Lava La Rue: “I’ve always been outspoken”

Lava La Rue’s journey to musical success began at a young age when they were discovered by Guns N’ Roses legend Duff McKagan while performing with their first punk band, The West Borns. Since then, their unique fusion of funk, alternative, and psychedelia has garnered over 500 million streams and resulted in two breakout EPs and a debut album, STARFACE.

As a queer, non-binary, and mixed-race artist, La Rue’s music explores themes of identity, queerness, and cultural belonging. Their Bowie-esque concept album delved into psychedelic soundscapes while playing a character on stage, leading them to seek clarity and rediscover their sound after the album’s release.

A trip to Japan, recommended by a friend with family ties to legendary blues guitarist John Mayall, inspired La Rue to reconnect with their musical roots through their latest EP, “Do You Know Everything?” Collaborating with renowned producer Fraser T Smith, La Rue experimented with their vocals and drew influence from artists like The Cure to craft a more emotive and confessional record that pays homage to their punk influences.

Forming a band allowed La Rue to explore a more textured sound and collaborate with like-minded musicians. Working with Smith on a visual project and benefiting from his expertise for free exemplified the supportive nature of the music industry. Their return to the alternative scene, once dominated by white, cis men, represents a shift towards more inclusive and diverse music spaces, reflecting the evolving landscape of the industry.

Through their music, La Rue remains vocal about their experiences and perspectives, continuing to push boundaries and challenge norms in the music industry. As they navigate their creative journey, La Rue’s authenticity and dedication to self-expression serve as an inspiration to aspiring artists and advocates for greater diversity and representation in music.