Adrian Lux on Music vs. Modeling, and Getting Nominated for a Grammy

Adrian Lux performs at Ruby Skye on Thursday, Dec. 1.

​
Raised by a punk rocker father and fashion photographer mother, and entering the modeling world at a young age, Grammy-nominated producer and DJ Adrian Lux is no stranger to the limelight. At 26, this Swedish artist has already achieved what many producers would consider their most ambitious goals -- and he hasn't even released a full-length album. Signed to the electronic empire of Ultra Records, which houses EDM heavyweights like Kaskade and Benny Benassi, Lux has topped the charts with signature sentimental dance pop singles like "Strawberry" and "Teenage Crime." He's also opened for Tiesto. All Shook Down spoke with Lux about his modeling days, his career-inspiring trip to Brazil, and whether he'll finally put out an album this year. He headlines Ruby Skye this Thursday (Dec. 1).

In a few words, how did you get into producing?

I started when I got into a new class where there were a lot of musically talented people. Back then we made hip-hop beats for our friends to rap on.

You used to model, which also is very much in the public eye. What finally cemented your move to full-time DJing?

Eventually I didn't have any time to do it, because the modeling jobs I got were during weekends and I was always away playing. I was never into modeling that much, and it's such exhausting work to do.

What's one thing producing and modeling have in common?

Getting to go to funny parties!

We heard that you got a lot of inspiration to make producing your career on a trip to Brazil. How did that change your outlook on music?

It made me believe in the music that I love. Seeing DJs playing the music that was so close to my heart to thousands of people was a great feeling that I kept with me when I got back to Sweden.

How did it feel to be nominated for a Grammy this past year?

It was a crazy feeling to compete against Red One and Max Martin for the best producer of the year; those guys are both heavyweight champions of pop music today.

Your singles are very whimsical, and you give them titles like "Strawberry" and "Alive." What do you attribute this to? Do you name the songs based on feeling?

Yes, sometimes. It depends on how the song is made but I guess it's always important to deliver a feeling; otherwise there is no point in making music.

You've been categorized as bloghouse. What does that term mean to you?
It sounds a bit negative, but I hope it's music that people like so much that they put it up on their blogs.

As a young producer, do you see yourself doing this for the rest of your life?
If I still love it as much as I do now, I hope I will always get to do it.

You are also signed to Ultra Records. Who are some of the artists you are inspired by on the label?

I really love Calvin Harris; he has made some of the best music lately! And his songs live on very long cause they have amazing content.

You started mixing rap and reggae in your career, and now you play mostly dance pop. What genre do you enjoy working with the most?

House and techno are the things I love to produce and play, but it's nice to being able to do different styles, otherwise I would get bored.

Are you currently in the works of releasing an album yet?

Yes, it is scheduled to be released this spring, I'm doing the last mixing and editing right now. I'm very happy with how it sounds.

----
Follow us on Twitter @SFAllShookDown, follow Christina Li @ChrisxtinaLi, and like us at Facebook.com/SFAllShookDown.