From mixing records for hip-hop heavyweights to crafting cinematic soundscapes for TV’s biggest shows, James Laurent has spent years behind the scenes as a master technician. But with his latest single 'Dangerous Love', the Milwaukee-born, LA-based artist steps boldly into the spotlight, fusing pop-punk angst, sleek production, and emotional turbulence into a track that hits hard and lingers long.
Written, recorded, mixed, and mastered in a single night from his bedroom studio, 'Dangerous Love' is a full-throttle anthem that captures the beautiful chaos of falling too fast, too deep. With gritty guitars, stacked harmonies, and a heartbeat-pulse rhythm, Laurent proves he’s a sonic storyteller with something to say.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Although I do not know how to play any instruments, I have always had an affinity towards guitars both acoustic and electric. I have found their sound intoxicating. Not for a lack of trying, I did try playing instruments in elementary and middle school, as well as have tried learning guitar & piano at various points throughout high school and college, however nothing stuck.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I loved everything, but I was definitely privy to early to late 2000s alternative, lots of Linkin Park, Hollywood Undead, hip-hop such as Eminem, Bad Meets Evil, Lil Wayne.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I have distinct memories of carrying around the album “Gorillaz” by Gorillaz as a kid. I think I liked the cartoons that paired with the music.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I personally don’t think I have ever wished I was the one to write a song, I’ve worked very hard to consciously avoid having any regrets or allow myself to be envious or jealous of others, and instead celebrate their success with them.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I have a very specific ritual that has produced all my greatest songs, it goes as follows: I work best at night when I have all the lights off and only the glow of my studio computer and my tube compressor lighting my room. I then like to indulge in a few glasses of whiskey and a few Adderall. I start my writing sessions by forcing myself to make one song to the first instrumental I like as a warmup for my voice as well as to get into the creative flow state. That usually takes me about 45 minutes to an hour and then I can really begin working.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I have always been a fan of songs rather than being a fan of artists, however lately I have been encapsulated with the artist Wesghost.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I personally don’t think that much about live shows, I truthfully don’t even consider myself to be a musician. I think an important distinction to make is that I am first and foremost an engineer and songwriter, not a singer. I enjoy being a studio artist, I am a little antisocial and really enjoy the creation process more than anything. I know that 75% of my skill is in mixing and mastering my music and not my singing ability. When I play live I want it to be worth seeing, and when I reach that point, who knows what my sound will be and who I would want to open for.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
I think it is hearing how my story of perseverance and how hard I have worked just to be heard has inspired or affected the lives of fans and helped them on their journey. I think inspiring, or mentoring others is the most rewarding thing there is in life, I have mentored & developed a dozen different artists and given them the foundation to express themselves forever.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Call me an old soul in a young body, but I absolutely hate social media. I make music as an artform and every song is something I crafted, I get frustrated at the state of decay in the industry and even more broadly in society. I feel as though the craft has been lost and has devolved itself into clicks and content, which is the opposite of where I find my passion.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
“Is it plugged in? Is it turned on? Did you read the manual?”
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James Laurent's new single 'Dangerous Love' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.