Midwest R&D Interview with 2Lanes
We sat down with 2Lanes, the Detroit producer and DJ whose sound is as deep and dynamic as the city itself. We dove into a conversation about his musical journey and the cultural and industrial heritage of Detroit that continues to inspire him.
X: Can you tell us about your journey into music? What sparked your passion for becoming an artist?
2Lanes: I was always surrounded by music. My dad played guitar and my cousin produced and recorded with bands in Detroit. When I lived in NYC I first saw people doing “live sets” - performances with synthesizers and drum machines being playing original electronic music live. This especially got the creative gears turning in my head, and I wanted to start making my own music to perform.
X: What were some of the key moments or influences that shaped your sound as 2Lanes?
2Lanes: Seeing DJ Rashad (RIP) the legendary Chicago footwork DJ was extremely informative. This other artist Terekke who used to live in NYC performed live sets in a cool dub techno style. Playing around with the Elektron Octatrack sampler was really informative for me. It was the first time I was manipulating samples, controlling synths and dubbing sounds out with creative FX.
X: How did your background and upbringing in Detroit influence your path as a musician and DJ?
2Lanes: I have always had a fascination with the musical and artistic legacy of Detroit and this sort of mythos the city has created for itself. Learning more about the roots of techno and the early American rave scene really showed me a new world surrounding the music I love.
X: Looking back, is there any advice you’d give to your younger self when you first started making music?
2Lanes: Push yourself to finish music faster, lol. Study musical theory.
X: How has Detroit’s cultural and industrial heritage shaped your sound?
2Lanes: The cultural legacy of so many different types of music comes from Detroit, and many of the proponents are still living here, hanging around. Especially the 90s/ early 2000s techno scenes. You can learn so much from the older generations of musicians and artists here. They all have amazing stories of the city. The industrial backdrop reminds you of what this city has gone through. The expansive deepness to the city and storied past. How things change and remain the same are constant reflections, juxtaposed by the ghost of American industry.
X: Detroit’s music community is tight-knit. How has this community influenced your journey?
2Lanes: I learn so much from the community here. Everyone is always sharing music. There are so many venues for small, intimate performances of really cool, different styles of music. I am always trying to have different guests in my studio to record with; singers, producers, musicians. Try to record as much as possible and keep it fresh.
X: What’s your advice for new artists looking to honor Detroit’s music heritage while creating something unique?
2Lanes: Listen to the music. Listen to what the musicians liked. Talk to the people. Hear their story. Don’t try to completely make it your identity at first. But you have to give respect to what came before you.
X: How would you describe your personal style, and how does it reflect your music?
2Lanes: I like very refined and utilitarian things. I love muted colors and tones. I love highly tailored clothing - shirts, slacks, and nice boots. But I also love workwear - cargo pants, sports sneakers, and hiking stuff thrown in for the winter - classic Michigan haha. Lately as I’ve gotten really into dressing more mature. Less sneakers and hoodies. And slightly more formal. More sweaters and boots. Sometimes with my music, I try to stand out by not doing what everyone else is doing - or borrowing elements from it. The same with style. I always see the same “DJ guy” dress code of like cool ravey tech wear. I’m not really into that at all anymore. I want to dress subtlety but very different from the norm, if that makes any sense.
X: Do you have any go-to brands or designers that inspire your look on and off the stage?
2Lanes: I really love Our legacy & mfpen. I also love classic brands like Levi’s, Carhartt. I’m always on eBay buying vintage single stitch blank pocket tees. Adidas track jackets are so classic. I would love to do a 2Lanes track jacket. I’m currently developing a fragrance with a cool small batch outfit called Monarch Perfumes out of NYC. I’m very excited about it.
X: What three tracks are currently on repeat, and where can we expect to see you play next?
2Lanes:
In September, I’ll be playing in Detroit, New York City, Burlington Vermont and I think Austin Texas!
Catch all of 2Lanes’ tracks on your favorite streaming platforms, and give a follow on Instagram to see where he’s performing next. Delve into Detroit's pivotal role in shaping electronic music in Midwest R&D: Case Study 5.