It's been about a year since his last feature on Indie Shuffle, and the vibe-cravers should be ecstatic that this guy is back. Vancouver-based creator Le Roi Crocodile released his newest track today, titled "Forever," Initial thoughts? It's sexy, groovy, luscious, and pleasantly up-tempo, especially in comparison to some prior releases.
After making small but cool waves on the Internet last year with releases of hard-to-describe covers of two legendary tracks ("Heart of Gold" by Neil Young and "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" by Tears For Fears) The Croc worked diligently on his artistry and sound, and is rolling out a whole new image. I was able to catch up with the enigmatic up-and-comer to get his thoughts on vibes, influences, the industry, creative process, and reptilian spirit animals.
How has being from and immersed in Vancouver culture helped evolve your sound?
Vancouver has this mysterious vibe to it that is hugely influential when I’m conjuring ideas for music. I wouldn’t say I feed off of the art-scene here, but the diversity, both in people and in land makes for an interesting backdrop whilst I’m producing.
You've done covers of some throwback artists like Neil Young and Tears For Fears, but you're sound is very modern. Who has influenced and inspired your sound, and how do you go about blending old and new?
My sound isn’t so much inspired by people, more so by vibes and emotions. Usually I make music when I’m trying to channel a certain vibe, or if I’m feeling highly emotional. That being said, lately Kanye West and the whole PC Music movement has been subconsciously influencing me. In terms of blending old and new, sometimes I can just picture what these songs would sound like if they were recorded in the present. I hear these great melodies and picture them set to a dance-vibe, or completely chilled out.
When you are creating, what audience do you imagine yourself speaking/singing to?
I try and encapsulate a different vibe with each release, Lately, I’ve been trying to make music for those who are up late at night, and the never-ending stream of thoughts that follows.
The landscape of the music industry is constantly changing, and while people are listening to more artists than ever, attention spans have never been lower. Do you feel a relatively unknown artist such as yourself has a strong chance to gain a following, support, and eventually pack out some venues?
Absolutely, I think that regardless of how the landscape of music changes, the main principles will remain the same. Good music will always prevail, and I think that if I continuously put out music that is forward-thinking and different, the word will eventually start to get out.
Lastly, why Crocodile? Your spirit animal, perhaps?
I think I just like what a Crocodile represents. Crocodiles are dangerous and mysterious, just lingering in the water. I’m not an expert on this sort of thing, but I’m pretty sure that Crocodiles fare well on the food chain. On top of that, I am the king of crocodiles. Does it get much better than that?
SIMILAR SONGS
