Milwaukee born and bred and now LA based artist, musician and sound designer James Laurent has just shared his latest single. Entitled “Midnight Speeding", the song is the first taste of his upcoming new album Degen Z which is due in December. The highly anticipated album will feature exciting collaborations with Moxas, Global Dan, and Dusty.
With "Midnight Speeding", James Laurent creates an intoxicating song all about the freedom found in letting go. The track also narrates other important themes like living in the moment, finding joy and living one's dreams all with the metaphor of speeding in a flashy car. He sings, Don't care, long as I got my foot on the gas/ My engine revving, knowing that's a blessing / I'll be need for speed dreaming," showing these themes. Musically, "Midnight Speeding" is a synth pop masterpiece filled with 80's inspired sonics, heavy bass, and a pop-laden hook that lingers. The track is adventurous, riveting and electrifying from start to finish, capturing the rush of motion and the euphoria of escape. The production is sleek yet cinematic, shimmering synths collide with pulsating rhythms to create a vivid late-night drive through neon-lit streets. His vocals glide effortlessly over the beat, balancing confidence with introspection as he reflects on chasing purpose in a fast-moving world.
James Laurent isn't just an artist but also an acclaimed engineer, working with well known record labels and artists across the city. The musician is also an artist, creating the single’s artwork himself, spending over 200 hours hand-painting cel-shaded 3D models line by line, to bring his vision to life.
“Midnight Speeding” marks a thrilling evolution for James Laurent, cementing his place as one of the most exciting multi-genre artists pushing the boundaries of modern pop and electronic music. As the first glimpse of Degen Z, the single teases a bold, high-octane body of work that’s bound to keep listeners hooked and headlights flashing until release day.
Connect with James Laurent: INSTAGRAM