Felix De Laet, aka Lost Frequencies, hit the big time at the tender age of 21 years old when his song, 'Are You With Me,' came to the attention of Armin Van Buuren's label, Armada Music, back in 2014.
Since that off-kilter reworking of the track originally made by country musician Easton Corbin, Lost Frequencies has been touring the world and, at the end of last year, founded his own sub-label, Found Frequencies, on Armada Music.
While that imprint has largely released his own tracks so far, they did put out a fantastic new song by Pretty Pink just this month. We talked to Felix about his ambitions for the label, his previous travels in China and his favorite post-set snack.
Have you been to China before?
I have! I’ve been to Ningbo, Hangzhou, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Zhengzhou and there are so many more places I want to visit! Experiencing a new culture and a new country is always surprising, but the fact that my fans in all the different regions of China sing the lyrics of my tracks back to me still blows my mind!
China is going through a bit of a purple patch in terms of electronic music. Creamfields expanded its operations here in 2018 and of course EDC has moved into the China market too, from your perspective as an artist, how do you see the electronic music market here?
I see electronic music as forever-expanding in China. The events are getting bigger and better, more and more artists are being invited to explore and play here for fans, and to have the stamp of approval from promoters like EDC and Creamfields shines a huge light on how bright the scene is.
Image via Lost Frequencies
You teamed up with Armin Van Buuren’s label Armada Music to create your own label Found Frequencies at the end of last year. How has it been for you to go from being primarily a musician to now searching for talent to release on your own label?
It’s been so much fun! Starting an imprint takes a lot of time, from searching out new music, to working on remixes or signing and meeting up with fresh talent – but I enjoy it so much! It feels like I’m building my own empire, in a sense, and I’m super grateful that the fans are enjoying our releases and also discovering new music with the same enthusiasm and excitement that I do.
In terms of guys like Armin, who has this very successful independent label, Armada, is that what you see yourself doing 20 years down the line?
I would love that! Armin has built up his own career, and Armada, to be one of the most iconic labels. If I have even a little bit of the success that Armin and Armada have had over the years, I’ll be very happy.
We are always interested in the origin stories of musicians and artists here. I wonder how and why did you decide to pursue music full-time?
It was a happy accident, you could say. I began learning how to produce through YouTube tutorials and making mistakes and learning from them! I have no 'formal' training or education in music, production or anything like that. I just made sure that I experimented and pushed myself to absorb as much information as I could in the beginning. I put ‘Are You With Me’ up on SoundCloud after finding the original vocal from Easton Corbin’s track, which I loved. It was then discovered by Armada and I thought it was my friends joking or playing a prank on me at first! The rest is history…
Image via Lost Frequencies
Back in the 2014 you came to global attention when 'Are You With Me' dropped. How was that transition to being a globally known and in-demand name?
I’m pretty sure we released it not too long after my 21st birthday actually! I wouldn’t describe it as a 'difficult' period but I was definitely new to this whole industry and growing as an artist with my reputation was something I never expected but I wouldn’t change a thing, I feel very lucky.
It’s late, you’ve just finished your set in Guangdong, what post-session food do you choose - BBQ eggplant slathered with garlic and assorted spices, or BBQ chicken skewers, or a salad from the local Family Mart?
BBQ chicken skewers, I think! I love all BBQ food and Chinese flavours are so fragrant, I cannot wait to come back, try all your amazing food and bring some new music for you, China! See you at EDC.
Catch Lost Frequencies at Electric Daisy Carnival this weekend:
Nov 24-25, 3pm; RMB780-2,080. Chimelong International Ocean Tourist Resort. See event listing. Tickets.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
[Cover image via Lost Frequencies]
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