Entertainment
Reda Haddioui, from singing in Parisian bars, to producing music in Hollywood for a Golden Globe, Oscar Winning, and Grammy nominated Marvel movie
When you were a child, which record made the strongest impression on you?
I would say Tim Buckley’s song “Once I Was”. I remember when I was a kid, being in the car with my dad when he played me the record for the first time. I felt really emotional hearing the song for the first time even without understanding the lyrics. I was hypnotized by Tim’s vocal performance and the overall vibe. Today understanding the words and being passionate about lyrics in general, it touches me even more.
Where did you train and/or study?
I took a few piano lessons at a very young age but didn’t really stick to it as I wanted to explore music without having any directions. So I’ve been almost self taught until I was sixteen and started taking voice lessons. I’ve started to learn recording and mixing watching online videos during high school but really improved my music production skills at Berklee College Of School where I went to study after earning a scholarship. I studied Music Production & Engineering and had the chance to learn from Grammy-winning producers, songwriters, and engineers. I learned the rest on the field recording and producing hundreds of musicians in Morocco, Paris, Boston, and Los Angeles.
How long have you been working in Los Angeles?
I’ve been working in Los Angeles for a little over three years now. I came from Boston after graduating from Berklee and it has been an incredible journey for me even-though the road has been and can still be tough from time to time.
How did you end up producing a song for the Marvel movie: Spider-man Into The Spider Verse?
I’ve worked really hard since I moved to Los Angeles without counting the hours. Fifteen hours work days were common for me. Nobody was forcing me to put all these hours in, but I’ve always been a perfectionist, always trying to get better at what I do. Eventually my hard work has paid off. I’ve been working part-time in several recording studios in Los Angeles until I found WAX LTD where I really got along with the multi-platinum producers/songwriters Wally Gagel and Xandy Barry. I started as an intern but my hard work has allowed me to step up and eventually end up working with them on bigger and bigger projects, including the song “To The End” for the “Spider-man Into The Spider Verse” movie.
What was the biggest challenge working on such a big project?
I’ve noticed that the biggest challenge working on bigger projects is to treat them as small ones. There’s that unexplainable and magical thing happening when you’re carelessly producing music. The result usually feels authentic, and people connect more to it. In the other hand when you overthink while producing, the song tends to lose its magic and becomes naturally less effective. Producing “To The End”, we were finalizing the mix, but had to change some of the lyrics at the last minute, which also required re-tracking most of the vocals. We only had about two hours on a Sunday to re-track Elliphant’s vocals as her schedule was packed with sessions, and was going back and forth between Los Angeles and Stockholm. I worked with her that day and vocal produced her, doing my best to get the energetic performance the song needed. Fortunately, I had a great time working with her and we’ve been able to achieve what we aimed for. Vocal production is often underrated, but it is probably the most important thing on a record. Vocals are the main focus and if they don’t convey authenticity, people don’t stick to the song.
What is the best professional advice you’ve ever received, and that you would give to up and coming music producers?
The best professional advice I’ve ever received and that I would give without any hesitation sounded cliché and useless to me at first, but today I realize how accurate it is in context. One day while studying at Berklee in Boston, I asked that question to one of my production teachers and successful record producer John Whynot. He gave me the very short answer: “Focus on what you’re doing well, and keep doing it well”. Again, expecting a long answer and hearing this instead could be disappointing. However, once you are plunged into the music world in Hollywood around the most talented people in the world, you’ll have all the temptations in the world to shift your focus towards the million reasons why you’re not as successful as the person you’re looking up to. So you start overthinking, thinking of how to “make it” faster, and you eventually forget that you only have a limited amount of energy, which in this case is wasted overthinking. So yes, it becomes harder and harder to stay focused on what brought you here in the first place, and it is extremely important to keep that in mind to become one of the greatest in your field. Hard work, perseverance, and patience are key to success. Everyone knows it, everyone forgets it during tough times.
Instagram: @redahmusic
Entertainment
Notes from the Heart: Lartist Yan on Music, Motivation, and ‘Second Chance’
By Mj Toledo
US rising singer, songwriter, producer, and beatmaker Lartist Yan has always believed that music is a universal language, and his recent rise in the industry proves he’s fluent in it. With his new hit song “Second Chance” and upcoming tour, fans nationwide eagerly anticipate his old-school soul and contemporary flair, as Lartist Yan blends genres such as Country Blues, Reggae, Pop, RnB/Soul, Ballad, Folk, and Soul/Blues into his captivating performances. The rising star discusses his songwriting process and how he is turning real-life challenges into chart-topping hits that speak to the soul.
Q: Can you share the creative process behind “Second Chance”? What inspired the melody and lyrics?
Lartist Yan: Of course. “Second Chance” was quite an experience for me. It all started one night when I was sleeping, and I suddenly heard this melody playing in my ears, as if someone was playing it to me from afar. It was a mysterious, compelling melody that demanded to be heard. I immediately woke up and started working on it, trying to capture the essence of what I had heard in my dream.
The lyrics were born from a personal experience of betrayal and disappointment. I had been let down by someone I loved at the time, and this song became a way for me to process those emotions.
But more than just expressing pain, I wanted “Second Chance” to offer hope. The message is that everyone deserves a second chance and that failure can often be the beginning of something great.
Q: Your music is like a combination of various genres. How do you balance these different influences in your songwriting?
Lartist Yan: What an interesting question. I really do not have a strict formula. I just let my inner self guide me. Listening to so many genres gave me a broad musical palette to work.
When I write a song, I naturally draw from these influences, picking elements that best express the emotion or story I am trying to convey.
We should not confine music to rigid genre boundaries. Instead, I aim to create a sound that is authentic to me, often resulting in a fusion of styles. For example, in “Second Chance,” you will hear elements of old-school RnB mixed with modern pop production techniques. This honors my musical roots while also creating something fresh.
Q: “Second Chance” has quickly climbed the charts in the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK). Why do you think listeners love it so much?
Lartist Yan: I believe the universal theme of hope and redemption in “Second Chance” resonates most with listeners. We have all experienced setbacks in life, and the idea that we can bounce back and deserve another opportunity speaks to people. I am truly humbled and grateful that “Second Chance” has touched so many people and found its way onto the charts.
Q: You have mentioned multiple times that your music addresses real-life challenges. How do you translate personal experiences into chart toppers?
Lartist Yan: Translating personal experiences into universal themes is at the heart of my songwriting process. I believe that even though our individual experiences are unique, many often share the emotions we feel.
When I write about a personal challenge or situation, I focus on the emotions and the broader lessons learned rather than getting caught up in specific details that only apply to me.
For example, with “Second Chance,” I think about how others might relate to my feelings and what words or melodies might resonate with them. It is about finding the common thread in our human experiences so listeners can see themselves in the music, even if their circumstances differ.
Q: Can you tell us about your upcoming single, “The Wave of Love”? How does it differ from or build upon “Second Chance”?
Lartist Yan: While “Second Chance” focuses on themes of redemption and new beginnings, “The Wave of Love” explores the power of genuine, true love and how authentic love can impact our lives.
Musically, “The Wave of Love” builds upon the soulful foundation of “Second Chance” but introduces new elements that reflect the song’s theme. You will hear a more expansive sound. I cannot wait for everyone to listen to it and experience this new aspect of my artistry.
Q: You’ve won several prestigious awards before releasing your first single. How have these accolades impacted your career?
Lartist Yan: Winning those awards in Russia was a turning point for me. It was not just about the recognition; it also gave me a huge confidence boost in my abilities as a performer.
When starting, you often doubt yourself, wondering if you have what it takes. But standing on those stages, receiving the Golden Voice of Russia and the other awards, was like a confirmation that I was on the right path.
Those accolades also opened up a lot of doors for me. I got to share the stage with some major stars in Moscow, which was an incredible learning experience. It exposed me to a broader audience and helped me understand what it takes to perform consistently at a high level. But more than anything, it fueled my passion to keep pushing, improving, and bringing my music to an even bigger stage – which is why I am so excited about my move to the U.S. market now.
Q: As both a songwriter and beatmaker, how do you approach the production process for your tracks?
Lartist Yan: It is very organic and intuitive. It usually starts with a feeling or an experience I want to express. Sometimes, like with “Second Chance,” the melody comes to me in a dream, and I build from there.
Other times, I will start with a beat or a chord progression that captures the emotion I am trying to convey. I do not like to force the process. I believe the best music comes when you let it flow naturally.
Q: How do you balance creating personally meaningful and commercially appealing music?
Lartist Yan: That is a great question, and I think about it a lot. For me, the key is to always start with authenticity. If a song is significant to me, if it comes from a genuine place of emotion or experience, then it has the potential to connect with others. That connection is what makes music commercially appealing in the long run.
Of course, I am not naive about the realities of the music industry. I pay attention to trends and what is resonating with audiences. But instead of trying to copy what is popular, I look for ways to incorporate those elements into my style.
Q: You’re preparing for your first U.S. tour. What can fans expect from your live performances?
Lartist Yan: I am incredibly excited about my first U.S. tour. Regarding the setlist, I’ll perform songs from my debut album, including ‘Second Chance,’ some memorable covers, and tracks from my debut EP. I also plan to include interactive elements to connect with the audience.
My band and I have been rehearsing extensively to guarantee that we deliver a tight, energetic show that brings the studio recordings to life. Whether you are a long-time fan or new to my music, I promise an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.
We will start the “Discover Me” Tour in Los Angeles, then head to Washington, D.C., and New York City. After that, we will be in Seattle, Chicago, and wrap up in Dallas in 2024-2025.
Q: What are your long-term goals as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Lartist Yan: My long-term vision is to become a global artist who can touch people’s lives through music, regardless of where they are from or what language they speak. I also want to create music that entertains and brings positive change.
To achieve these goals, I am focusing on a few key things. First, I am constantly working on my craft – writing, producing, and performing as much as possible to keep improving. I am also very committed to building genuine connections with my audience through music and platforms like social media.
The upcoming tour is a big part of this strategy. It is about getting out there and connecting with people face-to-face. It is a long journey, and I am excited about every step of it.
For longtime fans and new listeners, the upcoming US artist’s music provides a fresh take grounded in real experiences. With a new song and an upcoming tour in the pipeline, the world is about to get a “Second Chance” at falling in love with music all over again through Lartist Yan.
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