Chris Lake relaxes in a spacious area of a high-rise office building in Los Angeles, primarily utilized for storage. He chooses one of the numerous office chairs that fill the industrial space, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the city’s vibrant west side. He comfortably rests his feet on a packing box and confidently declares his comfort level.
Discover More About Chris Lake and His Music Journey
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Amidst the hustle and bustle leading to Lake’s highly anticipated album, Chemistry, which was independently released on July 11 through his own well-established label, Black Book Recordings, Chris finds a moment of tranquility. The label, previously associated with Astralwerks, regained its independent status after the contract expired in early 2024, marking a significant milestone in Lake’s career and creative journey.
Despite the fact that it may seem surprising, Chemistry is officially Chris Lake’s first solo album, even though his musical journey dates back to 2002. This project is not just a milestone; it is a remarkable and often breathtaking collection of tracks. Friends with discerning musical tastes have been reaching out to express their admiration for the album, highlighting its quality and depth in recent weeks, which adds to the excitement surrounding its release.
Many may wonder, why is Chris Lake choosing to create and release this album now, or at all? The answer lies in his personal growth and artistic evolution.
“I reached a point in my career where I felt compelled to challenge myself in new and different ways,” Chris explains. “My friends had suggested that I create an album, but I had never felt like I had a solid style or sound that could sustain 12 or 15 tracks cohesively.”
Gradually, a clear vision began to take shape for Chris, the Los Angeles-based house music producer known for his smooth, captivating, and sometimes delightfully unconventional productions. His unique sound has been a defining characteristic of the music scene since he gained wider recognition in the early 2010s. With some time now available in his schedule, he aimed to push his creative boundaries by collaborating with a diverse range of artists.
To put this into action, Chris invited fellow artists such as Kelly Lee Owens, Amber Mark, and Nathan Nicholson to his home studio to collaborate on new music. Typically, Chris and his guests would spend a few hours engaging in conversation and enjoying coffee before diving into the creative process. Initially, he felt anxious about whether Bonobo, a renowned artist in his own right, would appreciate his work. However, once they entered the studio together, their chemistry was undeniable, culminating in the creation of the album’s closing track, “Falling,” featuring the talented vocalist Alexis Roberts.
“I don’t obsess over DJ culture; it has never really resonated with me,” Chris explains, showcasing his thoughtful and humorous personality as he engages in playful banter, including a rock-paper-scissors game with his team members. “What truly captivates me is music production and the profound impact of a single track—how one song can profoundly affect people’s lives. There are artists whose songs have had that transformative effect on me, and those are the individuals that often make me feel the most nervous and excited. Working with Bonobo, whose music I deeply admire, was a thrilling experience.”
With Chemistry now released, Chris Lake has reasons to celebrate. He is set to perform consecutive shows at Brooklyn’s Storehouse tonight and tomorrow, after which he will embark on a summer and fall festival tour. This tour will include prominent events like Shambhala, Deep Tropics, North Coast, Portola, EDC Orlando, and several standalone club performances, including a notable appearance at Red Rocks alongside Chris Lorenzo, his partner in their acclaimed project, Anti Up.
In this interview, Chris Lake delves into the themes of Chemistry, shares insights about his frequent collaborator Fisher, and reflects on how the challenges he faced in his career have paved the way for his current successes.
Can you elaborate on the vision you had for the album?
Articulating my vision can be challenging, but I would describe it as a reflection of the recent surge in dance music popularity. This trend has led to a significant simplification of beats and ideas, which, while powerful, has prompted me to seek a different direction. I am inherently musical, and I envisioned creating music that retains musicality while also being effective in a club setting. This is the artistic path I wished to explore.
What steps did you take to bring this vision to life?
Throughout the two-year creative process, I crafted several pieces that aligned with my artistic vision. The resulting album closely mirrors the original concept I aimed to achieve. It was an intensely personal endeavor, a journey that I am now sharing with others.
What I intend to convey is that my music is not created with the primary goal of gaining popularity. Rather, it is a reflection of how I genuinely want it to sound. I often find it surprising when I speak with other musicians who seem primarily motivated by the desire for popularity and success.
Did you ever identify with that approach as an artist?
Not particularly. From an outside perspective, my choices may seem unconventional. I enjoy collaborating with emerging and lesser-known artists, a practice I’ve maintained throughout my career. While many artists opt to work with prominent vocalists to boost their song’s marketability, I have consistently chosen a different path.
How have you managed to sustain your position in the music scene without resorting to mainstream strategies?
I’m not entirely sure. I’m grateful for my journey, as I could have taken an easier route. Perhaps these decisions have played a role in preserving my artistic identity within the industry.
Over the years, your popularity and respect have grown significantly. Were there moments when you felt that your status was at risk due to your unconventional choices?
Not in the past decade. However, I often reflect on a time before that when I felt somewhat lost and disillusioned. I became disconnected from my artistic self, swayed by external opinions about my direction. This led to poor decisions, both musically and professionally, many of which I regret, especially those driven by financial considerations.
Can you specify which period of your career this refers to?
This was roughly 10 to 12 years ago, during the EDM boom. I produced music that felt inconsistent with my previous work. Fortunately, this phase was brief. At the time, I viewed it as one of my worst experiences, but in hindsight, it became a catalyst for positive change. I take pride in recognizing how much I felt I had misstepped, as it ultimately led to a crucial course correction in my career.
What steps did you take to realign your artistic direction?
I faced a choice: to abandon the Chris Lake project for a fresh start or to work diligently to create music that could overshadow my previous missteps. I opted for the latter, which was incredibly challenging, but it ultimately proved successful. I take immense pride in my ability to stay true to my musical vision, making choices based on artistic integrity rather than monetary gain. For me, financial considerations are secondary; the most meaningful aspect is creating music that resonates with authenticity.
Can you share a specific instance in your career that you found particularly regrettable?
It was a culmination of several decisions. There are creative choices that feel right and natural, contrasted with those that feel forced or misaligned. I made numerous decisions that fell into the latter category, both in terms of my music and my performances.
I distinctly recall a residency at XS [in Las Vegas] where I felt I was performing for the wrong reasons. I absolutely disliked those shows. After finishing, I would find myself alone in the elevator, feeling defeated and despondent, which made it clear that a change was necessary.
With the release of Chemistry independently, do you feel liberated from those past experiences?
Absolutely. Every decision surrounding this release has been made by my team and me. We stand or fall by our choices, which is empowering. While it entails a lot of work, I am fortunate to have an incredible team supporting me.
You and Fisher had a monumental performance at Coachella in 2023, and then you shut down Hollywood Boulevard together. You were also featured on the 2017 HOWSLA compilation by Skrillex and OWSLA, and you played the first-ever campground set at Coachella this year. It seems like Chemistry is yet another significant milestone for you.
I cherish those impactful moments. The ones you mentioned certainly hold significant weight. Reflecting on HOWSLA, I realize that it was a pivotal moment that felt influential at the time.
What made it so influential?
Skrillex essentially endorsed a genre during that time. I observed that conversations around the genre were evolving, as he brought attention to a movement that many may not have recognized was happening. The collaboration on that album made a significant impact, and I felt it opened up avenues for the genre. I remember how discussions with platforms like Spotify, Apple, and YouTube began to shift, making opportunities more accessible. I take great pride in that achievement.
Here’s a lighthearted question for you.
Okay, I’m ready for a silly answer.
What’s Fisher like? He’s not known for giving interviews.
He’s quite the character.
Is that an accurate portrayal?
Absolutely. There are two sides to Fisher. He’s indifferent to interviews, which I admire. He’s an incredible person; anyone who knows him can attest to that. When he enters a room, you can’t help but notice his presence—there’s nothing subtle about it. He uplifts the atmosphere, making everyone feel great. People genuinely enjoy being around him; he brings an infectious energy.
On a personal note, I feel incredibly fortunate to have remarkable friends, and he is one of my closest. He’s not only extraordinarily talented but also has a profound impact on a small group of people, which translates seamlessly when he performs for massive crowds of 40,000. The person you see on stage is the same person in private.
What do you think he would say about you?
“He’s a boring c–t.” [Laughs.] We are polar opposites in many ways, yet we have an incredible rapport.
What’s your perspective on the current music scene? Many people feel that a lot of new music sounds repetitive. What’s your take on this observation?
I prefer to keep my opinions constructive and avoid negativity. Having the opportunity to listen to a wide array of released music, I’ve noticed that while there are many talented beat makers, there seems to be a lack of original and innovative compositions. The advancements in technology and AI have led to techniques like stem splitting, allowing anyone to isolate vocal and instrumental tracks from previously mixed songs.
Unfortunately, this has resulted in a culture where many artists simply overlay a successful vocal track over a basic beat, which often results in music that feels safe and unoriginal. While this approach may provide immediate gratification, it can leave listeners unsatisfied in the long run. The scene needs more nourishing and innovative music to thrive.
Who do you think is pushing the boundaries of original music?
That’s an insightful question. There are several artists making waves, including Skrillex, Fred again.., Rüfüs, and Chemical Brothers. They’ve been around for years yet continue to remain fresh and relevant. Sault is another standout; their work is phenomenal.
Your album also contributes to this movement.
I certainly hope so. Ultimately, it’s up to the audience to decide whether it resonates with them.
Do you see yourself as entering a kind of elder statesman role within the scene?
Yes, it’s a reality I’ve come to terms with. Since the pandemic, I’ve noticed a shift in how others perceive and communicate with me. I accept it; it’s simply part of life. Having been in the industry for a long time, I recognize the emergence of a new generation of artists, and it’s refreshing that they even acknowledge my work.
