Since 2008, Drew Lustman has been inventing and reinventing himself and his sound, resulting in the release of three successful albums (Love Is Liability and You Stand Uncertain on Planet Mu, Hardcourage on Ninja Tune) that are all characterized by one thing: his eschewal of conformity. Incorporating a colorful potpourri of musical genres into his work, from UK garage to Drum & Bass, he not only creates a unique sound of his own but also successfully avoids being pinned down to any one label. And even though In The Wild is his fourth album already, he still hasn’t lost his gift to experiment and take risks. The album certainly isn’t an easy listen but rather a musical story book with an atmospheric sound built of layers upon layers unraveling into profound thoughts, intense feelings and overwhelming moments.
Lustman might proclaim himself as a more “musical person,” but he is so much more than just a DJ. He is an artist, a poet and a story teller all in one. And I talked to all three of them about In The Wild, his creative process and his inspiration.
How would you describe your new album in one sentence?
“He was tired of being poor and he wasn’t into selling door to door
And he worked like the devil to be more.” — Stephen Stills
We read that Steve McQueen’s Shame had a big influence on this album. What about the film inspired you?
The desperation and honesty. The willingness to entertain a high-risk, high-reward situation without fear. It’s polished roughness. A singular idea rinsed to shreds. The ascension he experiences before ultimate loss.
Are there any albums/films you go back to when searching for inspiration?
Not when searching for inspiration but as a result of revisiting I am inspired. My listening habits are purely selfish. What I want, when I want it. The entire song, seven seconds of it. In that space I find inspiration, but never with a clear intended path.
In a recent interview with Dazed, you said: “It’s all about being okay with your own decisions.” It feels like you are very tolerant towards others but are very hard on yourself. How come?
Being surrounded by perfectionists. Watching role models. Realizing it’s all just smoke and mirrors for some. But at the same time there is a great satisfaction in striving for what’s better. And as awful and basically existential as it may sound, it’s about the journey and the work.
In the poem included with your album, you say “Heart & Soul” is blisters on sun soaked lips. That’s a very thought-provoking metaphor. What comes first, the allegory or the track?
The track always. Once a solid vibe presents itself to me, which rarely happens, the image then appears. The tactile conclusion or tangible idea through words has to follow the music. I’m a musical person I suppose.
Shanghai Den ghostwrote your poem and you have done a lot of remixes together, most recently for Thump. Why do you work so well together?
Never in the same room on a project. That is key. Break yourself down on your own, then contribute. That’s been what works best. Is a bit of a darker process but I think yields better results.
What can we expect in the next coming months?
Follow EP with more damage.
FaltyDL’s new album In The Wild was released on Ninja Tune on August 11.