like working with Mike Marsh on this record?
LUVANGA – I got to know Mike Marsh thanks to my sound engineer and co-arranger Stéphane Chapelle. Mike Marsh worked on this project as a Mastering Engineer. LUV has an unusual musical approach. Only an internationally renowned professional could bring this ring to this EP. I am very happy with the result.
AC: How has Switzerland influenced your music?
LUVANGA – I live in Geneva. Geneva is an international city with a lot of diversity. So, on a musical level, it’s like I’m connected to the whole world.
AC: Everyone seems to have an idea for an app right now, what is yours?
LUVANGA – An algorithm to spot racists and homophobes in order to amend them and deprive them of existing. Dog shit is not wanted in the street, bah same for racists [Laughs].
AC: How important is social media to you right now?
LUVANGA – It is important to convey ideas, music and emotions, to simply bring my art to life.
AC: Ahead of a gig, do you have any pre-show rituals?
LUVANGA – I pray.
AC: What do you want the world to look like in 10 years?
LUVANGA – This will be in my next album.
AC: If you had the chance to put something on billboards worldwide next week, what would it be? Or what would it say?
LUVANGA – I will put the cover of my new EP, without description.
You can stream Luvanga’s New EP LUV here
INTERVIEW: ADAM CROOKES
