London based multi-instrumentalist Kevin Erlicher, aka Loverground, is gearing up to release his new EP 'whatever happens, happens' in July via Majestic Casual.
Having only released three singles to date under the Loverground moniker, Kevin has received a slew of DSP editorial support since the project's conception in 2019 and his latest single 'pup slushy' is an uplifting lo-fi house offering imbued with positive meaning and riding on a joyful instrumental backdrop.
We had the chance to speak to him on the run up to the EP release as part of our Get to Know series...
Introduce yourself and tell us a bit about you!
"Hi! My name is Kevin Erlicher and I make music under Loverground. I am French-Argentinian and I live in South East London. I have been living here for the past 8 years and this place has influenced my music a lot. I love music, all kinds of music, any genre as long as it is good sounding music. I love listening to it, playing it, creating it. I also recently completed a degree in Psychology & Cognitive Neuroscience which I really enjoyed."
When did you start making music?
"I started playing guitar when I was thirteen. My neighbour and high school friend in Buenos Aires had a guitar and lent it to me. I went crazy and used to fall asleep with it. For me it was always about creating, as soon as I picked up the guitar I started writing songs and recording them. They weren't great but I always had so much fun in the process, and I still do today." Who or what is your biggest inspiration/s?
"I admire people that completely devote themselves to their passion/calling. When you find that one thing that fully immerse yourself in the present moment, then nothing else really matters. It doesn't come easy and it takes a lot of discipline to put yourself repeatedly in that space, and that's something I really admire. I think this applies to composers like Quincy Jones, producers like Pharell Williams, Scott Storch (I love him) or performers such as Michael Jackson, but also athletes like Nadal or Serena Williams. The list goes on... More recently, I have been really inspired by producers and tastemakers such as Peggy Gou, Jayda G, Bradley Zero."
Have you had a particular stand out moment in your music career so far? "I used to play in a band called Smooth Ends which I started when I just moved to London. A few years later we played a festival back in Argentina (Personal Fest) as well as some other shows. We all traveled there together and played in front of my home crowd, which was a pretty amazing experience."
You've most recently released your new track ‘Pup Slushy’! Tell us a little about it! "That track is an ode to spring, a celebration of good times to come. The title 'Pup Slushy' was inspired by the ice cream van parked at the park in front of my house. It has a big 'Slush Puppie' sign and kids queue for hours to get one. When I see the ice cream truck through my window, I know spring is here."
How has the reaction been?
"It's been great! I think the direction my sound is taking is becoming clearer and seeing other people enjoy it is really the best!"
The track is taken from your upcoming EP ‘Whatever Happens, Happens’! What can we expect from that release?
"It will be a collection of 5 tracks written over the past year. All the songs were written,recorded and mixed in my bedroom. You can expect housy kicks, bouncy basslines and pretty chords. It's honest music made with love. I am happy it will be out in the summer, I think it will be better enjoyed under the sun."
Why / How did you decide on the EP name? "The name of the EP sums up my philosophy on life and on the way I approach this project. I released my first single ('Easy :)' ) less than a year ago with no expectation at all, just for the pleasure of making and sharing music. Same applies to my life, I just do the best I can and then I let go of the results. Whatever Happens, Happens.."
How have you found making the EP and trying to be creative over the past year which has been really difficult for artists? "I started this project right before the first lockdown in the UK. Although it's been a tough year for artists, especially for live performances, I didn't get to experience that contrast. If anything, it was actually beneficial to me as it allowed me to spend more time indoors working on my music. I find that the more I force myself to sit down and write, the more creative I am. I am still looking forward to playing the songs to a live audience, which I think will be a big part of this adventure."
What can we expect next from you?
"Lots of things.. I am currently working on a collaborative project with musicians and producers from all over the world. These songs are a bit more pop, which is a side I really want to explore in the future. I also have a bunch of electronic/club tracks that I am waiting to release when the time is right. As I said before, I am really looking forward to playing live sets. Then I think the ultimate goal is to release an album, which is something I have always wanted to do."
'Pup Slushy' is out now. Listen HERE @loverground_
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