Lava La Rue is a powerhouse British-Jamaican artist who’s been making waves in the music and creative scenes. A co-founder of the NiNE8 Collective, they’ve also designed clothes, directed music videos, and even a live performance for Wet Leg at the BRITS. After signing with Dirty Hit in 2022, they are making their debut with Starface, dropping tomorrow.
Starface is a concept album through and through, telling the story of an alien who comes down to Earth to learn what it is to be human and love. And Lava is at the center, a vision completely their own. Starface is an immersive world of stunning music and visuals. I had the incredible opportunity to interview Lava, and it was truly a great conversation—their energy is magnetic and inspiring, and it felt like a masterclass in life, creativity, and expression.
Starface is a culmination of six years of meticulous crafting, whittled down from over 40 demos. “I knew for my first record I wanted to do something larger than life with narratives and lots of metaphors. It was so hard to get it down to 20, and now it’s a 17-track record.” It’s not just a collection of songs but a vivid, narrative-driven experience. When asked if they had specific visuals in mind when creating the album, they replied, “When I was making the music, I thought of the visual concept at the same time as the songs, so it felt like making a soundtrack. I storyboarded it scene by scene, like a time-coded storyboard frame by frame.” Their impressive talent and vision are undeniable, making Lava La Rue a truly remarkable artist.
Signing with Dirty Hit in 2022 has boosted Lava La Rue’s creative journey. “It’s been nice having the Dirty Hit crew on my team, and as you can tell, all the artists on the roster have such a clear vision,” Lava said. “They give you a lot of creative freedom. That’s been really amazing, not just freedom, but ‘how can we enhance this?’”
Lava’s forward-thinking approach is evident. “I’m always trying to be five steps ahead, just opening the conversation of what a Lava record sounds like. In terms of my musicality and my vision, this is where I’m at. This is a really good introduction; it’s just the beginning of a long conversation.”
Lava’s inspirations are as eclectic as their music. Icons like Prince and Bowie, known for their genre-spanning careers, have left a clear mark on Lava’s approach. Lava wanted to make something that didn’t feel boxed into one thing but still felt cohesive and unmistakably like a ‘Lava sound.’
Speaking of recognizable marks, the star around the eye, which has become an iconic part of Lava’s alter ego, has an interesting origin story. It first appeared in their EP High Fidelity and gradually became a more prominent feature. “When it came to making the record, I wanted to commit to the bit, turning it into a character with a storyline and lore.” This commitment to a cohesive visual and narrative experience extends to the live aspect of their music. Lava emphasized the importance of the live aspect and how they think about it when making the songs on the record. They are excited for the live shows; this project is definitely made to be performed. “It would be cool if people came with stars on their face and did cosplay.”
I’m definitely planning on attending a live show, and I can’t wait to see how the narrative and visuals come to life on stage. Listening to Starface, I found myself drawn into a rich tapestry of stories and sounds that showcase Lava’s range and versatility. The album’s narrative jumps back and forth, with each track offering a different genre and energy, highlighting the diversity and depth within the album. Starface is truly a no-skip experience and, to reiterate, is like a movie. It also has plenty of standout tracks, both ones that are perfect for dancing and have a summer vibe like “Push N Shuv,” “LOVEBITES,” and “Sandown Beach,” and more contemplative, chiller pop songs like “Humanity” and “Secondhand Sadness.”
Throughout Starface, you’ll find a blend of genres, emotions, and stories, featuring collaborations with artists and friends like Cuco, Tendai, Audrey Nuna, and other members of the NiNE8 Collective. Lava’s ability to seamlessly integrate these diverse influences and collaborators into a cohesive narrative is a testament to their vision and talent. For a debut album, Starface is impressively ambitious and executed with a level of sophistication that sets it apart. The seamless blend of different genres and the integration of various artistic influences into a coherent whole is nothing short of remarkable. It’s a bold statement from an artist who is unafraid to push boundaries and explore new creative territories.
Lava La Rue is the definition of an artist to watch. Their creativity knows no bounds, and they already possess a wisdom and boundless energy that captivates and inspires. With Starface, they have created a must-listen journey through their visionary world, offering a blend of genres, emotions, and stories that invite listeners to step into a richly crafted narrative. This album is more than just a debut; it’s a statement of intent from an artist whose career promises to be as expansive and eclectic as the inspirations they draw from.
Starface is out tomorrow.
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