Still just 26-years-old, London-based writer and producer Lostboy has already exceeded 500 million in the early stages of his career. First discovered by the influential Fraser T. Smith, Lostboy has achieved Gold-status in the UK with credits on tracks from Anne-Marie (also Platinum in the States), Becky Hill and Sigala.
Lostboy’s recent hits include Zedd ft. Kehlani’s Good Thing (125 million streams), Unbelievable by Why Don’t We (100 million) and Jackson Wang’s 100 Ways, which made Wang the first Chinese artist to hit the Top 30 at US radio. He has also co-written with leading names such as Lewis Capaldi (Rita Ora’s How To Be Lonely) and Liam Payne (for Marlon Roudette).
Lostboy’s ascent shows no signs of slowing, with new releases from artists such as Bebe Rexha, Little Mix, The Vamps and Tom Grennan. Lostboy is one-half of AboutAGirl, a duo who are signed to Universal, while his remix credits include Dua Lipa and Dermot Kennedy.
Lostboy took brief time away from the mixing desk recently to discuss his Music DNA with Andy Howells.
What was the first song that made an impact on you?
Seal – Kiss From A Rose – Seal was one of the only CD’s we had in the car when I was growing up so often found that was on in the background. I think Seal’s voice is amazing and I was massively influenced by Trevor Horn’s production as I got older. Fast forward 15 years and I’m lucky enough to see him now and then if I’m working at Sarm in Notting Hill!
What was the first single you bought?
Jurassic 5 – Concrete Schoolyard. Not sure if this was a single, but I remember tracking down the CD in HMV and basically just exclusively listening to this song. Eventually I must’ve gotten into the rest of their catalogue because when I was 17, I saw Jurassic 5 (with Cut Chemist) live in Birmingham and it blew my mind.
What was the first album you owned?
Self titled album from Nirvana. Not sure if I bought it because I liked it or if I thought it would impress my mates. But I ended up becoming obsessed with them – now I have a separate artist project myself called ‘aboutagirl’ .
What’s your constant go to track?
As of right now.. Anderson Paak Lockdown. Feels like a perfect commentary on everything that’s going on right now, especially in the US. Sonically its amazing as well.
What’s your constant go to album?
Foy Vance – The Joy Of Nothing. Such a fan of Foy and this album always chills me out if I’m feeling overwhelmed with work, or life. Lyrically, there’s a lot of good advice / storytelling in this album.
Who’s your latest music discovery?
She’s been around for a while but I think Caroline Polachek is amazing – her track door completely blew me away. The production, structure, and melodies are all so unique.
What’s your own track that best defines you as an artist?
As a producer writer – Zedd Good Thing (ft. Kehlani), really proud of both the track and Topline of that song, and the way it came together felt so natural. I’m a massive Kehlani fan too so that was a cool moment for me.
As an artist – Aboutagirl – ‘Deep Sea Diving (ft. Emir Taha), we wrote it in a house in LA with some of our closest friends. I’m really proud of the video too.
- For further updates check out Lostboy’s official website