Henry Laufer, aka Shlohmo, is an LA-based producer known for his dark, glitchy aesthetic that ties in elements of both hip-hop and electronic music. He's also a founding member of the music collective and record label WEDIDIT, whose roster includes artists like Ryan Hemsworth and RL Grime.
Shlohmo's ability to push the boundaries of experimental music – often manipulating beats, vocal samples and synths to the point where his music can sound like haunting, organic soundscapes – is unmatched. Even in his production for higher-profile vocalists like Banks and Jeremih, Shlohmo demonstrates an ability to adapt sonically and, at the same time, stay true to his signature heavy, multilayered sound.
WEDIDIT, along with Radar Radio London and the 24 Hour EJDER Club at Old Street Station in London, came together two Sundays ago for an impromptu live DJ set and merch event. I had the amazing chance to chat with Shlohmo about his show in London, his favorite underrated artists, new releases and more.
Q: How was your London show at SHAPES? What was the energy like in the crowd?
A: So good. The show was awesome. London's always kinda the shit. There's just a lot of kids that fuck with us out here and that's really special.
Q: Nice. And how does the UK compare to US crowds?
A: Kids in the UK are always just more excited – the audience is usually more energetic in general, maybe 'cause they're drunker and 'cause we're not here as often, I don't know.
Q: How did you decide to collab with EJDER for this event?
A: We were actually first trying to find our own space ourselves, but we don't know fuckin' London at all and we were lazy and stoned and so we didn't come up with anything on time. And then EJDER was nice enough to host us which was very blessed of them.
Q: Do you have any upcoming releases or projects on the way?
A: I'm always workin' on shit. I've mostly been working on producing for other people right now. Making songs with rappers and singers – putting my own production and art to the side. But I'm probably gonna start working on a new album this summer.
Me and D33J have been working with that Lil Yachty kid. I'm tryin' to do some more stuff with Jeremih, which will be cool. And Goth Money kids...yeah just a lot of rap stuff too.
Q: Do you have any dream collaborations?
A: Always. I've been trying to work with Lil Uzi for a while now, I think he's really good.
Q: So it seems like you're focusing on working with rappers in particular.
A: I've been really enjoying rap music a lot lately. But then I got to work with Miguel recently, and I think if we do some more stuff – that's kind of a dream of mine. Still. That would be cool.
Q: I'm also a big fan of RL Grime, and I know you guys are friends. Are you two going to work together anytime soon?
A: Yeah yeah, totally – we've been making a lot of stuff together actually. He's been finally off his forever tour so now we've just been in the studio a lot making a lot of bad pop music. It's been fun, yeah. He's actually coming to London today I think – he decided to come through because he was bored.
Q: That's awesome. I'm wondering who you're listening to at the moment, what's on your playlist...
A: Shit. A lot of literally SoundCloud rap [laughs]. There's this song called "Gassed Up" that I've been listening to all the time by this kid Nebu Kiniza. Just like random rap. I've been listening to a lot of Adamn Killa – he's a friend of mine from Chicago. Fuckin' awesome kid. And besides that, on the plane I always listen to old Bibio music 'cause it's super fucking pleasant.
Q: Ooh yeah, I love "lovers' carvings."
A: Yeah, yeah yeah. His first two albums – Hand Cranked and Vignetting the Compost – put me in a very good mood.
I still listen to Future's Purple Reign like every day actually. Like it's kinda the only thing I play in my car, ever [laughs]. It's pretty obnoxious.
Q: Who do you think is an underrated or overlooked talent right now?
A: Damn, all my friends are overlooked. I really want Adamn to win right now. But he's gonna win, so he's not even overlooked. He's just young, he's gettin' it.
I think all the Goth Money [Records] kids are mad overlooked. And I think Purple is one of the most underrated artists out there in general. I think his music is some of my favourite music that's ever been made. And people don't give him that kinda love. I think he's like a living legend in my eyes if you know what I mean.
Q: A lot of your music makes me feel something – I don't even know exactly how to describe it. Is that your intent with your music? Are you trying to make people feel something, or is it just a reflection of how you're feeling?
A: I actually try to think of other people as little as I can when I'm trying to make music. If I focus on other people too much, then I'm not making anything – it just ends up that I'm catering to something. So it's definitely just trying to be, not even necessarily a reflection of how I feel, but just kinda releasing baggage.
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