No matter what you call them — producers or “unsung heroes” — the influx of these impressionable and insanely talented creatives into the scene over the last decade is terrifying. Like never before, any limp move relegates you to the starting point; every artiste and creatives alike are on their toes to deliver their best, and even the quest to break into the Nigerian music industry has never been harder — but the talented 20–year–old producer, Adeyemi Olarenwaju (aka LarryLanes) is doing just fine. On a chat with TXT, Larry Lanes bares it all—his dreams, aspirations, and journey.
“I’m just 20 years old, I have big plans! In ten years, I will be one of the greatest producers in the world, like Sarz or Metro Boomin”, he says. The big dreamer has never been one to shy away from thinking big and focusing on one’s goal, he also mentions wanting to own one of the biggest tech companies in the world. In the heat of the pandemic, when the entire world was down, the producer had enough time to enhance his talent and prepare for his dreams.
He attended a music school to further amplify his talent which has given him the needed nudge to blossom in the music industry — “I was hungry for success which prompted me to attend a music school where I learnt the rudiments of music and I was introduced to a different musical instrument. This knowledge gave me an edge in the music industry”.
Like most artistes, Olarenwaju didn’t just magically transform into music, it’s a thing that started when he was a child and one could describe music as becoming innate to him — “I’ve been in love with music for as long as I can remember. I started drumming at age 5! By age 8 I was already playing the keyboard in church. So, I guess you could just say church, like many of the great music creators, I started in church” when asked what inspires his creativity, he credits it to his mood, surroundings and mental state.
He speaks of his time with Bella Shmurda with joy, having produced “Rush” for the singer, the song shot him into the limelight — “Bella is my brother for life, I’ve got big love and respect for him. He’s super talented, and we’ve got great chemistry in the studio. People started paying more attention to my work when I worked on “Rush”, for that I’m grateful”.
Larrylanes is on his way to being one of the foremost pivotal creatives in the production space. In just a short span of his career, he has worked with several big names like Davido, Zinoleesky, Mohbad, Zlatan, Reekado Banks and more, to which he says he is grateful for. He also added that he would love to work with more artistes that have inspired him over the years, ” I listened to all the greats, from Fela to Olamide, Wande Coal to Wizkid, 2face to Burna Boy. Listening to them all really played a role in shaping and inspiring my mind. I’d love a chance to work with most of them especially Olamide, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Drake and Justin Bieber. These are my heroes, working with them will be a dream”
Breaking into the Nigerian music industry, Regardless of your talent, money or even connection can be a wild goose chase. Every artiste, regardless of how they make it into the scene, has a set of horror stories about “blowing” or even being heard in the entertainment industry but Larrylanes isn’t one to be down or affected by these “unavoidable” setbacks.”I don’t think of them as a setback but fuel for my ambition. I don’t mind any challenge that comes my way because my eyes are on the price” he also added that, “Ignore the noises, work hard and stay focused on my creativity — that’s the recipe for success”
Larrylanes comes with a free and open mind. He tries not to hinder himself or stay in a box he was not meant to be in. “Art is freeing and expressive. One has to open his mind and let creativity take over. ” In an era where everyone is looking for a particular niche for themselves (which is never a bad thing), Larrylanes wants to follow the vibe wherever creativity takes him — I wouldn’t say I want or have a niche. I could produce whatever beat I want to make. Who says I need to be anything right now? I’m young and experimenting will always be a thing for me. I’m always trying to push myself sonically. ” When asked about his rituals or process of production, he says, “There’s no ritual. I just catch a vibe and express it sonically. “
While sojourning into the music world isn’t exactly the cheapest, especially for Independent artistes like Larrylanes, Finance has always been a threat to talent and creativity but getting his work heard is what is most important to the artiste, “Being independent is difficult, but I thank God my sound has been accepted. I am not where I was yesterday”
The lover of art had a very interesting childhood. He credits his family for giving him the freedom to pursue music with that trouble or hindrances from home, a privilege a lot of his pair don’t have, judging from the experiences in typical African homes. “My childhood was beautiful, I’m the fourth of seven kids. My family loved music and having an understanding parent has been a thing of joy” while he loves making music so much, he loves being around his family and friend as they are his source of joy and happiness. He wouldn’t change anything about his life because he believes every happens for a reason and it has led him exactly where he wants to be.
When he is not working on music, he relaxes with video games, movies and a Youtube binge. He mentions Burna Boy’s “Twice as Tall” as his favourite album of all time — “the album is already a classic, it is perfect”. His favourite song at the moment is “No Caution” by Bella Shmurda and Seyivibes.
On the next thing for him, he stated he is working on his EP titled “Enta Vol.1” with features from top artistes. He has big dreams and ambitions and we can’t wait to see it all happen.
