Welcoming Lalchand

Welcoming Lalchand

Melbourne's own Jordan Lalchand has emerged from the shadows after years of writing and performing in bands to make his debut as a solo artist. "Feast" marks the beginning of Lalchand's solo career, and it certainly sets the bar high! We sat down with Jordan to pick his brain on his latest release, his favourite tunes of 2019 and what the future holds for Lalchand!

Talk us through your latest release “Feast”, what was the writing and recording process like?

A: The initial idea (particularly the intro) was written over a year ago actually. I wrote it right after three days straight of playing the Spider Man PS4 game and is one of the inspirations for the title of the song (if you played the game - you know...). I sent a bunch of demos to Ryan and “Feast” was what stood out to him so we basically just structured and worked it into a song. The song initially had a much more major feel to it but we ended up changing it to a more minor feel and I think it worked very well. Recording-wise I recorded all the guitars with my mate Sam at his house and we smashed that out in a couple of hours. Vocals were done at my mate Isaac’s house (Isaac also produced the song) as well as drums. After all that was done and he tracked the bass last. The whole process from the inception of the song and recording it took about a year!

How has the response been so far?

A: It’s been pretty overwhelming to be honest. The fact that people would take time out of their day to listen to the song whether they like it or not genuinely means a lot to me, so I’m pretty grateful for anyone who's bothered to check it out! A mate of mine actually sent me a message telling me he’d been listening to the song everyday and it reignited his love for metal music so that was pretty cool!

For those who have not yet heard the new single, how would you describe “Feast”?

A: It’s a rock song with hints of metal and prog sprinkled in topped off with angelic vocals and aggressive guitars.

You collaborated with a bunch of talented musicians on “Feast”, how do you know your collaborators and how did you come to the decision they were the right people for the job?

A: Ryan Wilson (who sings on the track) was in my old band and we also went to school together. We reconnected after a couple of months of not doing band stuff and I just thought I’d ask him if he was interested and we went from there! Isaac Naylor who played bass, engineered and produced the track was a no brainer for me. He’d produced and engineered my old bands material so he was the first person I thought of to help with this release! He then suggested Micah Barnes, who actually used to be my leader when I was younger at an old youth group. I knew he was into prog/metal so I was definitely keen to have him on board to drum! Sam Bianco who mixed/mastered the song was referred to me by Chris Vernon from Belle Haven/Better Half who was initially going to mix/master the song. I had to cut my budget quite a bit for the song unfortunately and Chris was nice enough to refer me to Sam, who killed it!

What motivated your decision to go solo?

A: I’ve been writing songs (or at least pieces of music) for years on my own and things with my old band unfortunately did not work out. I just figured that the only way to keep releasing music was to do it myself! I write a lot of different styles as well, so being a solo artists definitely helps in terms of releasing a variety of music.

How are the processes different as a solo artist?

A: I suppose you’re dealing with less people as opposed to a band setting. There aren’t tonnes of different channels of approval I need to go through before making a decision either musically or financially. I have to call the shots so there’s definitely more responsibility on you as a solo artist but it’s definitely a learning opportunity for me to step up a bit more!

If you could picture a music video for “Feast” and budget was limitless, what would you envision the visuals for “Feast” would look like?

A: I’d picture a man whose been beaten and scared walking towards a light/figure that he can see from a distance. As the music plays he’d walk towards it, his scars would start to disappear and he’d notice himself lighting up as he starts to realize his true value and worth. Near the end of the video I’d imagine the man running toward the light as the song ends.

As a guitarist, who do you admire the most? Was there anyone or anything that inspired you to pick up the guitar?

A: It sounds like a pretty generic answer but I think my first ‘guitar hero’ would have been Slash. I spent most of high school learning “Appetite For Destruction” trying to get his riffs and solos down as accurately as I could and I think that definitely shaped my playing in a very big way. Mark Tremonti would be on that same level wherein he really inspired me not only to take my guitar playing to the next level, but also my songwriting. I would say my parents were really the ones that got me to pick up the guitar. I was in year 4 and my mum thought it would be a good idea for me to learn an instrument. I remembered my dad playing guitar when I was younger so I thought it was a no brainer to learn it!

What’s been your proudest musical achievement to date?

A: I’d honestly say releasing “Feast” just because it’s the first time I’ve done something like this and stepped out as a solo artist! It also just feels good to get out an idea that’s been sitting around for a while!

What was the last gig you went to?

A: Two Door Cinema Club just less than a week ago. It was my first time seeing them after listening to them for so many years and they did not disappoint. Great performance and production!

What’s currently playing on your streaming platform of choice?

A: Currently streaming “The Shape of Things to Come” by No Sudden Movements (a project of my buddy Nate Hill who actually did press shots for me!) on Apple Music. He’s a very talented individual and the album sounds fantastic! Definitely check it out and his photography if you haven’t already!

What are your top 5 song releases of the year?

A: It’s hard because there has honestly been so many great releases this year but I’d narrow it down to (and in no particular order):

1) “Talking Heads” – Northlane

2) “Where We Go When We Die” - Thornhill

3) “Eat, Sleep, Wake (Nothing But You)” – Bombay Bicycle Club

4) “Starts and Ends” – Hillsong United

5) “I Guess I Just Feel Like” – John Mayer

Finally, what does 2020 hold for Lalchand? Much more music!

A: The plan is to release an EP so definitely keep your eyes out for that but I’d imagine there’d be another single or two before that EP is released...