Loofy talks cinematic inspiration, building a creative empire & more [interview]

We chatted with Loofy, a rising talent whose low-key approach to his craft stands in stark contrast to the mad hype surrounding his 2023 club hit ‘Last Night’. Released on the iconic Nervous Records, the track has garnered support from some of the biggest names in the industry, including Tale of Us, Mau P, Malaa, Tiesto, Oscar G, John Summit, and Dom Dolla. Despite the praise, Loofy remains unphased, prioritizing the music over the accolades—a mindset that caught the attention of Nervous Records as they look ahead to the next phase of his career. Growing up in Chicago, he was immersed in hip-hop and R&B, but a move to Florida exposed him to a broader range of genres. However, it was his time in the UK that sparked his passion for electronic music and set him on a new career trajectory. His Luv & Lust label, with its signature red and black aesthetic, now houses a growing discography, characterized by a more intimate and sensual sound. Remaining true to his artistry, Loofy continues to build a dedicated following, becoming a sought-after name on the club circuit.

Stream ‘Last Night’ while you read our interview with Loofy below. 

Set the tone for us. Why the arts?
Why not? Music and cinema caught my attention at a young age. Darker music from albums like Recovery by Eminem and COWYS by Lil Peep resonated with me a lot. I started off listening to Hip Hop/R&B before exploring other genres as I got older. I also enjoy films like Inception, Rogue One, and Underworld for their stories and visual settings.

Which comes first when you’re producing – the sound or the idea?
The idea usually comes first. Normally it’s the hook, whether it’s a vocal or a melody. If the sound comes first, it’s typically a drum or bass pattern that easily repeats itself. I find that if I can get a good groove for my low end (kick + bass), adding other elements becomes much easier.

Does your material feature any collaborations?
Yes, some of my material includes collaborations. Most of my upcoming releases will feature various vocalists I’ve been working with over the past year.

What’s on your current playlist?
Lots of unreleased music from myself and other artists on my club playlists. I also have playlists for hip hop, breakbeat, metal, and DnB tracks. I was just listening to jazz last night, so it really varies day by day. I enjoy other genres beyond dance music for both pleasure and creative inspiration. At night, I listen to a Spotify playlist called Deep Sleep for ethereal frequencies that help with sleep and healing.

Tell us about the chemistry you have with your fans on stage.
I enjoy when the chemistry is intimate and energetic. I recently had a great show in New York where the crowd had amazing energy throughout the set. I love when people aren’t just there to stare at the artist but enjoy the night with their friends while also receiving a performance. In today’s scene, people sometimes just stand and wait for the artist to surprise them every drop. It should be more about the collective experience on the dance floor.

What techniques do you experiment with to get your original sound?
I experiment with lower keys ranging from D to F# and distortion/color applications. I resonate with that range more and have some special plug-ins to achieve unique sounds. Referencing tracks also helps—comparing them sonically, for arrangement, or mix/mastering. I’ll bring 1-3 tracks into my project file and go back and forth to see what I can add or take away. It’s a great method for starting a track.

Take us through a day in the recording studio.
It depends on my mood and the task at hand. Sometimes it’s a smooth process, and other times it’s not. If I have a solid idea, it’s easier to stay on track. If I’m searching for creativity, I start by making a few grooves and picking one to build upon. The best way to lock in is by turning off distractions and staying focused for a few hours, whether I’m progressing smoothly or not. If I get frustrated, I’ll take a break, start fresh, or exercise to get blood flowing.

Was there a specific moment in your life where you thought, “this is what I want to do”?
Yes, a couple of moments. One was at a club called The Vanguard in Florida while Malone was playing direct support. My friend randomly said, “You should do it,” and I decided to pursue it. Another was EDC 2019—after the festival, I knew I wanted to be part of this world. In 2019, I returned to the U.S. after living in the UK for a couple of years, where I started clubbing. By the end of 2020, I started producing, and in 2021, I really picked up the pace.

What do you keep close by while you’re playing a set?
Coconut water, headphones, chargers, cables, hearing protection—and maybe some premium tequila nearby. I prefer coconut water for hydration and always aim for proper nutrition to support a great performance.

Any emerging artists on your radar?
Yes, artists like Shy Tea, Jenny Voss, Claire, and Nicky G. They’re vocalists and producers who have caught my attention over the past few years. Each of them specializes in different genres, from electronic to R&B and hip hop. In my opinion, they’re very underrated.

Take us through your collection of gear, tech, or software that accompanies your creative expression.
I use both PC and Mac with Ableton Live. Like many electronic artists, I rely on plug-ins from bundles like Fab Filter, Soundtoys, Ozone, Waves, Valhalla, and Arturia. Hardware-wise, I use the Behringer Crave, TD-3, and Moog Subsequent 37. I’m planning to acquire a Pioneer V10, a new auto-tune plug-in/microphone, and new studio monitors by Adam Audio or Focal.

Any side projects you’re working on?
Yes, my Luv & Lust project, which I’ll be building up more throughout this year. It’s a space where I can release music freely without needing outside approval. Releases under this project will showcase my range as an artist. I also plan to showcase the label at events, similar to how other labels do at clubs or festivals. The project draws a lot of inspiration from Japanese culture and has a black-and-red aesthetic.

What gets your creative juices flowing?
A good vocal, kick drum, or drop instantly inspires me to create something new. I browse social media and playlists for inspiration – Fridays are the best because that’s when a lot of dance music is released.

How have you refined your craft since you entered the industry?
I’m slowly but surely developing my own sound. Like most artists, I believe I’ll continue to mature in my music and performances over time. I currently have about 15 unreleased tracks ranging from tech house, minimal, techno, DnB, and breakbeat, which I plan to release over the next couple of years. I have an EP called Lost coming out this year, followed by releases from my own imprint Luv & Lust. Some of these tracks will be part of my live sets.

Breakdown the news for us: what can we expect from you this year?
Something different. I’ll be releasing multiple genres of music that showcase my range. I know people are expecting another big hit, and I do too—but that can’t be forced. Right now, I’m focused on putting out music I enjoy. The big hits will come along the way.

Famous last words:
“No Mercy.”

Follow Loofy:

Spotify – Apple Music – Youtube – Instagram – TikTok