Adeyemi Olarenwaju, popularly known as “Larrylanes,” was born in Nigeria, on the 12th of September 2001. Influenced by Timbaland, Sarz, and Don Jazzy, Larrylanes started producing records at age 16 with the aim of pushing Afrobeat forward.
To date, Larrylanes has accumulated over 120 million streams across all platforms on his production credits. At 20 years old, he has already worked with some of the most prominent names in the Nigerian music industry including Zlatan, Bella Shmurda, Zinoleesky, and Reekado Banks. He is most notable for producing “Rush”, arguably the biggest Nigerian street song released in 2021.
WHAT OR WHO INSPIRED YOU TO GET INTO MUSIC?
Life inspired me, I’ve been into music for as long as I can remember, playing the drums in primary school. My mum used to play a ton of gospel music in the house. This foundation made music a large part of my life. Getting older and seeing the achievements of guys like Sarz & Don Jazzy put the battery in my back. Now, at this level, my biggest inspiration is making music that translates emotions to the listeners.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF MUSIC AND PERFORMANCE? HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PHILOSOPHY AND STYLE AS AN ARTIST?
My style of music has its own vibe to it, you can tell it’s different from what’s out there. It’s a mixture of what I hear and feel, I love to experiment sonically. I think I hate forcing things, I just go with the flow until the music is perfect in my ears. I feel today, that everyone wants to sound like the next guy and that affects authenticity.
WHAT DRIVES YOU TO CREATE, AND HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS FOR YOURSELF IN MUSIC?
I have a goal that drives me to create more and work hard. Success for me is setting a standard and a path! Also, I want to show young kids that come from where I come from that there’s no limit to your success when you work hard at what you love.
I want to make music that affects the culture globally, not just the numbers or awards, success for me is music that causes a change in the culture and can stand the test of time, that’s that Quincy Jones, Kanye West & Sarz sonic level.
THROUGHOUT YOUR CAREER, WHO HAS HELPED YOU THE MOST WITH DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT?
Developmentally, I’ll say myself, because I keep working and learning every day, which I love to do. I never stop, consistency has been a major key.
Support-wise, I’ll say everyone showing me love, the fans enjoying my music, the artists killing my beats, Bella Shmurda, Seyi Vibez, Otega, the list is really long. I’m blessed to have such a great team around me.
SOMETIMES BEING IN THIS BUSINESS CAN BE OVERWHELMING. DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR MAINTAINING PERSPECTIVE AND NOT SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF?
There’s a lot of stuff you can’t control and that’s life, everyone goes through stuff but once you drop fear, all you have left is belief. Keep dreaming!
FOR SOME MUSIC CREATORS, THEIR CULTURE, RELIGION, OR COMMUNITY PLAYS A BIG PART IN HOW THEY DEFINE THEMSELVES MUSICALLY, WHILE FOR OTHERS, IT'S MORE ABOUT ESCAPING OR UNDERSTANDING THOSE EXPERIENCES RATHER THAN PAYING HOMAGE TO IT. HOW HAS YOUR UPBRINGING, COMMUNITY, AND/OR CULTURE INFLUENCED YOUR MUSIC OR STYLE, IF AT ALL, THROUGHOUT YOUR MUSICAL JOURNEY?
My childhood played a major part in my path. I’m nowhere without my home, and my work is greatly inspired by my background and experiences. I love my culture and my community, that’s the first place I saw support coming from. In return, I hope to inspire my community and change lives with my gift.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR YOUNG MUSICIANS JUST STARTING THEIR CAREERS, BASED ON WHAT YOU’VE EXPERIENCED?
To all the young producers out there, just do you! Put the work in, it might not be today or tomorrow, but sooner or later great quality stands out and the fakes will be forgotten.
WHAT MOTTO, AFFIRMATION, OR QUOTE EMPOWERS, INSPIRES, OR MOTIVATES YOU?
"I'm not comfortable with comfort. I'm only comfortable when I'm in a place where I'm constantly learning and growing."
FOR FUN, IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON AN ISLAND AND COULD ONLY HAVE (3) ITEMS WITH YOU, WHAT WOULD YOU BRING?
My Phone, speakers, and my MacBook. These are always in my travel bag, I’m never caught sleeping.
WHAT DO YOU HAVE COMING UP NEXT?
I just dropped my new single with Bella Shmurda called “Jonzing”. Y’all go run it up. I’ve got a lot more music coming soon personal & for other top artists, and hopefully a project before the year runs out. The fans have been asking for that but we’ll see.
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND SONGTRUST TO A FRIEND, AND, IF SO, WHY?
Yeah, because it’s been seamless with zero stress. I like how the company goes out of its way to support us. As a creative that goes a long way. It’s a “we win together mentality.”
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