Based out of Mississippi, the multifaceted artist Laeland, an acronym for ‘Let’s All Embrace Love and Never Die,’ has carved a distinct path in the music world. His artistic journey commenced in 2018 with the debut single “Strangers Again,” a precursor to his signature ‘lyrical lofi’ style. Since then, Laeland’s musical trajectory has been marked by a series of releases that have racked up millions of streams on platforms like Spotify. His musical prowess was nurtured from a tender age, evolving from performing for family to guiding classmates in music class. This early affinity for melody and rhythm eventually blossomed into crafting his own tracks, drawing influences from a diverse array of artists and literary works.
Laeland gained momentum in 2019 with standout tracks like “I’m in love but” and “summer nights.” A member of the Stay Inside Collective alongside fellow Nettwerk signees Snøw and Skinny Atlas, Laeland’s musical adventure was steadily gaining traction. His explorations culminated in the creation of his new studio album, titled look at the mess we made, a project that radiates his storytelling prowess and marks his first full-length release under the Nettwerk label imprint.
The album unfolds with “Just Give Me Something,” a collaboration with Boy Nobody and Snøw. A soothing blend of R&B-infused lofi pop, the track beckons with a gentle beat, instrumental nuances and captivating vocals. It serves as an inviting entry into Laeland’s world; a world where emotions are painted with melodic strokes. “Dumb Luck,” featuring Skinny Atlas, dives into reflection, unraveling layers of emotion and questions about the hurtful actions of others. The artist’s emotional depth shines through in “u never call.,” where a delicate beat and synth tones create an engaging backdrop for his achingly emotive vocal delivery, complemented by voicemail samples that enhance its intimacy.
Throughout the album, Laeland deftly fuses acoustic folk and R&B influences with his signature lofi hip hop foundation. “tell me to fall and i will” is a poignant showcase of his songwriting prowess, where tender acoustic guitar and warm piano chords provide a canvas for his moving lyrics and quivering vocals. The album’s closing track, “Now and Then,” features bright acoustic guitar tones and vivid storytelling lyrics, capturing the nuances of romantic betrayal with an alluring, bittersweet melody.
While the album encompasses a variety of emotions, it’s rooted in human connections. Collaborations are carefully curated, featuring some of Laeland’s closest friends and even his mother, who provides a touching outro on “dear lovrr.” The album’s depth is further illustrated by Laeland’s reflection on the global reach of his music, a viral TikTok moment in Kazakhstan and Russia ignited a sense of both exhilaration and isolation as he connected with supporters from distant lands.
In “look at the mess we made,” Laeland’s musical odyssey culminates in an album that is both introspective and relatable. With a seamless blend of genres and deeply resonant lyrics, he invites listeners into a world where vulnerability and authenticity are paramount. Laeland’s ability to weave heartfelt stories into his music shines brightly and look at the mess we made stands as a shining example of his artistic evolution and boundless potential.
Commenting on the record, he shares, “I wanted to connect the feeling of randomly dropping a glass to a relationship. You think you’ve got a good grip on what’s going on, but something is completely flipped out of your hands into a million pieces. How do we put it back together? It’s an observation. Look at this mess we allowed to happen. What are we going to do about it?”
Listen to look at the mess we made below
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