Whether you like it or not, playlists have changed the way that we consume music. With every mood playlist and taste-led algorithm, the light of an unforgettable album experience dims ever so slightly. "I think the popularity of playlists shows how much people are craving well-curated collections of music, which is what a great album is at the end of the day," states Norwegian-born, L.A. based artist, producer and multi-instrumentalist Lido. "I’m sure the way we consume music will change drastically and several more times in the future, but to me, there’s nothing like a great album experience."
On Lido's latest album, PEDER, he emphatically triumphs in achieving a great album experience. A multifaceted concept album that grips you from start to finish, he takes his emotive homogeny of electronic, pop, and R&B further than its gone before.
"Making albums is my favorite way to make music," he continues. "I think it does something to your inspiration and approach when you create music intended as pieces of a whole. It’s also my favorite way to listen to music. I like diving into a world that someone constructed for me to have an experience in."
The world that he's crafted throughout this project is inspired by the boundless realm of outer space, which is a recurring theme in his music, most notably on his 2018 collaborative album with J'von, Spacesuit. This intergalactic theme fully blossoms on PEDER, delivered this time by the likes of orbiting melodies in tracks like "Rise," the subtle lyrical references of "Please Fasten Your Seatbelt," and the futuristic sound design of "Best4u" and "Postclubridehomemusic."
"The space idea and concept came from growing up somewhere I felt quite isolated, kind of like being lost in space," shares Lido. "From my little town in Norway, it felt like the world of American music was galaxies away. I love how film and TV used forward-thinking sound design to give an otherworldly vibe to sci-fi movies so it also inspired the sounds a lot. The flow of the album follows the story about [children's book] “The Boy on The Spaceship” but the lyrics are my own experiences and contemplation about my own life, so it’s more of a parallel than a concept story. I wanted to see if I could make music ignoring the rules rather than trying to break them and channeling the mind-set of someone isolated on a spaceship with no knowledge about music, which really helped."
Lido is also well known for his collaborative work, having credits on Chance the Rapper's Coloring Book, Mariah Carey's "The Distance" and more recently, Aluna on her debut solo project. But PEDER continues Lido's personal musical story in both production and lyricism, building on the confidence he found on a previous solo effort, 2016's Everything.
"I think there’s a lot of overthinking that comes along with competing in the music industry," he states. "When I include collaborators in my own music, I try to make it feel like a safe space where the artist can go as crazy as they want, push themselves and ignore the restraints and expectations they often feel around their own art. When I work with an artist on their projects, I try to support the artists vision the best that I can. I try to be as hands-on as I can, but also bring in the right outside musicians and producers whose expertise can benefit the artist."
From the rapturous aural journey, the intimate yet relatable lyrical narrative, to the mesmeric visuals, and everything in between, PEDER is truly a standout release from an artist overflowing with creativity, and we can't wait to see what's next.
Closing the conversation, we ask how Lido plans on spending the rest of this uncertain year, "I’m going to make a bunch of music, take care of my super poppin’ herb garden, and stay close to the people I love."
PEDER is available now via Because Music.
